Villach Christmas Market 2024: Go Somewhere Different This Year

Villach is a town in Austria’s Carinthia region with a busy market each Advent. Events and activities for children at Rathausplatz, near the Town Hall.

This guide will help you plan your visit, covering key details like dates, where to stay and what to expect.

Villach has 3 Christmas Markets Around the City in 2024

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Villach dates: 15th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Rathausplatz (Town Hall).
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 11pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date announced.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: It’s somewhere different to go.
Food specialities: Villacher beer, Kärntner Reindling (sweet bread) and Carinthian glühwein – mulled wine with honey and cinnamon.
Where to stay: Hotel Goldenes Lamm, 2-minutes from the main square.

Convenient Hotels

I recommend the Hotel Goldenes Lamm in the historic Old Town, the Innere Stadt. It’s a locally owned hotel just a 2-minute walk from the market at Rathausplatz.

I stayed here for two nights a few years ago and found it very comfortable. I was just passing through, and the location was ideal for a short stay. I’d stay there again.

If that’s not suitable, read through my guide to hotels in Villach for more options.

To find more interesting places, read our Austria Christmas Markets List.

Event Location

What to Expect

Villach’s market has over 50 pine stalls selling traditional ornaments, wooden toys, Austrian gourmet gift boxes and mulled wine. Six food huts serve dishes from different regions.

Additional Events

• Art Advent in the Park: Unique crafts, fire bowls, special lighting and activities for children.
  • 15th November 2024 to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
• Advent Market on 10 Oktoberstrasse: Local specialties, handicrafts and family-friendly activities.
  • 15th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).

Specialties

• Start your culinary adventure with some warming Glühwein, a mulled wine that fills the air with the scents of the season – a welcome toast to the chill of winter.
• Next, for a savoury bite, consider trying the hearty Würstel. These grilled sausages are a street food staple in Villach and make for a satisfying snack tucked into a bun with a smear of mustard or ketchup.
• For something heavier, the Swiss dish Raclette, also popular in Austria, is a perfect choice. It’s a feast of melted cheese oozing over potatoes, vegetables and bread. You can easily opt for a vegetarian version by simply skipping any meat or fish toppings.
• Fancy something on the lighter side? Then the round bread dumplings known as Knödel are for you. Made with bread, milk, eggs and spices, these can accompany a main course or stand-alone with mushroom or cheese fillings for a vegetarian option.
• Austrian cuisine’s gem, Spätzle, a type of egg noodle, often features as a side dish. You can savour a vegetarian rendition by choosing those flavoured with vegetable broth.
• Street food options continue with Kartoffelpuffer, tasty potato pancakes fried to a crisp golden finish, commonly served with applesauce or sour cream.
• Also on the street food list is Langos, a Hungarian specialty that has found its place in Austrian cuisine. This deep-fried dough, adorned with sour cream and grated cheese, is an indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing.
• Even in the winter chill, the Maroni stalls manage to draw a crowd. These roasted chestnuts make for a popular winter snack and are usually served in paper cones, ideal for leisurely munching while exploring the market.
• To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can start with Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy, sweet pancake lovingly served with a fruit compote, a treat that is especially perfect for the festive season.
• The festive Lebkuchen are an essential part of an Austrian Christmas. These gingerbread cookies often come adorned with holiday-themed designs.
• A trip to a Christmas market isn’t complete without Gebrannte Mandeln. These sweet, caramel-coated roasted almonds are a classic festive snack.
• For a more substantial sweet option, Stollen, a dense fruit cake of German origin, makes an appearance during the holiday season, full of dried fruit and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Finally, a more extravagant dessert option is the Baumkuchen. This layered cake is prepared by coating a spit with batter and rotating it over an open flame.

Sustainability Tips

• Choose Green Hotels: Several hotels and guesthouses in Villach are committed to sustainability. Many of these places use renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Say No to Food Waste: As part of a conscious approach to food consumption, order only what you can eat when indulging in the delicious offerings. If you can’t finish your meal, ask for a take-home box. Austria has strict regulations about food safety, so most places will be happy to accommodate you.
• Shop Conscientiously: When purchasing souvenirs or gifts, choose products made by local artisans. This supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint caused by long-distance shipping.
• Embrace Plant-Based Foods: A sustainable diet often involves reducing meat and dairy consumption. Luckily, Austrian cuisine has a wealth of vegetarian options. Dishes like Käsespätzle, a cheesy noodle dish, or vegetable Strudel make for a delicious, vegetarian alternative.
• Travel Sustainably: Instead of driving, consider more environmentally friendly options to navigate around Villach. The city is compact and walkable, and cycling is another excellent way to explore, given the abundance of bike paths. Should you need to cover greater distances, opting for electric public transportation, if available, would be a greener choice.
• Consume Responsibly: Remember to bring reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups to reduce unnecessary waste.

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.