Austria Christmas Market Date Guide
Updated September 22, 2026
Christmas Markets in Austria
Christmas is one of my favourite times of year in Austria, and after more than 25 years of visiting Austrian Christmas markets, I still look forward to the start of Advent every year.
Christmas Markets in Austria are pure magic.
Twinkling lights, snow-dusted streets, and the scent of roasted chestnuts fill the air as festive markets transform cities and towns into storybook scenes.
Whether you’re sipping Glühwein beneath Vienna’s grand palaces, wandering Salzburg’s historic alleys, or soaking up Alpine charm in Innsbruck and the Salzkammergut, timing your visit just right makes all the difference.
I live in the Austrian Alps and I am a bit of a Christmas Market junkie and so I travel around Austria during the advent season, visiting Christmas markets in cities, towns and villages. From the grand Christmas markets of Vienna and Salzburg to the smaller local markets around the Salzkammergut, each has its own atmosphere and traditions.
I’ve visited most of these markets multiple, returning to see what is new and to enjoy my favourite advent traditions.
This guide brings together the confirmed 2026 Christmas Market dates for Austria’s most popular Christmas Market destinations, so you can plan your visit around the markets you most want to experience.
Meet your Christmas Markets in Austria Expert
Hi! I’m Tammy, founder of Austria Wanderlust, and I’ve been exploring Austria for more than 30 years.
I first came to Austria as a student and have continued discovering the country ever since. Today, I live in the Austrian Alps, and I am lucky to have the opportunity to experience Austria through all four seasons and return to many of my favourite place’s year after year.
Christmas markets are part of my Austrian life that I look forward to every year.
My first-hand experience, combined with ongoing research and regular updates, is what shapes the practical Austria travel advice I share on Wanderlustria.
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Austria 2026 Christmas Market Dates
If you’re planning to visit the Christmas Markets in Austria in 2026, this is where you’ll find the dates you need to start planning your trip.
Christmas markets take place throughout Austria during Advent. From major city markets attracting thousands of visitors to small village markets that may run for just a weekend, there is an enormous variety to choose from.
Austrian Christmas Markets typically open from around mid-November and continue through Advent, with many finishing on 23 or 24 December. A few continue beyond Christmas and become New Year’s Eve markets, while some markets also open on Christmas Day itself.
Having visited Austrian Christmas markets for many years, I’ve found that the atmosphere can vary considerably depending on when you visit. Early in the season, you can enjoy the markets before the busiest Christmas crowds arrive, while the weeks leading up to Christmas have a particularly festive atmosphere.
From Vienna’s Christmas markets to Salzburg’s historic Christkindlmarkt and the smaller markets around the Salzkammergut, each destination offers something a little different.
Below, you’ll find the 2026 dates for Christmas Markets in Austria, organised by destination so you can easily see which markets fit your itinerary.
**IMPORTANT: The dates of the Austrian Christmas Markets are provided to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.
It is essential to check each Christmas Market’s website for its opening dates and times.***
Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna is one of the most popular cities to visit Christmas Markets. In addition to the markets, the city is bedecked with lights and Christmas spirit.
The tradition of Christmas markets in Vienna dates back to 1296 when Albrecht I granted the right to hold a December Market or “Krippenmarkt”.
There are over 17 official Advent Markets in Vienna.
Vienna Christmas Markets 2026 Dates
Check the websites for opening times.
Note: Austrians celebrate Christmas on December 24th – expect most Christmas Markets to start closing by 4:00 pm on December 24.
Schönbrunn Christmas Market Website
November 6, 2026, to January 6, 2027
Hours: Daily 10:00 to 21:00 (10 am to 9:00 pm)
Except
Dec 24: 10:00 to 16:00 (10 am to 4:00 pm)
Dec 25- Jan 6: 10:00 to 19:00 (10 am to 7:00 pm)
Weihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz Website
November 11, 2026 to December 26, 2026
Hours Daily 11:00 to 21:00 (11 am to 9:00 pm)
Except:
Dec 24: 11:00 to 16:00 (11 am to 4:00 pm)
Dec 25 & 26 : 11:00 to 19:00 (11 am to 7:00 pm)
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt – The most famous Viennese Christmas Market is at the Rathaus (City Hall) square. Website
November 13, 2026, to December 26, 2026
Hours: Daily 10:00 to 22:00 (10 am to 10:00 pm)
Except
Dec 24: 10:00 to 18:30(10 am to 6:30 pm)
Ice Dream at the Christkindlmarkt – The ice skating rink.
November 13, 2026, to Jan 6, 2027
Hours: Daily 10:00 to 22:00 (10 am to 10:00 pm)
Except
Dec 24: 10:00 to 18:30(10 am to 6:30 pm)
Dec 31: Closed
Art Advent at Karlsplatz Website
November 13, 2026, to December 23, 2026
Hours Daily 12:00 to 20:00 (12 to 8 pm)
Spittelberg Christkindlmarkt Website
November 13, 2025 to December 23, 2026
Hours Mon-Fri 14:00 to 21:30 (2 pm to 9:30 pm)
Sat/Sun and holidays 11:00 to 21:30 (11 am to 9:30 pm)
Weihnachtmarkt Am Hof Website
November 13, 2026 to December 23, 2026
Hours Mon-Thurs 11:00 to 21:00 (11 am to 9:00 pm)
Fri/Sat/Sun 10:00 to 21:00 (10 am to 9:00 pm)
Christmas Magic at Schwarzenbergplatz Website
NEW FOR 2026!
November 13, 2026 to December 26, 2026
Hours Mon-Fri 11:00 to 21:00 (11 am to 9:00 pm)
Sat/Sun 10:00 to 21:00 (10 am to 9:00 pm)
Except:
Dec 24: 11:00 to 16:00 (11 am to 4:00 pm)
Dec 25:& Dec 26 11:00 to 19:00 (11 am to 7:00 pm)
Weihnachtsdorf AKH Website
November 13, 2026 to December 23, 2026
Hours Mon-Thurs 14:00 to 22:00 (2 pm to 10:00 pm)
Fri/Sat 14:00 to 22:00 (2 pm to 10:00 pm)
Sun 11:00 to 21:00 (11 am to 9:00 pm)
Except:
Dec 23: 14:00 to 20:00 (2 pm to 8:00 pm)
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Website
November 14, 2026 to December 23, 2026
Hours Daily 10:00 to 21:00 (10 am to 9 pm)
Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere Website
November 20, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Hours Mon-Fri 11:00 to 21:00 (11 to 9 pm)
Sat/Sun and holidays 10:00 to 21:00 (11 am to 9 pm)
Except:
Dec 24 & Dec 31: 11:00 to 17:00 (11 am to 5 pm)
Wintermarket at Riesenradplatz in the 2nd district at the Prater Park. Website
November 20, 2026 to January 06, 2027
Hours Mon-Fri 12:00 to 22:00 (12 to 10 pm)
Sat/Sun and holidays 11:00 to 22:00 (11 am to 10 pm)
Except:
Dec 24: 11:00 to 17:00 (11 am to 5 pm)
Dec 31 /Jan 1: 12 to 02:00 ( 12 to 2 am)
Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz Website
REOPENING IN 2026!
November 20, 2026 to December 26, 2026
Hours Mon-Fri 11:00 to 21:00 (11 am to 9:00 pm)
Sat/Sun 10:00 to 21:00 (10 am to 9:00 pm)
Our Recommendations | Where we stay in Vienna
♥ When visiting Vienna with family, we loved staying in a Maisonette (two bedrooms over two floors) at the König von Ungarn.
Enough room for parents and kids and is directly in the centre of Vienna behind Stephansdom.
♥ I also love staying at Motel One Staatsoper, a great mid-range choice one block from the Opera and close to everything.
♥ My other two favourite places are both places I regularly stay at when I visit, the Hotel Pension Museum in Spittelberg, directly across from the U3 Metro Stop and Museums Quartier and Theaterhotel & Suites Wien in the 8th district- where I used to live so this hotel feels like home.
Read our blog for more recommendations on Where to Stay in Vienna near the Christmas Markets
Our Recommendations | Vienna Concerts
Vienna Christmas Market Itinerary
The Ultimate Vienna Christmas Markets Itinerary is a printable PDF guide with all the essential information and three day-to-day itineraries visiting the Best Vienna Christmas Markets.
Our 60+ pages guide has all the information you need to plan your Vienna Christmas Markets Holiday- from where to stay, to what are the best Christmas Market Foods and Souvenirs.
Buy Here
Salzburg Christmas Markets
When you think the perfect Christmas scene- you imagine Salzburg. The Salzburg Christmas Market dates back to the “Tandlmarkt” in the 15th century, and is one of the oldest Advent Markets in the world. By the 17th century, this Advent market was known as “Nikolaimarkt”, that took place two weeks before and two weeks after St. Nicholas’ Day (on 6 December).
There are three main markets in Salzburg
© Salzburg Tourismus
Salzburg Christmas Markets 2025 Dates
Read more about my Top 5 Salzburg Christmas Markets
Dom and Residenzplatz Christkindlmarkt
is one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. It has over 100 market stands and daily events. The stalls sell traditional decorations, local gifts, Glüwein and delicious Austrian specialities.
Highlights
- Daily event program with traditional music
- The Krampus Run on December 5 , at 18:30, and the Traditional Perchten Run on December 21
When: November 19, 2026 to January 1, 2027
Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Fri: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun + Holidays: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Except
Dec 7: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Dec 24: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec 25+26: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dec 31: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Food & Drinks until 1 a.m.)
Jan 1: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mirabellplatz Christkindlmarkt
A traditional Advent market that is favoured by locals. It is located across from St Andrew’s church. The bus stop, and the Mirabellplatz parking garage, are located directly opposite.
Highlights
- less crowded
- Unique gifts
When: November 19, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Except
Dec 24: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec 25-26: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Decr 27-30: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dec 31: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Food & Drink open later)
Hohensalzburg Christkindlmarkt
A traditional Christmas Market in the courtyard of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Highlights
- Christmas Market with a view of the Old Town below
- Unique gifts
- Children’s program
- Fresh tarte flambée from the historic Fortress bakery, baked according to modern recipes in centuries-old wood-burning ovens.
When:
Friday, Saturday and Sundays from November 27, 2026, to December 20 2026 AND Monday Dec 7 + Tuesday Dec 8.
11 am to 19:00 (7 pm)
Hellbrunn Adventzauber
set against a magical backdrop of Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens. The market is popular with families because of its children’s activities program.
When:
November 19, 2026 to December 24, 2026
Hours:
Closed Mondays except open Mon Dec 21 : 1 pm – 8 pm
Tues – Fri: 1 pm – 8 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am – 8 pm
Dec 24: 10 am – 2 pm
Sternadvent Sternbräu Christmas Market
Hidden away in a courtyard off the Getriedegasse near the Sternbräu.
When: November 19, 2026 to January 6, 2027
Hours:
Sun – Thu: 11.00 am – 7.00 pm
Fri – Sat: 11.00 am – 8.30 pm
Except:
Dec 24 + Dec 31: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
January 1-6: daily 11.00 am – 18.00 pm
Our Recommendations | Where we Stay in Salzburg
♥ As one of the hotels we always dreamed of staying at, we loved the famous luxury Hotel Goldener Hirsch, located directly on Getreidegasse.
♥ I enjoy staying at the charming 3-star Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt, located on the Linzer Gasse pedestrian zone- close to everything.
♥ For budget-conscious travellers, I recommend staying at the Gästehaus im Priesterseminar. I recently stayed in the Seminary Guesthouse located less than 5 5-minute walk from Mirabell Palace and Gardens. It offers great value close to all the major sights.
Our Recommendations | Our Favourite Salzburg Tours & Activities
♥ Festung Hohensalzburg Pre-book your tickets to visit the 900-year-old Salzburg Fortress- perched upon Festungberg Hill. The medieval fortress is one of the largest and best preserved in Europe.
♥ Sound of Music Tours Find where the ‘Hills are alive with the Sound of Music’ on the Panorama Bus Tour (Read our Bus Tour Review).
♥ Concerts Enjoy classical music, operas, performances- and of course Mozart in breathtaking venues such as Mirabell Palace and Best of Mozart at the fortress.
♥ Cooking Classes and Food Tours Learn to cook Austrian Classics such as Schnitzel and Apple Strudel, Food tours and Wine or Beer Tastings
Salzkammergut Region
The Salzkammergut is Austria’s lake region located at the northern edge of the Alps. The Salzkammergut covers the region stretching from Lake Fuschlsee, Lake Mondsee into Almtal Valley, from Vöckla Valley to Dachstein and Grimming Mountain.
The small lakeside villages and the stunning backdrop of the mountains make memorable Christmas Market venues.
One of my favourite Christmas Markets is the Lake Wolfgangsee Advent Market.
Many of the villages have Advent Markets-most may only be open Friday to Sundays from ~November 21 to December 21.
Salzkammergut Christmas Markets 2026 Dates
Lake Wolfgangsee Advent
2024 is the 20th anniversary of the Lake Wolfgangsee Advent Markets, held in the three lakeside villages of St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, and Strobl. You are transported to each village by the Lake Wolfgangsee Ferry.
Highlights
- the 11-metre-high candle directly on the lakeshore at St. Gilgen
- Strobl is famous for its life-size Nativity village
- more than 70 life-size wooden figures scattered around the village of St Wolfgang
- The Schafberg Advent Train takes you to the Schafbergalm at 1364m (Thursday to Sunday)
When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays November 20, 2026 to December 20, 2026
Closed Monday and Tuesdays except:
Monday December 7, 2026 and Tuesday December 2026
Hours:
Wednesday: 13:00 to 19:30 (1:00 pm to 7:30 pm)
Thursday and Friday: 11:00 am to 19:30 (11:00 am to 7:30 pm)
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 19:30 (10 am to 7:30 pm)
Hallstatt Christmas Market
takes place every year on December 8, 2025, From 10 am to 18:30 Website
Bad Ischl
When: 2026 Dates have not been released- expect ~
November 21, 2026 to December 21, 2026 10:00 am to 18:00 (6pm)
Innsbruck
Experience a traditional Tyrolean Christmas in Innsbruck.
Nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, Innsbruck’s Christmas markets are a winter wonderland wrapped in mountain majesty. Imagine strolling through charming wooden stalls, under soft fairy‑lit glow, with the Nordkette peaks dusted in snow above.
Here you’ll discover handcrafted ornaments, Tyrolean specialities like hearty Käseknödel and warming Glühwein, and a festive atmosphere that’s both cosy and enchanting.
© Innsbruck Tourismus
Innsbruck Christmas Markets 2026 Dates
Christkindlmarkt in the Old Town
A romantic and festive Christmas Market with the Christmas market stalls nestled between the medieval buildings and the Golden Roof.
When: November 13, 2026 to December 23, 2026
Hours: Daily 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Christmas market on Maria Theresien Street
Maria Theresien Street is one of Innsbruck’s main shopping streets. During Advent the street is transformed into a winter wonderland trees covered in tiny, sparkling lights and market stalls selling gifts, Glühwein and delicious snacks.
When: November 25, 2026 to January 6, 2027
Hours: Daily 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Advent at Marktplatz
The market square by the River Inn has a Tyrolean village feel with a 14-metre-high crystal tree that sparkles above the square, a carousel and over 60 stalls.
The market also has a children’s programme.
When: November 13, 2026 to December 23, 2026
Hours: Daily 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Christmas Market at Hungerburg
Visit the Panorama Christmas Market at Hungerburg. To get there, take the Nordkettenbahnen funicular from the Congress lift station in the city centre.
When: November 20, 2026 to January 6, 2027
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Sat & Sun: 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Visit this Website for all the information about Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets.
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Buy our PDF guide- all the information to plan your Trip.
Chief Wanderlust’er and Austria travel expert, I’m on a mission to help you uncover the magic of Austria — from fairytale cities and alpine villages to awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural traditions.
As the founder of Austria Wanderlust Travel Planning, the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group, and director of Wanderlustria eU, I provide trusted tips, local insights, and curated resources to make your Austrian adventure seamless, authentic, and unforgettable.