What would the Christmas period be like without its beautiful markets? In the Alpine region, these markets have a strong sense of tradition and custom. Which Christmas markets are a must-see? Engel & Völkers would like to take you on a journey through the prettiest Christmas markets in Tyrol and Salzburg Land. Be swept away by the unique Christmas spirit in the snowy mountains.
The town of Kitzbühel, home to the famous Hahnenkamm and Streif slopes, exudes an extraordinary charm during the Christmas period. The smell of fresh chestnuts and warm fruit punch await you both between the time-honoured houses of the Hinterstadt and in the town park.
Nostalgic merry-go-round and letters to Father Christmas
Kitzbühel’s traditional Advent season brings back childhood memories. The littles ones anticipate the arrival of Christmas Eve whilst riding a pony, enjoying the merry-go-round, and writing their letters to Father Christmas. At the same time, adults enjoy culinary delights from Kitzbühel’s outstanding culinary scene. Have you ever tried a hot Preiselpeter? No? Then you certainly should at Kitzbühel’s Christmas market.
Our recommendation: every day at 8 p.m., Rosemarie Sathrum plays Advent chimes on Kitzbühel’s glockenspiel at St. Catherine’s church. Enjoy these tranquil moments away from the hustle and bustle.
The Christmas markets in Kitzbühel’s Hinterstadt and in the town park are open from Wednesday to Sunday between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. until 26 December.
Just a short walk from Kitzbühel’s town centre at the foot of the famous Streif, you will find the equally well-known Rasmushof. After a walk through a Christmas wood decorated with thousands of lights and hundreds of red baubles, you will reach a small, intimate Advent market offering mulled wine, punch, and Christmas treats. If it is too cold outside, you can get warm inside whilst eating delicious food cooked in the Rasmushof’s kitchen and drinking fine wine from the wine cellar.
Anklöpfler, Weisenbläser, and a petting zoo
Christmas traditions, such as Anklöpfeln (knocking on doors) and Weisenbläser (brass bands), are upheld at weekends at the Rasmushof’s Advent market. Jutta opens her petting zoo from Friday to Sunday from 4 p.m. for the little ones, although it is not uncommon to see “bigger kids” petting the animals. The cuddly rabbits are simply adorable.
Heavenly Advent at the Rasmushof is open every day between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 22 December.
Warm yourself by the fire and enjoy a cup of mulled wine whilst the region’s musicians cater for tranquil moments. Traditional Avent customs and culinary delights are at the heart of the Christmas market in the centre of St. Johann in Tirol. Atmospheric, not too loud, and mesmerising—this is the Christmas motto in St. Johann in Tirol.
Forest woman Cornelia and storyteller Hans bring a sparkle to the eye of visitors with their tours and atmospheric stories by the campfire—an absolute highlight at St. Johann’s Christmas market.
The Christmas market in St. Johann in Tirol is open from Thursday to Saturday between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Sundays between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 24 December.
Did you know...? The regions of St. Johann in Tirol, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Achensee, Hall in Tirol, Kufstein, and Rattenberg have joined forces under the umbrella brand “Advent in Tyrol” and ensure high standards of quality.
Located beneath the huge Christmas tree in front of the Golden Roof, the oldest and largest Christmas market in Innsbruck exudes a sense of nostalgia. There are more than 70 stalls offering hand-crafted items and Christmas tree decorations. In Märchengasse and Riesengasse, popular alleys in Innsbruck, legendary figures transport visitors of all ages into a fantastic world.
Our recommendation: every day at 5.30 p.m., the Golden Roof’s Turmbläser (brass musicians) help to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Panoramic view of the lights of Innsbruck
The Hungerburg Christmas market is located high above Innsbruck. This market, which is petite and dignified, stands out because of its magnificent panoramic view of the city. It is hard to take your eyes off this spectacle.
Children’s eyes and the Swarovski tree both sparkle on Innsbruck’s market square
Families, who appreciate the numerous attractions for children, are not the only ones who are enthusiastic about the Christmas market on the market square (“Marktplatz”). Here you will find a totally unique Christmas tree which stands at 14 metres tall and is made of Swarovski crystals— there is so much glitter it leaves you in awe.
The Christmas markets in the historic centre and on the market square are open every day between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. until 23 December.
The Hungerburg Christmas market is open from Monday to Friday between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holdiays it opens at 12 p.m.
Seefeld’s Christmas market, which is located in the pedestrian area and is a display of Tyrolean log cabin-style huts, exuberates the romantic spirit of Christmas—without being tacky. Every day between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. until 8 January (on 31 December until 1 a.m.), visitors are able to purchase real and authentic goods, ranging from culinary treats to hand-crafted items.
Our recommendation: it is quite a special experience to participate in one of the chapel tours in Leutasch led by Monika and Hans Neuner on the weekends during Advent. This involves visiting Leutasch’s chapels by torch light and diving into their history whilst accompanied by choirs or Weisenbläsern (brass bands)
Vibrant stars are reflected in the water of Lake Zell, the sweet smell of biscuits is in the air, and magical moments await Sternenadvent’s visitors at the bandstand in Elisabethpark by the lake.
The Sternenadvent train does its rounds every Saturday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Visitors can comfortably enjoy the festive atmosphere on one of the free-of-charge trips around Zell am See. There is no better way to explore Zell am See!
Zell am See’s Sternenadvent is open on Fridays (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.), Saturdays (2 p.m. to 8 p.m.), and Sundays as well as bank holidays (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) until 24 December.
The real estate experts at Engel & Völkers Tyrol and Salzburg Land have strong roots in this region. They know how and where you can buy or sell the most beautiful properties and also love their home too.
We would be pleased to advise you.
https://www.engelvoelkers.com/en-at/tirol/ · tirol@engelvoelkers.com