Salzburg is known as the city of Mozart and in my opinion, it’s the city of sacher torte too. At the Salzburg Christmas market you can experience both, listening to classical Mozart while wandering around the Christmas stalls and taking a break with a slice of rich sacher torte.
Situated in front of Salzburg Cathedral with glimpses on the famous Hohensalzburg fortress which lies upon the hill above, the Salzburg Christmas market is traditional, musical and magical.
Like Vienna, Salzburg has a number of markets, large and small, some within Salzburg city centre and others in the surrounding towns and villages. Salzburg is ideal if you’re looking for a classic European Christmas experience.
Salzburg Christmas Market 2021
Salzburg Christmas Market dates: 18th November to 26th December 2021.
Location: At the base of the famous Hohensalzburg fortress in Residenzplatz near Salzburg Cathedral.
Reason to visit: Hot chestnuts, chocolate gingerbread, the markets in the Mirabell Gardens, Austrian folk traditions.
Recommended tour: Salzburg Christmas tour. Drunk mulled wine as you discover Austrian Christmas traditions.
Where to stay: Motel One, a modern and excellent value hotel near the Mirabell Palace.
Winter events: Ice skating, skiing and Austrian food events.
Salzburg weather in winter: Temperatures average 4°C / -2°C (high / low) in December.
Plan your trip: Our resources page is designed to help you plan your trip to Salzburg.
Other markets in and around Salzburg:
Christmas Market on Mirabell Square: 18th November to 24th December 2021.
Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard: 26th November to 19th December 2021
Advent Magic in Hellbrunn: 18th November to 24th December 2021.
St. Leonhard Advent Market: Weekends in December.
Stern Advent with Winter Market: 18th November 2021 to 6th January 2022.
More information on Christmas in Salzburg: Austria Tourism
Hotels Near Salzburg Christmas Market
To make your winter stay more comfortable, we recommend using our guide to hotels near Salzburg Christmas market. Here we review all the comments and ratings and select the best hotels within walking distance to the markets. We have visited Salzburg on a number of occasions, giving us an insight on where to stay.
Salzburg Christmas Market Specialities
Advent is an important time of the year in Salzburg with the Salzberger Christkindlmarkt being a traditional event since the 15th century. At the Salzburg Christmas market, you’ll find events and traditions unlike elsewhere in Europe.
- Salzburg Christkindlmarkt – The main Christmas market and festival at Residenzplatz.
- Hellbrunn Christmas Market – A family-friendly Advent market at Schloss Hellbrunn.
- St Leonhard Advent Market – A quiet market with authentic arts and crafts where the proceeds go to charity.
- Mirabell Palace Market – One of the most beautiful locations in Salzburg, the Mirabellplatz Christmas market focuses on unique products and local, traditional food.
- Folk Traditions – Parades feature the Austrian folk characters Krampus and Perchten.
- Salzburg Christmas Museum – A unique museum on Mozart Square specialising in all things Xmas.
We hope this answers your questions regarding ‘where is the Christmas market in Salzburg’ and ‘when is Salzburg Christmas market’. For the latest on Christmas in Salzburg, visit the official Salzburg tourism website.
If you’re looking to visit more destinations this Christmas, read our Austria Christmas markets guide for details and where to go and what to see. Keep in mind that Salzburg is one of the best Christmas markets in Austria so you will be making a great choice if you do visit this winter.
Things to Do in Salzburg in Winter
Salzburg in winter isn’t entirely about Christmas and I’m sure that isn’t the only reason you’re visiting. For most of us, visiting the Christmas markets are predominately a way to wind down after a long day by meeting up with family and friends.
If this is the traditional experience you’re looking for then that leaves you with all day to explore Salzburg while visiting the famous sights and attractions.
Salzburg has so much to offer. The old town is UNESCO World Heritage listed, meaning it offers a special and unique cultural experience. Within the old town you’ll find castles, palaces, museums, churches and theatres. Each of which you can visit, in some cases for free but otherwise for a reasonable cost.
Salzburg’s most notable attraction is Hohensalzburg fortress, the white stone fortress which overlooks the baroque city. During a cold winters day, I suggest taking the funicular up to the fortress. You can purchase a ticket when you arrive or buy a ticket as part of your castle entrance ticket if you plan to visit inside.
Another highlight of Salzburg is the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The formal gardens are incredibly beautiful, even in winter and there is a Christmas market just outside of the palace.
Mirabell Palace is located on the opposite side of the river to the old town but it’s not far, you can easily walk across the bridge to get there. From here, you get the best views of the river, old town and the fortress skyline. Try to visit for sunrise if you can, you won’t be disappointed with the views and beautiful light at that time of the morning.
Map of Salzburg
If you have visited Salzburg in December or Christmas in Austria and would like to share your experience, leave a comment or a Christmas market review below.
This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Salzburg and recommended tours. This means we get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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