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Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Salzburg This December

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Planning a trip to Salzburg in December? You’re in for a treat! From the famous Salzburger Christkindlmarkt to the magical Hellbrunner Adventzauber, Salzburg’s Christmas markets are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

In this post, you’ll find the opening times for all the best markets during the 2024 Christmas season, and what to buy there, so you won’t miss a thing.

I’ve used their German names (Weihnachtsmarkt, Adventmarkt, and Christkindlmarkt) so you can easily look them up online. And now, grab a mug of mulled wine, and let’s get into it!

1. Salzburger Christkindlmarkt am Domplatz and Residenzplatz

21. November 2024 – 1. January 2025Special Days:
Monday-Thursday 10am – 8.30pm
Friday 10am – 9pm
Saturday 9am – 9pm
Sunday+Public Holidays 9am – 8.30pm		24. December 9am – 3pm
25.+26. December 11am – 6pm
27.-30. December 10am – 8:30pm
31. December 10am – 1pm
1. January 10am – 6pm
A busy market stall at Residenzplatz in Salzburg, selling a variety of festive treats and gifts, under strings of illuminated garlands. The Salzburg Cathedral looms in the background, softly lit as the sky transitions to evening.
Christmas Market at Residenzplatz
A close-up of a Christmas market stall filled with holiday figurines and decorations, including snowmen, nutcrackers, miniature houses, and village scenes. A smoking snowman centerpiece adds charm, with price tags displayed for each item.
Traditional smokers make for a great souvenir
The Salzburg Cathedral, beautifully illuminated with a pinkish glow, towers over a bustling Christmas market at Domplatz. Garland lights strung above the market stalls create a cozy festive atmosphere as visitors explore holiday offerings.
Christmas Market at Domplatz

The most famous Christmas market in Salzburg is the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt at the Residenzplatz and the one at the Domplatz, they’re right next to each other.

The Christkindlmarkt at Residenzplatz is my favorite market in Salzburg old town. I love its layout with the Salzburg cathedral as a scenic backdrop. You’ll find all the stalls you want, plus some surprises like Christmas-themed dog items.

You have a great view of the market from the DomQuartier Museum. The Christmas Museum also on the square. Both are among the best museums in Salzburg.

2. Hellbrunner Adventzauber

21. November – 24. December 2024Special Days:
Tuesday-Friday 13-20 Uhr
Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays 10am – 8pm		23. December 1pm – 8pm
24. December 10am – 2pm
A close-up view of Christmas trees adorned with glowing lights and shiny red ornaments at the Hellbrunn Christmas Market in Salzburg. Visitors are gathered around a barrel-style table in the background, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg is beautifully lit at night, with a reflecting pool in the foreground mirroring the Christmas lights on surrounding trees. A statue at the center adds elegance to the serene, festive scene.
Charming wooden playhouses, labeled "Cleverli" and "Brezzeli," are surrounded by illuminated Christmas trees at the Hellbrunn Christmas Market in Salzburg. The cozy scene exudes holiday warmth and whimsy.
Illuminated reindeer figures pull a decorative sleigh next to a festively lit Christmas tree adorned with red ornaments at the Hellbrunn Christmas Market. Visitors in the background add to the lively holiday atmosphere.

Hellbrunner Adventzauber is the only Christmas market I’ve ever visited where I had to pay an entrance fee. But to be honest, it was definitely worth it! The entrance fee is €7 but you get one drink voucher for it (drinks are about €5).

The stalls are not that different to other markets, but the location and decoration is incredible, it’s one of the best Christmas markets in Europe!

You’ve got traditional market stalls, an elf village, a forest of Christmas trees, Krampus displays, a petting zoo, and a Christmas post station with a kids program. Strolling around Hellbrunn Palace is magical, though the palace is closed in winter.

The Palace is outside the city center, but you can easily reach it by taking bus 24. The bus fare is included in the Salzburg Card, which I highly recommend.

3. Sternadvent mit Wintermarkt

21. November 2024 – 6. January 2025Special Days:
Sunday-Thursday 11am – 7pm
Friday-Saturday 11am – 8.30pm		24. + 31. December 2024 10am – 3pm
1.- 6. January 2025 11am – 6pm
A large Christmas tree decorated with glowing lights and shiny red ornaments stands prominently at the Stern Advent market in Salzburg. Below the tree, a rustic straw reindeer sculpture and angel wings add a festive, natural touch while visitors browse the market.
A detailed nativity scene featuring handcrafted animal and human figurines, set on a moss-covered display at the Stern Advent market. In the background, a stall brimming with colorful Christmas ornaments and decorations creates a cheerful holiday ambiance.
A vibrant display of miniature Christmas village decorations, showcasing tiny snow-covered houses, trees, and festive figurines engaged in holiday activities, like enjoying a meal at a beer garden. Twinkling lights add warmth and charm to the scene.
A large illuminated wooden star with the words "Stern Advent" glows in the night at the Salzburg Stern Advent market. Decorated Christmas trees and rustic elements, like straw animal sculptures, frame the festive centerpiece.

Sternadvent is a market inside the courtyard “Sternarkaden” next to the Sternbräu restaurant. I love the big Christmas tree with the red baubles and wings decorating it, there’s even a great photo point with a wooden star (Stern means star).

They have some amazing stalls for Salzburg inspired souvenirs like winter themed magnets, small buildings for a winter wonderland and wooden nut crackers and Christmas smokers.

4. Weihnachtsmarkt am Mirabellplatz

21. November – 24. December 2024Special Days:
Sunday-Thursday 10am – 8pm
Friday-Saturday 10am – 9pm		24. December: 10am – 3pm
A lively Christmas market at Mirabellplatz in Salzburg, with visitors gathered around wooden tables under vibrant yellow autumn trees. Festive decorations and market stalls line the cobblestone square as people enjoy seasonal treats.
A tall Christmas tree adorned with ornaments and signs bearing messages, standing at the Mirabellplatz Christmas Market. The tree is surrounded by green wooden stalls offering festive goods and treats, with visitors exploring the area.
A close-up view of handcrafted Christmas decorations, including wicker and glittery star ornaments, hanging in a market stall at Mirabellplatz. Warm lights and a variety of seasonal items create a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Weihnachtsmarkt am Mirabellplatz is a smaller Christmas Market next to the famous Mirabell Palace. As soon as I walked towards the market, I could smell frankincense, which always reminds me of Christmas.

At the stalls you can get Christmas decorations, thick tights and socks (seems they cater towards tourists how didn’t pack enough warm clothes), jewellery, tea and more. You can also get some mulled wine with roasted chestnuts or popcorn.

🎼 Attend a Mozart concert inside the Mirabell Palace!

5. Adventmarkt am Alten Markt

22. November – 23. December 2024
Monday-Thursday 3pm – 9pm
Friday 1pm – 9pm
Saturday, Sunday + Public Holidays 11am – 9pm
This image shows a festive Christmas market stall at Alter Markt in Salzburg, surrounded by historic buildings painted in pastel shades. Bright pink table covers add a modern touch, while visitors gather around to enjoy food and drinks. A glass pyramid structure in the background adds architectural interest to the setting.

When I visited the Adventmarket there was only one bigger stall selling Christmas items and a few selling drinks. But the drink stalls are all operated by non-profits, so the money they generate is all donated.

6. Salzburger Festungsadvent

22. November – 22. December 2024
Weekends before Christmas (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
11am – 7pm
This image depicts the Salzburg Fortress Christmas market, set against the historic white facade of Hohensalzburg Fortress. Decorated Christmas trees with yellow stars and red ornaments add a festive touch, while wooden market stalls and rustic barrels enhance the cozy, traditional ambiance of the courtyard.
Unfortunately, the market was closed when I was in Salzburg

Salzburger Festungsadvent is the Christmas market at the Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), the main attraction in Salzburg.

Unfortunately, it’s only open on weekends, so I missed it. But I’m sure it’s a fantastic market with such a unique location.

🏰 Make this Christmas season even more unforgettable with a concert and dinner at the Salzburg Fortress!

Christmas Markets Salzburg Map

You can easily walk to all Salzburg Christmas Markets except the one at Hellbrunn Palace, which requires a bus ride on number 24.

Tips for Visiting the Christmas Markets

  • Carry Cash: While most stalls accept cards, some only take cash (Nur Bargeld). To avoid any surprises, keep a small amount of cash handy for purchases.
  • Wear Warm Clothes: The weather in Salzburg can get quite cold in December, especially when you’re outdoors for extended periods. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring enough, that’s why many stalls sell thick socks and warm tights.
  • Cup Deposit: Be ready to pay a €3 deposit for festive mugs used for drinks like mulled wine. This fee isn’t included in the menu price, but you’ll get it back when you return the cup. Or, keep it as a charming Salzburg souvenir!
  • Visiting Times: Markets are busiest in the evening, so for a quieter experience, visit right when they open in the morning.

A panoramic view of the Residenzplatz Christmas Market in Salzburg during sunset, with market stalls arranged around a central fountain and a large Christmas tree. The surrounding buildings and nearby hills bathed in golden light complete the picturesque scene.
The best view is from the DomQuartier Museum

What to Buy at Salzburg Christmas Market

  • Austrian Souvenirs: Find Salzburg-inspired trinkets like mini Austrian buildings for a winter wonderland, nutcrackers, or traditional smokers.
  • Handcrafted Ornaments: Discover unique, hand-painted glass baubles and wooden decorations to bring a festive charm to your tree.
  • Local Food Treats: Enjoy regional specialties like Lebkuchen (Austrian gingerbread), roasted chestnuts, and Stollen (fruitcake).
  • Warm Accessories: Pick up cozy woolen socks, scarves, or hats, ideal for keeping warm or gifting to loved ones.
  • Festive Mugs: Keep the mug from your mulled wine as a charming souvenir or buy a mug.
  • Artisanal Goods: Explore handmade candles, soaps, and wooden crafts, perfect as thoughtful and unique holiday gifts.

Final Thoughts: Best Christmas Markets in Salzburg

Salzburg’s Christmas markets are a magical experience, offering a perfect blend of festive traditions, unique gifts, and delicious treats.

Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, browsing for handcrafted ornaments, or bundling up with cozy woolen socks, every moment feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. (Even more so, if you’re lucky and it’s snowing during your visit)

But the magic doesn’t stop there! Salzburg is full of incredible winter activities beyond its markets. There’s so much more to explore. Be sure to check out my post on winter activities in Salzburg and make the most of your holiday trip!

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This image features a close-up of a red Christmas ornament hanging on a tree, reflecting a brightly lit Salzburg Christmas Market scene, including a glowing pink building and festive lights. Text overlays read "SALZBURG" and "Christmas Markets," emphasizing the holiday destination and atmosphere.
Christmas in Salzburg Austria: Where to Find the Best Markets and What to Buy There

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.