The best Advent Christmas markets to visit in Austria in 2024 are the Christkindlmärkte in Vienna (Wien), Salzburg, Innsbruck in Tyrol, Graz in Steiermark, and Linz. In 2024, most Christmas markets in Austria will be open from mid-November.
Austrian Christmas markets are a popular advent tradition throughout Austria. The largest Christmas markets in Austria are in Vienna (Wien), Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Linz while virtually every town and tourist ski resort area will have its own December markets on some weekends and days leading up to the Christmas holidays. In Austria, as in Bavaria, Christmas markets are usually referred to as a Christkindlmarkt (literally Christ Child market) rather than the standard High German Weihnachtsmarkt – both terms are readily understood everywhere in the German-speaking world.
In 2024, most large Christmas markets in Austrian cities are open from mid-November with most closing shortly before Christmas but in cities and a few ski resorts, some may continue until early January 2025. On December 24, markets will close early afternoon, if they open at all.
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt – the Largest Christmas Market in Austria in 2024
The Christkindlmarkt in Vienna (Wien) is by far the largest in Austria. The main market is held in front of the neo-Gothic Rathaus (Town Hall) but several further Christmas markets are scattered throughout the picturesque, romantic capital of Austria.
Further noteworthy Christmas markets in Vienna are held at Schloss Schönbrunn Palace, the Baroque Belvedere Palace, and Karlsplatz Square in front of the Karlskirche (Charles’ Church). An increasing number of Christmas markets remain open after Christmas Day as New Year’s markets with some operating the first week of January as well.
- See Also: Best Vienna Christmas Markets for the dates of the top Wiener Weihnachtsmärkte.
Salzburg – Christmas Markets in the Mozart City
Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (and the Sound of Music), is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. Salzburg is worth visiting at any time of the year but is especially magical during the Christmas season.
During Advent, the old town of Salzburg is beautifully lit in the evenings and Christmas markets and stalls are set up throughout the old town. Snow is often an added bonus for a White Christmas but the endless arches and covered walkways allow visitors to remain dry if preferred.
Some of the best Christmas markets in Salzburg, including the main market in front of the Dom (Cathedral), continue a few days after Christmas and some are even functioning on Christmas Day itself.
In 2024, the Christkindlmarkt am Dom- und Residenzplatz in Salzburg is open from 21 November 2024 to 1 January 2025. (From 27 December it is a Silvester market.)
An added bonus in Salzburg is the Eiszauber Winter Wonderland ice skating rink on Mozartplatz from 14 November 2024 to 31 January 2025.
Innsbruck – Christmas Markets in the Tyrolean Alps
Innsbruck has a small but beautiful old town center with the Austrian Alps constantly present as a backdrop to remind visitors that they are in the heart of Austrian Tyrol. Several Christkindlmärkte are spread throughout the old town center, including in Maria-Theresien-Straße and in front of the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof).
The Christkindlmarkt in the old town of Innsbruck is usually active until a few days before Christmas while the one in Maria-Theresien-Straße continues until Three Kings Day (January 6) and is even open for a few hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
In 2024, the main markets in Innsbruck are open from 15 November to 23 December while the market in Maria-Theresien-Street extends the festive season until 6 January 2025.
Graz — Christmas Markets in Styria
Graz is generally far less touristy than the other main cities of Austria and the Christmas markets in the capital of Steiermark similarly have a welcoming, less commercial feel. Local arts and crafts, for which Styria is famous, are sold at many of the markets and at dedicated stalls.
The main Christkindlmarkt is at Hauptplatz but seemingly every town square in the city centre has a Christmas tree and market, which makes it easy to visit Advent markets while doing shopping. The stalls on Färberplatz and Mehlplatz are particularly known for the selection of local crafts.
The Schlossbergbahn funicular from the old town is a good option and fun way to reach the interesting and romantic Christmas market in the castmates of the castle — open Friday to Sunday only.
The Christmas markets in Graz are mostly open from 10 or 11 am to 8 pm (10 pm for food stalls) from 22 November to 24 December 2024 but the Winter World with a huge ice rink is open until the end of January 2024.
Linz – Christmas Markets in Oberösterreich
Linz has much to offer visitors but being located on the Danube River in between Salzburg and Vienna it is often overlooked by tourists visiting Austria. The two main best Christmas markets in Linz are the Christkindlmarkt centered on the large oblong Linzer Hauptplatz (Main Square) and the Weihnachtsmarkt in the Volksgarten (People’s Park).
In 2024, both main markets in Linz will be open from 23 November to 23 December 2024.
Austrian Christmas Holiday Traditions
Austrian Christmas traditions include a lot of Christmas music and Advent concerts, where Stille Nacht (Silent Night) is usually performed but it is only one of a wealth of popular Austrian Christmas carols. Santa Claus is increasingly seen but Saint Nicholas (St Niklaus) is the real bearer of gifts in Austria while his scary assistant is also seen in Krampus parades in smaller towns in the Austrian Alps.
Nativity scenes are very popular too — many markets, churches, and private homes will display nativity scenes during the holiday season from early December until at least the arrival of the three magi (wise men) on 6 January.
Austrian Christmas markets usually run the full Advent period and sometimes even continue a few days after Christmas (and occasionally up to January 6). In stark contrast to German Christmas markets, Austrian Christmas markets often function on December 24 and even Christmas Day itself. However, expect markets to close early on Christmas Eve and to have shorter hours on Christmas Day too.
Although not a public holiday, most Austrians celebrate Christmas on the evening of December 24 rather than on the 25th. Many shops and businesses will close early if they open at all on the 24th. Advance restaurant reservations are mostly essential.