This winter, from 23 November to 1 January, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt attracts visitors to Salzburg’s old town with its multitude of stalls, shimmering Christmas lights and various events – a winter wonderland.

At Christmas time, Salzburg’s old town is aglow with festive light installations. An important part is one of the world’s oldest Christmas markets (since the 15th century), the Advent Market in Salzburg.

Surrounded by medieval buildings, the Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg creates a romantic, wintery atmosphere that can be enjoyed with all the senses. From the jingling of Christmas bells to the delicate traditional handicraft creations sold in various stalls to the enchanting scent of roasted chestnuts and the taste of warming mulled wine – this is the winter magic of Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt.

Advent Singing in the Festspielhaus

There are various Christmas events at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt. If you are a fan of Christmas music, for example, you can find appeal in the choral singing of the Advent Singers. The Salzburg Advent Singers is a Christmas event at the Festspielhaus that blends traditional music, regional customs and Christmas displays to bring a vocal and theatrical performance to the stage.

A unique musical tradition at the Christkindlmarkt is the Salzburger Turmblasen. Every Thursday and Advent Saturday at 6.30 p.m. the Salzburg tower winders play Christmas melodies from three towers around Residenzplatz with their various wind instruments.

On 5 December, demonic figures in fur costumes, bells and elaborately carved, scary masks will roam the Christkindlmarkt as part of the time-honoured Krampuslauf. The Krampuslauf is a traditional event that is at home in many alpine regions, especially in Austria. During the Krampuslauf, creepy costumed figures (the Krampuses) parade through the streets. They are supposed to scare children who have not behaved well during the year. The custom is often accompanied by companions such as angels or St. Nicholas and attracts numerous onlookers – a mixture of tradition, folklore and entertainment.

Biscuits and punch with the HOSI Salzburg

The HOSI Salzburg invites you to bake biscuits with top chef Uli Helminger at the Olina kitchen studio on 16 December. For 69€ you can look forward to 4-5 hours of concentrated baking fun with punch, mulled wine and liqueurs. From different types of biscuits to gingerbread and spritz chocolate biscuits – after this session you’ll be a Christmas biscuit expert.

This year, the HOSI Salzburg will again have its punch stand at the Christkindlmarkt from 21 to 23 December. Here you can meet and warm up with people from the local queer scene with hot punch. Every punch supports the charitable work of HOSI Salzburg. Find out what else you can experience in Salzburg before Christmas here. (fn)

Salzburg Christkindlmarkt 2023 23.11.2023 bis 1.01.2024