Austria is well known for its excellent Christmas Markets and festive atmosphere come December. But there are so many more besides the Vienna and Salzburg Christkindlmarket. So which is the best Austrian Christmas Market? Read on to find out.
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The answer to the best Austrian Christmas market isn’t so simple, which is why I created this list. It depends on what kind of Christmas atmosphere you are looking for: more modern, traditional, historic or scenic?
Christmas in Austria is super charming either way, but if you’re still flexible on where to go, this might help you make a choice.
Please note that due to current circumstances, the information isn’t 100% certain. Please look at official resources prior to booking your trip. However, tours and hotels advertised in this post come with a free cancellation option up until a few days before your trip.
Top 15 Christmas Markets in Austria
Vienna Christmas Market Christmas World
Vienna is by far the Christmas Market capital of Austria and one of the most stunning European Christmas markets, with its various historic Christmas markets. The most famous, however, is Christmas World , which is hosted on Rathausplatz (Townhall square).
Here, you can find traditional Christmas gifts and decorations, such as baubles, wooden figures, and Austrian Christmas ornaments. Of course, you can eat food while also shopping for Christmas confectionary and treats. Definitely stay for a few days in Vienna to really enjoy the Christmas experience.
Address: City Hall Square, Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien
Save money: Get free admission and public transport with the Vienna PASS*
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt
Spread out over the two biggest market squares in Salzburg, the Christkindl Market is a sight to behold. Dating back to the 15th century, this market has quite the tradition. (The Christmas Museum is right next door if you want to learn more.)
The Christkindlmarkt offers plenty of huts selling Christmasy fares, gifts, drinks and more. All is held underneath a canopy of fairy lights, known as the “starry sky”.
Time it right and you can listen to the traditional brass concerts echoing from the towers on Advent Saturdays and Thursdays. For a very special nightmarish treat, visit during the Krampuslauf with over 100 Krampus. It is actually scary, so be warned.
Address: Dom- & Residenzplatz, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Save money: Get the Salzburg card.*
Hellbrunn Adventszauber Christmas Market
Do you know the Sound of Music? It was filmed at Hellbrunn Palace. (And you can actually do a Sound of Music tour*!)
Not only can you visit the area and check out original filming locations around the garden and orangery, but there is a Christmas Market as well. It is called Adventzauber (advent magic) and certainly delivers on the name.
This Salzburg Christmas Market is one of my favourites as it feels more intimate and romantic but just as charming as the bigger, more central ones.
There are plenty of Christmas trees and moe unique souvenirs, handcrafted items and local confectionary on sale. Take the bus 25 for 20 minutes from Salzburg to get there.
Address: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Vienna Schönnbrunn Palace Christmas Market
If you want a very grand Christmas market in Vienna, then make your way to Schönbrunn Palace. The palace itself is a beauty but illuminated with glorious Christmas lights – already along the paths and in the trees, it turns into a proper winter wonderland.
The market is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas markets in Austria and specializes in local handicraft and art items as well as more rustic and traditional Christmas tree decorations.
The market doesn’t stop once Christmas is over, though. So you can visit even throughout the New year until Three Kings Day.
Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
During the day: Go on a carriage ride around the garden grounds*
Innsbruck Old Town Christmas Market
One of the cutest towns in Austria is Innsbruck and its historic centre makes for the perfect backdrop to its traditional Christmas Market. It’s very traditional and utterly romantic with its 70 Christmas market stalls.
The Golden Roof is an iconic attraction and you can listen to the Austrian Turmbläser (brass brands) during live performances for that extra warm Austrian Christmas feeling when you visit Innsbruck Christmas Market.
Address: In front of the Golden Roof, Innsbruck Historic Centre
See the city: Day tour around Innsbruck*
Linz Christmas Market
The Christkindlmarkt in Linz is a quaint little gem among the Austrian Christmas markets. Located next to the Linz Palace, you can really indulge in a Baroque Christmas Market feel at Linz.
The city goes all out with the golden city lights and the real Christmas tree is towering high above the many market stalls. If you are a foodie with a sweet tooth, get a piece of the “Linzer Torte” (cake).
Address: Hauptplatz, 4020 Linz, Austria
Join a magical Christmas market tour in Linz*
Graz Christmas Market
Graz also has several Christmas Markets (and Graz might the prettiest spot in Austria). The most prominent being the Hauptplatz Christmas Market right at the City Hall.
It feels like a cozy little Christmas village and offers live performances and events at the “Engelsspiel” pavilion. You can even join a guided Christmas market tour* and experience the local Styrian traditions and customs.*
A must drink beverage (if you drink alcohol) is the Feuerzangenbowle, a hot sugar punch that really packs a punch. (Why not watch the famous German movie after your visit?)
Address: Hauptplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
Kitzbühel Christmas Market
Kitzbühel is a picturesque town in Tyrol and well known for its winter spots and epic snow slopes. During winter, you can really soak up the Austrian Christmas spirits with its live events, wonderful Austrian Christmas decorations and the many stalls.
To experience the Austrian Christmas tradition of St Nicholas, visit on December 6 to see him give out sweets to kids.
On any December day up to Christmas Day, you can see a new window being opened creating a huge, walkable Advent Calender. Check the event calendar for more activities and concerts.
Address: Kitzbühel, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria
Guided tour: explore Kitzbühel at Christmas with a local*
Another iconic Christmas Market in Innsbruck can be found along Maria Theresien Street (Christkindlmarkt in der Maria-Theresien- Straße).
Innsbruck Maria Theresien Street Christmas Market
Unlike its more traditional neighboring Historic Centre Christmas Market in Innsbruck, this one is more modern with fantastic light installations and especially the illuminated mountain crystal.
Your Christmas shopping can be done in any of the around 30 Christmas market stalls. It doesn’t close before Christmas but goes on until Epiphany Day in 2019.
Address: Maria-Theresien-Straße, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Hungerburg Christmas Market
This Christkindlmarkt is located in the biggest nature park in Austria! The Hungerburg fortress offers a scenic lookout over the city and snow capped mountains in the distance.
If you don’t want to walk up the mountain, take the furnicular from Congress lift station in Innsbruck.
Address: Christkindlmarkt Hungerburg, Hermann-Buhl-Platz Höhenstraße 151
Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market
Styria is a state in Austria and serves as the central theme for this very local Christmas market . Naturally, you can find plenty of regional delicacies and handmade products.
For typical Styrian Christmas products, look for Christmas socks, Christmas cookies (e.g. “Buchteln”), sausage soup and advent duck with fir honey.
Address: Glockenspielpl.8010 Graz, Austria
Hirschstetten Botanical Garden Christmas Market
Have you ever celebrated Christmas at a Botanical Garden? You can do that in Austria’s capital . Where flowers bloom in summer, during December festive stalls and decorations sprout as the scenery turns Christmasy.
Stock up on classical beeswax candles and enjoy the floral Christmas decoration and live music. By the way, this year’s slogan is “Shining Advent”.
Address: Blumengärten Hirschstetten, Quadenstraße 15, 1220 Vienna, Austria
“Christmas Magic” at Wilhelminenberg Palace
A grand view over Vienna’s Christmas lights can be had from one of its fabulous Christmas markets. With Wilhelminenberg Palace as the wonderful set, dig right into the delectable cuisine and feast on mulled wine and punch. Food and drink are part and parcel of the perfect Christmas in Vienna!
On December 6 you can see the Saint St Nicholas visit and bestow little treats on eager children.
Address: Wilhelminenberg, Savoyenstraße 2, 1160 Wien
Klagenfurt Christmas Market
Klagenfurt is the sixth largest city in Austria and the capital city of the Austrian province of Carinthia. It sits snugly by Lake Wörthersee and gets excessively charming when covered in snow and Christmas lights.
In front of the city hall, you can experience a traditional Christmas market complete with regional handcrafted souvenirs and sacred music. To realy soak up traditional music, take a seat in Landhaushof on Fridays.
Address: Neuer Pl.9020,Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
Neugebäude Palace Christmas Market
A green Christmas market in Austria, the Advent market at Neugebäude Palace offers a modern take on classic Christmas markets. On sale are artworks, handicrafts and local items.
As always, you can expect cultural programs and concerts to take place around the trader booths.
Address: Schloss Neugebäude Palace, Otmar-Brix-Gasse 1, 1110 Wien
More handy tips for visiting Austrian Christmas markets
Top 5 Must Eats/Drinks at Austrian Christmas Markets
- Mulled wine
- Gingerbread
- Christmas cookies
- Sausages and soup
- Feuerzangenbowle
What to Bring for Austrian Christmas Markets
Winter clothes
Winters in Austria can be really cold. Expect snow fall, chilly breezes and temperatures below freezing, the higher into the mountains you get. (Always check daily weather reports to stay updated and plan your tip accordingly.)
Therefore, wear mittens, wooly hats, a heavy scarf as well as a cold and wind proof coat. I prefer wearing thermal underwear* and super warm socks as well because when standing on a crowded Christmas market in Austria, your feet will cool down pretty quickly and the cold will creep up on you.
Read this too: Your Ultimate Winter Vacation Packing List
Travel guides
Eating all the wonderful Christmas fare and stocking up on Christmas presents is key. However, there are so many more things to do on and around Austrian Christmas markets.
If you have a Lonely Planet Travel guide*, you will easily find local museums (both big and small), insider restaurants and have quick access to Austrian phrases to use when shopping.
Shoulder bag
Christmas markets are super busy and crowded, which means there is potential for pickpocketing.
Avoid wearing backpacks as they can easily be opened without your notice and they might end up in people’s faces anyway. A sling bag*, you can wear in front of you and easily get your money out as well. Opt for one with a zipper and flap for added protection.
A good brand (which I’ve personally tried through a sponsored product) that I can recommend is Pacsafe with theftproof luggage products, both big and small. Check their backpack* out here.
Empty Stomach
It should go without saying that you will want to indulge at an Austrian Christmas Market. There is a lot of Austrian Christmas food and drink to be had.
Austrian cuisine isn’t the light kind either and comes with a lot of meat (hearty food) as well as butter and sugar (sweets). Vegetarian food is harder to come by but also available.
Hand warmer
On especially cold days, wearing layers* and heavy winter clothes just isn’t enough. Filling up a big thermal flask* with a hot beverage and drinking hot mulled wine (there is a nonalcoholic version too) is a good idea.
But if you have constantly cold hands like I do, better get a hand warmer*. You just have to squeeze it to active the heat. To “reset” it, slowly bring to boil in a pot with warm water.
Tell me, which Christmas Market in Austria appealed to you the most?
More from the Austria blog
- Did you know about these scary Austrian Christmas traditions?
- Where to go in East Tyrol for a weekend getaway
- My trip of snow and Shakespeare in th Alps during summer
- Amazing hiking trails and cuisine in Tyrol
More Christmas inspiration
- The 17 Christmas sites of Erfurt, Germany
- Celebrating Christmas on vinyards in Naumburg, Germany
- Where to find the best December decoration in London
- Why Weimar in Germany is Christmas market gold
- When is the historical Xmas market in Jena?
- Celebrate at a Christmas market in an actual German castle
