Graz Christmas Market 2026 Dates & Styrian Gifts and Food

Locals call Advent the “fifth season” in Graz, and the city earns it. With over a dozen markets spread across the UNESCO-listed old town, a life-sized nativity scene carved from 33 tonnes of ice in the Renaissance Landhaushof, and the Rathaus facade transformed into a glowing Advent calendar each evening, the Graz Christmas Market is one of the most creative in Austria.

Graz Christmas Market 2026

Dates

Status: Confirmed
Graz dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026

Update: Dates were announced in January. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.

Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Graz Tourism.

Note: The following details are for the main Town Hall event on Hauptplatz. Scroll down for details on the other markets.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Hauptplatz and Town Hall.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Old Town highlights private walking tour.
Public transport: The tram runs straight through the the main square. Stop: Hauptplatz/Congress.
Bike parking: Radabstellanlage Hauptplatz.
Car parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Aiola Living is a stylish hotel that is only a 2-minute walk to Hauptplatz.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Lights switch-on: 20th November 2026 at Hauptplatz – 3:30pm to 5pm (unconfirmed).
Children’s Market: In front of the Franciscan Church and at Graz Winter World.
Ice skating: Graz Winter World on Jahngasse. Full details.
Reason to visit: Beautiful Medieval squares and Renaissance buildings and a friendly small-city atmosphere.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Styrian ham, pumpkin seed oil, Zotter chocolates, brettljause (food platter) and glühmost (hot apple cider).

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes, barrier-free Advent food huts are in Schmiedgasse.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotel

When in Graz, I suggest staying at Aiola Living Graz. It’s near Hauptplatz, where you’ll find the market. Being so central, it’s great for sightseeing and exploring the city.

If that’s not right for you, check out this list of hotels in Graz and other excellent places to stay.

Add another city to your itinerary for an extended holiday. Our Austria Christmas Markets guide can help you decide where to go.

Location Map

List of Other Markets

Traditional Market

The oldest Advent market in Graz focuses on handmade, locally produced artisanal products.

Status: Confirmed
Traditional Market dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Location: Franziskanerviertel, in front of the Franciscan Church.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.

Schlossberg

Known as Aufsteirern, this weekend-only event at the hilltop castle is popular for its regional food, the Liesl bell tower and calm atmosphere.

Status: Confirmed
Schlossberg dates: 20th November to 20th December 2026
Location: Schlossberg Hill.
Opening times:
Friday: 12pm to 9pm.
Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
Access: It’s nice to take the incline railway up to the castle and walk down.

Mehlplatz Arts and Crafts Market

A quiet arts and crafts market that is known for its mulled wine, punch and artisan desserts.

Status: Confirmed
Mehlplatz dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Location: Mehlplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 4pm.

Children’s Advent Fair

A special market for children with a beautifully decorated carousel and the big wheel.

Status: Confirmed
Children’s Advent dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Location: Kleine Neutorgasse, in front of the Franciscan Church.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 8pm.
Friday: 12pm to 10pm.
Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 4.30pm.

Joanneum Quarter

Located inside a beautiful courtyard, this is where you’ll find some of the best Styrian restaurants and catering huts.

Status: Confirmed
Joanneum Quarter dates: 20th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Raubergasse 10, Joanneumsviertel.
Opening times: 3pm to 10pm.

Sustainable Grieskindlmarket

A weekend market supporting sustainable fashion, home decor, natural cosmetics and organic food.

Status: Confirmed
Grieskindlmarket dates: 20th November to 20th December 2026
Location: Nikolaiplatz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Opening times:
Thursday and Friday: 3pm to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 8pm.

Südtiroler Platz

Home to the famous Steirerhütte (a large sit-down food hut), a giant bauble and an old-fashioned sledge.

Status: Confirmed
Südtiroler Platz dates: 20th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Südtiroler Platz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 2pm to 10pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 10pm.

Winter Wonderlend

A central pavilion holds music performances.

Status: Confirmed
Wonderlend dates: 20th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Mariahilferplatz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 2pm to 10pm.
Thursday to Sunday: 1pm to 10pm.

Eisernes Tor

A peaceful and cosy market with various hot punches, mulled ciders and non-alcoholic hot drinks. Stalls operated by local charities.

Status: Confirmed
Eisernes Tor dates: 20th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Am Eisernen Tor, just inside the ring road.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 2pm to 10pm.
Friday to Sunday: 11am to 10pm.

Glockenspielplatz

Dedicated to Styrian gourmet specialties and local producers.

Status: Confirmed
Glockenspielplatz dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Location: Glockenspielplatz, a couple of blocks from Hauptplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 2 pm.

Handicraft Market on Färberplatz

Local and international makers, designers and small-batch producers of bespoke items. A great spot for gift shopping.

Status: Confirmed
Handicraft dates: 27th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Färberplatz, right next to Glockenspielplatz.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 11am to 9pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 9pm.

International Crafts on Tummelplatz

Unique crafts from around the world.

Status: Confirmed
International Craft dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Location: Tummelplatz.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.

Graz Winterworld

The children’s winter market and a 3,000 m² outdoor ice skating rink. Rent skates or bring your own. More information here.

Status: Confirmed
Winter World Ice Skating: 13th November 2026 to 31st January 2027
Location: Styrian State Sports Centre. Jahngasse 3.
Opening times: 9am to 7pm.
Prices: Children: €3.50. Adults: €5.50.

Graz hosts several winter markets featuring over 200 stalls that offer traditional Austrian treats, handcrafted gifts, sustainably sourced items, organic food, and a variety of arts and crafts.

Start at Hauptplatz, the central square, filled with decorative lights and charming stalls.

Next, visit the market in Franziskanerviertel in the old town. Walking through its quaint lanes and market stalls feels like stepping into a scene from a bygone era.

Don’t miss the Schlossberg Market on the hill overlooking the city. It offers stunning views of Graz illuminated by winter lights, along with holiday treats and artisanal crafts.

Food Specialties

• Verhackertesbrot: Styrian specialty of finely chopped, smoked and seasoned bacon spread on crusty bread, often enjoyed as an appetiser.
• Käferbohnen Salad: Styrian salad with scarlet runner beans, pumpkin seed oil, cider vinegar, onions, and sea salt.
• Styrian Pot Roast (Steirisches Wurzelfleisch): Tender beef simmered with root vegetables, served with freshly grated horseradish.
• Styrian Pumpkin Soup: Pureed pumpkin soup with herbs, spices, cream, and Styrian pumpkin seed oil.
• Palatschinken: Thin crepe-like pancakes filled with apricot jam or chocolate spread, often dusted with powdered sugar.
• Styrian Apple Cider (Steirischer Apfelwein): Mildly sparkling and tart local apple cider.
• Grilled Sausages: Includes Bratwurst and spicy Hungarian-style Debrecener, paired with mustard and freshly baked bread.
• Bauernkrapfen: Austrian doughnuts, deep-fried, sprinkled with powdered sugar, often filled with apricot jam.
• Pretzels: A variety of pretzels, from salty to ones topped with melted cheese or dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
• Glühwein: Mulled wine made with red wine, spices, and citrus.
• Roasted Chestnuts: Warm chestnuts roasted on open fires.
• Maroni: Candied almonds coated in a caramelised shell.
• Lebkuchen: Traditional German gingerbread cookies, spiced, sweetened with honey, often decorated with icing or almonds.

What to Buy

• Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil: Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil with a nutty flavour, a popular culinary gift from Graz.
• Handmade Candles: Crafted in various designs and festive fragrances, such as cinnamon or pine.
• Pottery: Hand-thrown pottery pieces, such as teacups and serving dishes, crafted by local artisans.
• Wooden Toys: Traditional, hand-painted wooden toys depicting animals or festive characters.
• Lederhosen and Dirndls: Authentic, beautifully embroidered traditional Alpine clothing available at the market.
• Seasonal Decorations: Handmade wreaths, glass baubles, wooden nativity figures, and Advent calendars crafted by local artisans.

Sustainability Tips

• Public Transport: Utilise the city’s well-planned public transportation system, including trams and buses, to navigate the city without a car.
• Locally Sourced Food and Products: Sample Styrian specialities by choosing locally sourced food and products. This supports the local economy and reduces transportation-related emissions.
• Renewable Energy Initiatives: The market uses LED lights for light displays. Book a hotel that supports renewable energy initiatives.
• Sustainable Eating Practices: Choose vegetarian options or portions that match your appetite to help minimise food waste and the environmental impact of meat production.
• Reusable Shopping Bags and Containers: Pack reusable bags and containers for your purchases and takeaway meals to reduce single-use plastics.
• Ethical Consumption: Buy local artisanal products to support small businesses. Only purchase what you need.
• Walking or Cycling: The compact city centre is ideal for walking or cycling, allowing you to enjoy the local atmosphere.