A Detailed Guide to Salzburg’s Christmas Markets

While Salzburg, Austria, has a lovely Christmas market scene overall, it quickly rose to the top of the list of cities we wanted to target one Christmas for the Perchten.

I’ll get into their shenanigans later, but they’re essentially holiday baddies that are supposed to be a force for good and renewal, despite how they may appear.

What we found was more than a parade of freaks, although there was definitely some of that. 

While many travelers flock to Vienna for Austrian Christmas whimsy, the Salzburg Christmas markets offer a cozier, authentic vibe. Salzburg is a super charming destination for Christmas fun, and its Mozart connection only makes it classier.

Salzburg’s Christmas markets are worth visiting.

Salzburg’s Christmas markets are absolutely charming, and make you feel like you’re starring in a Hallmark movie…if that movie also shared scene time with horned Perchten.

Even after Christmas, the markets stay open through January 1, so you can enjoy that tasty mulled wine and the holiday vibes later than in many other European cities.

The city also has the advantage of being very walkable, a big plus if you’re there on a busy weekend.

Salzburg Christmas Market Start Dates

The main Salzburger Christkindlmarkt usually kicks off in late November and runs through New Year’s. 

For 2025, the Salzburg Christmas market dates are Nov. 20-Jan. 1.

Opening hours at the main Christmas market in Salzburg are:

• Monday-Thursday: 10am-8:30pm
• Friday: 10am-9pm
• Saturday: 9am-9pm
• Sunday: 9am–8:30pm

The market is open on holidays that fall within that time frame, but you’ll have shorter hours to work with. (Hours on Christmas Day are 11am-6pm, for example.) Check the city’s tourism office website for up-to-date information before you head out.

Where to Find Salzburg’s Christmas Markets

Salzburg sits in western Austria, near the border with Germany and the northern foothills of the Alps. The city’s Christmas markets are mostly centered in and around the city’s Old Town (Altstadt), a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Salzach River.

You’ll find the main market spread across Domplatz and Residenzplatz, the city’s historic squares. Because Salzburg is compact and walkable, you can easily hop between several of the markets in a single evening.

A Guide to the Salzburg Christmas Markets

While Salzburg’s markets don’t rival the size of those in Vienna or the big German holiday hubs, keeping things small allows the city to keep things cute.

Salzburg’s Old Town is the epicenter of the holiday cheer. You’ll find several smaller markets near the historic center, each with its own personality.

Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz & Residenzplatz

This is the main event and one of Austria’s oldest markets, dating back several centuries. You’ll find the squares between the Salzburg Cathedral and Residenz, the city palace that’s known as the “Old Residence.”

This is where you’ll post up if you’re here for the Perchten. I have a detailed guide to making a Salzburg trip happen for the Perchten parades if you’re interested in that. (Hint: You should be!)

Even if you miss the naughty holiday revelers, you won’t be able to miss the festivities here. In addition to the treats and handcrafted ornaments and toys, this is the city’s spot for live caroling performances on the market stage.

Note: Once you’re done here, head over to Kapitelplatz for photos of its golden globe status and giant outdoor chessboard. There are a few Christmas market stalls here, as well, but it’s more of an extension of the main market.

Mozartplatz

The Mozartplatz market feels like more of the same, especially as it’s so close to the main market. You’ll know you’re there by the small ice skating rink.

This one definitely has a more family-friendly feel as a result, but if you arrive later in the day, you may spot some shenanigans on the ice.

We didn’t plan our day well enough to skate, but it’s a lively spot to stop and shop, even if you’re not hitting the ice.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

This was our favorite Christmas market in Salzburg because of how unique it was. It’s a market inside a Salzburg fortress! You get to eat tarte flambée (flammekueche) cooked inside fortress-age ovens!

It’s one of the more unique experiences we’ve had at a European Christmas market, and you know about the Perchten now.

Visiting the Hohensalzburg Fortress (or Fortress Hohensalzburg) for a market feels like stepping back in time. It’s perched high above the city, so there is some sweaty effort involved, but once you’re there, you’re inside the fortress walls.

Note: The market itself is free to enter, but if you’d like to explore the fortress, buy a ticket that includes access to the ramparts and three small museums. I’d highly recommend that, but if you disagree, just tell the folks at the ticket counter you’re there for the market only.

The views over Salzburg from the top are incredible, and the museums are pretty good, too. There are quite a few interactive exhibits that get funnier the more hot wine you’ve consumed.

Sternadvent

The Sternadvent market is one of the coziest. You’ll find mostly arts and crafts here at this spot, hidden between the Getreidegasse and the Griesgasse, but I’ll sniff out a treat anywhere.

We grabbed a snowball pastry here after chowing down on some sausages from Balkan Grill Walter nearby.

Fun fact: Balkan Grill Walter is THE place for a Bosna sausage. Traditional versions are served in a crusty roll with curry powder, onions, and mustard, but you can play around with the toppings to your preference. This spot is cash-only and always busy, so prepare for a line.

You’ll see sausages for sale at this market, too, but they didn’t look as good as the ones we inhaled and they were more expensive!

Mirabellplatz

We only did a quick walk-through of this one after a long day, but it seemed much less crowded than the main market. You’ll find it across the river from the Old Town markets next to Mirabell Palace.

Expect more snacks, mulled wine, and traditional gifts, similar to what you’ll find in the city center.

Christmas Wonder World

We came upon this one by accident on our way to St. Peter’s Abbey on our last day in Salzburg. This small market is hosted by St. Peter Stiftskulinarium in the heart of the Old Town, but away from the main event.

While not a traditional market with multiple stalls, it’s a fun atmosphere inside a courtyard decked out for the season. Enjoy mulled wine and treats with a touch of romantic ambiance courtesy of the candlelit arches and fir trees. It was a fun find.

The Hellbrunn Adventzauber

You’ll need to get out of the city center to get to one of Salzburg’s loveliest Advent markets, but I promise it’s worth it. Hop on Bus 25 from Mozartplatz or Mirabellplatz to Hellbrunn Palace, and follow the crowds from there.

Fun fact: It’s easy to pay for the bus by cash on board, but the tickets are cheaper online. It’s a small tip we wish we’d known after the tourist info office waved us straight to the bus.

There is a cover charge upon arrival, which is unusual for Christmas markets in Europe, but you get a hot drink with your fee. (Our fee was €7,00, but they’ve already raised it to €8,00 since.)

Once inside, you’ll be in a charming winter wonderland that’s much larger than expected and much less crowded than the markets in the historic center.

Expect farm animals, including some of the fuzziest pigs I’ve ever seen, and Krampus statues in various states of trickery. The post office turns into a station for letters to Santa, which is as cute as it sounds.

A highlight for many visitors is the giant Advent calendar displayed across the windows of Hellbrunn Palace. Windows are “opened” daily from December 1 through December 24 with a modest light display.

While the palace won’t be open during your visit, you’ll have plenty to do here for an afternoon or evening. If you’d like a walk, head to the central fountain for one of the most atmospheric corners in all of Salzburg’s Christmas season.

What to Buy at Salzburg’s Christmas Markets

Salzburg doesn’t have the niche options of some of the bigger markets in Austria and Germany, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to spend your money here.

Here’s what to expect at the stalls, with an emphasis on Salzburg Christmas market food and drinks:

• Bosna: These sausages are a must-try Salzburg specialty. Find them at the Blakan Grill Walter, as we did, or at a market chalet.
• Candied Nuts: Roasted almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts are coated in sugar and spices and everything nice, but mostly just sugar and spice.
• Glühwein: You’ll find mulled wine at every market you visit. It’s warm, it’s spiced, and it’s an essential part of European Christmas markets.
• Heiße Schokolade: This is just hot chocolate. Don’t feel intimidated. If you want an added treat, you can add a little rum or amaretto.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy, shredded pancakes are sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with plum compote or apple sauce. It’s sweet, warm, and indulgent.
• Käsespätzle: This comfort food, soft egg noodles baked with cheese and crispy onions, is popular across Austrian and German markets.
• Lebkuchen: These gingerbread cookies are often heart-shaped and decorated with icing. They’re great for gifts, but there are tastier things available.
• Mozartkugeln: I don’t love marzipan, so these weren’t for me, but they’re a Salzburg staple. Look for the chocolate balls wrapped in foil at many of the stalls.
• Ofenkartoffel: These are baked potatoes served up savory with cheese, cream, or veggies. I like them as a snack because that’s how I live.
• Ornaments: You’ll come across chalets with handmade artisan versions for a perfect upgrade to your tree back home.
• Tarte Flambée: I’ve already shared the best spot to get this flatbread treat: Hohensalzburg Fortress! If you don’t want the bacon, they have a veg version.

Extra Tips for Visiting Salzburg at Christmas

Some of the advice out there seems outdated at this point, so I wanted to share a few tips from our most recent experience.

• Bring cash. Many stalls in Salzburg are still cash-only, especially smaller or more traditional ones. ATMs are available, but it’s easier to carry a bit of cash so you can grab food, drinks, or souvenirs without worrying about hunting one down.
• Bring small change. You’ll need it for public bathrooms, even at the larger markets, like the main markets in Old Town or at Hellbrunn Palace. Fees are usually modest (€0.50–€1), but each station sets its own price, which is fun.
• Come on a weekday. Weekends can get crowded, especially in the evenings. A weekday visit makes it easier to wander, snap photos without a bunch of people in them, and enjoy your glühwein or Bosna in relative peace.
• Keep track of your cup. Hot drinks often come in a reusable mug with a deposit of a few euros. You can return the mug for your deposit or keep it as a souvenir, depending on what’s going on in your cupboard at home.
• Return your cup (to the right stall). Some markets have stalls with their own branded mugs, so you’ll need to return them where you bought your drink. Look out for tickets or chips that come with the mug if you’re feeling forgetful.
• Wear layers. Salzburg’s markets are very walkable, but I can only handle so many hot drinks before I start to feel the chill. Wear winter boots, scarves, and gloves to make things comfy.

READ MORE: Dealing with Christmas market fatigue? Check out my guide for how to deal, after years of experience!

How to Get to the Salzburg Christmas Markets

The best way to get to Salzburg depends on where you’re coming from. Most visitors arrive by train or plane, and both are convenient options. We traveled from Vienna via train, but flew to Vienna from our home base in France at the time.

The Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is centrally located near many hotels and gives easy access to the Old Town, where most of the markets are. From the station, you can walk to Domplatz and Residenzplatz square in about half an hour, or you can hop on a local bus.

If you’re staying longer in the city, the Salzburg Card can be handy. It covers public transport, museums, and some attractions, which may save you money if you’re planning a few days of sightseeing.

Apart from Hellbrunn Palace, Salzburg’s markets are very walkable, and you won’t need a car if you’re staying in town.

More Things to Do in Salzburg

If you’re in Salzburg for a bit and have hit all of the city’s charming Christmas markets, you’ll have plenty to do to occupy more of your time. I have a detailed guide to spending the perfect day there sans markets, but here are a few of our favorite things:

• Start with coffee at Café Tomaselli. This is Salzburg’s oldest café, frequented by Mozart himself. It’s touristy, but you’re a tourist.
• Visit Mozart’s Birthplace. Explore the house where Mozart was born and see his child-sized violin, letters, and other personal artifacts.
• Tour the Mozart Residence. This one isn’t as exciting, but you can learn about Mozart’s later years in the apartment where he once lived.
• Explore Getreidegasse. You’ll probably walk down this historic shopping street in Old Town anyway during your visit. At Christmas, it’s decked out in lights.
• See Salzburg Cathedral. Step inside where Mozart was baptized and admire the impressive baroque architecture.
• Visit DomQuartier Salzburg. Explore this museum complex nearby, which connects the cathedral, the archbishop’s residence, and several ornate galleries.
• Tour St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery. The abbey itself was closed on the Sunday we visited, but we were able to see the catacombs and wander the scenic cemetery.
• Stop at Braun Internationale Manufaktur-Schokoladen. Pick up high-quality Mozart chocolates or other sweet souvenirs for your faves at home.
• Eat all of the things. You don’t need to feed yourself at the market for every meal. We loved The Keep and the Afro Cafe.
• Book a Sound of Music tour. If it was your favorite movie growing up, this is a no-brainer. See filming locations around Salzburg and the surrounding countryside.

This is the tour we booked for our Sound of Music excursion. It was a highlight of our trip! Read more about our experience on the tour if you’re on the fence.

Best Christmas Markets Near Salzburg

For a bigger, yet still traditional Austrian Christmas market experience, you can start in Vienna. That’s what we did, and I have a detailed guide to Vienna’s markets, too. Trains between the two are easy and plentiful.

Closer to Salzburg, Wolfgangseer Advent is a popular option. This one sits on Lake Wolfgangsee and takes over its three villages, St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, and Strobl. We haven’t been to this one, but it looks awesome.

You can also go over the border into Germany for even more options. Germany is lousy with beautiful Christmas markets, but Berchtesgaden and its mountain views are just 30 minutes south.

READ MORE: Visiting Germany while you’re here? Frankfurt’s markets are some of the most diverse in Europe.

Hotels Near the Salzburg Christmas Markets

I wouldn’t recommend the Parkhotel Brunauer, where we stayed on our trip to Salzburg. The price was cheap and it was close to the train, but it would have been better to pay a little more to stay closer to central Salzburg.

It was SO hot there the first night, as we had no control over the temps inside our room, and nothing drained properly. The cost of their buffet breakfast was absurd, too, at over €20,00 per person.

Use the map below to find some alternatives:

Don’t skip Salzburg on a Christmas market tour in Austria.

Salzburg may be smaller than Vienna or Munich, but there’s enough going on here during Christmastime that it makes for quite a charming holiday trip.

Where else can you experience a Perchten parade, eat tarte flambée out of a medieval oven, and sip on mulled wine amongst fuzzy piglets?

If you know where, by the way, point me to this magical place!

Planning travel in France, too? Read these next:

• Visit the Magical Markets of Colmar
• Plan a Trip to Strasbourg This Christmas
• Why You Should See Historic Saint-Malo
• Oyster Lovers, Don’t Miss Cancale!
• Paris Isn’t That Expensive to Visit

More destinations that are lovely in winter:

• Top Winter Activities in Chicago
• See A Christmas Story House in Cleveland
• How to Plan a Big Trip to Poland
• Things to Do in Breckenridge Beyond Skiing
• Plan Your Next Trip to Colorado

Want to see more?