Christmas markets, known as "Weihnachtsmärkte" in German, are a cherished tradition in Austria and are an integral part of the country's festive holiday season. These markets typically open in late November or early December and continue until Christmas Eve. Here's an overview of the Christmas markets in Austria:
Vienna Christmas Market
Vienna hosts several Christmas markets, with the most famous one being the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz (City Hall Square also known as Wiener Christkindlmarkt). It features a stunning Christmas tree, an ice skating rink, and numerous stalls selling gifts, crafts, and delicious Austrian food.
Opening dates: Nov 10 – Dec 26
Another popular market is at Schönbrunn Palace, where you can shop for handmade crafts and enjoy the imperial backdrop.
Opening dates: Nov 18 – Jan 4
The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market offers a romantic setting with its Baroque architecture.
Opening dates: Nov 17 – Dec 31
Salzburg
Salzburg's Christmas market in the old town, known as the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, is one of the oldest in Austria and has a charming atmosphere with traditional crafts and mulled wine.
Opening dates: Nov 23 – Jan 01
The Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market is famous for its sparkling decorations and a Christmas tree on the water.
Opening dates: Nov 23 – Dec 24 Tuesday-Friday 1 pm-8 pm
Saturday, Sunday, public holidays 10 am-8 pm
24 December 10 am- 2 pm
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Graz
Graz hosts the Christkindlmarkt on the main square, where you can find local handicrafts, festive decorations, and culinary delights including the "Feuerzangenbowle" - a blend of wine and rum.
Opening dates: Nov 18 – Dec 24; Daily 10 am – 10 pm / 24 December 10 am - 2 pm
Linz
The Linzer Christkindlmarkt in the Hauptplatz (Main Square) is known for its giant Advent wreath and diverse range of stalls.
Opening dates: Nov 18 – Dec 23
Hallstatt
Hallstatt, a picturesque village in the Austrian Alps, hosts a charming Christmas market by Lake Hallstatt with stunning mountain views.
Opening dates: Dec 8 (it only lasts for 1 day); 10 am — 6:30 pm
Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut region, known for its stunning lakes and mountains, hosts several smaller, cozy Christmas markets in towns like St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Bad Ischl.
Opening dates:
St. Wolfgang: Nov 17 – Dec 23; daily: 11am - 7:30 pm; Saturday, Sunday, Bank holidays and 9th of December: 10 am - 7:30 pm
St. Gilgen: Nov 17 – Dec 23; daily: 11am - 7:30 pm; Saturday, Sunday, Bank holidays and 9th of December: 10 am - 7:30 pm , Wednesday: closed
Bad Ischl: Nov 24– Dec 23; Wednesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. additionally on Tuesday, 19.12.23: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 23.12.23: until 4 p.m.
Tyrol
Tyrol, a region known for its traditional Alpine culture, offers numerous Christmas markets in cities like Kufstein, Kitzbühel, Hall in Tirol and Innsbruck
Opening dates:
Kufstein: Nov 24– Dec 23;
Wednesdays to Fridays from 4:00pm to 8:00pm; Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Christmas Enchantment at Kufstein Fortress: November 25 to December 17, 2023: Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00am to 7:00pm
Kitzbühel: Nov 22– Dec 26; Wednesday to Sunday: 2.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m; 24th December: 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m
Hall in Tirol: Nov 24– Dec 23; Mondays to Fridays: 3:00pm – 8:00pm; Saturdays: 10:00am – 8:00pm; Sundays: 1:00pm – 8:00pm; December 08, 2023: 10:00am – 8:00pm; food stalls are open daily until 9:00pm.
Innsbruck: Nov 15 – Dec 23; open daily from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm.
The market at Maria-Theresien street, with its giant Christmas tree, is also a highlight.
Opening dates: Nov 25 – Jan 4; Open daily from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm
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