Some of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe are found right in Salzburg, Austria. The historic centre of this enchanting city comes alive with the scent of mulled wine, twinkling lights, and music that puts everyone in the true Christmas spirit. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the locations, dates, and programme of the Salzburg Christmas markets.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
If you’re planning to spend some time in Salzburg, I recommend staying in the city centre so you can stroll through the markets at your leisure, enjoy a Glühwein or punch, and not have to trek half an hour or more back to your hotel. When looking for Salzburg Austria hotels, here are our top picks:
You can find and compare more options on Booking.com.
Salzburg Christmas Markets: Christmas Tree Lighting
This year’s Christmas markets will kick off with the festive tree lighting ceremony on 21 November 2025.
💡TIP: There are regular organised tours to the Salzburg Christmas markets from various UK cities. You can browse options on GetYourGuide.
Salzburg Christmas Markets: When and Where
The Christmas markets in Salzburg Austria run this year from 20 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 at Residenzplatz and Domplatz squares. Additional Advent markets can also be found at Mirabell Palace and in the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress.
The Salzburg Christmas markets boast impressive festive decorations every year, creating a magical atmosphere full of lights and colours. The magnificent Christmas tree on the main square is the true centrepiece, drawing visitors to gather around and admire its beauty.
💡You might also like: Christmas Markets in Vienna
You’ll find a wide variety of stalls at the markets – from handcrafted Christmas ornaments to regional specialities. Traditional Austrian treats that warm you up from the inside are never in short supply. On top of all that, there’s a rich programme of events including concerts, performances, and other cultural activities.
What to Drink at the Salzburg Christmas Markets?
At the Salzburg Christmas markets, a hot drink is practically a must – not only will it warm you up, but it completes that perfect festive atmosphere. If you want to go with the classic choice, try Glühwein – essentially mulled wine, and one of Austria’s most beloved winter warmers.
You can also enjoy sweet punch, available in many variations – from the classic rum-based version to fruity combinations. Non-alcoholic punch or Kinderpunsch is ideal if you don’t drink alcohol or are visiting with children.
Those who fancy something stronger shouldn’t miss Jägertee – a blend of black tea, rum, and spices that will warm you up even on the coldest of days. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, many stalls serve excellent hot chocolate, sometimes topped with homemade whipped cream or a praline for decoration.
💡Read also: Christmas Markets in Austria
What to Taste and Buy at the Salzburg Christmas Markets?
The Salzburg Christmas markets are a paradise for food lovers and fans of original souvenirs. If you visit, prepare yourself for a generous serving of Austrian specialities and beautiful handcrafted goods.
What to Eat at the Christmas Markets
Traditional sausages are a staple – a local bratwurst or käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) with crusty bread and a generous helping of mustard is a classic that never disappoints. Once you’re warmed up, move on to roasted chestnuts – their aroma will draw you in before you even see the stall.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, definitely try the gingerbread or traditional Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent biscuits).
What to Buy at the Salzburg Christmas Markets
And what should you take home? Definitely handcrafted ornaments – glass baubles or wooden figurines will be a lovely addition to any Christmas tree. If you’re looking for something smaller, the classic choice is Mozartkugeln (Mozart balls), the famous chocolate pralines filled with marzipan – the perfect souvenir from this city of Mozart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Salzburg Christmas markets suitable for families with children?
Yes, children will love the craft workshops, carousels, and nativity scenes. There are also frequent children’s theatre shows and various performances throughout the season.
Where to park in Salzburg?
The best option is to use the Park and Ride (P+R) zones, from where buses will take you directly into the city centre.
When and where are the Christmas markets in Salzburg?
The Christmas markets in Salzburg run from 20 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 at Residenzplatz and Domplatz squares.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
