Salzburg Christkindlmarkt | © Tourismus Salzburg / G. Breitegger
Salzburg in Advent
Salzburg was seemingly created to conjure up a fairy-tale atmosphere during the most beautiful time of the year! The Christmas markets, Advent concerts and folk customs charm and mesmerize visitors to the magical City of Mozart.
The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt: a world-famous Advent market
Towards the end of November, the arrival of Advent marks the beginning of an especially beautiful time of year in Salzburg. The festively decked-out city is even more radiant than usual, while the smell of hot chestnuts, mulled wine and delicious cookies wafts through the lanes of the historical district.
A stroll through Salzburg during Advent season is a truly memorable experience. As you do so, you simply have to pay a visit to the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, which is held on the squares next to the cathedral and Residenz. This traditional Christmas market is one of the most beautiful you will encounter anywhere in the world. That said, the delightful “Advent Magic” market at Hellbrunn palace is also particularly popular with families. A peaceful Advent market on Mirabell Square, close to Mirabell Gardens, is well worth a visit, too, as is Stern Advent at the Sternbräu and the aptly named Fortress Advent up at Hohensalzburg Fortress.
All christmas markets in Salzburg
- Google Maps: Advent Markets Overview
- PDF: Advent map
Advent Events: Folk Traditions and Music
From the end of November until the beginning of January, you can be witness to an array of eerily captivating moments, when Krampus and Percht get up to their mischief in the streets of Salzburg. Parades featuring these two unsettling figures are a deeply rooted folk tradition in Austria. Other than visits by Saint Nicholas and his companions, a variety of other Advent events enthrall guests with their magic: Salzburg Advent Singing, for example, conjures up a sense of peaceful reflection, a welcome change of pace from the hectic run-up to Christmas. As a city of music, Salzburg is also proud to be the place where the song “Silent Night” was born.
Advent exhibitions
Advent in Salzburg promises countless unforgettable impressions! Aside from markets, music and folk traditions, these include exhibitions and the ever-popular Nativity scenes as well. While the Salzburg Christmas Museum on Mozart Square is actually open year round, special Christmas exhibitions also attract visitors to the Toy Museum and the DomQuartier.
