Innsbruck Christmas Market 2023: Under the Golden Roof

Popular with visitors from neighbouring countries along with Austrian locals, Innsbruck is compact, festive and wonderful.

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.

In this Christmas guide, I share the confirmed 2023 dates and opening times for the Innsbruck Christmas Market in the Old Town and six other Christmas markets in Innsbruck.

Innsbruck Christmas Market 2023

Innsbruck is blessed with stunning alpine scenery and is a delight to visit during the Christmas season, with its vibrant and bustling Christmas markets.

The city centre of Innsbruck transforms into a festive hub, with the main Christmas Market taking centre stage under the city’s iconic landmark, the Golden Roof.

This market is conveniently located in a compact square, making it easy for visitors to explore and soak up the Christmas cheer.

Adding to the city’s festive atmosphere is another beloved market that stretches along the River Inn at Marktplatz. Its location by the river lends an added charm to the Christmas celebrations.

Further enhancing the city’s festive spirit is a vast Christmas market that sprawls along Maria Theresien Street, the city’s central pedestrianised area. This market is easily accessible, and its size ensures a wide variety of stalls for visitors to browse and enjoy.

Together, these markets make Innsbruck a particularly attractive destination for Christmas market enthusiasts, offering an array of experiences set against the backdrop of the city’s breathtaking alpine vistas.

Full details for the seven markets are listed below.

Dates and Locations

Innsbruck Christmas Market dates: 15th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Old Town (Innenstadt) in front of the Golden Roof.
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Reason to visit: Skiing in the city, the small city atmosphere, the beautiful mountain landscapes and the Panorama Christmas Market at the top of the mountain.
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.
Specialities: The locally famous kiachln, a sauerkraut doughnut. Also known for its carousel and the modern Christmas market along Maria Theresien Straße.
Where to stay: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz is located steps to the Golden Roof and Old Town Christmas market.

Hotels near Innsbruck Christmas Market

Innsbruck is a safe, walkable city with most of the city’s sights located between the River Inn and the main train station.

This central district is known as Innenstadt, and this is the area where you’ll most likely want to stay to be near the Christmas markets.

I suggest staying at Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz as the Christmas market will be literally at your door and the Golden Roof 100 metres away. This hotel is highly rated, modern and reasonably priced.

If that doesn’t suit you, my guide to hotels near Innsbruck Christmas Market lists several well-located hotels for all budgets.

Location of Innsbruck Christmas Market

Christmas Markets in Innsbruck

Innsbruck comes alive with festive spirit during the holiday season, hosting a total of seven distinct Christmas markets that offer an engaging mix of local culture, international flavours, and breathtaking views. Confirmed dates and locations are listed below.

If you are planning to see more in the region, my Austria Christmas markets 2023 list can help you with ideas and Christmas market dates in other cities.

1. Old Town Christmas Market

The city’s traditional main event is nestled in front of the iconic Golden Roof, immersing visitors in Austrian Christmas customs and the charming architecture of Innsbruck.

Old Town Christmas Market dates: 15th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Old Town (Innenstadt) in front of the Golden Roof.
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm.

2. Maria Theresien Street Christmas Market

Located on the main shopping street, Maria Theresien stands out for its modern charm and diverse range of international stalls and products. This market serves as a melting pot of cultures against the backdrop of Innsbruck’s historic streets.

Maria Theresien Street dates: 25th November 2023 to 6th January 2024.
Location: Maria Theresien Street in the city centre.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 3pm.
Christmas Day: Open.

3. Advent at the Market Square (Marktplatz)

You can delve into a classic Tyrolean Christmas experience at this central market. Situated by the serene River Inn, this market embodies the quintessential Tyrolean holiday vibe.

Advent at Market Square dates: 15th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Marktplatz, by the River Inn.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.

4. Panorama Christmas Market in Hungerburg

For a unique market experience with a view, hop on the funicular to the Hungerburg Christmas Market. This mountainside market offers visitors a combination of festive treats and panoramic views of the city below.

Hungerburg dates: 24th November 2023 to 6th January 2024.
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 12pm to 6pm.

5. St Nikolaus District Christmas Market

Cross the River Inn to the St Nikolaus District. This small, cosy market sits on Hans-Brenner-Platz and offers an intimate and charming Advent experience.

St Nikolaus District dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Hans-Brenner-Platz.
Opening times: 4pm and 9pm.

6. Wilton Christmas Market

Platzl prides itself on serving organic mulled wine and a variety of sustainable specialties, reflecting Innsbruck’s commitment to the environment.

Wilton Christmas Market dates: 27th November to 24th December 2023.
Location: Wiltener.
Opening times: 4pm to 8pm.

7. Kaiserweihnacht (Emperor’s Christmas) at Bergisel

Traditional Tyrolean artisan specialties take centre stage, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistic skills of the region.

Emperor’s Christmas dates: Friday to Saturday from 17th November to 17th December 2023.
Location: Bergisel Hill.
Opening times: Friday: 2pm to 9pm. Saturday: 11am to 9pm. Sunday: 11am to 8pm.

As you wander around Innsbruck, you’re bound to stumble upon these enchanting markets, each offering a unique slice of the city’s Christmas festivities.

The old town is, of course, the heart of Innsbruck and is where you’ll find many festivities and decorations. You’ll know you’ve reached the main market when you see the elaborate Golden Roof, the centrepiece of Innsbruck.

Spend time walking around the historic streets with the colourful pastel-coloured buildings and pretty fountains, statues and columns.

Because you’re likely to be eating as you wander the markets, save space each afternoon for coffee and cake, an especially delicious treat in traditional Innsbruck.

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 simple measures to create a positive impact.

Go green with your transport. Innsbruck’s public transportation network is efficient and wide-ranging. I highly encourage you to use these services, reducing your carbon footprint and easing traffic congestion in the process. The IVB, Innsbruck’s public transport provider, runs a fleet of buses and trams, many of which are powered by renewable energy sources. Consider using the city’s bike-sharing service, Stadtrad Innsbruck, for short distances.

Take advantage of the city’s commitment to renewable energy. As a conscious traveller, choose to stay in accommodations that utilise renewable energy sources. Many hotels in Innsbruck use solar energy for heating and power, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

Consciously reduce food waste. With the city’s markets offering a vast array of delicious Austrian cuisine, it can be tempting to overindulge. I recommend you order sensibly and consider sharing larger dishes to prevent food waste. In addition, many restaurants and cafes in Innsbruck participate in food waste reduction initiatives. Lokaleliebe, for example, works with local suppliers to use ingredients that would otherwise be discarded, creating delicious and sustainable dishes.

Ethical consumption is key. The charming stalls at Innsbruck’s Christmas markets often showcase local artisans’ work. By purchasing these local and handmade goods, you support small businesses and contribute to the local economy. In particular, look for the “Tiroler Edles” label, which guarantees that the products are handcrafted in Tyrol.

Adopt a sustainable diet. Eating local and seasonal foods gives you a taste of Innsbruck’s culinary traditions and reduces the environmental impact of your meals. Seek out eateries offering Tyrolean specialties made with locally sourced ingredients. Myrtle, a restaurant in the heart of Innsbruck, focuses on using fresh, regional products in its menu.

For more information on visiting Innsbruck, the city’s official website, Visit Austria is a great resource. Along with things to do in Innsbruck, you can discover Tirol and further destinations in Austria.

FAQ

If you have any questions or comments about visiting the Innsbruck Xmas Market in 2023 or Innsbruck at Christmas more generally, please leave a comment below.

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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 Innsbruck, Austria. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.