When do Christmas markets start in Austria in 2026?

Most Christmas markets in Austria open in the second half of November, though some open a little earlier. Christmas markets in large cities are usually open every day – often until 24 December, and some even until New Year’s Eve or 6 January. Smaller Christmas markets in rural areas, on the other hand, often run for shorter periods. Some are only open on selected weekends or on a single date.

Which are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria?

Austria's Christmas markets are wonderfully diverse – from Christmas markets set against historic palaces to Advent markets high in the mountains. Among the best known are the markets in Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck, as well as special Advent markets such as those in St. Wolfgang in the Salzkammergut, Katschberg in Carinthia, Mariazell in Styria and Rattenberg in Tyrol.

Are Christmas markets in Austria family-friendly?

Absolutely – many Christmas markets in Austria cater specifically to families with their own activities. Numerous Christmas markets and Advent markets offer children’s programmes featuring pony rides, ice rinks, carousels, craft workshops and fairy-tale readings.

Which Christmas markets in Austria take place in front of castles?

Several Advent markets in Austria take place right in front of castles: The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the Hellbrunn's Advent Magic in Salzburg, the Christmas market at Vienna's Belvedere Palace, and the Advent market in the palace park of Grafenegg in Lower Austria.

Christmas market at Karlsplatz Vienna in evening light, wooden huts with fairy lights, Karlskirche in the background.

Christmas markets in Austria 2026
Christmas and Advent markets in cities, castles and villages

During Advent, Christmas markets in towns and countryside come alight, filled with festive scents and sparkle. Strolling and enjoying together - the anticipation builds!

At Christmas time, Austria immerses you in a truly unique atmosphere, with Christmas markets bringing festive spirit to all 9 provinces. In the cities, lights twinkle while the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds drifts through beautifully decorated lanes.

At a Christmas market in front of a magnificent palace such as Schönbrunn or Grafenegg, you'll find fine craftsmanship, regional delicacies and festive music. In rural areas, atmospheric Advent markets offer authentic specialities and a real sense of local warmth.

These Christmas markets are places for connection and special moments. Browsing handcrafted gifts and discovering traditional decorations, while music plays or the snow crunches softly underfoot. Away from the hustle and bustle, especially in small villages, you can feel the true magic of Advent, set against a beautiful winter landscape.

Festive Christmas discoveries

Tips for Christmas markets in Austria’s cities

This Christkindlmarkt in the heart of Vienna sits right on the Rathausplatz, in front of the beautifully lit town hall. Countless stalls selling handicrafts and culinary delights, a tree covered in hearts, and a dedicated children's programme make this market a highlight in the city centre. Those who aren’t out strolling or enjoying the Viennese conviviality at the mulled wine stalls can skate a few laps on the ice rink or follow the trail of artistically crafted nativity scenes.

Equally rich in history is the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. The traditional huts in the heart of the Baroque old town create a special festive setting.

No less impressive is the Christkindlmarkt in Innsbruck's old town. Accompanied by the sound of the tower trumpeters at the Golden Roof, and with the spiced scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifting through the medieval lanes, a particularly cosy mood takes hold.

At the Advent market at Schlossberg in Graz, high above the rooftops of the city, you can look forward to atmospheric lighting, regional specialities and sweeping views.

Traditions in Advent

Tips for Christmas markets in Austria’s regions

The Wolfgangseer Advent in the Salzkammergut is themed "Advent as it used to be". Here you'll experience traditions and craftsmanship up close with the people of the region. Always in view: the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang.

By torchlight and candlelight, the Salzburg Mountain Advent in the Großarltal showcases a variety of nativity scenes, handcrafted over months by the locals.

The Katschberg Advent Trail in Carinthia follows an illuminated winter path between snow-covered huts, passing regional specialities, music and readings.

The scent of gingerbread and beeswax fills the lanes around the basilica in Mariazell in Styria. Here, pilgrimage tradition and a festive atmosphere shape the Advent season.

At the Rattenberg Advent in Tyrol, candles, torches and open fires replace electric light in the medieval town, creating a particularly festive mood.

Imperial backdrops

Tips for Christmas markets at Austria’s castles

Where emperors and princes once resided, Advent comes to life in a truly special way. At Hellbrunn's Advent Magic in Salzburg, a fairytale forest of 700 fir trees awaits, decorated with 10,000 red baubles and fairy lights.

The Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna exudes imperial flair. Set against the palace's festive illumination, traditional craftsmanship is on offer – from wood carvings and nostalgic toys to lovingly designed decorative pieces.

In front of Vienna's Belvedere Palace, a Christmas market unfolds amid baroque surroundings, offering creative gift ideas and culinary delights.

In the beautifully illuminated palace park, the Advent Market in Grafenegg in Lower Austria awaits with handcrafted goods, regional specialities and a supporting programme full of music and readings.

Note:

Our list provides an overview of the Advent markets by province but does not claim to be complete. Please note that not all dates for 2026 are available yet. We are continuously working to add and update the information. As changes to dates may occur at short notice, please also check the website of the respective region or contact the local tourism board directly.

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Vienna

Advent market in the Hirschstetten flower gardens
12 Nov - 20 Dec 2026

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung (Link in German only)
14 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

Am Hof Advent Market (Link in German only)
13 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

Art Advent: arts and crafts on Karlsplatz
Dates tbc

Museums Quartier Winter garden at MQ
Dates tbc

Belvedere Palace K&K Christmas market
20 Nov - 31 Dec 2026

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresia Square
20 Nov - 26 Dec 2026

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Vienna

Christmas market on Stephansplatz
6 Nov - 26 Dec 2026

Weihnachtsdorf Uni Campus Wien
13 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace
6 Nov 2025 - 6 Jan 2026

Christmas market on Spittelberg
13 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

Christmas market in Türkenschanzpark (Link in German only) 14 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

Christmas Magic at Schwarzenbergplatz
13 Nov - 26 Dec 2026

Vienna Christmas Market in front of the City Hall - Rathausplatz 13 Nov - 26 Dec 2026

Winter market at Riesenradplatz - Prater
20 Nov 2026 - 6 Jan 2027

Burgenland

Eisenstadt:
Advent Market at Esterházy Palace
11 – 13 Dec 2026
Eisenstadt Christkindlmarkt (Link in German only)
20 Nov – 24 Dec 2026

Forchtenstein: Advent Market at Forchtenstein Castle
27 – 29 Nov 2026

Mörbisch: Winter Wonder Mörbisch
20 Nov – 30 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + additional dates

Rust: Ruster Adventmeile (Link in German only)
20 Nov – 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 7 - 8 Dec

St. Margarethen: Christmas Market (Link in German only)
6 Dec 2026

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Carinthia

Bad Kleinkirchheim: Kirchheimer Advent
27 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 7 and 8 Dec

Feistritz ob Bleiburg: Petzen Christmas market at 1,700m
5 - 13 Dec, Saturday to Sunday + 19 Dec 2026

Katschberg: Katschberg Advent Trail
25 Nov - 23 Dec 2026; Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun + 8 and 25 Dec

Klagenfurt: Klagenfurt Christmas market on Neuer Platz 14 Nov - 24 Dec 2026

Launsdorf: Advent market at Hochosterwitz Castle (Link in German only) 4 - 8 Dec 2026

Mallnitz: Mallnitz Mountain Advent (Link in German only)
27 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Saturday + 7 and 8 Dec

Lake Millstätter See: Millstätter Lichtweg
29 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

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Carinthia

Villach / Villach region: Advent in Villach
20 Nov - 31 Dec 2026 (some huts until 6 Jan 2027)

Wörthersee: Advent on Lake Wörthersee
21 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 8 Dec

Maria Wörth: Romantic Church Advent Maria Wörth
21 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Saturday and Sunday + 8 Dec

Pörtschach: Silent Advent on the lake
20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday

Pyramidenkogel: Advent above the clouds on the Pyramidenkogel
20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 8 Dec

Velden: Velden Advent
20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 8 Dec

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Lower Austria

Aggsbach Dorf: Arts and crafts market at the Aggstein castle ruins
6 - 22 Nov 2026, Friday to Sunday

Baden bei Wien: Advent in the park - Baden FAIRzaubert (Link in German only)
20 Nov - 23 Dec 2026, Wednesday to Sunday + 8 Dec

Dürnstein: Wachau Advent Dürnstein Castle (Link in German only) 20 Nov - 13 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 8 Dec

Eggenburg: Eggenburger Adventzauber (Link in German only) 15 Dec 2026

Ebreichsdorf: Advent magic in Ebreichsdorf Castle Park
(Link in German only) 28 Nov - 13 Dec 2026, Saturday to Sunday

Grafenegg: Grafenegg Advent at Grafenegg Castle
5 - 8 Dec 2026

Krems: Kremser Adventzauber (Link in German only)
19 Nov - 20 Dec 2026

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Lower Austria

Litschau: Litschau Advent "From house to house"
(Link in German only) 28 - 29 Nov 2026

Mostviertel: Advent on the Cider and Iron Road (Link in German only)
28 Nov - 13 Dec 2026, Flaming Christmas
21 Nov - 6 Dec 2026, Sparkling Village Christmas

Perchtoldsdorf: Christmas market at Kirchenbergl (Link in German only)
Dates tbc

Rosenburg: Waldviertler Christkindlmarkt at Rosenburg Castle
21 - 29 Nov 2026, Friday to Sunday

Schallaburg: Schallaburg Christmas Market
11 - 13 Dec 2026

Schiltern: Kittenberger's Advent magic in the garden
(Link in German only) 2 Nov 2026 - 6 Jan 2027

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Lower Austria

Schloss Hof: Christmas market at Schloss Hof
14 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Saturday to Sunday + 7 and 8 Dec

Seebenstein: Advent mile in Seebenstein Park (Link in German only)
28 - 29 Nov 2026

Tulln an der Donau: Winter Enchantment Market at the Minorite Monastery) (Link in German only) 21 Nov - 24 Dec 2026

Weitra: Weitraer Adventtage (Link in German only)
28 - 29 Nov 2026

Wiener Neustadt: The "New Advent" (Link in German only)
27 - 29 Nov 2026, Advent in Beethovenallee
4 - 6 Dec 2026, Advent at the cathedral
11 - 13 Dec 2026, Advent in the Mayor's Garden

Zwettl: Golden Zwettl Advent (Link in German only)
5 – 8 December 2026

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Upper Austria

Bad Ischl: Christmas Market
Dates tbc

Garsten: Garstner Advent (Link in German only)
28 Nov – 8 Dec 2026, Saturday and Sunday + 08 Dec

Kirchdorf am Inn: Christmas market Schloss Katzenberg
(Link in German only) 4 - 13 Dec 2026, Saturday and Sunday

Kirchdorf an der Krems: Kirchdorfer Adventzauber
(Link in German only) Dates tbc

Linz:
Christmas market on Linz's main square
21 Nov - 23 Dec 2026
Christmas market in the Volksgarten in Linz
21 Nov - 23 Dec 2026
Advent at the cathedral
21 Nov - 23 Dec 2026, Tuesday to Sunday

Mondsee: Advent in Mondsee
20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Thursday to Sunday

Pettenbach im Almtal: Christmas market in Pettenbach (Link in German only) 8 Dec 2026

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Upper Austria

Steinbach an der Steyr: Steinbach Advent Market
28 November – 20 December 2026,
Saturdays and Sundays + 8 December

Steyr:
Advent in the 'Christkindl' Region of Steyr
Dates tbc
Advent Village on the Town Square
13 November – 23 December 2026
Steyr Christmas Market Promenade
13 November – 21 December 2026, Friday to Sunday

Traunsee: Gmunden Advent
Date tbc

Traunkirchen: Christmas Market
5, 6 and 8 December 2026

Wels: Wels Christmas World (Link in German only)
Dates tbc

Wolfgangsee Advent
20 November – 20 December 2026, Wednesday to Sunday + 7 and 8 December

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SalzburgerLand

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee Advent.Moments:
21 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Saturday to Sunday + 8 Dec

Gasteinertal: Advent markets in Gasteinertal

Bad Hofgastein: Advent market
27 Nov – 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 7 and 8 Dec

Fuschl am See: Advent in the villages of the Fuschlsee region Dates tbc

Goldegg: Goldegg Advent (Link in German only)
20 Dec 2026

Grossarl: Salzburg Mountain Advent
20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 7 and 8 Dec

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SalzburgerLand

Grödig-St. Leonhard: Advent market St. Leonhard 28 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Sundays + 8 Dec

Hallein: Halleiner Weihnachtsmarkt (Link in German only) 13 Nov - 20 Dec, Friday to Sunday.

Hochkönig: Advent in the Alps of Salzburg
Pilgrimage Advent Maria Alm
27 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday
Advent in Dienten 12 - 14 Dec 2026

Mauterndorf: Advent market at Mauterndorf Castle
5 - 13 Dec 2026, Saturday to Sunday + 7 and 8 Dec

Obertauern: Tauernadvent
Dates tbc

Radstadt: Radstadt Mountain Advent on the town square
28 Nov - 27 Dec 2026, Saturday to Sunday

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SalzburgerLand

Salzburg City: Advent in Salzburg
Christkindlmarkt on Dom- and Residenzplatz Square
19 Nov 2026 - 1 Jan 2027
Advent market in the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress
27 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 7 - 8 December
Hellbrunn Advent Magic at Hellbrunn Palace
19 Nov - 24 Dec 2026
Christmas Market on Mirabellplatz
19 Nov - 31 Dec 2026
Sternadvent with winter market
19 Nov 2026 - 6 Jan 2027

Salzburger Saalachtal: Mountain Christmas in Maria Kirchental 5 - 13 Dec 2026, Saturday and Sunday

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SalzburgerLand

Henndorf am Wallersee: Christmas market at Gut Aiderbichl 13 Nov 2026 - 6 Jan 2027

Mattsee: Advent market on the lake
28 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday

Oberndorf: Silent Night Advent Market
Dates tbc

Werfen: Advent market at Hohenwerfen Castle
28 - 29 Nov | 5 - 8 Dec 2026

Wolfgangsee: Wolfgangsee Advent
20 Nov – 20 Dec 2026, Wednesday to Sunday + 7 and 8 Dec

Zell am See: Star Advent Markt
Dates tbc

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Styria

Admont: Admont Advent Market
4 - 13 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday

Gesäuse: Advent in Gesäuse National Park
(Link in German only) 29 Nov 2026

Bad Gleichenberg: Advent market
29 Nov - 20 Dec 2026

Bruck an der Mur: Christkindlmarkt at Bruck's Schlossberg
26 – 29 Nov 2026

Fürstenfeld: Fürstenfeld Christmas market
Dates tbc

Gleisdorf: Gleisdorfer Advent market
27 Nov - 23 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 8 Dec

Graz: Advent in Graz
Aufsteiern Christmas market on the Schlossberg
20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday - Sunday
Christmas market on the main square
20 Nov - 24 Dec 2026
Advent market in the Joanneum quarter
20 Nov - 23 Dec 2026
Christmas market in the Franciscan quarter
20 Nov - 24 Dec 2026

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Styria

Hartberg: Hartberg Christmas Magic
20 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

Leoben: Leoben Christmas Market
27 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

Mariazell: Mariazell Advent (Link in German only)
19 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Thursday to Sunday + 7 and 8 Dec

Pöllau Castle Advent (Link in German only)
12 - 20 Dec 2026, Thursday to Sunday + 8 Dec

Schladming:
Advent am Talbach 27 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday
Advent Magic in the Talbachklamm 28 Nov + 19 Dec

Zeltweg: Farracher Advent (Link in German only)
4 - 8 Dec 2026

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Tirol

Lake Achensee: AchenSee Christmas
Dates tbc

Tirolean mountain Christmas in Sixenhof
(Link in German only) Dates tbc

Hall in Tirol: Hall Advent market
20 Nov - 24 Dec 2026

Innsbruck Christmas Markets:
In the old town - the traditional market
15 Nov - 23 Dec 2026
Hungerburg - the panorama market
25 Nov 2026 - 6 Jan 2027
Maria-Theresien- Straße - the modern market
25 Nov 2026 - 6 Jan 2027
Am Marktplatz - the family market
15 Nov - 23 Dec 2026
St. Nikolaus - the contemplative market
20 Nov - 23 Dec 2026
Wilten - the artistic market
20 Nov - 23 Dec 2026

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Tirol

Kufstein: Christmas magic 20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026

Lienz: Lienz Advent 20 Nov - 24 Dec 2026

Olympiaregion Seefeld: Romantic Christmas market in Seefeld 20 Nov 2026 - 6 Jan 2027

Leutasch: Leutascher Chapel Advent
27 Nov - 19 Dec 2026, Friday and Saturday

PillerseeTal: Magical Advent - Christmas village by the lake
28 - 29 Nov and 12 - 13 Dec 2026

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Tirol

Rattenberg: Rattenberg Advent
20 Nov - 20 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday

Schwaz: Schwaz Advent (Link in German only)
21 Nov - 23 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday + 8 Dec

St. Johann in Tirol: St. Johann Christmas market
27 Nov - 24 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday

Zillertal:
Mayrhofen: Mayrhofen Advent at the Waldfestplatz
28 Nov - 19 Dec 2026, Friday to Sunday
Tux-Finkenberg: Tux Advent for families
29 Nov 2026
Zell-Gerlos: Zell Christmas market
12 - 13 Dec 2026