Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets 2025: What to See, where to Stay and where to Eat

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets

Would you like to visit the Wolfgangsee Christmas markets this year? We probably don’t need to remind you that this lake has been close to our hearts for many years, so we can’t skip Advent at Wolfgangsee either. In recent years, the pre-Christmas period here has been particularly magical, thanks in part to the floating lantern on the lake and the decorated cog railway that runs at regular times to the snowy Schafberg.

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets / © Salzburg AG Tourismus GmbH / Kunstbahr

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets

If you’re looking for Christmas markets with the atmosphere of lakes, mountains and wooden chalets, Advent at Lake Wolfgangsee is the perfect place for you. Three towns, St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen and Strobl, transform into one big fairy tale in December. Thousands of lights will put you in a festive mood, the iconic floating lantern will reflect on the water, and the air will entice you with the scent of mulled wine, cinnamon and vanilla from pastries at the local markets.

>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATION AT WOLFGANGSEE <<

Advent at Wolfgangsee is different from big cities, it’s quieter, more romantic and yet perfectly authentic, Austrian. And that’s why we fell in love with it too. Join us on Austrian lakes even during Advent:

When are the Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets Held?

• November 21 – December 22, 2025

• Fridays to Sundays (in some places also on holidays during the week)

• Free admission

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets / © Mirja Geh

The three towns are connected by an Advent boat on the lake, which lights up festively in the evening hours. The cruise between the Christmas markets at Wolfgangsee is an experience in itself. We recommend experiencing it.

Detailed Dates with Times of Christmas Markets in Individual Towns at Wolfgangsee:

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets 2025 in St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang.

You might also be interested in:

• Hallstatt Christmas Markets
• Salzburg Christmas Markets
• Innsbruck Christmas Markets
• Traunsee Christmas Markets

Accommodation at Wolfgangsee During Advent

If you’re looking for accommodation at Wolfgangsee during Advent, you’re lucky that you can choose between St. Wolfgang, Strobl and St. Gilgen and easily travel by boat from one place to another. We would simply divide the individual towns as follows:

• St. Wolfgang for romantic and livelier stays >> SEARCH ACCOMMODATION
• St. Gilgen for quieter pre-Christmas time >> SEARCH ACCOMMODATION
• Strobl for families with children >> SEARCH ACCOMMODATION

Planning a vacation at Wolfgangsee for the first time? Also read our main articles about this lake:

• Wolfgangsee – Austrian Lake with Spa Atmosphere
• Strobl – Trail around Bürglstein and back from St. Wolfgang by boat

Our recommendation for a luxury Advent stay at Wolfgangsee:

Das Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl

• Iconic hotel directly by the lake
• Heated outdoor pool with views of the lake and surrounding Alps

> Check availability and book stay

Das Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl

More tips for verified accommodation at Wolfgangsee during Advent:

Or search for accommodation according to your own requirements under this link:

> SEARCH ACCOMMODATION AT WOLFGANGSEE

What to See at Lake Wolfgangsee During Advent

St. Wolfgang is the heart of Advent

• The Christmas market in St. Wolfgang is perhaps the most famous in this entire area. A giant floating lantern stands on the shore, traditional homemade mulled wine, hand-carved decorations are sold on the square, and if you love roasted chestnuts, you’ll definitely enjoy them here too.
• Don’t miss the Advent ride on the Schafbergbahn to the mountain village on Schafberg.
• Right at the lower station of the cog railway there will be a special Advent workshop this year, definitely visit with children too.

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets / © Wolfgangsee Tourismus Ges.m.b.H.

Festive Rides on the Schafbergbahn Cog Railway

• Dates: November 21–21 12. 2025 (Wed–Sun) and December 26 12. 2025–January 6 1. 2026 (daily)
• Destination: Schafbergalm (1,364 m above sea level)
• Breathtaking views of the winter landscape of the Salzkammergut.
• The decorated train offers cozy seating, warm drinks and treats for refreshment.
• Opportunity to surprise your loved ones with special postcards
• Tip for families with children:
  • On Advent Sundays, children up to 14.99 years ride the Schafbergbahn cog railway for free!

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets – Schafbergbahn / Schedule: 5schaetze.at

St. Gilgen entices you to a baroque Advent town

• Practically every house in St. Gilgen is decorated during Advent with hand-painted candles and angels. The square is adorned with large candles and the atmosphere is rather quiet, when it snows, almost fairy-tale-like.
• The Baroque Advent in St. Gilgen is among the most magical at Wolfgangsee. The town shines in the light of more than fifty giant red-gold candles and its streets are decorated with art installations inspired by Baroque painting.
• The Advent market on the square brings to life stories about St. Nicholas, angels and Christmas customs, while the “Path of Light” guides visitors through stories from the Bible. The atmosphere is complemented by the warming light of candles and the sounds of regional folk music.

© Wolfgangsee Tourismus Ges.m.b.H.

Zwölferhorn

• During Advent, the Zwölferhorn cable car at Lake Wolfgangsee comes alive as an original Advent calendar. Each of the 24 cabins hides a small surprise.
• The journey to the summit takes only 11 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views of mountains and lakes, the scent of mulled wine and local specialties. At the summit, a light installation perfect for photos awaits you, as well as the winter Pillstein trail, which leads through the enchanting snowy landscape of Hörndl.

© Zwölferhorn Seilbahn

Strobl Offers an Advent Village with Animals

• It’s not for nothing that we recommended the Strobl Christmas markets for families with children. You’ll find a living nativity scene, sheep, wooden chalets and of course some traditional Advent delicacies. So something for everyone.
• At Christmas, Strobl transforms into a picturesque nativity village, over which a six-meter glowing comet figuratively hovers.
• Visitors are welcomed by a shepherd’s path leading to the Advent gate, and by the lake awaits the aforementioned nativity stable with life-size figures and a petting zoo with sheep and goats. The atmosphere is calm, magical and in close connection with nature.

Strobl Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets / © Wolfgangsee Tourismus Ges.m.b.H.

Advent Boat on the Lake – We Recommend not to Miss

• It connects all three towns and sails even in the evening hours. This offers you a breathtaking view of the illuminated shores and the floating lantern with stars.

Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets / © Salzburg AG Tourismus GmbH / Kunstbahr

Where to Eat and Advent Treats

Market stalls

• Are you also looking forward to traditional mulled wine, hot wine, Kiachl (something like our donuts, for example sweet with cranberries, or savory with cabbage), homemade cheeses and especially Austrian pretzels. Our tip: we bring excellent bacon from Austrian Christmas markets.

Weisses Rössl Restaurant (St. Wolfgang)

• Famous restaurant with lake views and traditional cuisine. During Advent we recommend making a reservation.

Wirt am Gries (St. Gilgen)

• Restaurant where you can enjoy traditional regional specialties. They really know how to prepare game here.

Kirchenwirt Strobl

• Pleasant family business, ideal for lunch during a walk through the markets. Usually no reservation is needed.

Café Wallner (St. Wolfgang)

• For us sweet lovers, one café highlight at the end. At Café Wallner you’ll enjoy not only mulled wine and Christmas pastries, but also fresh, still warm Apfelstrudel (classic apple strudel).

Practical Tips for Advent at Wolfgangsee

Transportation

• From Prague you can get here by car in about 4 hours, from České Budějovice we’re usually here within 3 hours.

Parking:

• Each town at Wolfgangsee has designated parking lots, but on weekends it gets full, and not just during Advent. Try to arrive in the morning. Ideally, stay here directly.

Best Time to Visit:

• Friday afternoon or Saturday morning you might encounter smaller crowds. On the contrary, the markets are liveliest during Saturday evening and on Sunday.

Schedule – boat on Wolfgangsee during Advent

• You can buy tickets online or on site

More information about Christmas markets at Wolfgangsee:

• www.wolfgangseer-advent.at

More information about Schafbergbahn and boat rides:

• www.5schaetze.at