If you don’t know much about Innsbruck, the city runs alongside the emerald-coloured River Inn and is surrounded by spectacular mountains on all sides. It’s known for its city skiing, where locals famously go for a ski before work or during their lunch break. The Innsbruck Christmas Market is another winter highlight.
Read the 2024 dates, which are now confirmed.
Innsbruck Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Innsbruck dates: 15th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: This year’s schedule was released in September. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Information obtained directly from the organiser is available here.
Note: The following details are for the main winter event. Scroll down for details on the other markets.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Old Town (Innenstadt) in front of the Golden Roof.
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Take the cable car to the top of the mountain. It’s the number 1 attraction in Innsbruck. Free cancellation is available if you decide not to go.
Public transport: Trams and buses run from the main train station. Terminal Marktplatz and Museumstraße are the closest stops.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Altstadtgarage is nearby and is wheelchair accessible.
Travel tips: You can easily visit the Old Town, Maria-Theresien-Straße & Marktplatz markets on the same day.
Where to stay: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz is located steps from the Golden Roof.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Ice skating: No.
Santa: Yes.
Reason to visit: Skiing in the city, the beautiful mountain landscapes and the market stalls at the top of the mountain.
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: The locally famous kiachln, a sauerkraut doughnut.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
Innsbruck is a calm, walkable city. Many of the sights are located between the River Inn and the main train station. This central district is known as Innenstadt, and it’s where you’ll most likely want to stay when you visit.
I recommend Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz in this area. The famous Golden Roof is 100 metres away, and the hotel is highly rated, modern, and reasonably priced.
If that place isn’t right for you, choose one from this list of hotels in Innsbruck.
If you are planning to see more in the region, my Austria Christmas Markets Guide can help you with ideas and dates in other cities.
Location Map
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
All Market Details
1. Old Town
The city’s traditional main event is in front of the iconic Golden Roof.
Old Town dates: 15th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: In front of the Golden Roof.
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm.
2. Maria Theresien Street
Located on the main shopping street, Maria Theresien stands out for its modern charm and diverse range of international stalls and products.
Maria Theresien Street dates: 25th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Maria Theresien Street.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 3pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
New Year’s Eve: 11am to 7pm.
3. Advent at Market Square
The place for a classic Tyrolean experience. Situated by the beautiful River Inn.
Market Square dates: 15th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Marktplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
4. Panorama in Hungerburg
For a unique experience with a view, hop on the funicular to the Hungerburg mountainside market.
Hungerburg dates: 22nd November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 1pm and 7pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 7pm.
After Christmas Eve, opening hours are 12pm to 6pm.
Christmas Eve: 12pm to 3pm.
Christmas Day: Open 1pm to 6pm.
New Year’s Eve: 12pm to 5pm.
5. St Nikolaus District
Cross the River Inn to the St Nikolaus District.
St Nikolaus District dates: 22nd November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Hans-Brenner-Platz.
Opening times: 4pm and 9pm.
6. Wilton
Serving organic mulled wine and a variety of sustainable specialties.
Wilton dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Wiltener.
Opening times: 4pm to 8pm.
7. Kaiserweihnacht (Emperor’s Christmas)
Traditional Tyrolean artisan specialties are the focus.
Emperor’s dates: Friday to Saturday: 15th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Bergisel Hill.
Opening times:
Friday: 2pm to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
What to Expect
- The Old Town is the heart of the city, where you’ll find many festivities and decorations. Walk around the historic streets with colourful buildings, fountains and statues.
- Another popular event stretches along the River Inn at Marktplatz, adding charm with its riverside location. Maria Theresien Street, the city’s central pedestrian area, hosts a large market with a variety of stalls.
- As you wander, enjoy traditional coffee and cake in the afternoon.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Green Transport: Use the efficient public transportation network, including IVB buses and trams powered by renewable energy. For short distances, consider the bike-sharing service Stadtrad Innsbruck.
- Renewable Energy: Book a hotel that uses renewable energy sources, such as hydro and solar for heating and electricity.
- Reduce Food Waste: Order food sensibly and share larger dishes to avoid waste. Many local restaurants participate in food waste reduction initiatives like Lokaleliebe.
- Ethical Consumption: Purchase local and handmade goods from artisans to support small businesses. Look for the “Tiroler Edles” label, which guarantees products are handcrafted in Tyrol.
- Sustainable Diet: Eat local and seasonal foods. Seek out eateries offering Tyrolean specialties made with locally sourced ingredients and preference plant-based dishes.
- Reusable Bags and Containers: When buying food and drinks, bring reusable shopping bags and containers to limit the use of single-use plastics.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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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.
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