One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in this part of Europe

The renowned Salzburg Christmas market has roots that may be traced all the way back to the late 15th century. At that time, the heart of the city’s Cathedral Square would host the so-called “Tandlmarkt,” where locals could purchase a broad variety of things. The name “Nikolaimarkt,” or “Saint Nicholas’ Market,” was given to this Advent market by the 17th century.

Since 1974, Salzburg has had a Christkindlmarkt, as it is recognized today around the world. Every year, the market is formally inaugurated with the appropriate fanfare on the Thursday before the first Sunday in Advent, and it closes its doors for the last time on January 1. 2023.

Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt events

The Christkindlmarkt is more than just a gathering place for over 100 market stalls. Additionally, the event’s organizers have made sure that visitors are treated to a vibrant daily events schedule, which includes readings of Christmas stories to children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts, appearances by the “Christ Child,” festive music played from the neighborhood’s towers.

Advent in Salzburg differs from many others in terms of concerts. Some of them are in the wonderful Gothic cathedral, and the particularly festive ones are in the Festspielhalle. We attended concerts in both venues and it is a superb experience to hear music in its natural surroundings, the place where it was created and where it has been performed for centuries.

Every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., “Sing-Along” in a choir that welcomes vocalists from the general public.
Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., as well as every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., traditional wind music is performed high above the square.
Every Sunday at 4 p.m., the Salzburg “Christ Child” and his angels make a visit.
Wednesdays at 4 p.m., “Christ Child” children’s reading program.

Salzburg Kristkindlmarkt

One of the oldest Advent markets in the world is the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt. The main celebrations take place on Mozartplatz, where there is an ice rink, and the other streets and squares. Domplatz has roughly a hundred market stands with seasonal decorations, food, and hot beverages. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is a unique event thanks to its location in the center of Salzburg’s Old City, which is classified as a World Heritage Site, the traditional market stands, and its lengthy history.

Festung Hohensalzburg

The entrance to the funicular that travels in less than a minute to the impressive fortification Festung Hohensalzburg is close to the cathedral. The Salzburger Card is required for riding, and admission is free. There is a memorable view of the entire planet from the top. Salzburg is located on one side, and Germany and the Alps to the southwest are located on the other. In the stronghold, there is a tiny Advent market where we discovered great blueberry marzipan jam. a suitable memento at this time of year.

We went to a number of places in Salzburg and the surrounding area that host various festivals and Christmas markets.

It is recommended to see the magnificent park of the Hellbrunn Palace if you are traveling south from Italy or Slovenia. A specific area of the park has been set aside for youngsters, and there is a gorgeous arrangement with red decorations. There are several family-friendly activities, a railroad, and a small zoo.

There are several little buildings and shops in the main square in front of the castle that sell appropriate trinkets and Christmas tree decorations, as well as a small house that serves mulled wine and other hot beverages. We had delicious duck with red cabbage and potatoes at the decent restaurant right next door.

“Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht”

Silent Night, one of the most well-known Christmas carols, was written by Franz Xavier Gruber. He held a position as a teacher at the Arndorf village school. The Gruber-themed mini museum is located inside the school. The first time the song was performed was in 1818. There is a modest chapel in the nearby village of Oberndorf that is devoted to the song, and there is a small, quaint Christmas market with lovely handicraft booths nearby. The community is situated along the Salzach River on the German border.

The restaurants we visited during our three-day stay are highly recommended. They are reasonably priced, and the offer includes local specialties such as roast pork, veal and pork schnitzel, duck and goose dishes, and stew with dumplings. For dessert, you should try Kaiserschmarrn and Salzburger Nockerln.

We slept in Parkhotel Brunauer. It is located next to the station and about one and a half kilometers from the city center. It is comfortable, with decent rooms, breakfast, and parking, which is very important because parking in the city is only possible in expensive garages.

The Freilichtmuseum is an intriguing outdoor museum located around 10 kilometers from Salzburg. Winter hours are closed, however, weekends throughout Advent are open. The museum of tradition in the federal state of Salzburg offers train rides, original architecture train ride and restaurant.  

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