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Christmas Markets in Austria 2026
Austria comes alive during the Christmas season, with traditional Christmas markets – known as Christkindlmärkte – opening in cities, towns, and villages across the country. The atmosphere is shaped by glowing lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds, seasonal food, handcrafted decorations, and local gifts.
In 2026, Christmas markets will take place across all nine Austrian federal states. Most open in the second half of November and run until late December, while some continue into early January 2027. From Vienna’s imperial squares to the Alpine setting of Innsbruck, each region offers its own take on Austria’s Advent traditions.
Best Christmas Markets in Austria 2026
Vienna – The Heart of Christmas Magic
Wiener Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market at City Hall)
Dates: November 13 – December 26, 2026
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; December 24: 10:00 AM–6:30 PM
Location: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Vienna’s main Christmas market at Rathausplatz is one of the city’s best-known seasonal attractions. The stalls in front of City Hall offer Christmas decorations, handicrafts, sweets, seasonal food, and hot drinks, while the surrounding Rathauspark is transformed with festive lighting.
One of the main attractions is Vienna Ice World, which runs from November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027. Families can also find a 12-meter carousel, a reindeer train, a nativity trail, and a separate skating area for children.
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
Dates: November 6, 2026 – January 6, 2027
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; December 24: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; December 25–January 6: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Vienna
Set in front of Schönbrunn Palace, this Christmas market features more than 90 decorated huts selling traditional handicrafts, gifts, regional food, and seasonal drinks.
The market also has a strong family focus, with an ice rink, curling lanes, a carousel, Ferris wheel, children’s train, and traditional craft workshops.
Christmas Village on the University of Vienna Campus (Altes AKH)
Dates: November 13 – December 23, 2026
Hours: Mon–Thu 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, Fri 2:00 PM–11:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM–11:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; December 23: 2:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Alserstraße/Spitalgasse, Courtyard 1, 1090 Vienna
The Christmas Village on the historic University of Vienna campus offers a quieter atmosphere than the large markets in the city center. Its courtyards are filled with food stalls, drinks, gifts, and seasonal decorations, and the market is popular with both locals and students.
Families will also find a children’s railway, an old-fashioned carousel, and two curling lanes.
Old Viennese Christmas Market (Freyung)
Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2026
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Location: Freyung, 1010 Vienna
The Freyung market is one of Vienna’s most traditional Christmas markets. Seasonal markets have been held here since the 18th century, and today the stalls focus on handicrafts, glass decorations, nativity scenes, ceramics, and local products.
Festive Advent music can be heard in the square from 4:00 PM, adding to the more traditional atmosphere of this smaller city-center market.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryArt Advent at Karlsplatz
Dates: November 13 – December 23, 2026
Hours: Daily 12:00 PM–8:00 PM; food stalls until 9:00 PM
Location: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna
Art Advent at Karlsplatz stands out for its focus on arts, crafts, and original handmade products. Vendors are carefully selected, and the market places particular emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship.
All food sold at the market is organically certified. The Baroque Karlskirche provides the backdrop, while art installations, workshops, live music, and children’s activities add variety throughout the season.
Salzburg – The Musical Capital of Christmas
Salzburger Christkindlmarkt
Dates: November 19, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Hours: Mon–Thu 10:00 AM–8:30 PM, Fri 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sun and public holidays 9:00 AM–8:30 PM
Special Hours: December 8: 9:00 AM–8:30 PM; December 24: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; December 25–26: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM; December 31: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with food stalls open until 1:00 AM; January 1: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Location: Domplatz and Residenzplatz, Salzburg
Salzburg’s main Christmas market is one of the city’s best-known Advent traditions. Around 100 stalls fill Domplatz and Residenzplatz, offering Christmas decorations, crafts, seasonal food, and hot drinks.
The market is also known for its daily cultural program, including choir concerts, Christmas readings for children, traditional brass music, and Turmblasen performances. Festive lighting stretches across the squares, creating a distinctive atmosphere after dark.
Christmas Market at Mirabellplatz
Dates: November 19 – December 31, 2026
Hours: Sun–Thu 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, Fri–Sat 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Special Hours: December 24: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM; December 25–26: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM; December 27–30: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; December 31: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Mirabellplatz, Salzburg
The Christmas market at Mirabellplatz is smaller and quieter than the main market in the historic center. Its central location opposite Mirabell Palace makes it easy to combine with a visit to the palace gardens or a walk into the Old Town.
The stalls focus on handmade crafts, regional food, gifts, and hot drinks. Brass ensembles and other musical performances are also held during the Advent season.
Hellbrunner Adventzauber
Dates: November 19 – December 24, 2026
Hours: Tue–Fri 1:00 PM–8:00 PM, Sat–Sun and public holidays 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; December 21: 1:00 PM–8:00 PM; December 24: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg
Held around Hellbrunn Palace, Hellbrunner Adventzauber is one of Salzburg’s most family-friendly Christmas markets. In 2026, the event celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The palace grounds are decorated with hundreds of illuminated Christmas trees, while the market offers seasonal food, handmade gifts, and traditional crafts. Children can enjoy a Christmas train, family activities, roasting sausages over an open fire, and a special Christmas post office.
Innsbruck – The Charm of an Alpine Christmas
Christmas Market in Old Town
Dates: November 13 – December 23, 2026
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Location: Old Town, near the Golden Roof, Innsbruck
Located directly in front of the Golden Roof, the Old Town Christmas Market is the oldest and largest in Innsbruck. Around 65 decorated stalls sell Christmas ornaments, handicrafts, gifts, and traditional Tyrolean food.
A natural Christmas tree around 20 meters tall stands at the heart of the market, while a viewing terrace offers a good perspective over the square and surrounding Old Town. Every day at 5:00 PM, traditional tower trumpeters perform Christmas music from the Golden Roof.
Christmas Market on Maria-Theresien-Strasse
Dates: November 25, 2026 – January 6, 2027
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Special Hours: December 24: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM; December 31: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Maria-Theresien-Strasse, Innsbruck
This market has a more modern look than Innsbruck’s traditional Christmas markets. The city’s main shopping street is decorated with illuminated trees and contemporary lighting, with views toward the Nordkette mountains.
Around 30 stalls offer international gifts, handicrafts, food, and hot drinks. The market remains open after Christmas and continues through January 6.
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Panoramic Christmas Market Hungerburg
Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 6, 2027
Hours: Mon–Fri 1:00 PM–7:00 PM, Sat–Sun and public holidays 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
Special Hours: December 24: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM; December 31: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM; from December 25, Mon–Fri 1:00 PM–6:00 PM, Sat–Sun and public holidays 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Location: Hungerburg, Innsbruck
The Hungerburg Christmas Market sits above the city and offers panoramic views over Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. The Hungerburgbahn reaches the market from the city center in about eight minutes.
The market itself is small, with around 10 stalls selling Christmas souvenirs, handmade items, traditional food, and hot drinks. Its elevated location makes it easy to combine a market visit with views over the city.
Christmas Market at Marktplatz
Dates: November 13 – December 23, 2026
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Location: Marktplatz, Innsbruck
The Marktplatz Christmas Market is especially suited to families with children. Located beside the River Inn, it has a more relaxed atmosphere than the Old Town market.
The market includes a traditional carousel, puppet theatre, a sparkling Swarovski crystal tree, and stalls selling gifts, Christmas decorations, crafts, and seasonal food.
Graz – A Design City Celebrates Christmas
Main Christmas Market (Hauptplatz)
Dates: November 20 – December 24, 2026
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; food stalls until 10:00 PM; December 24: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Hauptplatz, Graz
The main Christmas market is held in front of Graz Town Hall, with a large Christmas tree and festive lighting filling the square.
In the evening, the facade of the Town Hall becomes a large illuminated Advent calendar. The stalls sell handicrafts, Christmas decorations, sweets, seasonal food, and hot drinks, while families will also find a carousel and other seasonal attractions.
Traditional Christmas Market at Franziskanerplatz
Dates: November 20 – December 24, 2026
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; food stalls until 9:45 PM; December 24: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Franziskanerplatz, Graz
The Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz is the oldest in Graz and focuses on rural traditions and handmade products.
The stalls sell arts and crafts, traditional Thuringian Christmas decorations, tin toys, and regional products from different parts of Styria. Hot punch, mulled wine, and warm cider are also available.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for Austria“Aufsteirern” Christmas Market (Schlossberg)
Dates: November 20 – December 20, 2026
Hours: Friday 12:00 PM–9:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; December 7–8: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Location: Schlossberg, Graz
The Aufsteirern Christmas Market takes place on Schlossberg above the city center. It runs over five Advent weekends and features Styrian handicrafts, regional food, music, and seasonal decorations.
Its elevated location gives visitors wide views over Graz, while the market can be reached directly by the Schlossbergbahn funicular.
Graz Special Feature: The Christmas markets in central Graz are all within walking distance of one another, making it easy to visit several in one evening.
Additional Christmas Markets by Region
- Bad Sauerbrunn: The traditional Christmas Tree Village runs from November 28 to December 20, 2026, on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as December 8. Opening hours are 1:00 PM–10:00 PM.
- Eisenstadt: The Advent Market at Esterházy Palace takes place from December 11 to 13, 2026.
- Rust: The Ruster Adventmeile runs from November 20 to December 20, 2026, Friday through Sunday, plus December 7 and 8, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Lower Austria
- Baden bei Wien: Advent in Baden runs from November 20 to December 24, 2026, with Christmas events and market areas spread across the town center and park.
- Krems: Kremser Adventzauber runs from November 19 to December 23, 2026. Christmas markets, mulled-wine stands, regional crafts, music, and seasonal events are spread throughout the Old Town.
- Dürnstein: Wachauer Advent takes place on November 20–22, November 27–29, December 4–8, and December 11–13, 2026. The event is spread across several locations in Dürnstein, including the Schloss-Hotel, the abbey courtyard, and a floating Advent market on the Danube.
- Grafenegg: Grafenegg Advent takes place from December 5 to 8, 2026, daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, in and around Grafenegg Castle and its illuminated park.
Styria (besides Graz)
- Mariazell: Mariazeller Advent runs from November 19 to December 20, 2026, Thursday through Sunday.
- Schladming: Advent am Talbach runs from November 27 to December 20, 2026, Friday through Sunday, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Food stalls remain open until 9:00 PM.
- Bad Gleichenberg: The Advent Market runs every Sunday from November 29 to December 20, 2026.
Tyrol (besides Innsbruck)
- Kufstein: The Christmas Market in City Park runs from November 20 to December 20, 2026. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
What to Try at Austrian Christmas Markets 2026
Traditional Drinks
- Glühwein – hot mulled wine with spices, one of the classic drinks of the Austrian Christmas season.
- Punsch – a hot spiced punch served in many variations, with or without alcohol.
- Feuerzangenbowle – a hot wine-based drink topped with rum-soaked sugar that is set alight, particularly popular at some Christmas markets in Graz.
Seasonal Food
- Kiachln – fried Tyrolean pastries served either sweet, with powdered sugar or jam, or savory, often with sauerkraut.
- Kaiserschmarrn – fluffy shredded pancake pieces, usually served with powdered sugar and sometimes raisins or fruit compote.
- Bosna – a hot Austrian sandwich with sausage, onions, and spices.
- Lebkuchen – traditional spiced gingerbread associated with the Christmas season.
- Maroni – hot roasted chestnuts, a classic winter snack.
- Stollen – traditional Christmas cake made with dried or candied fruit.
Souvenirs and Gifts
- Mozartkugeln – chocolate confections filled with marzipan and nougat, especially associated with Salzburg.
- Handcrafted wooden toys – commonly found at Christmas markets, particularly in Alpine regions.
- Handmade Christmas ornaments – made from glass, wood, ceramics, and other traditional materials.
- Candles and wax products – popular gifts at arts-and-crafts stalls.
Austrian Christmas markets are about more than food and shopping. They also showcase local crafts, music, and regional traditions, and each city or region has its own specialties worth trying alongside the better-known Christmas classics.
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