Salzburg is made for the fairytale atmosphere of Advent! The Christmas markets, Advent concerts and traditional events bring a special flair to the city. Even if this year it will be a Corona Advent.

Salzburg’s Christmas market with over 500 years of history, handicraft products and traditional delicacies against the backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral is one of the most beautiful Advent markets in the world. The supporting programme includes tower blowing, choir performances, the traditional Perchtenlauf, St. Nicholas and Krampus, the nativity scene exhibition in the Residenzhof and “Sing mit!” as free choir singing. (18.11.2021 until 1.1.2022)

The Festungsadvent in the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress attracts visitors with local arts and crafts, Christmas delicacies and an entertaining supporting programme. In particular, the brass band and choir performances create an authentic pre-Christmas atmosphere. Stars bathe the Festungsgasse and the Burghof in an atmospheric sea of lights. (26.11. to 19.12. every Advent weekend).

The Hellbrunn Advent Magic at Hellbrunn Palace lives up to its name. In addition to the numerous small huts offering culinary delicacies and handicrafts, the area of the Hellbrunn Water Games is open to the public. The path past the baroque grottos is bathed in atmospheric light.

There is also a Christmas market at the Alter Markt. The HOSI Salzburg has a punch stand there – in a prominent place. After all, the Alte Markt was once called Ludwig-Viktorsquare, named after the homosexual youngest brother of the Habsburg Emperor Franz-Josef ! Unfortunately, the HOSI will only be able to operate the stand from 22 to 25 November. So, go by the Alter Markt during these days and support the visibility of the rainbow. With a punch. Or two. Or?

HOSI party for the 2nd Advent

Then on 4 December (2nd Advent weekend) is the last HOSI party of the year. The biggest gay clubbing in the region for all LGBT genders and preferences. But we’ll come to December later.

In Austria, the 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered) has been in effect since 8 November. This applies in particular to gastronomy, night catering, Christmas markets, the hotel industry as well as theatres, cinemas and operas. If you can prove that you have been vaccinated twice, you will have no problems in Austria, and access to all the places mentioned is possible. We will probably have to live with this damnable virus for a long time. So, despite all the circumstances, we are now looking forward to Advent 2021.