Christmas Markets in Austria

Austria during the Advent season is an experience for all the senses. The scent of roasted almonds, glowing old-town alleys, festive music, and warming punch make the pre-Christmas season something truly special and create a wonderful atmosphere. Three cities stand out in particular: Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Those looking for Christmas magic away from the big cities will also find a charming insider tip at Lake Wolfgang.

To ensure that your journey is just as stress-free as visiting the markets themselves, the digital vignette should definitely be part of your travel preparations. It is valid on all motorways and expressways in Austria and can be conveniently purchased online (valid immediately or on your preferred date). If your route takes you through the Alps, additional special toll routes such as the Brenner Pass or the Tauern Motorway may also be relevant.

Christmas Markets in Vienna

Christmas Market at Rathausplatz

The Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is Vienna’s flagship during the Advent season. Countless stalls offer handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and culinary classics. Particularly impressive are the large Christmas tree in front of City Hall and the atmospheric lighting in Rathauspark. An ice skating rink runs through the grounds, making the market especially appealing for families. Visitors with children should definitely stop by the Christ Child Post Office, where wish lists can be submitted directly.

Culinary highlights include classics such as roasted chestnuts, raclette bread, sausages, and sweet kiachl with lingonberry jam. Typical for Vienna is Viennese punch in many variations, ranging from classic with rum to fruity berry versions or alcohol-free options for children.

• Insider tip: Rathausplatz is most beautiful in the evening when the lights are shining. If you prefer a quieter visit, plan a weekday, as weekends can be very crowded.
• Opening hours: The Christmas Market is expected to be open from November 14 to December 26. Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Slightly reduced opening hours may apply on public holidays.

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

Somewhat quieter, but no less impressive, is the Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace. Against the baroque backdrop, visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, concerts, and culinary delights. The atmosphere here is more refined than at Rathausplatz. In addition to roasted chestnuts and gingerbread, be sure to try the apple and cinnamon pancakes – a true delight, especially in the evening with a view of the festively illuminated palace façade.

• Insider tip: A visit in the late afternoon is particularly worthwhile, when the palace is bathed in golden light and musicians on stage create a festive atmosphere.
• Opening hours 2025: The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace is open from November 6 to January 6. Daily opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. After the New Year, adjusted hours apply, with the market open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Getting There

By car, you can reach the city center via the A1, A2, A4, and A22 motorways. It is best to park at a Park & Ride facility (e.g. Erdberg or Spittelau). From there, public transport will take you conveniently into the city center. Use the subway (e.g. U3 to Herrengasse or U2 to Schottentor) or trams to Burgtheater/Rathaus.

Salzburg Christmas Market

The Salzburg Christmas Market at Cathedral and Residence Square is one of the most traditional Advent markets in the world. Over 100 stalls, festive music, and the famous tower brass music create a unique atmosphere. Particularly worth seeing are the nativity scene exhibitions showcasing regional craftsmanship, as well as the festive Advent concerts held in the churches of the Old Town.

Culinary highlights include mini versions of Salzburg Nockerl, yeast dumplings with vanilla sauce, and the popular farmer’s doughnuts. To warm up, mulled wine and punch variations with regional ingredients such as elderflower or stone pine liqueur are perfect.

• Insider tip: Every Saturday evening and on Advent Sundays, the famous tower brass music takes place. Musicians play Christmas carols from the towers of the Old Town. Another highlight is the Krampus Run, a traditional Austrian event, taking place this year on December 5 at 6:30 p.m.
• Opening hours: The Salzburg Christmas Market is open from November 20 to January 1, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Different hours apply on Fridays and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and on public holidays (9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.).
• Getting there: The most convenient route is via the A1 (West Motorway). Park at a Park & Ride facility such as Messezentrum or Salzburg South and take the bus directly to the Old Town. By train, travel to Salzburg Central Station and change to bus lines 1, 3, 5, or 6, which will take you to Hanuschplatz within minutes.

Families should also visit the Hellbrunn Advent Magic, where the palace façade becomes a giant Advent calendar and horse-drawn carriage rides are offered.

Innsbruck: Advent with an Alpine Panorama

The Innsbruck Old Town Market is located directly in front of the Golden Roof and impresses with its atmospheric setting. Tyrolean craftsmanship, mulled wine, and music blend with views of the Nordkette mountain range. Being so close to the Alps makes the Advent atmosphere truly unique. For children, a fairy-tale alley with figures invites wonder and amazement. Another highlight is the Christmas Market on the Hungerburg, high above the city and easily accessible by funicular railway. From there, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the snow-covered mountains.

Typical Tyrolean specialties include kiachl (fried yeast dough), served either sweet with lingonberries or savory with sauerkraut. Kaspressknödel, Tyrolean Gröstl, and hearty soups are also classics you should definitely try.

• Insider tip: Combine your market visit with a short winter hike by taking the Hungerburg funicular and continuing up to Seegrube. From there, you’ll enjoy impressive views over the wintery Inn Valley.
• Opening hours: The Old Town Christmas Market is open from November 15 to December 23 (daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). The Hungerburg Christmas Market runs from November 21 to January 6, with varying opening hours depending on the day.
• Getting there: Innsbruck can be reached by car via the A12. From Italy, the A13 Brenner Motorway (a special toll route) also leads to Innsbruck. Park in the Old Town garage or at a Park & Ride facility such as Olympiaworld. From there, take a bus or tram to the center. By train, Innsbruck Central Station is about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. For the Hungerburg market, take the Hungerburg funicular from the “Congress” station.

Insider Tip: Wolfgangsee Advent

The three towns of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl together form the Wolfgangsee Advent. In the evening, thousands of lights are reflected in the water while small markets along the lakeshore create a romantic atmosphere. Particularly impressive is the boat transfer between the towns, offering a completely new perspective of the illuminated mountain scenery. St. Gilgen focuses on baroque decorations, Strobl features a nativity scene with live animals, and St. Wolfgang enchants visitors with its giant lantern floating on the lake.

Culinary specialties here focus on fish: smoked trout and char from Lake Wolfgang are local delicacies. Sweet treats such as gingerbread and homemade cookies from the region perfectly complement the experience.

• Insider tip: A boat trip at dusk is especially magical, when the thousands of lights are reflected in the lake.
• Opening hours: Wolfgangsee Advent takes place from November 21 to December 21. Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week. From Thursday to Friday (11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday to Sunday (10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.).
• Getting there: From the A1 (exits Mondsee or Thalgau), take the B158 to the Wolfgangsee region. During Advent, shuttle parking with buses directly to the town centers is available. By train, travel to Salzburg Central Station and take regional bus 150 towards Bad Ischl (stops in St. Gilgen and Strobl).

Tips for Your Travel Planning

Austria’s Christmas markets are most atmospheric on weekdays around dusk, when there are fewer visitors and the lighting comes into its own. Park your car at a Park & Ride facility and use public transport to reach the city center, saving both time and parking fees.

Dress in layers and wear non-slip shoes to stay comfortable in cold temperatures and on cobblestone streets. Carry some cash for deposits and individual stalls, as card payment is not accepted everywhere. Families should choose markets with supporting programs and check accessibility in advance.

The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

Whether you visit the magnificent markets in Vienna, enjoy musical Salzburg, or prefer Innsbruck with its alpine backdrop: each destination offers a unique Advent experience. Lake Wolfgang complements this trio as a romantic insider tip. Booking your digital vignette and any required special toll routes in advance ensures a smooth and stress-free journey.

Secure your digital vignette now and enjoy Austria’s most beautiful Christmas markets with ease. Our route planner shows you the required toll products in just a few clicks.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Markets in Austria

Do I need a vignette to reach all Christmas markets in Austria?

As soon as you use motorways or expressways in Austria and your vehicle weighs up to 3.5 t permissible total weight (e.g. car, motorcycle, light motorhome), you need a vignette. The digital vignette is valid immediately or on your preferred date, without sticking, directly after online purchase.

What is the difference between a vignette, distance-based toll, and special toll?

• Vignette (flat rate): Valid for cars, motorcycles, and light motorhomes up to 3.5 t permissible total weight on all motorways and expressways. Special toll routes are excluded.
• Distance-based toll: Applies to vehicles over 3.5 t permissible total weight (e.g. trucks, buses). Billing is handled via an on-board unit (GO-Box). No vignette is required for these vehicles.
• Special toll / section toll / video toll: Flat-rate toll for specific routes such as tunnels or alpine crossings. Applies to all vehicles. Vehicles with a vignette must pay an additional toll; GO-Box vehicles are charged automatically.

Which specialties should you try at the Christmas markets?

In Vienna, don’t miss the punch variations and raclette bread. In Salzburg, be sure to try yeast dumplings and farmer’s doughnuts. Innsbruck offers Tyrolean specialties such as kiachl or kaspressknödel. At Lake Wolfgang, fish dishes like smoked trout or char are a must.

When is the best time to visit a Christmas market?

Evenings, when the lights are switched on, offer the most atmospheric experience. For more tranquility, weekdays or late afternoons are recommended.

Which toll products do I need for my specific route?

This depends on your vehicle class and route. Use our free route planner to check whether you need a digital vignette, a special toll ticket, or a distance-based toll (GO-Box).

Is the digital vignette also valid in other countries?

No, vignettes are country-specific. We also offer digital vignettes for Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Switzerland – perfect for cross-border Christmas market road trips.