Christmas markets are undoubtedly one of the best attractions during the festive period. In Austria, they are centuries-old traditions that draw locals, immigrants and tourists yearly.
There are many markets throughout the country – some state-funded, but many privately organised. Adding to that, all the smaller (but super nice and worth the visit) punsch and glühwein stands that you can stumble upon, and it’s clear that Austrians are great at celebrating the season.
Here is a guide with three of the main markets in each state. Remember: many are closed or have special hours on December 24th and 25th and January 1st.
Christmas market in Vienna / Karlsplatz (Austrian advertising, Photographer: Harald Eisenberger)
Christmas Markets in Vienna
The Austrian capital is home to some of its most famous and beautiful Christmas markets. Here are some you need to know:
- Viennese Dream Christmas Market
Where: On the square in front of the City Hall
When: 19 November – 26 December 2022
- Christmas Market at Schoenbrunn Palace
Where: Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace
When: 19 November 2022 – 4 January 2023
- Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
Where: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen Street
When: 18 November – 23 December 2022
You can check the complete list of Christmas Markets in Vienna HERE.
Christmas time in Villach (Austrian advertising, Photographer: Michael Stabentheiner)
Christmas Markets in Lower Austria
Lower Austria has some spectacular places to visit (with impressive views) and many weekend or day events for Christmas enthusiasts. Here are three you need to know:
- Kittenberger’s Advent magic in the garden
Where: Laabergstr. 15
When: 02 November 2022 – 08 January 2023
Where: Baden main square
When: November 18th – December 24th
- Christmas-decorated Grimmenstein Castle
Where: Burg Grimmenstein
When: 12 November – 18 December
You can check the complete list of Christmas Markets in Lower Austria HERE.
Christmas illuminated town hall and Christmas tree on the main square in Graz (Austrian advertising, Photographer: Harald Eisenberger)
Christmas Markets in Styria
In the capital Graz, the markets are all within walking distance and look stunning.
- Advent Market in Front of City Hall
Where: In front of the City Hall, Hauptplatz
When: 18 November – 24 December 2022
- Christmas Market on Glockenspielplatz
Where: Carillon Square
When: 18 November – 24 December 2022
- WonderLEND on Mariahilferplatz
Where: Mariahilferplatz
When: 18 November – 23 December 2022
You can check the complete list of Christmas Markets in Graz HERE.
Christmas market in Salzburg (Tourism Salzburg GmbH, Photographer: Günter Breitegger)
Christmas markets in Salzburg
Salzburg may be the land of Christmas for many, with its beautiful sceneries and famous spots – not to mention it is the home of what may be the most famous Chrismas carol (“Silent Night” or, as it is known in Austria: “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht”). Here are some of the best places to be:
- Salzburg’s Christmas Market in the City Centre
Where: On Cathedral and Residenz Square, in Salzburg’s historic city centre.
When: 17 November 2022 – 1 January 2023
- Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard
Where: Fortress Hohensalzburg
When: 25 November – 18 December 2022
- Advent Magic in Hellbrunn
Where: In Hellbrunn Courtyard
When: 17 November – 24 December 2022
You can check more about Christmas Markets in Salzburg HERE.
Christmas market in Innsbruck’s old town (Innsbruck Tourism, Photographer: Christof Lackner)
Christmas markets in Tirol
Tirol is also a magical location for a snowy Christmas and Innsbruck, in particular, sets a beautiful backdrop for all the nativity decorations. Here are some places to visit:
- Old Town Christmas Market
Where: In front of the Golden Roof, in Innsbruck’s historic city centre
When: 15 November – 23 December 2022
- The Family Christmas Market at Marktplatz
Where: Marketplace
When: 15 November – 23 December 2022
- Christmas Market Maria-Theresien Strasse
Where: Maria Theresa Street
When: 25 November 2022 – 6 January 2023
You can check more about Christmas Markets in Salzburg HERE.
Pyramidenkogel observation tower (Wörthersee Tourismus GmbH, Photographer: Gert Steinthaler)
Christmas markets in Carinthia
Carinthia has spectacular Christmas markets by the mountains and cosy places by town squares too. Here are some you shouldn’t miss.
- A Christmas Market Above the Clouds
Where: Pyramidenkogel tower
When: 25 November – 18 December
- Christmas Market on Neuer Platz
Where: New place in Klagenfurt
When: 19 November – 24 December 2022
- Christmas Market in Villach – the City of Lights
Where: Town Hall Square in Villach
When: 18 November – 24 December 2022
You can check more about Christmas Markets in Carinthia HERE.
Christmas market Linz (Linz Tourismus, Photographer: Alex Sigalov)
Christmas markets in Upper Austria
Austria’s Upper Austria gets fully illuminated during Christmas time, and visitors can enjoy all the local food and beverages in many locations. Here are three of the best.
- Christmas Market on the Main Square
Where: Main Square of Linz
When: 19 November – 24 December 2022
Where: Steyr Old Town
When: 18 November – 23 December 2022
- Christmas market in the Volksgarten
Where: Volksgarten (near the main station)
When: 19 November – 24 December 2022
You can check more about Christmas Markets in Burgenland HERE.
Christmas market in Bregenz (visitbregenz, Photographer: Christiane Setz)
Christmas Markets in Vorarlberg
Austria’s most western state has beautiful traditional markets with typical food and beverages. You can also find local handcraft and produce.
Where: grain market place
When: 15 November – 23 December
- Felkirche Christmas Market
Where: Old Town
When: 25 November – 24 December
Where: Mühlgasse
When: 24 November – 24 December
You can check more about Christmas Markets in Vorarlberg HERE.
Did we miss your favourite Christmas Market? Let us know which one you recommend in the comments below or by emailing us at [email protected].