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11 Things to Do in Salzburg in December for Your Winter Trip
Dreaming of a magical winter escape? Salzburg in December is a destination straight out of a fairy tale.
From enchanting Christmas markets to twinkling lights and snow-dusted peaks, Salzburg becomes a winter wonderland in December. Unique traditions like Krampus runs, ice skating rinks, and Mozart concerts add unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re sipping mulled wine at Residenzplatz or marveling at the views from Fortress Hohensalzburg, there are so many amazing things to do in Salzburg in December.
1. Visit Some Festive Christmas Markets
The absolute best thing in Salzburg in December (and late November) is to visit some Christmas markets!
- The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt at Residenzplatz in Salzburg’s old town is the city’s largest and most famous. With festive lights, traditional stalls, and Salzburg Cathedral in the background, it’s easy to see why.
- The Hellbrunner Adventzauber creates a magical atmosphere with decorated Christmas trees, an elf village, a Krampus display, and activities for children. It’s outside the center and there’s an entrance fee, but both are worth it for the festive atmosphere.
- For a more dramatic setting, the Salzburger Festungsadvent is located in the courtyard of the Fortress. It’s only open on the weekends, but the amazing location makes it truly special.
To dive deeper into the details of Salzburg’s Christmas markets, including tips and schedules, check out my post on Salzburg Christmas Markets.
2. Go Ice Skating at Mozartplatz
Ice skating at Mozartplatz is a fun way to embrace the winter spirit in Salzburg. Located just steps away from the Christmas market at Residenzplatz, this smaller rink offers a aktive winter experience.
After a few laps on the ice, warm up with a hot drink from the nearby market stalls and soak in the holiday atmosphere.
3. Enjoy the Christmas Lights in the Old Town
As soon as it gets dark in the evening (well let’s be honest, the afternoon) the Christmas lights come on in the old town.
The most festive ones are in the historic Getreidegasse, where twinkling garlands next to the charming architecture, create a winter wonderland.
Don’t miss the light on the Marko-Feingold-Steg, the pedestrian bridge over the Salzach River. The view of the lit-up bridge reflecting in the water with the Salzburg Fortress in the background is magical (it looks even better in real).
4. Learn about Traditions at the Christmas Museum
The Christmas Museum at Residenzplatz is open almost all year long but what better time to learn about Austrian Christmas traditions than December?
The museum is small, but entry is included with the Salzburg Card, which I highly recommend getting if you plan to visit Fortress Hohensalzburg and the Mozart museum.
At the Christmas museum, learn all about Austrian Christmas traditions, like the Adventkalender, Krampus and letters to baby Jesus (who brings the presents in Austria!)
5. Have a Drink at the Christmas Wonder Land
The Weihnachtswunderwelt St. Peter is the festive decorated courtyard of the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, one of the oldest restaurants in the world!
I love how tucked away it is. You walk through the archway and inside the courtyard, you’re greeted by beautiful decorations. There’s a drink stall and plenty of seating, so perfect place to enjoy a hot cup of mulled wine.
6. Go up to Fortress Hohensalzburg
No matter what time of year you visit Salzburg a visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress is a must. You can either hike up or take the funicular to the top.
From the top you have an amazing view over Salzburg, you can visit the fortress museums and if you visit on a weekend before Christmas, you can browse through the Christmas Market in the courtyard of the fortress.
The fortress museums and the funicular are all included in the Salzburg Card.
7. Visit Some Interesting Museums
Besides the Christmas museum and the museums at the Fortress Hohensalzburg, there are some more interesting museums in Salzburg, perfect for exploring on cold days.
The next famous museum is Mozart’s Birthplace, where you can learn about the musician’s history in the building where he was born. Don’t confuse it with Mozart Residenz though, which I personally don’t think is worth visiting.
One of my favourite museums is the DomQuartier, I love the different art exhibitions and impressive state rooms and the amazing view of the Christmas Market is a great bonus.
8. Enjoy a Mozart Concert inside Mirabell Palace
Another great indoor activity in Salzburg is to attend a Mozart concert inside Mirabell Palace. The Mirabell Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site but it’s probably most famous for its garden which was a filming location in Sound of Music.
You can enter the palace and see the beautiful Marmorsaal ballroom for free, where Mozart performed. But what better way to experience it than by attending a Mozart concert?
🎼 Book your Mozart concert now!
9. See Some Krampus
You probably have heard of the Krampus tradition in Austria, where people dress up as horned demon-like figures and run through the streets. They are accompanied by St. Nicholas who brings treats for well behaved kids.
There are multiple locations where you can see the Krampus in Salzburg, just check the timetable on the official Salzburg webpage to find some when you’re there.
10. Learn about Silent Night
Everyone knows the timeless Christmas carol “Silent Night,” but did you know it was written in Austria, just a short distance from Salzburg? The song was composed in 1818 in the small village of Oberndorf, located about 20 kilometers north of the city.
The song is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Austria. Today, you can visit the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf and learn about the history of the song in the nearby Silent Night Museum.
Salzburg itself celebrates this beloved carol with nods to its origins, I found a really beautiful Christmas baubles featuring the Silent Night Chapel at the Hellbrunner Advent Market. So keep your eyes open.
11. Visit the Salzburger Adventsingen
The Salzburger Adventsingen is a must-see during the Advent season. Since 1946, this event has captivated visitors from around the world with its blend of music, theater, and traditional Christmas stories.
The program is redesigned every year, often featuring heartwarming tales with a spiritual essence. Perfect for experiencing Austrian traditions and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Performances take place at the Großes Festspielhaus (Great Festival Hall). I highly recommend booking tickets early, as the shows tend to sell out quickly.
12. Take a Day Trip
Taking a day trip from Salzburg is a fantastic way to explore the breathtaking scenery just beyond the city. Here are some of the best options:
- Hallstatt: Visit the picture-perfect lakeside village known for its pastel-colored houses, historic salt mine, and stunning views of the Dachstein Alps.
- Bad Ischl: Visit the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, a part of Austrian imperial history. In winter they have a lovely Christmas market.
- Skiing at Snow Space Salzburg: This ski area links the charming towns of Flachau, Wagrain, and St. Johann, with 210 kilometers of slopes across 12 peaks. It’s one of Austria’s most diverse resorts, perfect for all skill levels.
🏔️ Explore Hallstatt on a half-day tour from Salzburg!
Does it Snow in Salzburg in December?
The weather in Salzburg in December is cold, with temperatures typically ranging between -3°C and 4°C.
While it’s possible to see snow during December, it’s not very likely, as the heavier snowfall usually arrives in January and February.
If you’re eager for snow, consider heading to the nearby mountains, where snow is more common this time of year.
Final Thoughts: Winter in Salzburg
Salzburg in December is nothing short of magical. From festive Christmas markets to twinkling lights and cozy winter activities, the city truly embraces the holiday spirit.
While snow might not blanket the streets just yet, the crisp air and charming atmosphere more than make up for it. Plus, with the mountains so close, a snowy adventure is always within reach.
To complete your Salzburg winter experience, there’s nothing more special than attending a Mozart concert in the stunning Mirabell Palace. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity and book your Mozart concert now!
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