The 5 BEST Salzburg Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025 (and Which One’s My Favorite)

The older I’ve gotten, the more Christmas magic feels harder to find. But after spending three Christmas seasons in Europe, I can confidently say it’s one of the best places in the world to bring it all back, only better, because now we get to have Glühwein.

There are more than enough Salzburg Christmas markets to keep you busy, whether you’re just here on a day trip from Vienna or have a few days to soak up this fairytale town in all its glory. With roasted chestnuts in the air, twinkly lights everywhere, and gorgeous views around every corner, it’s pure magic.

While it’s easy to stumble into a few markets without trying, this is the only guide you’ll need to find the very best ones, plus all the details on where they are and when they’re open.

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5 BEST Salzburg Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025 (and Which One’s My Favorite)

My Experience Visiting the Salzburg Christmas Markets

The first time I visited Salzburg was at Christmas, and it was very methodically planned. My family and I had three weeks in Europe over the holidays, and somehow I stumbled across a story about the “Silent Night” church, the place where the carol was originally written.

Every Christmas Eve, they hold a service and sing the song, with people from all over the world joining in, each in their own language. I knew instantly I had to be there. The Silent Night church is only about 30 minutes by train from Salzburg in Oberndorf, which meant we were in the city on the 23rd and 24th… and it was pure magic.

On our first day, we hiked up to the fortress. Unfortunately, with it being so close to Christmas, the market at the top was closed, but it’s spread out on the courtyard, so we still checked it out and took a few photos.

You could just tell how magical it would’ve been: a steaming cup of Glühwein in hand, a chill in the air, and the whole of Salzburg spread out below you. Honestly, I think it’s one of the most amazing views in the city.

After our sightseeing, we headed to the most popular market, the one at the Cathedral and Residence Square. It’s right in the center of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s gorgeous. Stunning buildings all around, lights and garland strung across the stalls, and just the right size to not feel overwhelming while still having plenty to eat and browse. We went classic with pretzels and brats, and of course had more Glühweins than I could count.

And here’s the thing, every Christmas market in Salzburg has its own personality. Some are big and lively, others small and cozy. This guide will help you find the ones that fit your vibe… or, if you’ve got the time, help you hit them all and soak up every last bit of Christmas magic.

5 BEST Christmas Markets in Salzburg

Salzburg is sprinkled with more Christmas markets than I can probably count, but these five are the ones that truly nail that cozy, night-before-Christmas feeling. Each has its own charm, from storybook streets to fortress views, and they’re all worth bundling up for.

So let’s get into the best Salzburg Christmas Markets in 2025!

1. Salzburg Christkindlmarkt // The Most Popular Christmas Market in Salzburg

Dates: November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 – 20:30
Friday: 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00
Special Hours:
December 24: 09:00 – 15:00
December 25: 11:00 – 18:00
December 26: 11:00 – 18:00
Location: Salzburger Christkindlmarkt Dom- and Residenzplatz Square right in the City Center
Website

This was the first Christmas market we stumbled across in Salzburg, and it set the bar ridiculously high. It’s definitely the most popular with nearly one million people visit each year, and when you see it lit up at night, you’ll understand why. The canopy of twinkly lights makes it feel like you’re standing under a starry night sky.

It’s the perfect mix of festive charm and Salzburg tradition, complete with folklore touches like tower blowing, where wind players perform carols from the surrounding towers. It adds this warm, almost magical atmosphere you just don’t get at bigger, more commercial city markets. If you can only visit one of the Christmas markets Salzburg offers in, make it this one!

2. Fortress Hohensalzburg Advent Market // A Cozy Market With a View

Dates: Weekends only from November 21 until Christmas
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Location: Fortress Hohensalzburg
Website

Free admission on the footpath to the Advent market, small extra charge for entry inside the fortress.

We weren’t lucky enough to catch this market while it was open, but if you’re in Salzburg on a weekend during the holidays, it’s worth the climb (or funicular ride). You’ll most likely be heading up to the fortress anyway, so why not warm your hands around a steaming mug of something delicious while taking in those jaw-dropping views!

As soon as we reached the top and rounded the corner, there were about 10 chalets, and a few tables to eat and drink at. I’m so sad we missed it, as it looked so magical closed, I can’t even imagine it open!

The atmosphere is intimate with handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and freshly baked tarte flambée straight from a 500-year-old oven. In the afternoons, trumpeters play under a giant Christmas tree decorated by local children, making it one of the most charming Christmas markets in Salzburg for families.

3. Salzburger Weihnachtsmarkt am Mirabellplatz // Small Traditional Christmas Market

Dates: November 20, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 – 20:00
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 21:00
Special Hours:
December 24: 10:00 – 15:00
December 25 – 26: 11:00 – 18:00
December 27 – 30: 10:00 – 19:00
December 31: 10:00 – 19:00
Location: Mirabellplatz
Website

The Salzburg Christmas market at Mirabellplatz totally stole my heart. It’s small, cozy, and has an authentic charm that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a neighborhood tradition rather than a big tourist attraction. You can also stroll the Mirabell Gardens before or after hitting up the market!

The stalls are full of personality, each one different from the last, and the food was Incredible here. I had the fluffiest strudel here, still warm and dusted in powdered sugar, and I’m not kidding when I say I’m still thinking about it.

We swapped out our glühwein for spiked hot chocolate (mine with amaretto, and I 100% recommend). There were also so many handmade gifts here that we hadn’t spotted anywhere else, making it my top pick for Christmas souvenirs in Salzburg.

4. Hellbrunn Palace Advent Markets // Best Christmas Market in Salzburg Austria for Families

Dates: November 20 – December 24, 2025
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 13:00 – 20:00
Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10:00 – 20:00
Special Hours:
Closed Mondays
December 24: 10:00 – 14:00
Location: Hellbrunn Palace

Getting There: Direct on Bus 25 from Salzburg Old Town or a scenic walk along Hellbrunn Alley (Public transportation is free with the Salzburg card, you can buy it here!)
Website

I barely made it to this one as we visited on December 23, just a day before it closed, and it was much quieter than I imagine it would be earlier in the month. Still, it instantly stood out with the gorgeous palace as the backdrop.

One of my favorite things about this market was that the palace windows had been transformed into a giant Advent calendar, each one lit and decorated, giving the entire courtyard a festive glow.

I was there with my family (all grown-ups), but I could instantly see why this is a dream spot for kids. There’s a fairy-tale forest strung with 10,000 red baubles and fairy lights, a Christmas train, pony rides, a petting zoo, and even a Christmas bakery. Kids can toast sausages over a campfire, write letters to Christkind, and run wild in the children’s world while parents sip their glühwein in peace.

I honestly had a little fomo, ha! It’s just a short bus ride from the city, but it’s definitely worth it, especially if you have kids

5. Sternadvent // Best Salzburg Austria Christmas Market Open After Christmas

Dates: November 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Opening Hours:
Sun – Thu: 11:00 – 19:00
Fri – Sat: 11:00 – 20:30
Special Hours:
December 24 + 31: 10:00 – 15:00
January 1 – 6: Daily 11:00 – 18:00
Location: Between Getreidegasse & Griesgasse near Sternbrau
Website

If I had to pick one market in Salzburg that felt like a true “locals-only” find, Sternadvent would win. Tucked between the historic streets of Getreidegasse and Griesgasse, it’s smaller, quieter, and way less flashy than the big Residenzplatz market, which honestly makes it more magical.

You can smell it before you see it, with all the yummy food and spiced hot wine sifting through the air. The stalls are charmingly decorated, selling thoughtful gifts instead of mass-produced souvenirs.

I also love that it stays open all the way until the 6th, keeping the dreary winter at bay and maintaining the Christmas spirit just a little bit longer! It’s located right next to the famous Sternbrau, one of my favorite restaurants in Salzburg. This is definitely where I’d come if I wanted a slower, cozier, and more personal Christmas market experience in Salzburg.

Tips for Visiting the Beautiful Christmas Markets in Salzburg

After freezing my butt off and ending up with 3 separate Glühwein mugs, here’s what I wish I knew before hitting the Salzburg Christmas markets:

1. Go early or late for fewer crowds: A lot of the markets open in the morning, but personally, I think they’re at their best as the sun sets. The lights are sparkling, the air feels extra magical, and it’s usually not too crowded, perfect for soaking it all in without feeling rushed.

2. Bring cash (and small change): Many stalls still prefer cash, and having coins makes transactions quicker, plus you won’t have to awkwardly hold up the line while they find change for a €50.

3. Wear warm, waterproof shoes: You’ll be on your feet for hours, often on cobblestone streets. If it snows or rains, the ground can get slushy fast. I brought my hunter boots and wore them with wool socks!

4. Don’t forget gloves (learn from our mistake): Oliver and I once rocked up to a Christmas market without gloves and ended up forking over 20 euros just to keep our fingers from freezing. Your future self will thank you for packing proper winter gear.

5. Pace yourself with food and drinks: It’s tempting to down a mug of mulled wine at every market, but there’s a lot to taste, so spread it out. My personal go-to is one sweet, one savory, and one drink per market… ok, maybe 2 drinks, ha.

6. Bring a reusable mug or pay the Pfand: Most drinks come in collectible mugs with a small deposit (Pfand). You can return it for your money back, or keep it as a cute souvenir. I kept literally all of mine!

7. Layer up and bundle properly: Scarves, hats, and warm coats are your best friends. The Austrian winter chill hits harder when you’re standing in an open square, and the magic disappears pretty quickly if you’re shivering.

8. Check for special events: Throughout the whole month of December, the markets have special events going on, like the Krampus run, choirs singing christmas music, and kids’ activities, so make sure to check their websites for all the information you need while visiting to not miss anything.

FAQ: Visiting Salzburg for Christmas Markets

Are Christmas markets in Austria open after Christmas?

A few will stick around past Christmas Eve, but most wrap up by the 23rd of December. In Salzburg, the Sternadvent market hangs on until January 6th, which is about as long as it gets.

What is there to do at Christmas in Salzburg Austria?

Wander the Christmas markets, sip hot punch, visit the Silent Night Chapel, take in a Mozart concert, and soak up all the snowy, old-town charm.

Is it nice in Salzburg in December?

Yes—if you love cozy winter vibes, twinkly lights, and snow-dusted rooftops, December is when Salzburg really shines with all the markets and festive atmosphere. Just pack warm layers because it gets chilly fast.

Which is the best Christmas market in Salzburg?

The Christkindlmarkt in Residenzplatz is the biggest and most popular, and honestly, it’s magical, especially at night when all the light bulbs overhead light up!

Is Salzburg Christmas Market worth visiting?

If you’re already in Salzburg, absolutely. But I wouldn’t fly here just for the markets, there are bigger, more over-the-top ones in Germany and Austria. Salzburg shines at Christmas for its mix of markets, the Silent Night Chapel, and the whole storybook vibe.

Final Thoughts on the Best Salzburg Christmas Markets

I’m an absolute Christmas fiend, so if it were up to me, I’d spend half my Salzburg trip sightseeing and the other half hopping from one Christmas market to the next. But if you can only squeeze in one, make it the Christkindlmarkt in the main square.

Sure, it’s the most popular (and yes, busy), but it’s pure magic with the twinkling lights, rows of unique stalls, and that perfect winter wonderland vibe. And if you want to see exactly how to fit it in without missing other must-sees, check out my 2-day Salzburg itinerary; it even includes a stop at the Christmas market.