Austria’s Christmas Market Date Guide
Updated September 23, 2025
Christmas in Austria is 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.
This guide brings you the confirmed 2025 Christmas Market dates for Austria’s most iconic festive destinations—so you can plan your perfect winter escape without missing a single moment of the magic.
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I’m Tammy, founder of Wanderlustria—the go-to guide for travellers seeking authentic Austrian adventures.
I live in the Austrian Alps and visit the country’s best Christmas Markets every year.
Over the years, I’ve explored every twinkling corner of Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and the Salzkammergut during the festive season—often more than once.
I’ve helped thousands of travellers create unforgettable, well-timed journeys—filled with festive cheer, cosy traditions, and magical market moments.
2025 Austria Christmas Market Dates
*Note We will update the 2025 dates as they are released.
Discover the magic of Austria Christmas Markets
This guide will help you plan your Austria Christmas Markets holiday.
Discover the unique magic of an Austrian Christmas by visiting Christkindlmarkt ( Austria Christmas Markets).
There are Christmas Markets all over Austria- even the smallest village will have a Christkindlmarkt- for at least one weekend during Advent.
The Christmas Markets in Austria tend to open from mid-November to December 24. Some markets are open on Christmas Day, and some larger Christmas Markets morph into Silvester (New Year’s Eve) markets.
From the Christkindlmarkt at the Rathaus in Vienna, with its Ferris Wheel and Skating rink, to quaint village markets such as those in the villages on Wolfgangsee.
Enjoy a traditional festive season, with the streets decked in Advent finery and sparkling Christmas lights, snow-covered trees, and hands warmed by a mug of Glühwein. Christmas in Austria is traditional, and one of the favourite traditions is celebrating at a Christmas Market. Stroll through the Christmas Markets that resemble winter villages with wooden huts selling delicious food and unique Christmas gifts.
**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 2025 Dates
Check the websites for opening times.
Note: Austrians celebrate Christmas on December 24th – expect most Christmas Markets to close by 4:00 pm on December 24.
Schönbrunn Christmas Market Website
November 6, 2025, to January 6, 2026
Weihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz Website
November 8, 2025 to December 26, 2025
Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere Website
November 11, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Weihnachtsdorf AKH Website
November 11, 2025 to December 23, 2025
Weihnachtmarkt Am Hof Website
November 14, 2025 to December 23, 2025
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt – The most famous Viennese Christmas Market is at the Rathaus (City Hall) square. Website
November 14, 2025, to December 26, 2025
Wintermarket at Riesenradplatz in the 2nd district at the Prater Park. Website
November 21, 2025 to January 06, 2026
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Website
November 14, 2025 to December 23, 2025
Spittelberg Christkindlmarkt Website
November 14, 2025 to December 23, 2025
Art Advent at Karlsplatz Website
November 21, 2025, to December 23, 2025
Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz Website
♦It will not open in 2025 due to construction in the square.
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’s Opera House is one of the best in the world. Tickets are in high demand and go on sale two months in advance on the first day of the month. Book Vienna Opera Tickets directly
♥ The Musikverein, Vienna’s premier concert hall and home of the Vienna Philharmonic, is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and grandeur. Book Musikverein Tickets directly.
♥ The Vivaldi-Four Seasons by Orchestra 1756 Concert at Karlskirche is a popular concert.
Special Christmas Concerts
♥ Christmas & New Year’s Concert in St Peter’s Church
♥ The Vienna Symphony Advent Concert in Stephansdom
♥ Christmas Concert in Stephansdom
♥ Christmas & New Year’s Concert in St Peter’s Church
♥ Advent, Christmas and New Year’s Concerts in Minoriten Church
♥ Anne’s Church Christmas Concert
♥ Vienna Christmas Concert at Capuchin Church
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 20, 2025 to January 1, 2026
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 20, 2025 to December 31, 2025
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 21, 2025, to December 23, 2025.
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 20, 2025 to December 24, 2025
Sternadvent Sternbräu Christmas Market
Hidden away in a courtyard off the Getriedegasse near the Sternbräu.
When: November 20, 2025 to January 6, 2026
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 2025 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: November 21, 2025 to December 21, 2025 and Monday December 8, 2025
Hours:
Wednesday: 13:00 (1:00 pm) to 19:30 (7:30 pm)
Thursday and Friday: 11:00 am to 19:30 (7:30 pm)
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 19:30 (7:30 pm)
Hallstatt Christmas Market
takes place every year on December 8, 2025, From 10 am to 18:30 Website
Bad Ischl
When: 2025 Dates have not been released- expect ~
November 21, 2025 to December 21, 2025 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 2025 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 15, 2025 to December 23, 2025
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, 2025 to January 6, 2026
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 15, 2025 to December 23, 2025
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 21, 2025 to January 6, 2026
Visit this Website for all the information about Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets.
Austria at Christmas
Traditions & Planning
Austria Christmas Traditions
Experience the magic of Austria’s Christmas traditions.
Krampus
Learn about the Krampus Parades (Krampusauflauf) held in Austria’s Alpine villages.
How to plan a Christmas Market Trip
The simple 14-step guide for stress-free planning.
Christmas Market Tips
The top Christmas Market tips to help you plan the best trip.
Common Christmas Market Mistakes
Avoid the 16 travel mistakes that could spoil your festive adventure.
Dates & Christmas Market Destinations
Austria Christmas Market Dates
The 2025 Christmas Market Dates for Vienna, Salzburg, Salzkammergut and Innsbruck.
Top Vienna Christmas Markets
The Top 6 Vienna Christmas Markets that you should visit.
Vienna Christmas Markets Hotel Guide
Where to stay in Vienna while visiting the Christmas Markets
Best Salzburg Christmas Markets
The Top 5 Salzburg Christmas Markets that you should visit.
Christmas Market Tips
Christmas Market Packing List
The guide to what to pack for a European Winter holiday.
Christmas Market Food Guide
The 16 Must-Try Foods at Austrian Christmas Markets.
Christmas Market Souvenir Guide
Our top 22 gifts and souvenirs to buy at Austrian Christmas Markets.
Vienna Christmas Market Mugs
How to buy Vienna Christmas Market Mugs.
Christmas Market Itineraries
Austria Christmas Market Itineraries
Discover our recommended 5-, 7-, and 14-day itineraries.
14-Day Christmas Market Itinerary
The ultimate Austria Christmas Market adventure.
7-Day Christmas Market Itinerary
A perfect week-long journey through Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
Vienna Christmas Market Itinerary
Buy our PDF guide- all the information to plan your Trip.
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
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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.