Christmas Markets in Linz: My Real Experience & Tips

If you’re thinking about visiting the Christmas markets in Linz, you might be wondering whether they’re worth the trip.

As someone who lives in Vienna and visits a lot of Christmas markets each year, Linz had been on my list for a while, so I finally visited the markets on a winter day trip from Vienna.

My honest opinion? The markets aren’t the most unique in Austria, but they’re still enjoyable, especially when you combine them with other things to do in the city.

Keep reading to find out what to expect at each Christmas market, vegan food options, and everything else you need to know when visiting Linz in December.

What to Expect from Christmas Markets in Linz

Linz has five Christmas markets. But one of them isn’t really a market at all, just a beautifully decorated courtyard with a paid entry. Another one focuses entirely on food and drink.

Out of the five, my favourite was the market at the main square, and my least favourite was the one in the Volksgarten.

1. Weihnachtsmarkt im Linzer Volksgarten

This was my least favourite Christmas market in Linz. It’s only a short walk from the train station, which makes it the first market many people see.

It felt more like a small fair than a traditional Christmas market. There were lots of stalls selling knock-off handbags, clothes, and plastic toys, along with a few rides.

The market is quite spread out across the park. Near the ferris wheel I did find a couple of nicer, more traditional stalls, including one selling wooden nativity figurines, which felt very Austrian. But overall, the festive atmosphere just wasn’t there for me.

One thing I did enjoy, though, were the small Christmas trees decorated by local schools. They added a sweet touch to an otherwise underwhelming market.

2. Advent am Dom

Advent am Dom is set right in front of the cathedral, and the atmosphere feels much quieter compared to the other markets. There aren’t many stalls here, but the ones that are there focus on high-quality, handmade products.

I even bought a handmade body mousse, which I wasn’t expecting to find.

In the middle of the market there are a few tables where you can get a drink or some food and chat with friends. It’s a lovely spot if you need a break from the busier parts of the city.

Vegan options I found:

• Falafel
• Fries

Visiting the Cathedral and Crypt

If you’re already there, don’t miss having a look inside the cathedral. The entrance is free. And before Christmas, the crypt is open longer so visitors can see one of the biggest nativity scenes in Austria.

Even without the nativity scene, the cathedral itself is worth a visit. It’s the biggest church in Austria and one of the must-see places in Linz.

3. Christkindlmarkt am Linzer Hauptplatz

This was my favourite Christmas market in Linz. The huts are beautifully designed, and the whole square feels festive. You’ll find a mix of handmade items and more common souvenirs, so there’s something for every budget and taste.

There’s a small stage as well. When I visited, there was no performance happening, but I was there early on a Wednesday afternoon.

I usually don’t buy anything at Christmas markets because I visit so many and I’m trying to be more minimalist. But I ended up buying a special bag to keep my bread fresh, which says a lot about the quality of the stalls here.

Vegan options I found:
I didn’t see anything clearly labelled vegan, but one stall sold marinara pizza, which is usually vegan.

4. Wintermarkt am Pfarrplatz

Wintermarkt am Pfarrplatz is the market to visit if you want to try lots of different food. Almost every stall here sells something to eat or drink. There’s only one stall that sells non-food items.

All the food stalls are arranged in a big circle, and in the middle you’ll find high tables and bar stools. It feels like an outdoor food court, and it’s a great spot if you’re visiting with friends, everyone can get something different and still eat together.

I had an African vegan bean stew with plantains. It was delicious and not something you usually find at Austrian Christmas markets, which made it a real standout for me.

Winterzauber im Stiegl-Klosterhof

Winterzauber im Stiegl-Klosterhof isn’t really a Christmas market, even though it’s listed as one. It’s more of a beautifully decorated courtyard behind the Stiegl-Klosterhof restaurant.

You’ll find lots of Christmas trees, baubles, and lights, along with benches and places to sit down with a hot drink. It feels cosy and festive, but there are no market stalls selling gifts or crafts.

There is a €5 entrance fee, but you get a voucher for one drink with it.

I couldn’t visit during my trip because it only opens at 3 pm on weekdays, and I was in Linz earlier in the day.

Map of All Linz Christmas Markets

All five Christmas markets in Linz are within walking distance of each other. If you arrive by train, you can walk a simple loop through the city and visit all the markets without doubling back.

The steps add up, but you won’t really notice because you’re walking through Linz’s pretty streets with a Christmas market every so often to take a break at. Most markets are a 10–15 minute walk from each other.

Practical Tips for Visiting Linz in December

• How much time you need:
  You can see all Christmas markets in half a day, but a full day lets you visit other attractions in Linz as well.
• Weather:
  December in Linz is cold and often damp. Wear warm layers, proper winter shoes, and gloves.
• Walking distances:
  Most markets are a 10–15 minute walk from each other. The Christmas market train exists, but walking is usually faster.
• Vegan basics you can always find:
  Roasted chestnuts, roasted almonds, and fried potato spirals are usually vegan and sold at most markets. And you can always pop into one of the vegan restaurants and cafes in Linz to get some food and warm up.
• Allergies and vegan questions:
  Food vendors in Austria are legally required to list allergens. Many stalls display the allergen list, and if not, you can always ask. This is helpful for allergies but also for checking if a dish is vegan.
• Paying at the markets:
  Most stalls accept card payments, but it’s always good to carry a bit of cash. ATMs in Austria are called Bankomat, and you’ll find plenty around Linz.
• Christmas lights:
  If you visit in the late afternoon or evening, make sure to walk along Landstraße, the main shopping street. It has the prettiest Christmas lights in Linz.
• Getting to Linz from Vienna:
  There are direct trains which take about 1 hour 15 minutes, check the time table here
  Westbahn from Wien Westbahnhof to Linz (around €39 for a last-minute one-way ticket)
  ÖBB from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Linz (around €42 for a last-minute one-way ticket).

Conclusion: Are the Christmas Markets in Linz Worth Visiting?

If you’re expecting large or super unique Christmas markets with hours of shopping, Linz might not be the best fit.

Since I didn’t enjoy the Volksgarten market much, that left only 2 markets that sold things besides food and drinks. Both were lovely, but not the biggest, so there’s only so much time you can spend browsing unless you want to drink one Glühwein after another (and no judgement if you do).

That’s why I think the Christmas markets alone are not quite enough to justify a trip from Vienna. But if you combine them with a few other things to do in Linz, it turns into a very enjoyable winter day trip.

So if you’re planning to visit Linz in December, make it a full day and explore more of the city alongside the markets.

To plan the rest of your day, have a look at my guide on the best things to do in Linz.

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