Holiday Travel: Austria's Christmas Markets

September 2, 2010 By: Jena Tesse Fox

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Christmas markets are a long-standing tradition in Austria, with handmade toys, colorful Advent displays, and food available in abundance. Almost every small town has its own market. Here are just a few to check out:

• Vienna – “The Magic of Advent”
The Christmas Market held in front of the City Hall can be traced back to the year 1298. Today, 140 stalls offer a variety of seasonal food and drink as well as handicrafts and Christmas decorations. For children, there is even a Christmas workshop, where they can make trinkets and bake cookies. www.christkindlmarkt.at
November 13 to December 24

• Vienna – Schönbrunn Christmas Market
Vienna’s most scenic and cozy Christmas Market is held directly in front of Schönbrunn Palace, with daily concerts. www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at
November 13 to December 24

• Vienna - Spittelberg Christmas Market
At the Spittelberg Christmas Market, stall after stall form long rows in the narrow lanes of the Biedermeier district near the MuseumsQuarter. Visitors can choose from fine arts and crafts, ceramics, hand-blown glass, rugs, batik and silk paintings, or even find a piece of silver or brass jewelry. www.spittelberg.at
November 14 to 24th of December 24

• Christmas in Salzburg
The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square right in the heart of Salzburg dates back to the 15th century. The tree vendors occupy the Residenzplatz on the side of the huge Baroque building. Several folk groups perform traditional Salzburg Christmas carols. www.christkindlmarkt.co.at
November 18 to December 26

• Salzburg – Hellbrunner Advent Magic
The Hellbrunn Castle near Salzburg is an ideal spot for a market. (Be sure to try the Christmas coffee.) www.hellbrunneradventzauber.at
November 18 to 24th of December 24

• Innsbruck Christmas Markets
The medieval square in front of the Golden Roof is transformed into a traditional Austrian Christmas Market, where visitors can sample Tirolean fare and buy Christmas presents. The snow-capped mountains in the background provide the perfect seasonal atmosphere. www.christkindlmarkt.cc
November 15 to January 6

• Graz Advent Markets
Graz has plenty of markets to explore, some hidden between medieval buildings or spread out right in front of the festively adorned City Hall. Visitors can buy trinkets, local handicrafts, and delicious snacks. www.graztourismus.at
November 19 to December 24

• Linz
The Christmas Markets in Linz are held on the Baroque main square and in the Volksgarten. The Linz City Express takes guests from one market to the next, so they can enjoy typical arts and crafts, hot punch, and performances by brass orchestras and choirs without having to walk far. Linz also features a special Christmas and crèche exhibition and workshops, where visitors can create their own Christmas presents. www.linz.at
November 20 to December 24

• Rattenberger Advent
A medieval city with only 439 inhabitants and covering an area of 11 hectares, Rattenberg is the perfect backdrop for an authentic Advent experience. Be sure to check the calendar: Austria’s smallest city holds its lovely Christmas Market only on certain weekends in December! www.rattenberg.at
Fridays and Saturdays from November 26 to December 18

• Mariazell – Advent Austria
For centuries, Mariazell has been a popular destination for pilgrims and vacationers from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy authentic Christmas customs and regional delicacies every weekend in December. www.advent-austria.at
Fridays and Saturdays from November 26 to December 19

For more information about what to see and do in Austria this season, visit www.austriatourism.com.