Austria Christmas Market Tips
Discover the magic of Austria Christmas Markets
Discover the timeless magic of Austria’s Christkindlmarkt with these essential Christmas Market tips.
From the sparkling stalls of Vienna to the charming alpine villages, Austria’s markets are filled with festive traditions, regional delicacies, and handcrafted treasures.
To make the most of your visit, it’s worth knowing how to navigate the crowds, when to go for the best atmosphere, and what local treats you simply cannot miss.
These Christmas Market tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and plan an unforgettable holiday filled with seasonal charm, cultural highlights, and authentic Austrian experiences.
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These Christmas Market Tips are written by an Expert Hi! I’m Tammy, founder of Wanderlustria and Austria Wanderlust, and I’ve spent years exploring Austria’s Christmas markets—from Vienna’s grand Christkindlmarkt to hidden gems in alpine villages. Living in the Austria gives me the chance to experience Christmas Markets every year, and I share my insider knowledge to help travellers enjoy them like a local. As the creator of the Austria Travel Planning Facebook group, I’ve guided thousands in planning their perfect Austrian holidays, with Christmas markets always a seasonal highlight.
Here are our 10 Austria Christmas Market Tips, to help you plan a magical visit to the Austrian Christkindlmarkts.
Also, check out our Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Austria’s Christmas Markets
Austria Christmas Markets Top Tips
1. Decide which Christmas Markets to Visit.
Start by deciding which Christmas markets you want to include in your itinerary.
Almost every town, city, and even small village in Austria hosts at least one market during Advent, each with its own charm.
The big-city markets, like Vienna’s Rathausplatz or Salzburg’s Residenzplatz, sparkle with atmosphere and variety, while smaller markets, such as Innsbruck’s Old Town or the lakeside Wolfgangsee markets, offer a more intimate festive experience.
Top Tip: Mix and match—combine Vienna’s grand markets with one or two smaller, traditional ones for the perfect balance of magic and variety.
Top 6 Vienna Christmas Markets
Best Salzburg Christmas Markets
2. Check the Dates and hours that the Christmas Markets are open.
Once you’ve chosen your markets, confirm their opening dates and hours.
Most Austrian Christmas markets run from the last week of November until just before Christmas, though a few continue into the New Year. Generally, stalls open around 10 or 11 am and stay open until 8–10 pm.
Be mindful of Christmas Eve—many markets close early, often by 4 pm, and some finish for the season on 23 or 24 December.
Top Tip: The best time to plan your Christmas market holiday is between late November and 23 December, when every market is open and full of festive spirit.
Always double-check the official websites for the most up-to-date schedules.
Christmas Market Dates
3. Book Your Accommodation Early
Once your market itinerary is set, secure your accommodation as soon as possible. The Christmas market season is one of Austria’s busiest times, and hotels in popular cities and towns fill up quickly.
Aim for centrally located hotels or guesthouses so you can walk straight into the festive atmosphere without relying too much on transport.
Best Vienna Hotels close to the Christmas Markets
Best Hotels in Salzburg
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4. Know How Austrians Celebrate Christmas
In Austria, Christmas is celebrated on the evening of 24 December.
Markets typically close early that day—around 4 pm—so families can enjoy their festivities. Shops, cafés, and many restaurants also shut their doors earlier than usual.
If you’re visiting over Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, book your meals in advance, as dining options can be limited.
For the best experience, plan your trip between late November and 23 December when all the markets are open and buzzing with festive spirit.
5. Dress for the cold
Christmas markets mean spending hours outside, so staying warm is key.
Austrian weather in December can be unpredictable—one day mild and rainy, the next snowy and crisp—so layers are your best friend. Think thermal tops, jumpers, a warm waterproof jacket, and cosy accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves.
Comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots are a must, as you’ll be walking and standing a lot.
Top Tip: Pack smart with versatile pieces you can layer and adjust throughout the day. For a full breakdown of what to bring, check out this Christmas Market Packing Guide.
6. Bring Cash (Euros) for the Markets
While card payments are becoming more common, many stalls at Austrian Christmas markets—especially in smaller towns—still prefer cash.
Food and drink vendors, small souvenir stands, and even some cafés may not accept cards.
You’ll also need coins for public washrooms.
If cards are accepted, it’s usually only Visa or MasterCard.
Top Money-Saving Tips
♦ Look for ATMs (called Bankomats in Austria) attached to a bank, as on-site machines at markets often charge higher fees.
♦ When paying by card or withdrawing cash, always choose to pay in Euros.
Decline the option to pay in your home currency—this “dynamic currency conversion” almost always comes with a worse exchange rate than your bank.
Having a mix of notes and coins on hand will make your Christmas market experience much smoother—and ensure you don’t miss out on that steaming cup of Glühwein or freshly baked treat.
7. Bring a backpack or extra bag
A backpack is a must-have for Christmas market days.
Not only will you need space for souvenirs and gifts, but it’s also handy for carrying extra layers, gloves, or scarves as the weather changes.
Choose something comfortable to wear for hours of walking, with enough room to keep your hands free while you enjoy food, drinks, and browsing the stalls.
A foldable tote bag tucked inside is also useful if you end up with more treasures than expected.
8. Plan each Market
Before diving into the stalls, take a lap around the market to see what’s on offer.
With so many tempting treats and gifts, it’s easy to buy the first thing you see—but a little patience often leads to even better finds further along.
Markets are usually busiest in the evenings, when locals and visitors gather to enjoy the festive lights.
To avoid the biggest crowds, shop for souvenirs in the late morning or afternoon, then return later to soak up the magical atmosphere after dark.
This way, you get the best of both worlds—stress-free browsing by day and sparkling Christmas magic by night.
9. Collectible Christmas Market Mugs
One of the most charming traditions at Austrian Christmas markets is the festive mug. Each market designs its own, making them wonderful souvenirs.
When you order a hot drink like Glühwein, punch, or hot chocolate, you’ll usually pay around €5 for the drink plus a €4–5 deposit for the mug.
You can return the mug to get your deposit back—or keep it as a keepsake of your trip.
Important Tip: Beware of scams. Occasionally, people posing as ‘staff’ wander the markets collecting mugs, claiming they’ll return them for you. Do not hand your mug to anyone except the official stall where you bought your drink. Always return mugs directly to kiosks to reclaim your deposit safely.
10. Combine Markets with Other Activities
Austria is packed with Christmas markets—Vienna alone has over 10 official markets—so it’s easy to get market fatigue if that’s all you do. To make the most of your trip, mix market visits with other activities and sights.
Explore snow-covered alpine landscapes, visit stunning palaces, or warm up in cosy cafés and fascinating museums.
Don’t miss the seasonal concerts and Advent performances, which add a magical soundtrack to your festive trip.
Balancing markets with cultural and scenic experiences ensures a richer, more memorable Austrian Christmas holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Austria’s Christmas Markets
When Should I book my Vienna Christmas Market Trip?
Austria is one of Europe’s most popular Christmas market destinations.
Vienna alone has more than ten major markets, while Salzburg and Innsbruck are also magical spots for the festive season.
To secure the best hotels and deals, it’s best to book your accommodation by late summer.
Where should I stay?
- Vienna: Stay in the 1st district (Innere Stadt) or nearby in the 2nd, 6th, 7th, or 8th districts. These neighbourhoods are close to most markets. → Check out our guide to the Best Hotels near Vienna’s Christmas Markets.
- Salzburg: Staying near the historic centre makes exploring on foot easy. → Browse our Salzburg Hotel Recommendations.
- Innsbruck: Choose a hotel near the old town or city centre for convenience.
When do the Austrian Christmas Markets start?
Most Austrian Christmas markets open around November 14 and run until December 23. → See our Austria Christmas Market Dates Guide for exact dates.
Are Austrian Christmas markets family-friendly?
Yes! Most markets are magical for kids, with carousels, nativity scenes, and special children’s programs.
The Hellbrunn Christmas Market in Salzburg is especially popular with families thanks to its animal park and Advent windows.
What are the Must-See Austria Christmas Market Destinations?
We recommend including these destinations in your trip:
- Vienna → See our Best Vienna Christmas Market Guide.
- Salzburg → Read our Salzburg Christmas Market Guide.
- Innsbruck
- Wolfgangsee (a beautiful lakeside Christmas market experience).
What’s the best time to visit the Christmas Markets?
Evenings and weekends are the busiest.
For fewer crowds and better shopping, visit on weekdays during the day.
Then return after dark to enjoy the festive lights, music, and atmosphere.
What’s the weather like at Austria Christmas Markets in Austria?
Expect cold temperatures, usually between 0°C and 5°C (32–41°F).
Snow is possible, especially in Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Be prepared for chilly evenings.
Do I need tickets to visit the Christmas markets?
For the most part, the Christmas Markets are free to enter.
Except for in Salzburg:
The Hellbrunn Christmas Market charges €8 per person (including a drink).
The Hohensalzburg Fortress Market is free, but you’ll need a ticket for the funicular and fortress entry.
Do I need cash at the Christmas Markets?
Yes. While many stalls accept debit and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), some are cash-only.
Always carry some euros, especially coins, for small purchases and public toilets.
What should I wear to the Christmas markets?
It gets cold in Austria in December, and you’ll spend lots of time outdoors.
Dress in layers with a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof boots or shoes. → See our Christmas Market Packing List.
Are there any Christmas Markets open after Christmas?
Yes! Some continue past Christmas Eve:
- Vienna: Rathausplatz and Stephansplatz (until December 26), Belvedere (until December 31), Schönbrunn Palace (until January 6).
- Salzburg: Dom & Residenzplatz and Sternbräu (until January 1), Mirabellplatz (until December 31).
- Innsbruck: Maria Theresien Street and Hungerburg (until January 6).
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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.
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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.