Austria has some of Europe’s most traditional winter markets, featuring handcrafted ornaments, stunning mountain backdrops, and authentic Alpine experiences that range from grand capital celebrations to intimate village gatherings. This guide highlights the top Christmas markets in Austria, based on visitor feedback and my personal experiences as a travel blogger.
Christmas Markets in Austria
Dates
Status: Confirmed
Austrian dates: 13th November 2026 to 6th January 2027 (specific dates vary by market – see below).
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Last year’s dates were finalised in August. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Our Top Picks
Looking for a specific market? Skip to the full list ↓.
1. Vienna
Look no further than Vienna if you’re looking for the ultimate European market experience. As Austria’s capital, Vienna holds the country’s biggest and most diverse selection of winter markets, from the classic Christkindlmarkt at the Town Hall to the romantic setting at Belvedere Palace.
With multiple large markets and countless smaller ones, you could easily spend a week exploring the festive offerings. Beyond the markets, Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland with world-class museums, an incredible food scene, and stunning architecture.
Read the full Vienna Christmas Market guide.
To stay in a central location, book one of my recommended hotels in Vienna. In general, I suggest staying near the Museum Quarter or Rathausplatz.
2. Salzburg
Set against the stunning Salzburg Cathedral with views of the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, this market creates an authentic winter wonderland atmosphere with traditional goods, live music, and exceptional food offerings.
As with Vienna, multiple markets of various sizes span the city centre and its surrounding areas, making it perfect for a classic European winter experience. The market at Mirabell Palace is a highlight.
Read the full Salzburg Christmas Market guide.
My curated list of hotels in Salzburg, can help you find a place to stay.
3. Graz
Moving up our list based on visitor feedback from last year, this charming, smaller city offers wonderfully traditional Austrian markets with a cosy, intimate atmosphere away from Vienna’s crowds.
The Advent Market at Town Hall Square features handmade toys and decorations, while scattered markets throughout the pedestrian areas provide easy tram access. Don’t miss the specialty drink feuerzangenbowle – a fiery wine and rum mix that locals favour over glühwein.
Read the full Graz Christmas Market guide.
You won’t have to walk too far by choosing one of these central hotels in Graz.
4. Innsbruck
This compact city, situated along the emerald-green River Inn, offers spectacular mountain backdrops for winter activities, where locals famously hit the slopes during their lunch breaks. I wish I knew how to ski so I could have experienced this on my visit.
Two main markets line the river and historic city centre, featuring the elaborate Golden Roof as a stunning centrepiece. The charming old town, with its colourful pastel buildings, creates a fairytale atmosphere perfect for a traditional afternoon of coffee and cake.
Read the full Innsbruck Christmas Market guide.
Book one of my recommended hotels in Innsbruck.
Complete List of Austrian Christmas Markets
If you’re looking for places to visit outside of Austria, read my guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
- Bad Ischl – Historic spa town and former imperial summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph. Features traditional wood carvings, hand-painted glassware, and regional specialties like Kasnocken (cheese dumplings) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes).
- Graz – See top picks above.
- Hallstatt – Picture-perfect lakeside village hosting a unique one-day annual market in the town square, offering handcrafted goods against breathtaking mountain views. Book early to secure a hotel in Hallstatt or arrange a day trip from Salzburg.
- Innsbruck – See top picks above.
- Kitzbühel – Alpine town market known for handmade wooden toys, ceramics, roasted almonds, and family activities, including a petting zoo and carousel.
- Klagenfurt – Hidden gem with cosy atmosphere and high-quality local woollen products, plus small regional markets showcasing local traditions. I stumbled upon this market when I visited a friend who lived there. It was one of the most memorable events, and I still have my wool socks that have kept me warm during many winters since my visit. Book a hotel in Klagenfurt.
- Linz – One of Austria’s largest markets with 170+ stalls across the city centre, featuring a decorated tree centrepiece and traditional ceramics.
- Salzburg – See top picks above.
- St. Wolfgang – Unique lakeside setting on Lake Wolfgang offering pottery, glassware, carved figurines, strudel, and live entertainment in picturesque surroundings.
- Vienna – See top picks above.
- Villach – Near the Italian and Slovenian borders, featuring a giant Advent calendar on the town hall, unique decorations, and local Carinthian specialties, such as Kärntner Nudeln (Carinthian-style pasta) and Reindling (a slice of sweet bread with cinnamon and raisins).
Sustainable Travel Ideas
- Choose hotels that utilise renewable energy and employ eco-friendly practices when booking your accommodation.
- Austrian markets are increasingly using biodegradable serving dishes.
- Bring your own utensils when possible and avoid food waste by ordering smaller portions.
- Purchase high-quality, handcrafted items that you’ll use for years, rather than mass-produced goods (which you won’t find anyway).
- Enjoy locally sourced, plant-based treats crafted from Austrian ingredients, including traditional glühwein made from local wine.
- Use the excellent public transport networks in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Special festive trams often run during the season, allowing you to explore while reducing your carbon footprint.
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