Especially around Christmas time, Salzburg is the destination to visit. Discover various beautiful Christmas markets around the city and get into the spirit of the season with delicious food and drinks and complete your Christmas shopping with presents from a variety of artisanal and local sellers. There’s also no better place to enjoy a festive Christmas concert or romantic horse drawn sleigh ride than in Salzburg and its surroundings.

The Christmas and winter markets of Salzburg are world-famous. The market at the Residenz and Cathedral square has been ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the world. Let yourself be enchanted by the holiday spirit and enjoy the city of Mozart in the glimmering lights of Christmas.

Another highlight of this season are the traditional Advent concerts. The most famous one is the Salzburg Advent Festival (Salzburger Adventsingen) at the Large Festival Hall (Großes Festspielhaus). Many other venues also host festive Advent concerts: Salzburger Advent® at the St. Andrew's Church, Salzburg Advent Serenades at the St. Blaise’s Church, Advent afternoon concerts at Franciscan Monastery or Advent concerts at the Fortress Hohensalzburg.

Around Christmas time there are also a lot of opportunities to get to know traditional Austrian customs – some stemming from as far back as the late middle-ages. Take for example the famous Krampus and Perchten runs. The traditional purpose of the Krampus and Perchten runs was to drive out the cold winter and evil spirits. In December, a group of Krampuses regularly visits the Christmas market at the Residenz and cathedral square. Don’t be scared of these terrifying companions of Saint Nicholas and their clamor – they are only after the naughty ones!

And Saint Nick usually has some treats for the youngest among us with him. The most impressive Krampus run takes place on 6 January alternatingly in Bad Hofgastein/Bad Gastein or Altenmarkt, St. Johann and Bischofshofen.

Get a taste of this festive and romantic time of the year and book your vacation in Salzburg today!