16 Austria Christmas Market Travel Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid This Winter
Austria’s Christmas markets are pure holiday magic—glowing lights, mulled wine, and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting through historic squares.
But even the most charming experience can go wrong if you fall into common Austria Christmas Market travel mistakes.
From underestimating the weather to missing local specialities or arriving too late for the best markets, small missteps can quickly dampen your festive spirit.
Over the years, I’ve learned every traveller’s trick (and made every mistake!) — from braving the icy cobblestones without proper boots to missing the best market stalls by minutes.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the 16 biggest mistakes travellers make at Austria’s famous Christmas markets—and share simple ways to enjoy the season like a local instead.
I’m Tammy, the heart behind Wanderlustria — my little corner of the internet where Austria takes centre stage.
For the past 25 years, I’ve been wandering through Austria’s Christmas markets, chasing that perfect cup of Glühwein and collecting more festive mugs than I care to admit. Now, I share what I’ve discovered through Wanderlustria and our Austria Travel Planning Facebook community — helping you experience the same warmth, wonder, and joy that made me fall in love with Austrian Christmas Markets.
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Ultimate Austria Christmas Market Toolkit – Travel, Tickets & Tips
♥ Train Guides– Effortlessly travel between cities and markets with reliable train options. Plan routes and check schedules.
♥ Vienna Public Transport Getting around Vienna is simple if you know the system. Learn how to use trams, buses, and the U-Bahn.
♥ Salzburg Public Transport: Explore Salzburg efficiently using public transport. It’s even better with your Free Salzburg Transit Pass.
♥ Christmas Market Tips: Make the most of every market visit with practical advice on timing, crowd management, shopping, and festive experiences.
♥ Christmas Market Food Guide
♥ Best Christmas Market Souvenirs and Gifts
♥ Krampus Parades Discover Austria’s strangest Advent tradition that takes place in Alpine regions in early December.
♥ Austria Christmas Market Packing Guide
Contents
♦ Planning & Preparation
1. Not doing research – not planning ahead
2. Not prebooking accommodation early
3. Not checking Christmas Market dates, hours and special events
4. Not understanding Austrian traditions
♦ Timing & Crowds
5. Visiting only on weekends or at peak times
6. Only going to big markets
Practical Logistics
7. Not dressing for winter
8. Not having a phone and internet
9. Not having cash
10. Taking cash at Christmas Market ATMs
11. No space in your luggage for souvenirs
Market Experience & Shopping
12. Impulse buying
13. Skipping Austrian Traditional Food and Drinks
14. Not knowing Christmas Market Mug Etiquette
15. Not buying local Christmas souvenirs buying mass-produced items
Beyond the Markets
16. Not including non-Christmas Market activities
16 biggest mistakes travellers make at Austria’s Christmas Markets
Mistake 1: Not doing research – Not planning ahead
Thinking you can simply “wing it” on your Christmas Market visit is a common mistake. Each Austrian city has its own unique market style, atmosphere, and local specialities. Without proper research, you risk missing the most authentic markets or wasting time at overly commercial ones.
Planning ahead involves more than just choosing a city to visit.
You need to consider how many days you will spend, which markets you want to visit, and what other activities interest you.
Popular restaurants can fill up quickly, so reservations are essential.
Tickets for concerts, tours, and special events should also be booked in advance. Finally, preplan your transport between markets and destinations to make the most of your time.
Mistake 2: Not Pre-Booking Accommodation Early
December is peak season in cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz.
Central hotels and cosy B&Bs can fill months in advance.
Waiting too long may leave you with overpriced options or inconvenient locations.
Book Early for best locations and prices
Christmas Market Toolkit
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.- 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
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.
Read Where to Stay in Salzburg for more recommendations on
Mistake 3: Not Checking Market Dates, Hours and Special Events
Austrian Christmas Markets follow a strict Advent schedule, so they are open only for a limited period.
Unlike in English-speaking countries, Christmas celebrations do not span from early November to the end of January.
Most markets open in late November, with many closing on December 23 or 24.
After Christmas Eve, only a few markets remain open until New Year’s Eve.
Smaller village markets may operate only on weekends, and some have unique dates—
for example, the Hallstatt Christmas Market takes place ONLY on 8 December.
Special events, such as the Krampus runs in Salzburg and Innsbruck around 5–6 December, add to the festive experience but require planning to catch.
The ideal window to visit Austria’s Christmas Markets is 23 November to 23 December, when nearly all markets are open. Check each market’s schedule for concerts, performances, and seasonal highlights.
View full Austria Christmas Market Dates
👉 Top tip:
Even the best Austria Christmas Market Date Summary can have mistakes- due to changes in schedules. We recommend that you check the offical Christmas Market Websites for the most update hours and event schedules.
Mistake 4: Not Understanding Austrian Christmas Traditions
Austria celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions.
♦ The Christmas Markets are primarily held during Advent, from late November to 23 December.
♦ Austrians observe Christmas on Christmas Eve, meaning markets close early on 24 December, usually between 2–4 pm.
Shops remain closed from 24–26 December, except for grocery stores in petrol stations, train stations, and airport outlets.
St Niklaus and Krampus
© www.neumayer.cc | www.christkindlmarkt.co.at
♦ Krampus runs (Krampusläufe): The loud and scary traditional parades in Alpine regions take place ~ December 5 to December 6.
♦ St. Nicholas Day (6 December): Good children receive small gifts from St. Nicholas.
♦ Christkind, instead of Santa Claus, delivers presents to Austrian children on Christmas Eve.
Understanding local customs enhances your experience and gives you a deeper appreciation of what you’re seeing at Austria’s Christmas Markets.
Learn more about Austrian Christmas Traditions
Mistake 5: Only visiting Christmas Markets on Weekends or during Peak Hours
Weekends and evenings are magical but extremely crowded.
For a calmer experience, visit on weekday afternoons, when you can browse stalls and buy souvenirs without the crowds.
Return in the evening to enjoy the festive lights and sip a warming Glühwein.
Mistake 6: Only Going to the Big or Well-known Markets
Vienna and Salzburg Christmas Markets are iconic but attract huge crowds.
While markets like Vienna Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn Christmas Markets are visually spectacular and should be visited, limiting yourself to only the main cities and popular Christmas Markets means you might miss the more authentic experiences where locals enjoy their Glühwein after work.
Smaller markets offer a calmer, more intimate atmosphere and a chance to see Austria like a local.
Consider exploring some of these hidden gems:
♦ In Vienna: Spittelberg, Alt Wiener, and Weihnachtsdorf Campus Uni Wien
♦ In Salzburg: The Mirabellplatz Christmas Market and the Sternadvent Market
Don’t stop at Vienna and Salzburg.
Visit the Innsbruck Christmas Markets and the enchanting Wolfgangsee Advent Christmas Markets in the Salzkammergut, which are equally magical, offering a more traditional, festive experience away from the busiest crowds.
Alt Wiener Christmas Market in Vienna
The Lake Wolfgangsee Advent Markets
Innsbruck Christkindlmarkt © Innsbruck Tourimus
Mistake 7: Not Dressing Properly for Winter
Visiting Austria’s Christmas Markets means spending a lot of time outdoors in often unpredictable winter weather.
Temperatures can range from a sunny 10°C to freezing snow, so being under- or overdressed can quickly ruin your experience.
To stay comfortable, wear layers, including a warm base, mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget sturdy waterproof shoes, gloves, a scarf, and a hat.
Being able to adapt to changing weather will keep you warm, dry, and fully able to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Read our Christmas Market Packing Guide before you start to pack your luggage.
St Niklaus and Krampus
© www.neumayer.cc | www.christkindlmarkt.co.at
Mistake 8: Not Having a Phone and Internet
Navigating the markets, coordinating with travel companions, booking taxis, or making last-minute reservations all require reliable internet access.
Austria has excellent coverage and free Wi-Fi in many public areas, but during busy periods, it can be unreliable.
Using an eSIM service like Airalo provides affordable, instant access to mobile data across Europe, with weekly or monthly plans for calls and internet or just internet.
Simply download the Airalo app, activate your eSIM, and your phone is ready to use—far cheaper than traditional international roaming.
Organise your Airalo eSIM before you depart for your Austria Christmas Market Holiday.
To use Airalo, your phone must support eSIMs and be unlocked from your service provider.
Read our full guide on Other Ways to Use Your Mobile Phone in Austria
Mistake 9: Not Having Cash
Cash is king in Austria, and while some stalls accept cards, many food and drink vendors or smaller sellers only take Euros (€).
Debit cards, MasterCard, and Visa are generally accepted, but American Express and Diners Club cards are only usable in international hotels or upscale shops.
Always carry small coins (0.50€, 1€ and 2€), as many stalls appreciate exact change, and you may need coins for public toilets.
Read more advice in our Austria Travel Tips and Information Guide
Mistake 10: Using Christmas Market ATMs
While it’s easy to withdraw Euros from ATMs (known as Bankomats in Austria), avoid the temporary Christmas Market ATMs.
They often charge high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Instead, withdraw from a legitimate bank ATM before heading to the market.
♦♦ Always decline the currency conversion offered by the machine and pay in Euros to get your bank’s best rate.
For a modern alternative, consider a Wise card.
Wise allows you to hold funds in over 40 currencies, offers transparent conversion fees, and is cheaper than traditional methods.
Funds can be transferred easily from your bank account and used directly in Austria.
Get your Free Wise Card now
Mistake 11: No space in your luggage for souvenirs
Austria’s Christmas Markets are perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Wooden ornaments, candles, woollen products, glass decorations, and collectable Christmas mugs are all worth taking home. Discover top tips in our Vienna Christmas Market Mug Guide.
To avoid disappointment, bring a bag or backpack for market shopping and plan suitcase space for your treasures.
Bubble wrap or protective packaging (you can find it in stationery shops such as Libro or Pagro) will help prevent fragile items from breaking during travel.
Mistake 12: Impulse buying- Not doing a lap first
The first Austrian Christmas Market you visit is a feast for the senses: twinkling lights, the scent of Glühwein, and stalls brimming with sparkling decorations.
It can be tempting to buy the first shiny ornament you see, but this is a common mistake.
Instead, take a full lap of the market first to explore all the options. Similar items may be more affordable or unique at another stall, and you might discover something you love even more.
Patience ensures you make thoughtful purchases rather than impulse buys.
Read our 22 Best Austrian Christmas Market Souvenirs and Gifts so you know what to expect.
Mistake 13: Skipping traditional Food & Drinks
One of the most memorable aspects of visiting Austria’s Christmas Markets is sampling the traditional festive food.
While it’s still worth dining at local restaurants, don’t miss the market delicacies.
Markets are perfect for a lunch, snack, or festive drinks.
Beyond sausages, try Austrian specialities such as krapfen (doughnuts), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), Käsespätzle, Gröstl, and Goulash.
Enjoy a Glühwein or punch while strolling through the stalls for the full experience.
Discover the Austria Christmas Market Food that you must try.
Mistake 14: Christmas Market Mugs Etiquette
One of the favourite souvenirs from Austrian Christmas Markets is the Christmas Market Mug. Each market designs its own festive mug—making them highly collectable.
When you order a drink, such as Glühwein or punch, the price includes both the beverage and a refundable deposit (usually around €4–5).
If you return the mug after finishing your drink, you’ll receive your deposit back.
However, many visitors choose to keep the mug as a souvenir, as each one is unique and a wonderful reminder of your trip.
Understanding how this works saves confusion and ensures you can enjoy this festive custom like a local.
Read about where to find the Best Vienna Christmas Market Mugs
Mistake 15: Not buying locally made Christmas Market Souvenirs
Austria’s Christmas Markets are perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Wooden ornaments, candles, woollen products, glass decorations, and collectable Christmas mugs are all worth taking home. Discover top tips in our Vienna Christmas Market Mug Guide.
To avoid disappointment, bring a bag or backpack for market shopping and plan suitcase space for your treasures.
Bubble wrap or protective packaging (you can find it in stationery shops such as Libro or Pagro) will help prevent fragile items from breaking during travel.
Mistake 16: Not including non-Christmas Market activities
If you only focus on Christmas Markets, you are making one of the biggest mistakes.
While Austria’s Christmas Markets are magical, the country offers a wealth of experiences beyond them.
Consider mixing your market visits with cultural activities, such as classical concerts, Advent choral events, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, museum visits or head to the Alps for some pre-Christmas skiing.
This balance ensures a richer, more immersive Austrian winter experience and prevents your itinerary from feeling one-dimensional
Beyond the Christmas Market Toolkit
Vienna- Top things to do
♥ Vienna’s Opera House is one of the best in the world. Prebook Vienna Opera Tickets directly
♥ 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 ♥ Advent, Christmas and New Year’s Concerts in Minoriten Church
♥ The Vienna Symphony Advent Concert in Stephansdom ♥ Anne’s Church Christmas Concert
♥ Christmas Concert in Stephansdom ♥ Vienna Christmas Concert at Capuchin Church
♥ Christmas & New Year’s Concert in St Peter’s Church
♥ Visit the Spanish Riding School. Have a look behind the scenes of the 60-minute Guided Tour, witness a Spanish Riding School training session of the Lipizzaners and their riders, or see a Spanish Riding School Performance.
♥ Guided tour Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg
♥ Schönbrunn Palace
For more ideas Top 30 Things to See & Do in Vienna and 12 Best Vienna Indoor Activities
Salzburg- Top things to do
♥ 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 Salzburg Fortress.
♥ Cooking Classes and Food Tours Learn to cook Austrian Classics such as Schnitzel and Apple Strudel, Food tours and Wine or Beer Tastings
For more ideas read 30 Things to See and Do in Salzburg
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
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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.