Between the country’s largest cities and its tiny, cozy villages, you’ll find more than enough magical Christmas destinations in Austria, and if you’re looking for firsthand recommendations, these are for you!
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*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Christmas Destinations in Austria
Christmas market dates in Austria: Most are open from November 16th to December 26th (some start a few days later, and others operate until the beginning of January).
Vienna
Too famous, cliche, whatever you want to call it – I stand by what I say – Vienna during the holiday season is just absolutely magical.
From big Christmas markets like Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt at the town hall square, where you have 150 stalls, a Ferris wheel, performances, and more, to small yet super cozy ones like Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt, there are over 10 markets in Vienna of all sizes and styles.
All of them will fill your heart with joy and your belly with mulled wine (I’m actually more of a warm apple cider kind of girl) and hearty wintertime delicacies.
To that, add ice skating rinks, unique decorations and displays scattered around the city (not only Christmas trees!), countless twinkling lights, and even snow! So yeah, even if it’s the obvious choice for a place to visit in Austria in Christmas, I say it’s worth the hype!
If the weather gets a bit too cold to handle, fear not, because dozens of Viennese cafes, epic museums, and royal palaces are waiting for you to enjoy them, including the UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace, the Museum of Art History, and Café Demel (with its famous and delicious apple strudel).
All in all, you’ll have a classic yet unforgettable Christmastime experience.
More on Vienna:
Innsbruck
By Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles
Innsbruck may be among the world’s best ski cities, but that’s only one of its many offerings during Christmastime!
From festive markets, to belly-warming Tyrolean delicacies, to a spectacular holiday light show, winter in Innsbruck is an experience not to be missed.
The capital of the Alps is often overshadowed by Vienna’s robust market scene, but Innsbruck has its own gems to offer. Its three main markets are located in the idyllic old town, with Alstadt Market topping the list as the largest.
And speaking of large, you simply cannot miss the gigantic Christmas tree that sits proudly next to Innsbruck’s most iconic landmark, Goldenes Dachl.
Beyond the market scene, Innsbruck quite literally radiates during LUMAGICA, its annual light show. This magical walk-through experience features over 300 light displays and hand-crafted wonders.
Pre- or post-festival, warm up with a hearty Tyrolean goulash soup at Stiftskeller, just a short walk away.
Graz
By Justin from Shades of Summer
Graz, the capital city of Styria, has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria.
The main Christmas market in Graz is located on the main square in front of the Town Hall. It boasts a beautifully lit big tree in the middle, and they are projecting cute light shows onto the surrounding buildings for a festive atmosphere.
Even though this is the most prominent market, I think you should definitely venture out and check out smaller markets around the Old Town Center.
My favorite places to go are the Glockenspielplatz, as well as the Kasematten on top of the Schlossberg, the icon of Graz.
If you have time, combine your visit with a short stop at the nativity scene in the Landhauskeller and drink a hot punch on the rooftop of the iconic Kastner&Öhler, from where you’ll have a lovely view of the city.
Hallstatt
By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Hallstatt is a fairytale town any time of year, with colorful gingerbread houses that are perched on the slopes of the towering Austrian Alps.
However, come the holiday season, the village is that much more magical, with a thick blanket of snow covering the surrounding mountains and twinkling lights and decorations festooning the rafters of seemingly every home.
There are a ton of incredible things to do in Hallstatt for Christmas. For example, every December 8th, the town hosts its annual Christmas Market, complete with stalls selling handmade ornaments and mittens, the town’s famed cookies, and, of course, plenty of gluhwein.
Hallstatt’s Christmas Market is especially great for families, thanks to the hands-on activities, like games and crafts, that are set up for the kinder.
If you want to make the most of your experience, come to Hallstatt a few days early to visit the neighboring town of Obertraun during the first weekend of December.
During this weekend, the children of Obertraun will stand on the shores of Lake Hallstatt at night, candles in their hands, to await the arrival of St. Nicholas.
The jolly man himself quietly sails out from the dark night with a wooden boat, passes out small treats and reads poems to the waiting children, and, just as quickly as he arrived, disappears back into the night.
Ski Juwel
By Paulina from UK Every Day
Experiencing the magical charm of the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau region during the Christmas season is something I highly recommend.
The Ski Juwel features an impressive 113 kilometers of ski slopes, catering to all skill levels and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the thrill of gliding down the mountains.
Particularly notable is the family-friendly atmosphere found in smaller resorts, like Niederau, where visitors can experience a warm and welcoming community.
The town is conveniently connected to Alpbach, allowing skiers to use their ski passes to hop on a bus and access the highest point of the Ski Juwel area, known as the “Top of Alpbachtal.”
From this stunning viewpoint, guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Tyrolean mountains, creating a perfect backdrop for memorable holiday moments.
Salzburg
By Kate and Jeremy from Our Escape Clause
Nestled in western Austria and home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe (500+ years old and counting!), it’s hard to imagine a better destination for Christmas in Austria than Salzburg.
In addition to its Christmas markets, Salzburg is famous among international travelers for two more reasons: the city is both the home of Mozart and the filming location of The Sound of Music!
Touring two of Mozart’s childhood homes is among the most popular things to do in Salzburg, and in the winter, it’s hard to imagine a better way to escape the cold than attending one of the many Mozart concerts in town.
While you’re visiting Salzburg in winter, don’t miss touring the Hohensalzburg Fortress, stepping inside the beautiful Salzburg Cathedral (and considering there’s a Christmas market held right in front of it, odds are you won’t need to go out of your way to do so), and soaking in views of the city from gardens nex to the Kapuzinerkloster Monastery.
And, when it comes to planning a Christmas trip, one of Salzburg’s biggest benefits is its location: not only is it well-connected by train to other Austrian cities like Vienna and Linz, but it’s only an hour’s train ride away from Munich, the gateway to so many wonderful German Christmas markets!
Rattenberg
By Sarah from Life Part 2 and Beyond
Rattenberg is Austria’s smallest town, with only 460 people, and it’s one of the most magical places I’ve visited at Christmas.
During Advent, it is lit by candles and lanterns instead of electric lights, which gives it a really warm, cosy feel, though the Town Hall does light up with stars!
The market is all about tradition, with handmade crafts, local food, and a calm, festive atmosphere. I loved seeing the glass art for which Rattenberg is known, and many of the workshops were open for demonstrations and shopping.
There’s live music from brass bands and choirs, as well as storytelling and small theatre shows.
I recommend trying a Kiachl – fried dough with cranberry jam or sauerkraut – and washing it down with a mug of mulled wine. It’s a lovely, peaceful place to enjoy a slower, more traditional Christmas market.
Linz
Known as a city of art and technology, and home to a beautiful old town and the largest cathedral in Austria, Linz should be on your radar not only for its mix of historic and modern attractions, but also for its vibrant Christmas festivities.
Its main square, Hauptplatz, surrounded by colorful old-town townhouses, hosts a craft Christmas market (don’t worry, there’s food too!), while Volksgarten’s market is ideal for the whole family, and the garden of Stiegl-Klosterhof turns into a literal winter wonderland that will make you excited like a kid.
To make it easier for you to explore the 5 different markets, there’s even a free hop-on, hop-off train in the afternoons on weekends.
And if you’re eager to enjoy the city itself, the Ars Electronica Center, Lentos Art Museum, Mariendom (New Cathedral), and devouring some Linzer Torte would be a good start!
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