Graz is a pretty Austrian city that would make a great winter holiday break. Advent is one of the biggest celebrations, with Graz Christmas Market in Hauptplatz being the highlight.
Read on for confirmed 2024 dates and locations for the 14 unique events spread around the city.
Graz Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Graz Christmas Market dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in January. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Note: The following details are for the main winter market. Scroll down for details on the other markets.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Hauptplatz and Town Hall.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Old Town highlights private walking tour.
Public transport: The tram runs straight through the the main square. Stop: Hauptplatz/Congress.
Bike parking: Radabstellanlage Hauptplatz.
Car parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Aiola Living is a stylish hotel that is only a 2-minute walk to Hauptplatz.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Switch-on: 14th November 2024 (unconfirmed) at Herrengasse.
Children’s Christmas Market: In front of the Franciscan Church and at Graz Winter World.
Ice skating: Graz Winter World on Jahngasse. Full details.
Reason to visit: Beautiful Medieval squares and Renaissance buildings and a friendly small-city atmosphere.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Styrian ham, pumpkin seed oil, Zotter chocolates, brettljause (food platter) and glühmost (hot apple cider).
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes, barrier-free Advent food huts are in Schmiedgasse.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotel
When in Graz, I suggest staying at Aiola Living Graz. It’s near Hauptplatz, where you’ll find the market. Being so central, it’s great for sightseeing and exploring the city.
If that’s not right for you, check out this list of hotels in Graz and other excellent places to stay.
Add another city to your itinerary for an extended holiday. This Austria Christmas Markets List can help you decide where to go.
Location Map
List of Other Markets
Traditional Market
The oldest Advent market in Graz focuses on handmade, locally produced artisanal products.
Traditional Market dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Franziskanerviertel, in front of the Franciscan Church.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 3pm.
Schlossberg
Known as Aufsteirern, this weekend-only event at the hilltop castle is popular for its regional food, the Liesl bell tower and calm atmosphere.
Schlossberg dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Schlossberg Hill.
Opening times:
Friday: 12pm to 9pm.
Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
Access: It’s nice to take the incline railway up to the castle and walk down.
Mehlplatz Market
A quiet market that is known for its mulled wine, punch and artisan desserts.
Mehlplatz dates: 22nd November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Mehlplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Children’s Advent Fair
A special market for children with a beautifully decorated carousel and big wheel.
Children’s Advent dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Kleine Neutorgasse, in front of the Franciscan Church.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 4.30pm.
Joanneum Quarter
Located inside a beautiful courtyard, this is where you’ll find some of the best Styrian restaurant and catering huts.
Joanneum Quarter dates: 22nd November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Raubergasse 10, Joanneumsviertel.
Opening times: 3pm to 10pm.
Sustainable Grieskindlmarket
A weekend market supporting sustainable fashion, home decor, natural cosmetics and organic food.
Grieskindlmarket dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Nikolaiplatz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Opening times:
Thursday and Friday: 3pm to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
Südtiroler Platz
Home to the famous Steirerhütte (a large sit-down food hut), a huge Christmas bauble and an old-fashioned sledge.
Südtiroler Platz dates: 22nd November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Südtiroler Platz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 1pm to 10pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
Wonderlend
A central pavilion holds music performances.
Wonderlend dates: 22nd November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Mariahilferplatz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Eisernes Tor
A peaceful and cosy market with various hot punches, mulled ciders and non-alcoholic hot drinks. Stalls operated by local charities.
Eisernes Tor dates: 22nd November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Am Eisernen Tor, just inside the ring road.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 2pm to 10pm.
Friday to Sunday: 11am to 10pm.
Glockenspielplatz
Dedicated to Styrian gourmet specialties and local producers.
Glockenspielplatz dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Glockenspielplatz, a couple of blocks from Hauptplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 2 pm.
Handicrafts
Local and international makers, designers and small-batch producers of bespoke items. A great spot if you’re looking for gifts.
Handicraft dates: 29th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Färberplatz, right next to Glockenspielplatz.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 7pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 8pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 6pm.
International Crafts
Unique crafts from around the world.
International Craft dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Tummelplatz.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.
Graz Winter World
The children’s winter market and 3.000 m² outdoor ice skating rink. Rent skates or bring your own. More information here.
Winter World dates: 15th November 2024 to 26th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Styrian State Sports Centre. Jahngasse 3.
Opening times: 9am to 7pm.
Prices: Children: €3.50. Adults: €5.50.
Graz has several winter markets with over 200 stalls offering traditional Austrian treats, handcrafted gifts, sustainably sourced items, organic food, and arts and crafts.
Start at Hauptplatz, the central square, filled with decorative lights and charming stalls.
Next, visit the market in Franziskanerviertel in the old town. Walking through its quaint lanes and market stalls feels like stepping into a scene from a bygone era.
Don’t miss the Schlossberg Market on the hill overlooking the city. It has stunning views of Graz illuminated by winter lights and features holiday treats and artisanal crafts.
Food Specialties
- Verhackertesbrot: Styrian specialty of finely chopped, smoked and seasoned bacon spread on crusty bread, often enjoyed as an appetiser.
- Käferbohnen Salad: Styrian salad with scarlet runner beans, pumpkin seed oil, cider vinegar, onions, and sea salt.
- Styrian Pot Roast (Steirisches Wurzelfleisch): Tender beef simmered with root vegetables, served with freshly grated horseradish.
- Styrian Pumpkin Soup: Pureed pumpkin soup with herbs, spices, cream, and Styrian pumpkin seed oil.
- Palatschinken: Thin crepe-like pancakes filled with apricot jam or chocolate spread, often dusted with powdered sugar.
- Styrian Apple Cider (Steirischer Apfelwein): Mildly sparkling and tart local apple cider.
- Grilled Sausages: Includes Bratwurst and spicy Hungarian-style Debrecener, paired with mustard and freshly baked bread.
- Bauernkrapfen: Austrian doughnuts, deep-fried, sprinkled with powdered sugar, often filled with apricot jam.
- Pretzels: Variety of pretzels, from salty to ones topped with melted cheese or dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
- Glühwein: Mulled wine made with red wine, spices, and citrus.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Warm chestnuts roasted on open fires.
- Maroni: Candied almonds coated in a caramelised shell.
- Lebkuchen: Traditional German gingerbread cookies, spiced, sweetened with honey, often decorated with icing or almonds.
What to Buy
- Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil: Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil with a nutty flavour, a popular culinary gift from Graz.
- Handmade Candles: Crafted candles in various designs and festive fragrances like cinnamon or pine.
- Pottery: Hand-thrown pottery pieces, such as teacups and serving dishes, crafted by local artisans.
- Wooden Toys: Traditional, hand-painted wooden toys depicting animals or festive characters.
- Lederhosen and Dirndls: Authentic, beautifully embroidered traditional Alpine clothing available at the market.
- Seasonal Decorations: Handmade wreaths, glass baubles, wooden nativity figures, and advent calendars crafted by local artisans.
Sustainability Tips
- Public Transport: Use the city’s well-planned public transport system, including trams and buses, to move around without a car.
- Locally Sourced Food and Products: Sample Styrian specialities by choosing locally sourced food and products. This supports the local economy and reduces transportation-related emissions.
- Renewable Energy Initiatives: The market uses LED lights for light displays. Book a hotel that supports renewable energy initiatives.
- Sustainable Eating Practices: Choose vegetarian options or portions that match your appetite to help minimise food waste and the environmental impact of meat production.
- Reusable Shopping Bags and Containers: Pack reusable bags and containers for your purchases and takeaway meals to reduce single-use plastics.
- Ethical Consumption: Buy local artisanal products to support small businesses. Only purchase what you need.
- Walking or Cycling: The compact city centre is ideal for walking or cycling, which also allows you to enjoy the local atmosphere.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Leave a Reply