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CHRISTMAS

How long are Austria’s famous Christmas markets open this year?

One of the highlights of the year in Austria can be readily enjoyed anywhere in the country - its legendary Christmas markets. But how long do they stay open in the evening - and do some remain open until the New Year?

Published: 6 November 2023 16:17 CET
Updated: 9 December 2023 08:27 CET
How long are Austria's famous Christmas markets open this year?
Vienna's stunning Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz. Soure: luckysilver1 / Pixabay

Vienna

The Viennese adore Christmas, and this is reflected in the sheer number of Christmas markets that begin appearing late November.

With so many markets taking place throughout the city, there’s definitely one for almost every taste. 

For those who like an over the top Yuletide extravaganza, the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, and the Christmas and New Year’s Market at Schönbrunn Palace fit the bill.

Both locations feature a spectacular backdrop, selling a huge range of food, treats and Christmas gifts. The Schönbrunn Palace market also hosts a number of live music performances, making things especially atmospheric. 

For those looking for something a little more intimate and cosy, the Christmas Market at Stephansplatz harks back to a more traditional festive season, with the Gothic majesty of the Stephansdom as an amazing backdrop to a smaller collection of wooden stalls selling traditional products. Similarly, the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on the Freyung describes itself as ‘klein, aber fein’ (small but fine), with more of a focus on arts and crafts – there are even daily demonstrations of traditional handicrafts.

Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz

Rathausplatz, 1010

November 10th – December 26th, 10:00 – 22:00 daily

(Christmas Eve, 10:00 – 18:30)

Christmas and New Year’s Market at Schönbrunn Palace 

Schloß Schönbrunn, 1130

November 18th to December 23rd, 10:00 – 21:00

Christmas Eve – 10:00 – 16:00

Christmas Day – January 4th, 10:00 -18:00

Christmas Market at Stephansplatz 

Stephansplatz, 1010

November 10th – December 26th, 11:00 – 21:00

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on the Freyung 

Freyung, 1010

November 17th – December 23rd, 10:00 – 21:00

Graz 

Styria’s capital, with a gorgeous mediaeval centre and surrounded by hills that get a charming white dusting in the winter, is a wonderful place to spend the holiday season. Accordingly, they have a number of Christmas markets that cater to the visitors who come to sample an Austrian Christmas.

Perhaps the biggest and best is the Christkindlmarkt at Hauptplatz, outside the Rathaus. This market has a little of everything, and is a particularly good place to sample a Grazer specialty – ‘Feuerzangenbowle’, a flaming blend of wine and rum.

Graz’s oldest Christmas Market, and the other standout, the Old Town Traditional Christmas Market, takes place outside the Franziskanerkirche. Kids love the nativity scene here that features real sheep, and there’s also a carousel. It’s probably one of the most photogenic markets in the whole of Austria. 

Christkindlmarkt at Hauptplatz

Hauptplatz, 8010

November 18th – December 23rd, 10:00 – 22:00

(Christmas Eve, 10:00 – 14:00)

Old Town Traditional Christmas Market

Franziskanerplatz, 8010

November 18th – December 23rd, 10:00 – 22:00

(Christmas Eve, 10:00 – 14:00)

Innsbruck

For a truly alpine Christmas, Innsbruck can’t be beat. With a soaring mountain backdrop, the city seems cradled, has a cosy, friendly feel. This warm atmosphere extends to their Christmas markets. 

Innsbruck’s star attraction, in terms of Christmas Markets, is the Old Town Christmas Market, that takes places outside the iconic ‘Golden Roof’ on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. After strolling through the rows of wonderful stalls in the heart of the quaint ‘altstadt’, be sure to try the local speciality, the Tirolese  ‘Kiachln’, a sweet dough pastry. 

For something truly different – and with an amazing view, take the cable car up to the Panorama Christmas Market at the Hungerburg. With a particular focus on great food, and a unique Christmas gifts, this is an experience not to be missed. 

Old Town Christmas Market

Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6010

November 15th – December 23rd, 11:00 – 21:00

Panorama Christmas Market at the Hungerburg

Innsbruck, 6020

November 24th – January 6th, Monday – Friday 1300 – 1800, Weekends 12:00 – 19:00

(Christmas Eve, 12:00 – 15:00)

(New Year’s Eve, 12:00 – 17:00)

Salzburg

Salzburg ain’t just all about ‘The Sound of Music’ – it also does a mean Christmas Market. The Baroque gem on the border understands the hold it has on visitors, and well-established markets welcome a number of visitors each year. 

When we said ‘well-established’, we weren’t kidding. Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz may have roots stretching back as far as the 15th century, and is considered by some as one of Europe’s best, with a wealth of traditional treats, gluhwein and handcrafted toys in the city’s foremost location. 

If you’d like a more spectacular setting in which to sip your gluhwein, Salzburg’s Hohensalzburg also hosts their own Christmas Market. Advent at the Hohensalzburg features a beautiful path up the hill lit by star lanterns and a courtyard full of local artisans selling gifts, as well as Salburgerland specialities to sate your hunger. 

Salzburg Christkindlmarkt

Domplatz, 5020

November 23rd – January 1st, Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 20:30, Friday 10:00 – 21:00,  Saturdays 09:00 – 21:00, Sundays & Holidays 09:00 – 20:30

(Christmas Eve – 09:00 – 15:00)

(Christmas Day & Boxing Day – 11:00 – 18:00)

(December 27th – December 30th, 10:00 – 20:30)

(New Year’s Eve -10:00 – 01:00)

(New Year’s Day – 10:00 – 18:00)

Advent at the Hohensalzburg

Mönchsberg 34, 5020

December 1st – December 18th. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 – 19:00

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DISCOVER AUSTRIA

What’s on: 10 things to do in Austria this June

Summer is almost here and a lot of things are going on in Austria. Here we list 10 of June's most exciting events to go to.

Published: 17 May 2024 12:42 CEST
What's on: 10 things to do in Austria this June

Narzissenfest

Every year, the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut region is transformed into a sea of yellow and white as blooming daffodils cover the landscape.

To celebrate this, the region hosts the annual Narzissenfest, Austria’s largest flower festival.

This year, the town of Bad Aussee will host the festival’s main attractions from May 30th to June 2nd. – including the Narzissennacht (daffodil night) and the parade of the daffodil figures on June 2nd, which culminates with the announcement of the winning figure at 3 pm.

 
 
 
 
 
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Graz Design Month

Graz Design Month is an actually festival dedicated to design and creativity. It takes place from May 3rd to June 2nd in the city centre of Graz.

Here, you can enjoy a lot of activities, including exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and installations, presenting both local and international design talent.

Graz Design Month aims to celebrate design in all its forms, from graphic design and architecture to fashion and industrial design.

Vienna Pride

This year, Vienna Pride takes place from May 25th to June 9th. During this time, Austria’s Capital will host a variety of events to celebrate diversity, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.

The event’s main attraction will be the Pride Parade – also known as the Rainbow Parade – on June 8th, where more than 300,000 people are expected to celebrate and demonstrate together in the city centre. 

Other highlights include Pride Village where community associations, LGBTIQ artists and cooperation partners present themselves and invite you to experience the LGBTIQ culture in Vienna, and The Vienna Pride Run on June 7th around Ringstraße in the inner city. 

Vienna Pride Parade 2023. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP)
 

Baden Rose Days

Every year, the Rosarium in the charming spa town of Baden, near Vienna, comes to life for three weeks during the Badener Rosentage. This year the festival takes place June 1st to June 23rd.

During the three weeks, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of blooming roses and enjoy over 25,000 rose bushes comprising more than 900 distinct varieties of the romantic flower.

To mark the onset of the rose blossom season in Baden, the city will host an exciting line up of concerts on Saturday, June 1st. The evening’s program will culminate with a piece fusing rock, opera, and classical music, promising an unforgettable experience.

READ MORE: Four of the best hidden villages in Austria’s Salzkammergut region

Sommernachtskonzert

On the June 7th, the Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna will host a spectacular – and free – musical programme from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Over 100,000 people are expected to flock to the palace park to enjoy the Summer Night Concert, which this year will be led by Andris Nelsons – Grammy Award-winning conductor from Latvia.

Norwegian opera singer Lise Davidsen will be heard as a soloist. She will sing two arias – from Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser and from Giuseppe Verdi’s La forza del destino.

Tanz Ist Festival

This year from June 13th to 23rd, this dance festival is taking place in Dornbirn in Vorarlberg. 

Established in 1994 by dancer and choreographer Günter Marinelli, tanz ist festival has become a famous international dance festival that fosters collaborations between artists and institutions.

Each year, the festival focuses on a specific theme and explores various aspects of the dance world. In this edition, the spotlight shines on Canada, offering a glimpse into the country’s dance avant-garde.

The programme presents both emerging and well-known talents who have left an indelible mark on the dance scene.

Sonnwendfeier

From June 22nd to 29th, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal region along the Danube river comes alive with dazzling summer solstice celebrations.

Throughout the period, local towns and villages alongside the river and in the river valley host traditional midsummer celebrations, from bonfires to fireworks to displays of thousands of floating lights covering the Danube river.

READ ALSO: Train travel in Austria: The best day trips from Vienna

The Donauinselfest

The Donauinselfest, also known as the Danube Island Festival, is one of Europe’s largest open-air music festivals.

This year, it takes place on the Danube Island in Vienna from June 21st to 23rd, where numerous stages will host performances by both local and international artists.

As well as music, there will be cultural performances, art exhibitions, entertainment for children, food stalls and drink stands to keep everyone entertained. 

 
 
 
 
 
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Lido Sounds Festival 

Lido Sounds Festival is a cross-genre festival taking place from June 27th to 30th in Linz. Here, you can find something for everyone’s taste; indie, alternative, pop, soul, hip-hop and rock. 

Deichkind, Kraftklub and Sam Smith have been confirmed as this years top acts. In addition, Editors, Gossip, Idles, K.I.Z, Kings Of Leon, Nina Chuba and many more are booked. 

Alpine Summer Opening

On June 16th, it is time for this years Alpine Summer Opening in Großarltal valley, Salzburg.

Old customs and traditions remain strong in the Salzburgerland region and every year, a different town hosts this lively festival to mark the official start of the Alpine summer. 

This year, the festivities will be held at the Maurach Alm mountain pasture in the Großarltal valley. There will be music, traditional Alpine dances and cuisine.

READ NEXT: 6 great alternatives to Austria’s overcrowded tourists hotspots

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