Located on the Salzach River and a stone’s throw away from the Bavarian Alps, Salzburg is a magical place. With tall cathedral and church spires rising into the night sky of the Old Town and horse drawn carriages parading around the streets, it can feel as though you’ve taken a trip back in time. If that’s not enough magic for you, then in November and December the streets fill up with Christmas markets. These markets have been there since the end of the 15th century and are a huge draw for tourists and locals alike.
The most famous Christmas market takes place in the Old Town at the Dom and the Residenz Palace. Expect to be serenaded by local choirs, musicians playing French horns and trombones, as well as seeing pastoral plays staged. This is where you’ll find roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and local grog, while admiring the craftsmanship of some of the stall owners. Many stalls offer traditional Austrian gifts, such as gingerbread hearts, nativity toys, sweets, and other specialties.
For a more rural and pastoral Christmas market experience take a
trip to the Salzburgerland Lake District – a breathtakingly quaint part
of the Alps. This tour
delivers you to the three villages of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen and
Strobel, which are all located around the peaceful waters of Lake
Wolfgang. Strobel is the first stop of the tour, and is a must-see for
its idyllic nativity scene. The whole town is lit up by candles and
lanterns. Then hop on a boat for romantic journey to St. Wolfgang,
passing through a giant floating lantern and the floodlit Ochsenkreuz
altar, all the while listening to the festive fanfares echoing across
the water. The tour ends in the village of St. Gilgen, which was renamed
“Mozart’s Village” in 2005. With the Christmas market stalls, there is
plenty to see and do to round off your tour.
Tours & Tickets
Mozart Concert and Dinner at Stiftskeller in Salzburg
Dine at the oldest restaurant in Europe, Stiftskeller St. Peter, while listening to the music of Mozart. Enjoy a delicious three course candlelit dinner, ... Read more
Location:
Salzburg, Austria
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
4-Night Christmas Package in Salzburg Including Mozarteum Concert and Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Soak up the wintery romance of Salzburg at Christmas with this multi-day package that includes four nights of 4-star hotel accommodation from December 23 to ... Read more
Location:
Salzburg, Austria
Duration: 5 days (approx.)
3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour
Visit Salzburg in the winter, and discover the mountain-fringed city at its atmospheric best! With three nights of centrally-located 4-star hotel accommodation ... Read more
Location:
Salzburg, Austria
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
Salzburg Christmas Eve Tour to the Silent Night Chapel
Your knowledgeable tour guide will escort you through the foothills of the Alps, along the Salzach river valley to Oberndorf, where you will have the ... Read more
Location:
Salzburg, Austria
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
