Nothing fills you with the holiday spirit like a European market with stalls of toys, sweets and hot drinks. Sparkling lights, decorated trees and the smell of spice wafting through the air creates such an exciting and beautiful atmosphere from the middle of November all the way through the end of the year.
Try visiting these best Christmas markets in Austria for a magical start to the holidays.
Best Christmas Markets in AustriaHow do these rankings work?
1. Innsbruck
Nestled beneath snowed-covered mountains, Innsbruck offers one of the most romantic settings for Christmas markets in Austria. Twinkling lights are just the beginning to this city’s celebration. There are several markets to choose from, but the Old Town Market might be the most atmospheric. There are 70 stalls to browse, and the entire market is known as Fairy Tale Alley, so you know it is beautiful.
2. Vienna
There are tons of holiday events to choose from while in Vienna. The Christmas Village is a festive affair, but for something more historic, head to the Old Viennese Christmas Market. It’s located on the Freyung and has been a tradition since 1772. There are interactive games and traditional booths to visit, so this is the place for unique finds.
3. Graz
This town has a creative flair for celebrating holidays festively. The Graz Christmas markets pay attention to detail that elevates the overall experience. Be sure to visit the arts and crafts fair for incredible waxwork in their holiday bees’ wax candles among other handicrafts.
4. Salzburg
Christmas in Salzburg likely brings to snow-covered Baroque squares filled with classic Christmas carols in the air. And you wouldn’t be wrong to think so. This beautiful city brings the holidays alive with traditional flair. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is the oldest of the festivities with tons of stalls, tall decorated trees and garland strung high. For a modern take, visit the Mirabell Square market instead.
5. Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is a massive art museum in Vienna, and it throws one wintery, wonderful Christmas market each year. The Baroque palace proves to be a stunning backdrop, and the stalls are brimming with high-quality goods, though there are fewer booths.
6. Hallstatt
Hallstatt knowns how to celebrate, and there’s no shortage of all the wonderful goodies that are staples at Christmas markets like mulled wine or Bratwurst sausages. Two foods that shouldn’t be missed here: the city’s famous cookies and its spicy smoked fish. Browse for handmade Christmas decorations to purchase in the stalls or take a walk around the 3D nativity scene.
7. Linz
Finally is Linz, which hosts Christmas markets that perfume the air with gingerbread and the city’s famous Linzer Tortes. The lights glimmer as pastry shops and cafes beckon pedestrians in for a break, but the booths of the market might be too inticing to leave. Wander the stalls for wonderful Christmas treats to surprise friends and family with.