Graz is a pretty Austrian city that would make a great destination for a winter holiday break. Christmas is one of the biggest annual events with Graz Christmas Market being the highlight. Here I share dates, locations and opening times for this year’s festivities that includes 12 unique Christmas markets.
The city of Graz has several lovely Christmas markets with over 200 stalls selling traditional products from Austria and around Europe. You’ll find typical Christmas treats, unique Styrian gifts, sustainably sourced items, organic food and arts and crafts.
Graz Christmas Market 2022
Visit the main Christmas market in the centre square, the Traditional Christmas Market in Franziskanerviertel, an incredible hilltop Schlossberg Christmas Market or one of many other options.
Graz Christmas Market dates: 18th November to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Location: Hauptplatz in front of the Town Hall (Rathaus der Stadt Graz).
Reason to visit: Graz is worth visiting for its mixture on Medieval squares and Renaissance buildings coupled with delicious food and a friendly small-city atmosphere.
Where to stay: Aiola Living Graz is a stylish hotel that is only a 2-minute walk to Hauptplatz.
Hotels near Graz Christmas Market
If you would like to stay near the Christmas markets, you’ll want to stay in the Innere Stadt, the historic centre of Graz.
I suggest staying at Aiola Living Graz as it’s a 2-minute walk to Hauptplatz, the location of the Christmas market. It’s in an extremely central location so it’s great for sightseeing and exploring the city.
If you would prefer to stay elsewhere, my guide to hotels near Graz Christmas Market lists several well-located hotels covering all budgets.
Location of Graz Christmas Market
Christmas Markets in Graz
While the main Christmas market in is the most popular, you’ll find a Christmas market in almost every neighbourhood and square in Graz. Try to stop by some of these smaller markets as you walk around the city.
Traditional Christmas Market
Franziskanerviertel is home to the oldest Christmas market in Graz and the appropriately named Traditional Christmas Market. There is a focus on handmade, locally produced artisanal products.
Franziskanerviertel Christmas Market dates: 18th November to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Location: Franziskanerviertel, in front of the Franciscan Church.
Location of the Traditional Christmas Market
Schlossberg Christmas Market
Known as Aufsteirern, this weekend Christmas market at the hilltop castle is popular for its regional food, the Liesl bell tower and calm atmosphere.
Schlossberg Christmas Market dates: Weekends (Friday afternoon to Sunday) from the 18th November to 18th December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Location: Schlossberg Hill.
Access: Get the incline railway up to the castle and walk down if you’re able.
Location of Schlossberg Christmas Market
Arts and Crafts Market
The unique design of the Advent huts is what you’ll first notice at the Arts and Crafts market. It’s a different kind of market than you’ll typically find in Austria but worth visiting to support local artisans.
Arts and Crafts Market dates: 18th November to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Location: Mehlplatz
Location of the Arts and Crafts Market
Children’s Advent Fair
A special Christmas market for children where you’ll find a beautifully decorated carousel and big wheel.
Children’s Advent Fair dates: 18th November to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm.
Location: Kleine Neutorgasse, in front of the Franciscan Church.
Location of Children’s Advent Fair
Joanneum Quarter
Located inside a beautiful courtyard, this is where you’ll find some of the best Styrian delicacies at the Christmas markets and the highest quality goods.
Joanneum Quarter market dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Location: Raubergasse 10, Joanneumsviertel.
Location of Joanneum Quarter
Grieskindlmarket – Sustainable Christmas Market
A sustainable Christmas market that takes place on the weekends. Focused on sustainable fashion, home decor, natural cosmetics and organic food.
Grieskindlmarket dates: Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) from 18th November to 18th December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Location: Nikolaiplatz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Location of Grieskindlmarket
Südtiroler Platz Christmas Market
Home to the famous Steirerhütte, the largest painted Christmas bauble and an old-fashioned sledge.
Südtiroler Platz market dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Location: Südtiroler Platz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Location of Südtiroler Platz
Circus Wonderlend
A travelling Advent circus with music and dance performances.
Circus Wonderlend dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Opening times: 4pm to 10pm.
Location: Mariahilferplatz, on the western side of the River Mur.
Location of Circus Wonderlend
Eisernes Tor Advent Market
A charity-based Christmas market where the proceeds go to support various local causes.
Eisernes Tor Advent Market dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Opening times: 3pm to 10pm.
Location: Am Eisernen Tor, just inside the ring road.
Location of Eisernes Tor Advent Market
Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market
This market is dedicated to Styrian specialties and local producers.
Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market dates: 18th November to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm, food stalls until 10pm.
Location: Glockenspielplatz, a couple of blocks away from Hauptplatz.
Location of Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market
Handicraft Christmas Market
Unique handmade gifts from local and international craftspeople. Great if you’re wondering what to buy in Graz.
Handicraft Christmas Market dates: 25th November to 23rd December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm, 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Location: Färberplatz, right next to Glockenspielplatz.
Location of Handicraft Christmas Market
Add another city to your itinerary for an extended holiday in Austria. This list of the best Christmas markets in Austria can help you choose where to go.
Visit Graz has information regarding events and the best ways to experience Graz at Christmas.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. When visiting the Christmas markets, keeping sustainability in mind is important. Implement some or all of these responsible travel measures during your visit.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
FAQ
18th November to 24th December 2022.
The Christmas market opens at 10am daily.
The Christmas market closes at 8pm daily.
The Christmas lights are lit daily from 4:30pm until midnight.
If you have visited Graz in winter or would like to leave a review of the Christmas market, feel free to comment below. This helps others who are interested in visiting and are trying to plan their holiday.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Graz, Austria. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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