Hallstatt Christmas Market 2024: 8th December One Day Only

Hallstatt is often described as the most beautiful village in Europe. It’s debatable, of course, but likely true. At least it’s true if you love the combination of a lakeside location, snow-capped mountains, cobblestone streets and pretty half-timbered houses.

Hallstatt Christmas Market is a special one-day winter and Advent event. Read on for confirmed 2024 dates and what to expect from this picturesque location.

Hallstatt Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Hallstatt Christmas Market dates: 8th December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in January. Sign up for our newsletter for event updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the local event website, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Marktplatz.
Opening times: 10am to 6:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Unique sunrise hike.
Parking: Paid car parking is located before the entrance to the historic centre which is a 10-15 minute walk. Day parking ticket: €16.
Where to stay: Seewirt Zauner is located directly on Marktplatz.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Ice skating: No.
Santa: No.
Day trip to Hallstatt: If you choose to visit Hallstatt on a day trip, I recommend this trip from Salzburg or this one from Vienna.
Travel tip: Although most people visit Hallstatt on a day trip from Salzburg, I suggest staying overnight experience the serenity of the lake as the sun rises without the hectic crowds that arrive later in the day. Rent a boat if the weather is nice.
Reason to visit: Spend the holidays at a UNESCO World Heritage listed region while enjoying the beauty of Lake Hallstatt.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Schnitzel, goulash, strudels, käsespätzle, and delicious cakes.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotels

Since Hallstatt is a small destination, almost everywhere is near the main square. Some lakeside hotels can be up to 10 minutes away, which might be an issue if the weather isn’t great, but generally, you’ll be fine.

I suggest staying at Seewirt Zauner, which is located directly on Marktplatz and is close to the waterfront sights and restaurants.

On my visit, I stayed at a more budget-friendly hotel. For details on that place and others I recommend, check out my hotels in Hallstatt guide.

Plan your trip to the region with this Austria Christmas Markets List guide. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Austrian food, history and culture.

Location Map

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

Christmas in Hallstatt

Hallstatt hosts a unique one-day market in the main square, close to Lake Hallstatt and surrounded by mountains.

The village is especially beautiful when covered in snow, creating a picturesque winter scene. This event offers a special experience each year for those who attend.

Things to do in Winter

• Hallstatt Salt Mine: Known as the oldest salt mine in the world, it’s an exciting location to visit, even in winter. A tour of the mine provides a fascinating insight into the history of salt mining, complete with a ride on the miner’s slide and an exploration of the prehistoric burial ground.
• Heritage Museum Hallstatt: This museum is open year-round and provides a deep dive into Hallstatt’s 7,000-year history, showcasing artefacts from the Iron Age to the present.
• Dachstein Ice Caves: A natural wonder that stays frozen even in summer. However, accessibility may depend on weather conditions.
• Visit the local churches: Hallstatt is home to several beautiful churches, like the Evangelical Church and Catholic Parish Church, each with its unique charm and history.
• Lake Hallstatt Boat Tours: While many boat services are seasonal and weather-permitting, some operators might offer tours on Lake Hallstatt in winter. Flanked by snowy mountains, the lake looks especially serene and beautiful in the colder months. I highly recommend doing this!
• Wellness Retreat: After a day out in the snow, there’s nothing like a wellness retreat. Visit one of the local spas and unwind with a relaxing massage or thermal bath.
• Photography: With its charming architecture and dramatic landscapes, Hallstatt is a photographer’s dream, particularly in winter.
• Local Cuisine: Spend your evening sampling local Austrian winter fare in cosy, family-run restaurants.
• Skiing: Hallstatt is blessed with several family-friendly ski areas. Krippenstein-Dachstein, for instance, is one of the best spots for skiing and snowboarding.
• Cross-country skiing: You can hire equipment right in town and then take to the extensive network of trails that crisscross the region.
• Winter hiking: There’s a trail that starts at the tourist office and threads its way through Hallstatt, or if you’re up for more of a challenge, consider hiking in the stunning Dachstein region.
• Horse sleigh ride: Snuggle under a warm blanket as you glide through the snow-covered streets.
• Snowshoe hiking: This winter activity lets you access parts of the countryside that are difficult to reach by foot.
• Tobogganing: Many ski areas have dedicated toboggan runs.

Hallstatt Specialties

• Erdäpfelknödel: Potato dumplings, often filled with smoked cheese, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Fleischknödel: Hearty meat dumplings made from bread, milk, eggs, and minced meat, rooted in Austrian peasant cuisine.
• Vegetarian Käsespätzle: Cheesy egg noodles topped with crispy, caramelised onions. Austria’s answer to macaroni and cheese. Truly delicious!
• Linzer Torte: Austria’s oldest known cake with a lattice design and tangy red currant jam filling.
• Tafelspitz: Slow-cooked boiled beef served with apple horseradish, chive sauces, and rosti potatoes.
• Spinatspätzle: Spinach dumplings served with a creamy sauce or browned butter and topped with grated cheese.

Food at the Stalls

• Vanillekipferl: Crescent-shaped vanilla biscuits covered in icing sugar.
• Bauernkrapfen: Austrian doughnuts fried on the spot and often filled with apricot jam.
• Bratkartoffeln: Pan-fried potatoes served with onions, marjoram, and garlic.
• Glühmost: Hot cider mulled with spices, a traditional winter drink.
• Zwetschkenröster: Warm plum compote often served with stollen or pancakes.
• Pretzels: Large, twisted pretzels, plain or with coarse salt or butter.
• Nockerl: Austrian gnocchi topped with sugar and cinnamon or a hearty sauce.
• Lebkuchen: Spiced biscuits with honey and nutmeg decorated with colourful icing.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Shredded fluffy pancake served with powdered sugar and plum or apple compote.
• Holzknechtnockn: Dumplings served in a rich broth, originally made for lumberjacks.
• Beugerl: Pastry rolls with various fillings, such as poppy seeds, nuts, or quark (a kind of cheese).
• Pofesen: Sweet fried bread slices soaked in milk and eggs, dusted with powdered sugar or served with fruit sauce.

What to Buy

• Salt: Gourmet cooking salt from the world’s oldest salt mine.
• Dirndls and Lederhosen: Traditional clothing items that embody local culture.
• Wooden Toys: Traditional, hand-carved toys that showcase local skills.
• Ceramics: Ornamental pieces and functional kitchenware with intricate designs.
• Local Art: Paintings and sculptures by Austrian artists capturing Hallstatt’s scenic views.
• Ornaments: Unique tree decorations.
• Edible Products: Jams, chocolates, liquors, and specially brewed beers produced in the region.
• Straw Decorations: Delicate ornaments crafted to represent local tradition.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Renewable Energy: Book hotels using geothermal or solar energy for heating and electricity. To be fair, this covers most places to stay in the region.
• Food Waste: Order smaller portions or share larger ones at stalls. Finish what you purchase to minimise waste.
• Local Products: Buy handmade crafts and local artisan products. This supports local businesses and reduces the environmental impact of shipping.
• Vegetarian Options: To support sustainable diets, choose vegetarian or vegan versions of traditional dishes, such as mushroom or cheese-filled knödel.
• Walking and Cycling: Explore the town on foot or by bike. Most attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to enjoy the town’s architecture and natural beauty.
• Public Transport: Use Austria’s efficient train network for travel across the region.
• Eco-tours: Join guided eco-tours to learn about local sustainable practices and enjoy the natural surroundings responsibly.

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.