Best Places to Visit in Austria for Christmas Cheer

As the festive season approaches, Austria transforms into a winter wonderland, making it a perfect destination for expats and digital nomads looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. From the snow-capped mountains to the charming city streets, Austria offers a plethora of destinations where Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and festive events create a magical atmosphere. Here are some of the best places to visit in December for a truly enchanting experience.

Vienna's Rathausplatz

The heart of Vienna's Christmas celebrations can be found at Rathausplatz, where the city's most famous Vienna Christmas World is held. This market is a spectacle of lights, decorations, and stalls selling everything from handcrafted gifts to traditional Austrian treats like Lebkuchen and Punsch. The grandiose City Hall provides a stunning backdrop, and the large ice-skating rink adds to the festive joy. The market typically runs from mid-November until Christmas.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try the Weihnachtspunsch, a spiced mulled wine that warms you from the inside out, and is a staple at the Vienna Christmas World.

Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is home to the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, one of the oldest Advent markets in the world. Located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and around the Cathedral, this market is known for its traditional atmosphere and high-quality crafts. Visitors can enjoy the sound of choirs singing carols and the aroma of freshly baked goods. The market usually starts in late November and continues until December 26th.

We Recommend: Be sure to taste the Mozartkugeln, a local confectionery specialty made of marzipan, nougat, and dark chocolate, which is a delightful treat for any sweet tooth.

Innsbruck's Old Town

Innsbruck's Old Town turns into a fairy tale setting during December, with its Christmas Market nestled among medieval buildings and under the watchful eye of the snow-covered Nordkette mountain range. The Golden Roof, Innsbruck's iconic landmark, overlooks the market where visitors can find Tyrolean specialties and hand-blown glass ornaments. The market typically opens in late November and runs until January 6th.

We Recommend: Try the Kiachl, a fried dough pastry often served with sauerkraut or cranberry jam, a traditional Tyrolean delicacy that's especially popular during the festive season.

Graz's Hauptplatz

Graz, the capital of Styria, hosts its main Christmas market on the Hauptplatz, where the grand City Hall becomes the centerpiece of the festivities. The Advent Market here is known for its ice crib, a unique sculpture made entirely of ice, and the array of Styrian products on offer. The market usually runs from late November until Christmas Eve.

We Recommend: Indulge in a Schilcher Glühwein, a mulled wine made from the local Schilcher rosé wine, which adds a distinctive Styrian twist to the traditional holiday drink.

Linz's Hauptplatz

Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, lights up during December with its charming Christmas market set in the baroque Hauptplatz. The Linz Christmas Market is particularly famous for its array of sweets, including the Linzer Torte, claimed to be the oldest cake in the world. The market typically starts in late November and ends on Christmas Eve.

We Recommend: Don't leave without trying a slice of the Linzer Torte, with its rich buttery crust, a lattice top, and a filling of redcurrant jam – it's a festive treat that has stood the test of time.

St. Gilgen's Advent Market

For a more intimate Christmas experience, visit the Advent Market in St. Gilgen, located by the Wolfgangsee lake. This picturesque village is adorned with decorations that reflect its connection to Mozart's family. The market offers a tranquil escape from the larger city markets and features traditional crafts and delicious local foods. It usually opens on weekends from late November until Christmas.

We Recommend: Enjoy a warming mug of Almdudler Punsch, a unique punch made from the popular Austrian herbal lemonade, Almdudler, mixed with spices and rum.

Seefeld in Tirol

Seefeld in Tirol is a postcard-perfect Alpine village that hosts a magical Christmas market in its pedestrian zone. Surrounded by mountains, the market offers a romantic setting with horse-drawn carriage rides, regional handicrafts, and Tyrolean specialties. The market typically runs from the end of November until early January.

We Recommend: Sample the Tiroler Speckknödel, a hearty dumpling made with smoked bacon, which is a comforting dish perfect for the chilly December weather.

Klagenfurt's Alter Platz

In the southern region of Carinthia, Klagenfurt's Alter Platz is transformed into a festive marketplace. The Klagenfurt Christmas Market is known for its live music, craft stalls, and the giant Advent calendar displayed on the windows of the Old City Hall. The market usually starts in late November and lasts until December 24th.

We Recommend: Try the Carinthian Reindling, a traditional sweet bread with a cinnamon and sugar filling, often served with a cup of hot coffee or mulled wine.

Bad Ischl's Imperial Christmas Market

Bad Ischl, once the summer retreat of Emperor Franz Josef, hosts the Imperial Christmas Market in its historic center. This market is renowned for its imperial flair and offers a range of local crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats. The market typically opens on weekends from late November to December 25th.

We Recommend: Savor the Bad Ischler Lebkuchen, a gingerbread specialty that has been enjoyed in the region for centuries and is perfect for those with a penchant for traditional Christmas flavors.