Five Magical Christmas Markets in Austria

Austria's Christmas markets offer a truly magical experience, where centuries-old traditions come to life against stunning architecture and snowy landscapes. Whether you're sipping on mulled wine in Melk, or checking out the Advent calendar windows in Salzburg, you'll find holiday magic in every corner of Austria. If you’re one of nearly one million jolly tourists heading to a Christkindl Market in Austria this season, make sure to add these five magical markets to your list.

🎄 WHEN TO VISIT THE AUSTRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET:

The Christmas Market season in Austria begins at the end of November and most markets last until Christmas day. Each market will have its own operating hours though, so be sure to check the official websites for updated times.

🥨 WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK:

Make sure when you visit the Christmas market in Austria that you are hungry! The food is amazing and there is a big variety of local food and drinks you will want to try. Each market will have the main Austrian staples such as Glühwein (mulled wine) in a souvenir mug, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Käsespätzle (Mac & Cheese), warm chestnuts, potato pancakes, roasted nuts, and of course, sausages and pretzels.

🎁 WHAT TO BUY AT AN AUSTRIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET:

While there is a huge variety of high-quality and unique items to buy, the most popular items are Christmas Ornaments, wood carvings, decorations, snow globes, wool items, and nutcrackers.

💵 BRING MONEY WITH YOU:

The average person spends €5-25 on food and drink and €10-60 on handmade gifts depending on size, etc. Make sure to carry euros with you as not all the stands accept credit cards.

🧤 WHAT TO WEAR:

Austrian winters can be chilly, so dress warmly to stay comfortable while exploring the markets.

👥 PEOPLE & PET-FRIENDLY:

The markets become most magical at dusk when the twinkly lights turn on. However, that’s when most people will be out and about. So, if crowds aren’t your cup of cocoa, then consider going in the afternoon on a weekday. Also, not all markets are pet-friendly. Several markets have petting zoos and wild animals on display, so if Fido is afraid of crowded places and reacts to other animals, it’s best to leave him at home.

This year, we will be experiencing our fourth Christmas in Austria! We plan on making our way to more markets this season and updating this list as we find more of our favorites, but for now, here are our top five–

Stiegl-Klosterhof Market

For a couple of weeks each year, the Stiegl-Klosterhof guest garden turns into a magical winter forest full of twinkling lights, giant red ornament balls, and a hundred Christmas trees. It is a smaller market than most with more emphasis on food and drink than handmade gifts, yet it is a perfect spot to kick off the holiday season.

Click here for official dates and times

Dürnstein Castle Market

This Christmas market takes place along the Danube River inside the Dürnstein Castle courtyard. With nearly 50 vendors, a couple of alpacas, and the old castle ruins in the background this is another good alternative if you’re looking to dodge the massive crowds.

Click here for official dates and times

Melk Market

This market is set under the towering Melk Abbey. It has traditional wooden huts selling gifts and grub. But what sets it apart the most is the lineup of musicians that play tunes all night long.

Click here for official dates and times

Hellbrunn Palace Market

The very first Christmas market we ever attended was at the Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg in 2021 as it was one of the only ones open after covid. The façade of the Hellbrunn Palace and its 24 windows are transformed into an oversized Advent calendar. There are countless food huts, a petting zoo, and a Christmas Post Office for kids to send their letters to Santa.

Click here for official dates and times

Salzburg Cathedral Market

This market is one of the most beautiful and oldest Advent markets in the world dating back to the 15th century. A superlative like that means you are guaranteed to be shoulder-to-shoulder with other advent marketgoers. But, the scent of hot chestnuts, spicy mulled wine, and chocolate-covered everything running through the alleys of the old town should help make the crowds a bit more bearable.