Events, Festivals and Exhibitions

If you are planning to take a trip to a Christmas market this year, you could do far worse than travelling to Austria’s world-heritage city Salzburg, home of Mozart. Currently, there is a curfew in Austria.

Alongside the Vienna Christmas Market and stemming back to the 15th century, Salzburg Christkindlmarkt as they call it in Austria, is one of the oldest advent markets in the world.

History of Salzburg Christmas Market

In the 15th Century, the festive fare was called Tandlmarkt, but by the 17th century it had been re-christened Nikolaimarkt or St Nicholas’ Market, and was held for two weeks before and after St Nicholas’ Day on 6 December around Salzburg’s Cathedral Square. As an advent fare, it was regarded only behind Vienna, Amsterdam, Nuremberg and Paris.

For another iconic Christmas market in Europe, head to the Brussels Christmas Market in Belgium.

What to expect from the Christmas Market

The market as it is known today really only goes back to 1974. Expect local folk music, mulled wine, incense, Austrian delicacies, 100 stalls selling local crafts and an enormous Christmas Tree, plus lots of singing.

When is the Salzburg Christmas Market

The market opens on the Thursday before the first Sunday in Advent. In 2021, this falls on 17 November. It runs until 1 January, 2023, and will include choral music and nativity exhibits.

Where is it held?

The market is in and around the Cathedral Square and Residenz Square, Salzburg.

There will also be Advent Magic in Hellbrunn Courtyard (17 November to 24 December), a Christmas Market on Mirabell Square (17 November to 24 December), an advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard (25 November to 18 December), and the St. Leonhard Advent Market every weekend in December.

Salzburg Christmas Market Programme

The programme of events includes guided Christmas tours around the city, choral singing in front of the cathedral, readings for kids, “Turmblasen” (wind instruments) on Residenz Square, and nativity exhibits in the Residenz courtyardand festive songs performed from various spots around Salzburg.

Flights from London to Salzburg

Ryanair has flights from London Stansted to Salzburg, Eurowings also operates out of Stansted and London Heathrow, while British Airways has flights from London Gatwick. Austrian Airlines flies from Heathrow.

Accommodation in Salzburg

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For further information

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Photos c. Salzburg Tourism.