Christmas and Advent in Salzburg
The time of Advent in Salzburg is magical, so magical that numerous visitors come from far away to visit the Christkindlmarkt or a show of the traditional Salzburg Advent Singing.
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt & Advent on the fortress
The historical Salzburg Christkindlmarkt belongs to the world’s most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets. Its beginnings go back to the 15th century and every year before Christmas, the area around the cathedral shines with a sea of lights. From local glass, wood and metal craftwork to sweet and savoury delicacies to ornaments for the Christmas tree you can discover various things.
You want it less hustled? Then the atmospheric Advent market in the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress will probably delight you. With your SalzburgCard you can go up for free with the funicular.
Tip: If you are interested in nativity scenes and historical customs around Christmas you will want to pay a visit to the Christmas museum Salzburg in the old town which can be visited all year round and is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm during Advent.
Advent market at Hellbrunn Palace
The Advent market in Hellbrunn is especially romantic and can be reached in no time from Wals. Between numerous Christmas trees hung with big red balls you can drink mulled wine, munch chestnuts and marvel at the craftwork that is on sale. A part of the Advent market are also the famous Trick Fountains whose grottos and fountains are bathed in atmospheric light at Advent time. And the children can look forward to entertaining offers with a petting zoo, pony riding, a cookie bakery and grilling sausages at the campfire.
Opening hours:
- 23November - 24 December 2023
- Monday - Friday 1 to 8 pm
- Saturday, Sunday, holidays 10 am to 8 pm
- 24 December 10 am to 2 pm
Advent singing - time-honoured tradition
Salzburg’s Advent singing has been staging Christmas folk music, chanting trios and Alpine melodies at the Festspielhaus already since 1946. No fewer than 180 singers, musicians, actors and little shepherds participate in the production which is performed every year in the weeks before Christmas.
Krampus and Perchten runs
Who doesn’t know them, the wild figures from the Alpine regions that uphold an old tradition during the Krampus runs. Around St. Nicholas Day on 6 December, several municipalities in the Salzburger Land and in the city of Salzburg organise scary, but impressive show runs. Often wearing hand-carved masks, real furs and carrying loud bells they perform a spectacle that will surely stay in mind.
But Salzburg is by no means only beautiful during the winter Advent season, but all year round: Whether it’s a family holiday with a visit to the water games and the zoo, classical or jazz concerts, winter sports in the nearby Alps, a city trip with wellness in the evening, or even the glamorous festival in summer, Salzburg offers something for every wallet. You can reach the city centre in only 10 minutes from the hotel Grünauerhof - a hotel with personality off the beaten tourist tracks which will let you relax after your trips with its restaurant and its spa area.
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