The Best Christmas Markets in Salzburg (Local’s Guide)

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If you want to explore the charming city of Salzburg during the festive season, you don’t have to look any further.

I show you the best Salzburg Christmas markets in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage city.

Included are the most romantic Advent Market, the largest Advent Market, and a real Salzburg gem with breathtaking views.

Moreover, I will show you the most beautiful Christmas tree in the city, and if the Christmas markets are not enough for you, then the Gnigl Krampus run is another tip for you.

I also share essential tips for visiting Salzburg during the Christmas season.

In Salzburg, Christmas time is not just celebrated, but truly exalted.

I love the festive season in my home country, and you can call me a Christmas market expert.

You can find me at one of the stalls enjoying mulled wine, or Glühwein as we call it in Austria, Christmas cookies, and roasted chestnuts during the Salzburg Advent season.

I’m excited to show you the most beautiful Christmas markets within and on the outskirts of Salzburg.

The Best Christmas Markets in Salzburg, Austria

The Christmas markets in Salzburg are among the best Christmas markets in Austria.  

The Advent markets in Salzburg are proudly called Christkindlmarkt because that’s what it’s all about; celebrating the arrival of Jesus.

If you’re looking for Santa Claus, you will be disappointed. In Austria, the Christkind brings the gifts on the evening of the 24th of December.

Santa Claus is frowned upon by the people of Salzburg. Even though tourists like to stroll through the alleys wearing Santa hats.

       🎄   Tip: guided tour of the best Christmas markets    🎄

1. Hellbrunner Adventzauber: The Most Romantic Advent market

The most romantic market takes place at Hellbrunn Palace. This famous palace is outside the city center, and I think it’s one of the most underrated Christmas markets in Europe.

The Hellbrunner Adventzauber (Hellbrunn Advent Magic) is open from the end of November until the end of December.

700 conifers, decorated with more than 130,000 typical red Christmas ornaments, never fail to put a smile on my face.

Since many of the red balls “disappear” inexplicably every year, they are now available for purchase.

Those who like it particularly romantic can look for a mistletoe branch to kiss their loved one underneath.

In addition to various stands with different local specialties, there is a separate children’s Christmas world with a Christmas post office, a petting zoo, and much more to discover.

Even a section of the famous water games is open during winter in Salzburg.

However, visiting the water games is more fun during summer and fall.

The Hellbrunn Christmas Market is open daily.

Until 6 PM, the entrance fee during the week is €7, after 6 PM, entry to the Hellbrunner Adventzauber is free. Admission for children is free at any time.

Parking is possible in front of Hellbrunn Palace. Alternatively, buses also run from Salzburg to Hellbrunn Palace. If you have a Salzburg Card you can use public transportation for free.

2. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, the oldest and largest Christmas market

In the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, at the Cathedral and Residence Square, is the oldest and largest Advent market.

There are over 90 different stands around Salzburg Cathedral.

Right next to the Christkindlmarkt, there is an ice skating rink, and those interested in the famous Christmas carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” and its history should take a look inside the cathedral.

There you will find the baptismal font where Joseph Mohr was baptized. His song is still performed during the Christmas Eve midnight mass.

The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is easily accessible. It is among the oldest Advent Markets in Austria.

          Tip: join a Christmas and Advent concert with included dinner          

 

 

 

 

The Christmas museum is also next to the Christkindlmarkt. This special museum is open the whole year round (and especially fun and weird to visit in summer).

3. Local’s Favorite: Salzburg Fortress Advent at Hohensalzburg Fortress

In the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Advent market is open on weekends.

Admission is free, just like at the other markets mentioned.

To get to the largest completely preserved castle in Central Europe, you can use the paid fortress railway (free with the SalzburgCard) or you can walk up.

It’s a very steep but rewarding path.

The Advent market at the fortress is small but exquisite.

→ Ticket for Hohensalzburg Fortress including fortress railway

Tip: The ticket for Hohensalzburg Fortress, as well as other attractions and public transport, is included in the Salzburg Card.

          → purchase the Salzburg Card here          

In the illuminated courtyard, tower musicians play.

Meanwhile, children can bake cookies in the Christmas bakery and eat them afterward.

The evening view from the fortress onto the Old Town is, by the way, spectacular. It is one of the best viewpoints in Salzburg.

4. Christmas Market on Mirabell Square

Next to the stunning Mirabell Palace is the Christmas market at Mirabell Square. The Mirabell Palace is also our recommended place to start the one-day Salzburg itinerary.

If you are interested in The Sound of Music, be sure to visit the fountain in the garden of Mirabell Palace. It’s the place where they sang the Do Re Mi song. Want to learn more about the film locations for The Sound of Music? You can join a guided tour here.

If you are not interested in the movie, still go to the Mirabell Garden. This is one of the best photo spots and among the best things to do in Salzburg. You have the garden with the Festung Hohensalzburg in the background.

Tip: Try traditional Austrian Christmas cookies

5. Salzburg’s Most Beautiful Christmas Tree

Near the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt and the fortress railway is St. Peter – Stiftskeller. It is a restaurant founded in the year 803.

The oldest inn in Europe is not only known for its delicious food but also for its winter wonderland in the courtyard, including special Christmas decorations.

Here is also the most beautiful Christmas tree in Salzburg. If the sight of the decorated Christmas tree doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit, then nothing will.

I had lunch there and the food was amazing. I recommend booking a table at the restaurant in advance, especially during the festive season.

Tip: If you don´t want to have lunch or dinner at the restaurant, you should at least have a drink at the decorated Winter Wonderland in the inner courtyard.

Essential Tips For Visiting Salzburg

Here are the essential tips with all you need to know before you travel to Salzburg:

Winter Weather in Salzburg

Let’s start with what you’ll need to pack. Expect Salzburg’s winter to be brisk, with temperatures that will have you bundling up.

Keep in mind that the weather in Austria during winter can be unpredictable, so you should always check the forecast before you travel.

As a reference, here are the average temperatures for the winter months in the city:

Wear Warm and Comfy Clothes

To stay warm, comfy, and cozy, without sacrificing being stylish, you can check out my 5 Christmas market outfit ideas.

How To Get To Salzburg

If you’re traveling from within Europe, you’ll find that getting to Salzburg is simple. There are direct flights from cities like London, Frankfurt, or Zurich.

Flying in internationally? The closest airports are Munich or Vienna’s International Airport, each 2-3 hours from Salzburg.

From either Munich or Vienna, you have a couple of options to get to Salzburg:

• By Bus: Choose Flixbus for an affordable and comfortable trip straight to Salzburg. You can book your bus tickets here
• By Train: Take in the picturesque Austrian countryside by train. Trainline will have all the timetables and tickets you need for an effortless journey. You can find train schedules and secure your tickets here
• By Car: Driving from Austria and Germany to Salzburg is a comfortable and easy way due to the good connection. You can book a rental car with the comparison website DiscoverCars.

To make the best travel decision, use comparison tools like Omio to find the most convenient flights to Salzburg.

Where To Stay In Salzburg

When it comes to your stay, Salzburg has you covered with options to suit every taste and budget.

For a unique experience, the Castle Hotel Schlosshotel Leopoldskron offers stunning views of the castle pond and Untersberg mountain, set against the backdrop of Austrian historical charm.

If being in the center of it all is more your style, the Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich is ideally located. The hotel is in the Old Town, within easy walking distance to famous sites like Mozart’s birthplace and the Salzburg Cathedral.

For a luxurious retreat, there’s no place quite like Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. The five-star hotel boasts incredible views of Salzburg’s Old Town and a list of guests that includes celebrities like Cameron Diaz.

Final Thoughts about the Salzburg Christmas Markets

Here you go. These are the best markets to explore while spending Christmas in Salzburg.

Visiting the Christmas markets in Salzburg is definitely worthwhile.

Tip: Don’t just visit Salzburg. Experience it. With the Salzburg Card and a guided tour of the best Christmas markets, this trip will be more than a vacation.

Read more:
Salzburg Travel Tips and Itineraries
The Best Things To Do In Salzburg Austria (Local’s Guide)
The Best Views In Salzburg You Don’t Want To Miss
Winter in Salzburg: Local’s Guide For The Best Things To Do
Gnigler Krampuslauf Run: Old Tradition in Salzburg
Salzburg to Hallstatt Day Trip: Guide for Visiting the Most Beautiful Town in Austria

zuletzt aktualisiert am November 24, 2025