Ultimate Guide to the Salzburg Christmas Markets 2025
If the Salzburg Christmas Markets are on your list, then we have the perfect guide for you!
Salzburg is a gorgeous place to visit all year long. But at Christmas time, it really is magical.
We spent a full day exploring the markets and loved every minute. Because we have explored Salzburg’s attractions and sites during other visits, we were able to focus solely on the markets.
But if it is your first time visiting, then we would definitely recommend spending at least a couple of days in Salzburg to get the full experience.
From the gorgeous light sculptures to the fantastic architecture, the delicious Glühwein and of course, the food, we loved strolling through the various markets in the Old Town.
Want to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit to this iconic market unforgettable.
Where Are the Salzburg Christmas Markets?
The Salzburg Christmas Markets are located across several main areas in the city.
The main market is at Residenzplatz and Domplatz in the historic center near Salzburg Cathedral.
Other markets include Mirabellplatz near Mirabell Palace, Hellbrunn Palace with its festive courtyard, and smaller markets like Stern Advent Market on Sterngasse and St. Leonhard Market just outside the city.
Most of the markets are an easy walk from one another.
Salzburg Christmas Markets Map
When is the Salzburg Christmas Market?
The Salzburg Christmas Market typically runs from mid-November to New Year’s Day. The Christmas market is open daily.
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt Dates
November 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt Hours
Daily: Monday – Thursday 10 am to 8:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 9:00 p.m, Sunday & Public Holidays 9:00 am – 8:30 pm
Christmas Eve: 9 am – 3:00 pm
December 25 & 26: 11 am – 6:00 pm
December 27 – 30: 10 am – 8:30 pm
December 31: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
January 1: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm
The other markets have different opening times and dates, which we will cover a little later in the post.
About the Salzburg Christmas Market
Known as the Christkindlmarkt, the Salzburg Christmas Market dates back to the late 15th century.
Originally called the “Tandlmarkt,” it was a place for locals to buy goods during the Advent season.
By the 17th century, it became known as the “Nikolaimarkt,” or Saint Nicholas’ Market, and was one of the most famous Advent markets of its time.
Today, the market features around 100 stalls offering a variety of items, from traditional decorations and handcrafted gifts to Austrian specialties.
Located in the heart of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, over one million people visit the Christkindlmark alone.
Best Salzburg Christmas Market Tours
If you want to maximize your time at the Salzburg Christmas Markets, or maybe you want to learn some history or find those hidden gems in the city, then an organized tour would be perfect.
Our tour guide gave us a quick tour of the markets, filled us in on the history of Mirabell Palace (as well as other historic buildings and monuments), and gave us tips on where to eat and shop and which concerts to see.
We were then able to explore the market on our own, knowing where exactly to go and what we wanted to see.
What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Salzburg?
As we mentioned above, Salzburg’s Christmas Markets are spread across several areas in the city, each offering a unique experience.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in each market location.
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt (Residenzplatz and Domplatz)
This is the city’s main market, set against the beautiful backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral.
It’s one of the oldest and most famous markets in Europe, dating back to the 15th century.
With around 100 stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to traditional Austrian foods, you are sure to find something that will catch your eye.
We spent the most time in this market, simply because it was the largest.
Mirabellplatz Christmas Market
Located near Mirabell Palace, this market is a bit smaller. However, we found this market to be just as busy as the larger Christkindlmarkt during our visit.
The Mirabellplatz Christmas Market had many of the usual offerings, like ornaments, wooden toys and gifts, candles, and other Christmas decor.
There were also a ton of food stalls selling a variety of treats, mulled wine, and regional specialties. It was a food-lovers paradise for sure!
All in all, we found this market to be quite charming and most definitely festive.
And really, what I meant to say was, that we ate our way through this market! OMGee the food was soooo good!
Dates: November 21 to December 24, 2024
Daily: Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 8 pm & Friday – Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Christmas Eve: 10 am to 3 pm
Stern Advent Market (Sternarkaden)
This tiny market is tucked into Sterngasse, offering a more intimate vibe.
If you want to feel like a local, this is definitely the place to go.
We found that this market had the most artisanal gifts and locally made items.
It was also the perfect place to grab an Instagram-worthy photo or selfie, as the market was absolutely gorgeous.
Dates: November 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025
Daily: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Fri day– Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
December 24 + 31: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
January 1 – 6: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Hellbrunn Advent Magic (Hellbrunner Adventzauber)
Held at Hellbrunn Palace courtyard, this market is perfect for families, while still having a very romantic ambiance.
Unfortunately, we did not have time to venture out to this market, as it is a short bus trip from the main markets.
Our tour guide mentioned that Hellbrun’s courtyard is decorated with over ten thousand lights and that the palace windows are turned into a giant advent calendar.
The Hellbrunn market is also perfect for children of all ages.
You will find face-painting, the Christmas train, grilling sausages at the campfire, and the Christmas post office, where kids can write a letter to the “Christkind” (Christ child) or Santa.
Dates: November 21 to December 24, 2024
Daily: Tuesday-Friday 1 pm – 8 pm, Saturday, Sunday & public holidays 10 am – 8 pm
December 23: 1 pm to 8 pm
December 24: 10 am to 2 pm
St. Leonhard Advent Market
This market is also located outside the city near Untersberg Mountain.
The St. Leonhard Advent Market is smaller with a more traditional feel, which was pretty awesome
Another great part of this market is that you will only find handcrafted items and regional specialties here.
Items like candles and other wax products, wood carvings (especially Nativity figures), ceramics, Christmas decorations made of glass, woollen items, cookbooks, and incense from various areas of Austria, can all be found here.
But the most important thing to note is that all proceeds from the St. Leonhard Advent Market – more than 90,000 euros annually – benefit a charity serving the needs of people with disabilities.
How awesome is this?
Dates: November 30 – December 22, 2024
Saturday: 2 pm – 7 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard
The Advent Market at Hohensalzburg Fortress is a smaller, more intimate Christmas market set within the historic fortress courtyard.
You will find traditional crafts, handmade gifts, and local treats in a medieval setting.
If you don’t like dealing with large crowds, then this market is definitely less crowded than the ones in the city center.
Of course, the views from the fortress over Salzburg are incredible, especially in the evening when the city is lit up for the holidays.
Just a heads up, accessing this market involves a funicular ride or a walk up the hill, which may not be possible for some.
Dates: November 22 – December 22, 2024
Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Things to Do at the Salzburg Christmas Markets
The Salzburg Christmas Markets are spread across the city, offering a mix of traditional and modern holiday experiences. Here’s where you can find the most popular ones:
1. Sip Some Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas Punch)
You can’t walk around the Salzburg Christmas markets without passing at least one Glühwein stand. And when you smell the scent of this lovely spiced drink, it will be hard to resist!
While most Germans refer to this drink as Glühwein, we found that in Austria, it was often called Weihnachtspunsch.
The two drinks are similar, but Weihnachtspusch is often made with brandy or rum (as well as the wine) and black tea.
Served piping hot this yummy drink is perfect for warming up on a cold December day.
And just like in the Vienna Christmas Markets, Weihnachtspunsch comes in a ton of varieties, mostly fruit-flavoured. I have even heard of some places adding Marzipan!
Of course, you can also grab Glühwein at most drink stands at the markets as well.
If you don’t drink alcohol, the Kinderpunsch offers all the warm flavours without the kick.
And if you are looking for the perfect market souvenir, consider keeping the mug that you purchased your Weihnachtspunsch in. If not, return it for a refundable deposit.
2. Watch the Krampus Parade
The Krampus Parade in Salzburg is a unique event that is traditionally held on either St. Nicholas Eve (Dec. 5) or St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6).
We were so disappointed that we were not in town for this event!
Krampus is a figure from Alpine folklore who’s the opposite of St. Nicholas—he’s the one who deals with naughty children!
Locals dress up in elaborate costumes with carved masks, bells, and furry outfits, making their way through the streets.
The parade is loud, energetic, and maybe a little scary for really young children.
This tradition has been around for centuries and is a big part of Advent celebrations in Salzburg. Definitely a must-see!
3. Listen to Live Music
Live music is a big part of any Christmas Market experience. And considering that Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, this should come as no surprise.
At the Christkindlmarkt in Residenzplatz and Domplatz, you can hear traditional wind music played from the towers on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. and on Thursdays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m.
We enjoyed the choral groups that performed near the Salzburg Cathedral, filling the square with beautiful holiday songs.
At the Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress courtyard, brass musicians play Christmas tunes every afternoon from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
4. Dive Into the Local Cuisine
As a foodie family, there is nothing we enjoy more than diving into the local cuisine.
In Salzburg, be sure to try Käsespätzle, which is a hearty dish of soft egg noodles smothered in cheese and crispy onions, and a favourite of ours.
My daughter really enjoyed the HUGE pretzels that we found in the Christkindlmark.
We would recommend trying Bosna, which is a Salzburg specialty and definitely a must.
This popular Austrian sandwich is made with a white bread bun filled with bratwurst, onions, parsley, ketchup, mustard, and a sprinkle of curry powder.
If you order one sausage, it’s called a Kleine Bosna (Small Bosna), while the version with two sausages is a Große Bosna (Big Bosna).
5. Shop for Unique Christmas Gifts and Souvenirs
Who doesn’t love to shop, especially in a Christmas Market? And there were soooo many beautiful things to buy in Salzburg.
The market is filled with stalls selling handmade items like traditional Christmas ornaments and decor, woollen hats and scarves, and festive table linens.
We found a soft-bodied doll dressed in traditional Austrian clothing, that really caught my daughter’s eye.
Besides the doll, we purchased some really nice ornaments, and the kids found magnets for their collections.
6. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
If you’re anything like me, I can’t resist sweet treats.
And that is most obvious when I am walking through a Christmas Market and following the scent of freshly roasted candied almonds, or the spicy smell of fresh Lebkuchen.
In Salzburg, I fell in love with Kaiserschmarren. This is a lightly sweetened pancake that is shredded and served with a fruit compote and vanilla sauce.
While this treat doesn’t look all that tasty (the English translation is Emperor’s Mess!), they were fantastic!
My son and I devoured a serving in record time!
Where to Stay Near the Salzburg Christmas Markets
There are a variety of hotels located close to the Salzburg Christmas Markets that will suit any budget.
Here are some of the best-rated hotels that we came across:
Luxury Hotels
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Located on Getreidegasse in the heart of the Old Town, this historic hotel offers elegant rooms and is steps away from the main Christmas market at Residenzplatz.
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Situated along the Salzach River, this grand hotel provides luxurious accommodations with views of the Old Town. It’s a short walk to the markets and offers exceptional service.
Moderate Hotels
Hotel Elefant
Set next to Getreidegasse in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, this historic, fully renovated hotel dating from the 13th century offers individually decorated rooms and is close to the Christmas markets.
NH Salzburg City
Just a 10-minute walk from Salzburg’s Old Town, this 4-star hotel offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms and is near Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
Budget Hotels
Altstadthotel Kasererbräu
Located in the Old Town, this family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms and is within walking distance of the main Christmas markets.
Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell
Situated on the banks of the Salzach River, this hotel is a 10-minute walk from Mirabell Palace and a 15-minute walk from Salzburg’s Old Town, providing easy access to the markets.
How to Get to the Salzburg Christmas Market
Getting to the Salzburg Christmas Markets is easy, as they are located in or around the city center and are well connected by public transportation.
Here are the best ways to get there:
By Plane
Salzburg Airport (W.A. Mozart) is just 4 km from the city center.
You can reach the markets by taxi (about 15 minutes) or use bus line 10, which takes 20-25 minutes to reach the city center.
By Train
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is well-connected to major European cities.
From the station, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the main market at Residenzplatz, or you can take a local bus or taxi.
By Public Transport
Salzburg’s buses are efficient and well-connected.
Bus lines 1, 3, 5, and 6 all stop near the Old Town, where the main markets are located.
Make sure to check the schedule as they may run more frequently during the holiday season.
By Car
If you’re driving, Salzburg is accessible via the A1 motorway.
Parking is limited near the markets, so it’s best to use one of the city’s Park-and-Ride facilities and take public transport into the center.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Christmas Market?
The Salzburg Christmas Markets are generally open from mid-November until Christmas Eve, giving you several weeks to visit. Here are some tips on timing:
Weekdays vs. Weekends
- Weekdays: These are less crowded, making it easier to browse the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Mornings and early afternoons are particularly quiet.
- Weekends: These can be much busier, but still a lot of fun. If you enjoy crowds and festive energy, this is a good choice.
Time of Day
- Daytime: Great for families, especially if you want to explore with children or take photos of the decorations without a lot of people around.
- Evening: The markets are at their most magical after dark, with twinkling lights and live music performances. This was my favourite time to visit, even if it was busier.
Special Events
- Early December features the Krampus Parade, which is a unique experience.
- Advent weekends often have choral performances and other festive activities.
Early in the Season
To avoid crowds and still enjoy the full atmosphere, visit on a weekday evening or during the daytime on a Monday or Tuesday.
Early December is an ideal time to head to the markets. They are fully open but haven’t reached the peak holiday season yet.
Are There Public Toilets at the Market?
Yes, there are public toilets available near the Salzburg Christmas Market. Here are the locations:
Just a heads up, most facilities will charge a small fee (typically €0.50) for use. We would recommend carrying some coins for this purpose.
All in all, we found the facilities to be well maintained and clean.
What is the Weather Like in Salzburg, Austria in December?
December in Salzburg is cold and often snowy.
Daytime temperatures average around 3°C (37°F), while nights can drop to about -3°C (27°F).
Snowfall is pretty common in this area, especially later in the month.
And while rain is possible, it is much less frequent than snow.
We would definitely recommend bundling up, as the weather can be a little unpredictable.
During our visit, we had a chilly overcast day, followed by flurries in the evening.
Salzburg Christmas Market Tips
Here are a few of our best tips when visiting the Christmas Markets:
What to Wear to the Christmas Markets
When visiting the Salzburg Christmas Markets, it’s important to dress warmly and comfortably.
And while for us it was pretty warm (for December that is) during the day, it got quite chilly at night.
Since you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, layers are a good idea. Here’s what you’ll need:
Salzburg Christmas Markets – FAQs
Yes, the Salzburg Christmas Markets are absolutely worth it. They offer a festive atmosphere, beautiful decorations, unique gifts, and traditional food and drinks in a gorgeous and historic setting.
Yes, Salzburg is very walkable, especially in the Old Town where most attractions, including the Christmas markets, are close together. Comfortable shoes are all you need to explore its cobblestone streets and historic squares.
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring cash for the Salzburg Christmas Markets. While some stalls accept cards, many smaller vendors only take euros.
You can explore the main Salzburg Christmas Markets in about 2–3 hours, depending on how much shopping or eating you plan to do. If you want to visit multiple markets or enjoy events like live music or the Krampus parade, plan for a couple of days.
Yes, most Salzburg Christmas markets are free to enter. However, the Hellbrunn Adventzauber at Hellbrunn Palace charges an entrance fee of €7 until 6 PM on weekdays; after 6 PM, entry is free. Admission for children is free at any time.
Additionally, while the Advent Market at Hohensalzburg Fortress is free, there is a fee for the funicular ride up to the fortress.
Yes, dogs are allowed at the Salzburg Christmas Market on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. However, some sources suggest that bringing pets to the markets is not recommended due to potential crowding and noise.
Final Thoughts
We loved visiting the Salzburg Christmas Markets.
Not only were they such a magical experience, but they were the perfect way for our family to get into the holiday spirit.
Our only regret was that we didn’t spend more time here!
We would definitely recommend visiting Salzburg, as it was a great way to experience the magic of Christmas in one of Austria’s most beautiful cities.
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