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Location: Austria

Christmas markets in Austria

The Festive season in Austria

In Austria, the Advent period has a very special meaning. Starting on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas Eve, advent wreaths are displayed to remember the arrival of Christ. It is a time to remember traditions such as the Christmas tree’s arrival in the home on Christmas Eve and enjoy the feast of St Nicholas – more info about the Festive season.

Christmas markets 

Think of Advent Markets, and many people will think of Germany. However, Christmas markets are a well-established and a typically Austrian tradition. From around mid-November until the end of December, Christmas markets can be found in every major city and town in Austria.

The ‘December Market’ in Vienna, the capital of Austria, dates back to 1298 and is regarded by some as the forerunner to the Christmas Market. Vienna now hosts around 25 markets. Graz , Austria’s second city, offers about 14 markets. Innsbruck‘s markets enjoy a Tyrolean mountain backdrop whilst Salzburg, a city acclaimed for its culture and music, offers some of the most romantic Christmas markets in Austria. Don’t just restrict yourself to the major cities – many alpine towns and villages, such as Kitzbuhel, Hall-in-Tirol and Linz, will host markets, which although not that large, ooze character and atmosphere.

If you’re not sure what market or city to visit, take a look at the Austrian Christmas markets on our site for full information including locations and maps, opening times and hours and reviews on the most popular markets.

Things to see and do 

Many of our city and market pages also offer a selection of what you can expect to see and do to make your visit or short break to a market more memorable.

Location of Austria

Austria, in Central Europe, is bordered to the north by Germany and Czech Republic, to the east by Slovakia and Hungary, to the west by Lichtenstein and Switzerland and by Italy and Slovenia to the south, making it very accessible from mainland Europe.

Travelling to Austria

• By air – with flights to a wide choice of Austrian destinations from most countries and approximately 2 hours away from many UK gateways, flying is likely to be the quickest option.
• By car  – with fast motorways through all of the bordering countries, arriving by car is easy.
• By coach and rail – well-connected network of routes throughout Europe and cost-effective, reliable coach services from the UK.

Christmas Market and Festive Breaks to Austria

We also have a wide choice of Christmas market coach tours available, taking in the Austrian Lake District and cities such as Linz, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, along with seasonal breaks by air and rail and fabulous hotel offers – see our Christmas breaks section.

Dates and times 

Please note the information and dates on the markets are subject to change.

Click here to see markets in other countries