Europe | Destination Guides

Christmas in Austria: traditions, food and festivities

Christmas in Austria is a time of warmth, annual traditions and wintery charm. From the moment the first candle is lit on the Advent wreath, Austria transforms into a winter wonderland and festive spirit fills the air.  The country’s bigger cities put on festive Christmas markets, with twinkling lights, quaint stalls, and street food from mulled wine to freshly baked cookies to sausages. Then, as the big day – Christmas Eve – gets closer, families prepare for an evening feast around the Christmas tree. 

How is Christmas celebrated in Austria?

With Advent wreathes, Christmas markets, delicious cookies, and scary Krampus! From the enchanting streets of Vienna to the snowy charm of Salzburg, here’s our guide to Austria’s Christmas traditions, food, and events. You can join an Austria tour and experience the magic for yourself with Trafalgar.

Advent season – a prelude to Christmas

Austria has a long and relaxed festive season, beginning with Advent. This tradition is centered around an Advent wreath with four candles. On the four Sundays before Christmas, families will light one of the candles, building anticipation for December 24.

During this time, families will also start opening the doors on their Advent calendars, and there are Advent markets too to celebrate the season. You’ll find plenty of Austrian Christmas markets in quaint towns that look straight out of a fairytale, plus bigger cities decorated with lights. Feel the magic as you wander around with a mug of hot Glühwein while admiring tempting displays of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread.

TAKE A TOUR: Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

The arrival of Santa Claus… and Krampus

You have to watch your back on December 5 in Austria… Krampus might be arriving for you! This traditional figure from Austrian Alpine folklore is like a darker counterpart to St. Nicholas. He’s often depicted as a fearsome creature with horns, shaggy fur, and a long, flicking tongue. Krampus carries chains and a sack or basket, and would “carry off” naughty children. Apparently he dates back to pre-Christian pagan traditions, where he was believed to symbolize winter spirits or the forces of chaos.

Krampus traditionally arrives on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day. This night, known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), is marked by parades and celebrations in many parts of Austria. During these events, costumed performers dressed as Krampus roam the streets, clanging chains and playfully scaring onlookers, especially children. The next day, on December 6, St. Nicholas arrives to reward well-behaved children! Santa Claus and Krampus are at a balance during Austria’s holiday season.

Austrian nativity scenes and decorations

Nativity scenes hold a special place in Austria’s Christmas season. Locally they called Krippen, and often the nativity scenes reflect the rich craftsmanship of the region, with everything from simple wooden carvings to elaborate, life-sized depictions. Austrian towns and churches often have grand displays that draw visitors from afar. At home, besides a Christmas tree, many families will create their own Nativity scenes too.

Austria’s best Christmas markets

Towns squares turn into twinkling hubs of light and laughter as Austria’s Christmas markets roll out across the holiday season. The Vienna Christmas Market, held in front of the Rathaus, is one of the most iconic. The Market stalls are filled with handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and steaming Glüwein. The best way to explore is with Trafalgar’s Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland where you’ll nibble on mulled wine and gingerbread while soaking it all in.

In Salzburg, the Christkindlmarkt provides a picture-perfect backdrop with its historic charm and views of Hohensalzburg Fortress. Innsbruck’s markets, perfectly framed by the Alps, are undoubtably enchanting, with the Golden Roof adding a touch of magic. No matter where you go, each market offers a mix of traditional crafts, Nativity scenes, and seasonal delicacies. 

Austrian festive foods

Food is the centerpiece of Christmas in many cultures, and an Austrian Christmas celebration is filled with traditional dishes. On Christmas Eve, families often enjoy a feast centered around baked or fried carp, a traditional dish symbolizing good fortune. Desserts are a star of the season, with tables piled high with Christmas cookies like Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents) and Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread). 

Before the big family gather is the many Christmas or Advent markets, where visitors can warm up with steaming cups of mulled wine and indulge in roasted chestnuts, apple strudel, and marzipan sweets. No Austrian celebration is complete without Stollen, a rich fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar, or Krapfen, pillowy doughnuts filled with jam. 

December 24: Christmas Eve traditions

Christmas Eve or December 24 is the main event in Austria, and families gather to reflect and spend time together. The day often begins with decorating the Christmas tree—often kept hidden until this moment—and then preparations for dinner begin.

As evening falls, families come together to share a special dinner, typically featuring dishes like baked carp and Christmas cookies. The highlight of the night is the exchange of gifts, often accompanied by the singing of traditional carols. The songbook always includes the world-famous “Silent Night”, famously written in Austria. After, many families also attend midnight Mass.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Austria?

The capital, Vienna, is often considering the most Christmassy place in Austria during the holiday season. The city’s festive charm is unmatched, with its Christmas markets creating a magical atmosphere. If you spend Christmas in Austria’s capital you’ll find the streets are beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights and holiday displays, and the smell of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air! 

Grand holiday concerts, like the Vienna Boys’ Choir and performances of The Nutcracker, also take place in Vienna. So, between Vienna’s imperial architecture, cozy Christmas markets, and endless events, it’s the perfect place to go for holiday cheer.

Ready to join an Austria tour and experience the magic for yourself? Check out our Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

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