Salzburg Christmas markets are an unforgettable part of the holiday season in this part of Austria. Every year, starting in mid to late November, the city transforms into a winter wonderland filled with creative window displays, fairy lights, and festive Christmas cheer.
From one of Europe’s oldest Advent markets to a few that are more off the beaten path, these are the Salzburg Christmas markets you won’t want to miss this holiday season, along with essential travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Salzburger Christkindlmarkt
Christkindlmarkt
When it comes to Christmas markets in Salzburg, the Christkindlmarkt held in Domplatz and Residenzplatz is hands-down the most famous. Established in 1974, the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt traces its origins to the late 15th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest Advent markets.
While the market officially opens as early as 10 a.m., visitors sometimes prefer to go after sunset when the festivities are in full swing. Around dusk, the twinkle lights go on, choirs sing Christmas carols, and sometimes, brass bands perform from the towers above. It’s a sensory overload in the best way. The scent of roasted chestnuts and other sweet treats drifts through the crowd, and piping-hot glühwein is for sale at nearly every stall.
Souvenirs
Travelers looking for small items to take home are in luck, as many handcrafted goods are easy to pack in a carry-on. Handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and nativity figurines are some of the most popular finds at this market. Food is just as much a highlight, with vendors serving everything from Bosna sausages in a bun to roasted almonds.
At nearby Mozartplatz, there is a seasonal ice rink, which is always a hit with kids and kids at heart. Skate rentals are available on-site, so there’s no need to bring your own.
Christkindlmarkt
The Christkindlmarkt usually opens the third week of November and runs through January 1. The market opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Stalls typically close between 8:30 and 9 p.m. most evenings.
Mirabellplatz Christmas Market
Mirabellplatz Christmas Market Photo by Eweht on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Located just across the river from the Old Town and set up in front of Mirabell Palace, the Mirabellplatz Christmas Market is smaller than Salzburger Christkindlmarkt and offers a more relaxed shopping experience. Like other Salzburg Christmas markets, you’ll find a selection of handcrafted items here, as well as Christmas ornaments and decorations. Mulled wine is served, along with plenty of street food.
One of the nice things about Mirabellplatz Christmas Market is that because it’s pretty compact, you can really take your time visiting the different stalls and chat with some of the vendors to learn more about their craft. Among the more unique items to shop for are glass ornaments from nearby Austrian regions like Tyrol or delicately hand-painted baubles.
The market usually kicks off around November 20 and runs until New Year’s Eve. Opening hours run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Christmas Eve has shortened hours, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Advent Market at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Fortress Hohensalzburg
For a truly unique Christmas market experience in Salzburg, take the funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg. The market takes over the fortress courtyard on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from around the third weekend of November until December 21. Stalls open at 11 a.m. and close by 7 p.m.
Views from this high up are breathtaking, and many visitors try to time their shopping for late afternoon so they can watch the sun set over the city’s skyline. Even if your trip doesn’t fall on a weekend, Fortress Hohensalzburg is still a must-see for the views alone.
View from Fortress Hohensalzburg
Enjoy glühwein or another hot beverage while wandering through the many stalls. As with other Christmas markets in Salzburg, you’ll find handcrafted goods like decorative ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree or wooden toys for kids.
Often, Christmas concerts are held at the castle throughout December, and this can be a memorable way to experience the festive season in the city where Mozart was born.
Stern Advent with Winter Market
Stern Advent Market
Usually running from around November 20 through January 6, the Stern Advent market is located in a quiet courtyard just off Getreidegasse in the Old Town. Because it’s easy to miss, the market tends to feel cozier and less crowded than Salzburg’s other Christmas markets.
Decorative lighting illuminates the outdoor space, where visitors can enjoy warm drinks and Austrian snacks while browsing handcrafted goods and other small items. On most days, there’s some form of live music, from traditional Austrian tunes to folk songs and seasonal favorites.
Read: Salzburg vs. Vienna: Which Should You Visit?
Hellbrunn Advent Magic
Hellbrunn Advent Magic
For a festive escape, make your way to Hellbrunn Palace and enjoy the Hellbrunn Advent Magic event. The palace grounds are completely transformed into a winter wonderland, with more than 700 decorated coniferous trees, thousands of fairy lights, and a set of 24 windows that become a massive Advent calendar.
Because there is so much space, the market has really covered all the bases. It’s called “Children’s Christmas World,” and kids can try face-painting, grill sausages by the fire, and even visit the Christmas post office, where they can send letters to Santa. For most kids visiting Hellbrunn Advent Magic, a ride on the mini Christmas train is the highlight.
Hellbrunn Advent Magic
Live music also takes place here, with a set schedule on select days of the week. Performances are usually held in the palace courtyard, although it’s always a good idea to double-check closer to the date.
As if Hellbrunn Palace couldn’t feel more like a fairy tale, the market also offers horse-drawn carriage rides through the palace park every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. When snow is on the ground, there’s really nothing like it.
Hellbrunn Advent Magic
As for what to buy, Hellbrunn Advent Magic has an extensive exhibitor list, primarily thanks to how much space is available. Many of the wooden stalls sell farmhouse products, handmade items, and hand-painted ornaments to hang on the tree. Hellbrunn Advent Magic usually runs from mid-November right up until Christmas.
Adventmarkt St. Leonhard Church
Souvenirs
Another Christmas market just outside the Old Town is Adventmarkt St. Leonhard. Unlike Hellbrunn Advent Magic, the Adventmarkt at St. Leonhard Church sees less foot traffic and boasts a charming, small-town vibe. Small and intimate, it’s known for artisanal crafts like handmade candles, pottery, and wooden toys.
The market usually opens at the end of November and closes on Christmas Eve. Opening times are Saturdays from 2–7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. By car or taxi, it’s only about a 15-minute drive from the city center.
Christmas Wonder World at St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium
While not a Christmas market in the traditional sense, St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium is a vibrant, market-like event hosted by what claims to be the oldest restaurant in Europe, serving food since 803 AD, and held within their inner courtyard, the Willibaldarkaden.
Despite being hosted by the restaurant, Christmas Wonder World is open to the public and doesn’t require a reservation. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine and seasonal treats with the scent of cinnamon and cloves in the night air, and snap photos of the decorated courtyard, glowing with candlelight. Those who choose to dine inside will also see the restaurant’s impressive indoor Christmas decor.
FAQs
Are the Christmas markets in Salzburg worth visiting?
Christkindlmarkt
Winter can be a great time to visit Salzburg, especially during the festive holiday season. Salzburg is known for its Christmas celebrations—the occasional snowfall paired with colorful Christmas lights, bustling markets, and mulled wine makes it feel like stepping into a real-life snow globe.
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, Christmas markets in Salzburg are a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, sample local sweets and other snacks, see unique handicrafts up close, and take in the Baroque architecture of the Old Town.
When do Salzburg’s Christmas markets typically open and close?
Christkindlmarkt
While dates vary, Salzburg’s Christmas season usually starts around the third week of November. It runs through the end of December, with the exception of the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, which runs until January 1, and the Stern Advent Market, which stays open until January 6, Epiphany.
Opening hours also vary, but in general, most stalls are up and running by 10 in the morning and close between 8 and 9 in the evening. While most markets, such as the main Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, are open daily, the fortress market is open only on weekends.
Old Town
Hours are usually more limited on Christmas Eve, as most locals are at home celebrating with their families. However, on New Year’s Eve, the Christkindlmarkt is open past midnight, which can be a fun way to ring in the new year.
What kind of products can I find?
Lebkuchen
Salzburg Christmas markets sell all sorts of items, from traditional crafts and hand-painted ornaments to carved wooden toys and Advent wreaths. Local artisans produce the majority of these handmade goods, which can be a great way to support the local economy, particularly family-run businesses.
Salzburg’s Christmas markets also offer plenty of opportunities to sample local foods. There’s a mix of everything, from lebkuchen—similar to gingerbread—and roasted almonds to chestnuts, sausages, and candied fruits. Many visitors order a warm cup of glühwein and then peruse the different stalls.
Are there ice skating rinks?
Ice skating rink
Yes, there is a skating rink in Mozartplatz, just a few steps away from the main Christkindlmarkt. The seasonal rink is called Eiszauber, which translates to “Ice Magic,” and it is open from late November through early January.
Ice skating during the day is a fun activity for families with children, while couples might prefer the more romantic backdrop of twinkle lights during an evening session. No gear? No problem. Ice skates are available to rent, so dress warm and perhaps bring gloves if you’re skating for the first time.
Christkindlmarkt
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