The ambiance of Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt will get anyone in the Christmas spirit and makes an ideal setting to start off the Christmas season. Every year visitors are enchanted by the charm of Cathedral Square, the traditional booths, the strings of lights and the variety of handicrafts on sale.
The Christkindlmarkt is a feast for all the senses: the delicious scent of mulled wine wafts around the booths adorned with glittering ornaments. Salzburg choirs sing Christmas carols as you indulge in loaded hot potatoes smothered in cheese and sour cream.
There is more to do than eat and shop! Snuggle up to your special someone and take a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town or lace up a pair of ice skates and take a spin around the outdoor ice rink.
Christkindlmarkt is Salzburg’s most famous Christmas market, but other smaller Christmas markets can be found tucked around the city. The Christmas market in the Sterngarten is tucked into a small courtyard and is popular with locals. There are pine stumps around the market, each uniquely painted as a Christmas elf. One of the special features of this Christmas market is that proceeds are donated to the needy.
Hohensalzburg Fortress also hosts a small Christmas market in its courtyard. Whether you arrive on foot or by funicular, it affords stunning views of Salzburg and its Christmas decorations.
Where To Stay We recommend the Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, just a 10 minute walk along the river to the old city center. The Radisson Blu is also dog friendly! Our dog, Emma, appreciated the large room and king size bed.
When To Go
The Christkindlmarkt and Sternadvent markets open every year 5 weeks before Christmas. The Hohensalzburg Fortress takes place every weekend (and public holidays) from the last Saturday in November until the last Sunday before Christmas.
Jodi Henderson says
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Salzburg is fun and especially during the holidays. Enjoy your visit there, Jodi!