Advent in Austria: 10 Tips for Christmas Markets
Experience magical advent in Austria. Looking for the perfect Christmas destination? You don’t need to look any further. Austria is a country that can perhaps best capture the traditional atmosphere of Christmas. From snow-covered Alpine peaks to picturesque cobblestone streets of old towns, practically the entire country transforms into one big fairytale before Christmas.
Winter in Zell am See
Join us on an unforgettable journey through 10 advent destinations where you’ll have fun before Christmas:
Advent in Austria
1. Vienna
The Austrian capital literally comes alive during advent. Historic streets sparkle under a flood of lights and snow covers the rooftops of Art Nouveau buildings. The heart of Christmas in Vienna is the famous Christkindlmarkt in front of the majestic town hall. A marketplace where the scents of pine, gingerbread and mulled wine mingle.
At hundreds of stalls you’ll find handmade decorations, wooden toys and traditional Austrian treats. Don’t forget the markets at Schönbrunn Palace, which take place in the courtyard with the illuminated baroque palace in the background. It’s a place that gets us every time. The walk through the local park is also magical, where there are lots of squirrels.
And if you crave a bit of romance, head to the ice rink in front of the Vienna Concert Hall, where you can skate to the sounds of Strauss waltzes under the starry sky.
Advent in Vienna – Belvedere
Market dates:
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Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz: November 14 – December 26, 2025.
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Schönbrunn (Christmas & New Year): November 6, 2025 – January 6, 2026.
Where to stay:
- Hotel Sacher Wien – iconic hotel opposite the Opera, top-notch service
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2. Advent in Salzburg – City of Music and Christmas Carols
Baroque Salzburg, nestled between snow-covered Alpine peaks, feels like a city where time has stopped in winter. Salzburg’s advent markets are among the oldest in Europe and their atmosphere is unmistakable. The air smells of roasted chestnuts and Mozart’s music drifts from surrounding churches, the native son the city is rightfully proud of.
>> Find accommodation in Salzburg
Advent in Salzburg / ©Tourismus Salzburg GmbH / G.Breitegger
Just a short distance away, in the village of Oberndorf, stands the Silent Night Chapel, where the famous carol Stille Nacht was first sung. Salzburg is thus an ideal place for those who want to combine Christmas atmosphere with history and culture.
Complete guide to Christmas markets in Salzburg:
3. Innsbruck – Alps, Sparkle and Festive Adventure
The capital of Tyrol attracts mountain lovers and festive atmosphere alike. Look forward to traditional advent in Austria, where Christmas markets spread between medieval houses with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. The centerpiece is the Swarovski crystal tree on the Main Square, which shines with thousands of reflections in the evening.
Just a few minutes by cable car takes you to the top of Nordkette, where a breathtaking panorama of winter landscape opens up. Innsbruck combines the best of both worlds, the Christmas magic of the city and adrenaline adventure on the slopes.
>> Find accommodation in Innsbruck
Advent in Innsbruck / © Innsbruck Tourismus / Daniel Zangerl
Complete guide to Christmas markets in Innsbruck:
Head to the glaciers before Christmas and enjoy skiing during the day and advent in the city in the evening:
4. Hallstatt – Advent in Austria
Hallstatt, a small village nestled between mountains and lake, looks like it’s cut from a Christmas postcard. Its narrow streets are lined with houses decorated with Christmas lights, whose reflections mirror on the lake surface.
The local Christmas market is intimate, but all the more magical. You’ll find plenty of traditional products and scents here. We recommend taking a boat ride on the lake, from where you get a unique view of the entire snow-covered town. Hallstatt can simply enchant you even in winter.
Complete guide for Advent in Hallstatt:
Advent in Hallstatt
5. Advent in Zell am See
On the shores of Lake Zell spreads a lively town surrounded by mountain peaks. In winter it transforms into a heavenly scenery full of lights and snow. Christmas markets are held right by the water, among stalls with craft products, hot chocolate and mulled wine. You can take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car to the summit, from where a view opens up over the entire town and lake.
Winter in Zell Am See
And if you crave a real winter experience, head to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which offers perfect skiing conditions before Christmas. Zell am See combines Alpine nature, sports activities and festive atmosphere in perfect balance.
Market dates 2025
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Star Advent Market by the lake (Elisabethpark): November 20 – December 31, 2025: November 20–14. 12. Thu–Sun; from December 18 daily (Christmas Eve 10:00–14:00).
Where to stay:
- Hotel Salzburgerhof (5★ superior) – top-notch spa, elegant service, popular with demanding guests.
- Find your own accommodation in Zell am See
6. Graz – Advent in Austria
Austria’s second largest city is often overlooked during advent, yet it offers a completely unique atmosphere. The historic center listed on the UNESCO list is decorated with smaller but cozier Christmas markets.
One of the biggest attractions is the nativity scene carved from ice, which thousands of visitors admire every year. Climbing Schlossberg with a view over the city is a must, especially in the evening when all of Graz shines with lights and lamps. And the local gastronomy? From traditional Styrian taverns to modern restaurants. We believe everyone will find their own.
(c) Graz Tourism
Market dates 2025
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Advent in Graz (several smaller markets in the center): November 21 – December 24, 2025.
Where to stay:
- Schlossberghotel: boutique house under the Uhrturm, terrace with pool and great location in the historic center
7. Christmas Markets in Fuschl am See
Advent in Austria, around Fuschlsee has a completely different atmosphere than big city markets. Small stalls arranged by the church, local bakers, a few craftsmen and people who all know each other here.
There’s no rush or queues here, just the backdrop of a beautiful lake, lights on the water surface and peace that’s hard to find these days. Elegant Fuschlsee is an ideal stop for those who want to enjoy advent pleasantly.
Date 2025: November 29 – December 21, 2025
Advent at Fuschlsee may not be among the largest, but it’s one of our favorites that we like to return to. Besides the main Christmas market in Fuschl am See, you can also visit the castle markets at Schloss Fuschl on the other side of the lake.
>> Find accommodation at Fuschlsee
7. 1. Christmas Markets at Fuschl Castle
Between November 29 and December 22, 2025, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will offer a winter marketplace with local craft products and gourmet delicacies every advent weekend. On Sunday afternoons there will also be live concerts in the festive historic hall in cooperation with the renowned Mozarteum.
Entry to the marketplace and concerts is free. However, advance registration by email is required for the concert.
(c) Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
Where to stay at Fuschlsee:
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Hotel Jakob – smaller hotel with family atmosphere, a few minutes’ walk from the lake, very good rating.
- 5 Tips for Accommodation at Fuschlsee
Are you planning to visit Fuschlsee in summer? Our trip tips will come in handy:
Fuschlsee – 7 Tips for Trips and Places to See Here
7. 2. Luxury Accommodation at Fuschlsee
How about giving yourself an early Christmas gift in the form of luxury accommodation at Fuschlsee? You can stay right in Fuschl Castle, or on the other side of the lake, right in Fuschl am See, at Waldhof Fuschlsee Resort.
Waldhof Fuschlsee Resort
(c) Waldhof Fuschlsee Resort
8. Wolfgangsee – Advent in Austria
Three villages – St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen and Strobl – are connected not only by Lake Wolfgangsee itself, but also by a joint advent project. Instead of walking around markets, you can travel by boat from one village to another, each has a slightly different mood: St. Gilgen focuses on baroque decoration, St. Wolfgang on tradition and Strobl on nativity scenes and live animals. In the evening, the surface of Wolfgangsee transforms into a mirror full of lights and music.
Detailed guide to advent at Wolfgangsee:
Advent at Wolfgangsee / © Wolfgangsee Tourismus Ges.m.b.H.
Date 2025: November 21 – December 21, 2025
Where to stay:
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Hotel Seehang St. Gilgen – intimate hotel right by the water, good breakfast and excellent location for boat trips.
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Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl (St. Wolfgang) – legendary house on the lakeshore, traditional interior, spa and views.
Are you planning to visit Wolfgangsee in summer? Get inspired by our tips for trips and holidays:
Strobl – Trail around Bürglstein and back from St. Wolfgang by boat
Wolfgangsee – Austrian lake with spa atmosphere
9. Traunsee – Advent in Austria
Gmunden and Traunkirchen are among those Austrian towns that still maintain traditional and intimate Christmas markets. On Friday the stalls by the waterfront light up, on Saturday there’s singing in front of the town hall and on Sunday everything calms down again. Locals have punch here after work, children skate on the square and the lake with Mount Traunstein forms natural scenery. Look forward to traditions without excessive tourism.
Complete guide to advent at Traunsee:
Advent at Traunsee
Date 2025: November 28 – December 21, 2025
Where to stay:
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Hotel Esplanade Gmunden – simple, clean hotel on the promenade, ideal location for walking trips.
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Post am See Traunkirchen – quiet four-star hotel with terrace above the lake and excellent restaurant.
Are you planning to visit Traunsee in summer? Our tips for trips and holidays will come in handy:
Traunsee – 7 Tips for Trips and Places You Must See
10. Advent at Wörthersee (Velden
Advent in Austria, in Carinthia, has a slightly different atmosphere. In Carinthian Velden and other places, Christmas has a slightly Mediterranean character. At least that’s the feeling we have here. Temperatures tend to be milder, stalls stand right by the lake and the atmosphere is similarly peaceful as by the sea. People sit with a mug of punch on the shore, children make decorations, Christmas carols ring from the town hall tower. The sunset is among the most beautiful moments.
(c) Wörthersee Tourism
(c) Wörthersee Tourism
Date 2025: November 21 – December 21, 2025
Where to stay:
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Hotel Post Wrann – traditional family hotel in the center of Velden, a few steps from the lake, quality breakfast.
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Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden – iconic five-star hotel with views of Wörthersee, one of the best wellness hotels in Carinthia
Have we tempted you with traditional advent in Austria?
Whether you’re attracted by the elegance of Vienna, the musical spirit of Salzburg, the mountain energy of Innsbruck, the fairytale beauty of Hallstatt, the winter idyll of Zell am See or the authentic charm of Graz, advent in Austria has its unique magic. Each city tells its own traditional story.
