6 Can’t Miss Salzburg Christmas Markets
- Max Travel Abroad
- May 4
- 7 min read
by Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC
Welcome to Salzburg, Austria’s storybook city nestled between the northern edge of the Alps and the German border. Just a couple of hours from Munich by train, Salzburg is known worldwide as the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music—but in December, it transforms into something even more magical: a true winter wonderland.
For my husband and me, Salzburg isn’t just another beautiful stop on our Christmas tours—it’s personal. His Austrian parents honeymooned here in 1942, and we followed in their footsteps 44 years later. Now, we return each year with small groups, helping travelers soak up the wonder of Salzburg’s Christmas season—its music, stories, and yes, its magical markets.
Whether you’re here for the roasted chestnuts, the history, or to relive the Sound of Music, this city knows how to do Christmas right. Here’s your insider’s guide to six of Salzburg’s most enchanting Christmas markets, with personal tips and hidden gems from our Max Travel Abroad adventures.
Planning a Christmas trip to Salzburg? Here’s what not to miss:
Salzburg is a magical holiday destination near the German border, perfect for festive sightseeing.
Explore six top markets, including the Christkindlmarkt, Hellbrunn Palace, and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Visit hidden gems like Mirabellplatz, Sternbräu, and St. Peter Stiftskulinarium for authentic local vibes.
Hellbrunn charges a small entrance fee (€7)—but includes a hot drink and is worth every cent.
Take in sweeping views and history at the fortress market—go around 3:30 PM to see Salzburg light up at twilight.
Pro tip: The Salzburg Card offers free transit, major attractions, and excellent value.
Join our small-group holiday tours for deeper stories, local connections, and Max Travel Abroad's “Real Sound of Music” walk through Salzburg’s living history.
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt after hours 1. Salzburg Altstadt Christkindlmarkt
The Classic: Heart of the Holidays
Located in Cathedral and Residence Squares at the foot of Salzburg’s Baroque skyline, the Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest in Europe and the Altstadt historic heart of the city's holiday tradition. Stalls line the cobblestone square, selling handcrafted ornaments, gingerbread hearts, and carved nativity scenes, all against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Salzburg Cathedral.
What Makes Salzburg Market It Special: Live choral performances echo through the square most evenings, while warm Glühwwein and Bauernkrapfen (fried dough with jam) keep your hands toasty and your belly happy. It’s a place where Austrian tradition still thrives—where I pause with my group each year to share stories of the local resistance during WWII, my husband’s family history, and the powerful stillness that descends when the cathedral bells ring out through the frost.
2. Hellbrunn Christmas Market
Magical Setting: A Fairy Tale Come to Life
Schloss Hellbrunn is known in the warmer months for its playful and elaborate trick water fountains that delight children and adults alike. But in winter, it’s the Advent Market that becomes the main attraction—drawing visitors in with its festive transformation and storybook charm. Unlike most Austrian Christmas markets, Hellbrunn has a small entrance fee of €7.00 per person, which includes a complimentary hot drink. While this may be unusual, I consider it a great value for the magical experience that awaits inside.
The castle courtyard is lined with Christmas trees adorned with oversized red baubles, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. You'll find beautifully arranged stalls offering handcrafted decorations, artisan gifts, local culinary specialties, and of course, mugs of steaming punch and mulled wine.
What’s Unique: It’s peaceful, beautifully curated, and full of wonder. This is my favorite market for families—the Children's Christmas World is a major highlight. Kids can hop on the Christmas train, or join in a fairy tale-themed scavenger hunt. There’s also a delightful miniature play village, with natural wooden houses decorated like a whimsical gnome village. Plus, it’s usually less crowded than the Christkindlmarkt, making it perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.
3. Hohensalzburg Fortress Christmas Market
Christmas with a View: Elevated and Intimate
As the winter light begins to fade, there’s nothing quite like standing atop the ancient fortress that crowns Salzburg’s skyline, watching the city shimmer to life below. Ride the funicular (free with the Salzburg Card—see tips below) up to Festungsadvent, the fortress’s Christmas market, perched high above the rooftops. If you want to visit the castle museum and tour the rooms, plan to arrive around 2:30 or 3:00 PM to allow an hour to an hour and a half to explore before the lights of Salzburg begin to twinkle on around 4 PM. This smaller market is surrounded by medieval stone walls and panoramic views that add to the magic.
What Sets It Apart: It’s quieter than the city center, full of artisan wares, local delicacies, and my favorite panoramic photo spot in Salzburg. I always share stories here—from the lives of the von Trapps to the Jewish community’s survival during the war. It’s history, beauty, and a mug of hot punch—rolled into one unforgettable visit.
4. Mirabellplatz Christmas Market
Charming and Local: A Cozy Holiday Retreat
Located on Mirabellplatz, just outside the historic Mirabell Palace, this small but elegant Christmas market is perfectly situated for fans of The Sound of Music. On your way to the market, take a detour through the Mirabell Gardens, where the famous “Do-Re-Mi” scenes were filmed—an ideal stroll before warming up with punch and pastries.
This area of Salzburg—on the opposite side of the Salzach River from the Aldtstadt—is one of my personal favorites. It has an old-world feeling with a slightly more open, spacious layout, and it’s full of locally owned restaurants, shops, and venues. Even better, you’ll often find that prices are a little more reasonable on this side of the river too.
Why this Christmas Market is a Gem: There’s something lovely about sipping hot spiced cider with the Salzburg castle rising in the distance and “Do-Re-Mi” echoing in your memory. It’s not touristy—it’s just elegant, local, and delightful.
5. Stern Advent & Winter Market
Cozy and Central: A Hidden Gem at Sternbräu
Tucked away in Salzburg’s Old Town just off Getreidegasse, the Stern Advent & Winter Market offers a warm and welcoming break from the larger crowds. Centered around the historic Sternbräu brewery complex on Griesgasse, this market is small in size but big on charm.
What Makes It Special: This is where I often send travelers who want a quieter, more relaxed vibe after a day of sightseeing. You’ll find artisan crafts, glowing lanterns, and delicious punch served in a snug courtyard that feels more like a local gathering than a tourist stop. It’s perfect for unwinding with a sweet pastry or doing a little thoughtful shopping in a peaceful setting.
6. St. Peter Stiftskulinarium Christmas Lounge
Historic and Romantic: A Culinary Market Experience
This isn’t your typical Christmas market—but it’s one of my favorite places to take travelers during the holiday season. Nestled in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, in the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium transforms its inner courtyard into a lavishly decorated, candlelit Christmas lounge. St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is known for its significant history and past clientele, as well as traditional, yet modern Austrian cuisine. The Advent lounge is very popular with opening times generally starting at 2 PM each afternoon. There are no trinkets for sale here—just some of the most delicious food and drinks you’ll find in the city.
What Makes It Special: Guests can cozy up in arched stone niches that feel like secret hideaways from the cold, surrounded by glowing lanterns, greenery, and the romance of centuries-old stone architecture. On our last tour in 2024, I was genuinely impressed by the atmosphere—elegant, intimate, and utterly magical. No reservations are taken, so I always recommend arriving early to claim a spot. For those who believe the true heart of a Christmas market is found in its seasonal food and drink, this is a must-see-stop.
Max Travel Abroad Tips for Your Salzburg Christmas Visit
Consider the Salzburg Card It’s hands-down one of the best values in Europe. For a flat fee, you get free access to nearly all major attractions, including the funicular to the fortress, the Mozart museums, and the city’s excellent transit system. We always recommend it to our travelers—it more than pays for itself.
Layer Up & Slow Down Dress smart (boots, scarves, gloves—you’ll thank me) and don’t try to rush. Salzburg is best enjoyed slowly, with time for reflection, conversation, and spontaneous wonder.
Let the Music Find You Whether it’s a formal concert or a local brass band playing under twinkling lights, Salzburg is music at Christmastime. Don’t leave without experiencing a live performance—even if it’s just a street choir echoing off the cathedral walls.
Want to Experience It All With Us?
Max Travel Abroad leads small-group Christmas market tours each December, including multiple days in Salzburg. In addition to our favorite markets, we explore the deeper stories woven into Salzburg's past.
One of the highlights of our tours is my signature “Real Sound of Music” walk—a personal journey through the city that uncovers the true history of the von Trapp family, how their real lives differed from the Hollywood version, and what Salzburg was really like under Nazi occupation. Along the way, we share family memories from my Austrian husband, whose parents lived through those difficult years.
We also introduce our travelers to our favorite vendors, help you make sense of the markets, and share stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
Visit our 2025 Christmas Market Tour Page to learn more and reserve your spot., including multiple days in Salzburg. We share the city’s history, introduce you to our favorite vendors, help you make sense of the markets, and tell stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
Mr & Mrs. Max Travel Abroad , Hellbrunn Salzburg Christmas Market 
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