Christmas markets in Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz

Austria is home to some of the oldest and cosiest Christmas markets in Europe. In December the squares fill with wooden stalls and the smell of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts, and everyone has a mug of mulled wine or punch in hand. We have picked the four cities we think are most worth it – each with its own character. For other countries, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.

When and how to go

• Season: most Austrian markets run from mid or late November to 23–24 December, and some until 6 January. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
• Getting there: there are direct flights from Sofia to Vienna. Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz are easy to reach by train from Vienna – roughly 2.5 to 4.5 hours.
• Documents: Austria is in the EU and Schengen – Bulgarian citizens travel with an ID card or passport.
• Mugs: drinks are served in ceramic mugs with a deposit. If you want to keep one as a souvenir, simply don't return it – every market has its own design each year.

Vienna

The imperial capital may be Austria's best Christmas destination: palaces, cafés, classical music and more than ten Christmas markets across the city.

Christmas markets

• Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz – the most famous market in front of City Hall, with dozens of stalls, a huge tree and an ice rink in the park. In 2026 it runs from 13 November to 26 December.
• Schönbrunn Palace – more elegant, with traditional crafts, ceramics and candles in front of the imperial residence. Open from early November to early January.
• Spittelberg – one of the cosiest, set in the narrow historic lanes of the district, with designer goods and jewellery. From 13 November to 23 December.
• Prater winter market – around the famous Giant Ferris Wheel. Some of the park's rides are closed in winter, but the wheel and the festive atmosphere are worth it.

What else to see

Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere with Gustav Klimt's paintings, St Stephen's Cathedral and the view from its tower, the decorated Graben and Kohlmarkt streets, and the Haus des Meeres aquarium – over 10,000 animals in an old World War II tower, ideal for a cold day.

What to eat

Wiener schnitzel, Sachertorte, apple strudel and Kaiserschmarrn – a fluffy shredded pancake.

Salzburg

Mozart's birthplace and the setting of The Sound of Music is one of the most romantic places in Austria – baroque buildings, snowy mountains and a UNESCO-listed old town.

Christmas markets

• Salzburger Christkindlmarkt – the main market on the squares around the cathedral and Residenzplatz, one of the most traditional in Austria, with wooden toys, gingerbread and local specialities. In 2026 – from 19 November to 1 January.
• Mirabell Palace – smaller and cosy, good for a short stroll.
• Hellbrunner Adventzauber – in front of Hellbrunn Palace, whose façade becomes a giant Advent calendar.

What else to see

Hohensalzburg Fortress with its funicular and city views, the Mirabell Gardens, Mozart's birthplace and Getreidegasse with its wrought-iron shop signs.

What to eat

Salzburger Nockerl – a fluffy baked soufflé, and the original Mozartkugel chocolates with marzipan and pistachio.

Innsbruck

The capital of Tyrol sits in the heart of the Alps – in the morning you stroll medieval streets, in the afternoon you are among snowy peaks.

Christmas markets

• Old Town – around the famous Golden Roof, with traditional wooden stalls. From mid-November to 23 December.
• Maria-Theresien-Straße – more modern, with impressive light installations.
• Hungerburg panorama market – high above the city, reached by funicular, with views over Innsbruck and the Alps.

What else to see

The cable car to the Nordkette mountains straight from the centre, the Golden Roof with more than 2,600 gilded copper tiles, Ambras Castle, the Bergisel ski jump designed by Zaha Hadid, and Swarovski Kristallwelten in nearby Wattens.

What to eat

Tiroler Gröstl with potatoes and meat, and Käsespätzle – cheese noodles with fried onions.

Graz

Austria's second-largest city is one of its most underrated winter destinations – a UNESCO-listed old town, modern architecture and a student vibe.

Christmas markets

• Hauptplatz – the main market in front of City Hall, from 20 November.
• Franciscan Quarter – cosier, with local produce and crafts.

What else to see

Don't miss the ice Nativity scene in the courtyard of the Landhaus – the figures are carved from ice and it is one of the most unusual Christmas sights in Austria. Climb the Schlossberg hill to the Clock Tower, see the futuristic Kunsthaus, the Murinsel artificial island in the river and Eggenberg Palace.

What to eat

Styrian runner bean salad with pumpkin seed oil – the local speciality – and traditional Austrian pastries.

Tip: if you only have a weekend, choose Vienna. With a week, combine Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck by train – the ride through the snowy Alps is an experience in itself.

Dates are based on information available in November 2026 and may change – check the market's website before you travel.

Need help planning?

The Clio Travel team will help you combine Austria's Christmas markets in one trip – flights, hotels close to the markets and trains between cities. For more festive ideas, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.