Your Winter in Graz
Southern warmth. Festive flair.

In winter, Graz is a feast for all senses – with scenic viewpoints, bold architecture, festive flair and plenty of cosy spots to enjoy.

Graz in Advent is a city of short distances and rich experiences. Fourteen Christmas markets, each with its own charm, are scattered across the UNESCO-listed old town – easily explored on foot, or with the Advent Train. From the festive heart on Hauptplatz to creative corners like Wonderlend and the stylish Karmeliterplatz village, Graz turns into a winter stage filled with lights, local crafts, the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds, and warm hospitality.

But Graz is more than just festive. It’s Austria’s culinary capital, where farmers’ markets, cosy cafés and top restaurants showcase regional flavours and Mediterranean flair. Cultural life thrives year-round – from classical concerts to modern art, design shops to street performances.

Highlights like the ice nativity scene in the Landhaushof or the historic Advent tram add a unique touch to the season. Whether you're strolling between markets, enjoying panoramic views from the Schlossberg, or sipping mulled wine in a quiet courtyard – Graz offers winter at its most atmospheric.

Families, too, will find plenty to enjoy – from magical rides on the Fairytale Train to hands-on fun at the FRida & freD Children's Museum or the thrilling city view from the Schlossberg Slide. In Graz, winter is both a celebration and an invitation to explore with all your senses.

Facts & Figures
Population:approx. 289,000
State capital:of the province of Styria
Area:127 km²
Altitude:365 m
Viewpoint:Schlossberg
Local mountain:Schöckl (1,445 m)

Christmas market season:
21 November 2025 - 24 December 2025

Graz Card
Free public transport and free entrance to many attractions for 24, 48 or 72 hours a
From £ 26

Christmas lights with mediterranean flair
Why visit Graz
  • Everything close by: 14 Christmas markets, sights and museums within walking distance.

  • Heritage meets now: UNESCO old town with a creative, modern twist.

  • City of culture: Art, music, design and vibrant local festivals.

  • For food lovers: Farmers' markets, Styrian classics and top restaurants.

  • Warm and welcoming: Southern flair and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Only in Graz: Ice nativity, Advent tram and glowing landmarks.

  • Quiet moments to enjoy: Cosy cafés, scenic views and peaceful corners.

FAQs

By plane:
British Airways flies to Graz directly three times a week from Gatwick Airport from November 2025 until March 2026.

By train/bus:
There are direct trains and buses from Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt.

By car:
From the north and south, you'll reach Graz via the A9 motorway. From the west, you can take the A2 motorway.

Graz is full of winter magic for families with children. From zooming down the Schlossberg Slide to exploring the Fairytale Train's underground wonderland, adventure is waiting around every corner. Creative highlights like the Frida & Fred Children's Museum and the immersive Flight Graz experience make the city a playful and imaginative winter escape for all ages.

Graz is called the Capital of Delight, because here, enjoyment is part of everyday life. From farmers selling their own produce at colourful markets to cosy cafés and street corners lined with great food, Graz is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment. Whether it's Styrian classics or modern cuisine – you’ll taste the city’s love of good living everywhere you go.

Yes, there are! 14 Christmas markets are scattered across the UNESCO-listed old town, all within walking distance, which makes it easy to explore them at your own pace. Each market has its own charm, from the festive bustle on Hauptplatz to creative corners like Wonderlend or the peaceful Christmas village on Karmeliterplatz. Add unique highlights like the ice nativity scene and the nostalgic Advent tram, and you get a truly atmospheric Christmas experience.

Experience Graz in winter

The festive season in Graz

Capital of Delight

It’s no coincidence that Graz is known as Austria’s capital of delight. Here, enjoyment is a way of life – whether in traditional Styrian inns, award-winning restaurants, cosy cafés or hidden guest gardens. Culinary city tours and a wealth of food spots invite you to slow down and savour.

The city’s farmers’ markets are a highlight in themselves – real producers’ markets where farmers sell their own seasonal, regional produce directly. Friendly, colourful and full of flavour, they reflect what Graz does best: celebrating quality, simplicity and the joy of good food.

Let us entertain you

Insider Tips

Excursion destinations

Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm

Have you heard of the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna and its white stallions? They have been bred at the Lipizzaner stud farm in Piber fore more than 100 years. Watch the white horses and their pretty foals in the paddock.

Rein Abbey

The baroque monastery complex is located about 20 km from Graz. Since 1129. Cistercian monks have lived here continuously, making it the oldest active Cistercian monastery in the world.

Get in touch

Graz Tourism

Herrengasse 16

8010 Graz

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