Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas in the mountains with our Innsbruck Christmas Markets Guide. Discover the enchanting traditions and markets.
The Christmas season in Austria is magical, and Christmas markets are the perfect reason to ask my friends to visit me in Innsbruck, Tirol.
People in Austria cherish the Advent Season. The Christmas markets, mulled wine (Glühwein), Christmas cookies, Advent wreaths (Adventskränze), and other traditions highlight the magic of this "most beautiful time of the year."
Thousands of visitors from around the world travel to the cities and small towns from mid-November every year to join in the celebrations leading up to Christmas Eve.
In Advent, you can organize a ski trip to Tirol and enjoy the typical Christmas Markets too.
One of the best places to enjoy "Christmas in the Mountains" (Bergweihnacht) is the City of Innsbruck and the ski areas in Innsbruck Land.
Christmas market tradition stretches back centuries. The Christmas markets in Austria are an age-old tradition. The first one dates back to the Middle Ages, when in 1296 Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a "Krippenmarkt" or "Nativity Market".
Christmas street markets have been especially popular in German-speaking countries.
The Christmas Market in Munich was first documented as a Nikolausmarkt (Saint Nicholas) in 1310.
The first documented open-air Christkindlmarkt took place in the 14th century in the eastern hilltop town of Bautzen in Saxony. The Bautzen Wenzelsmarkt bears the name of the Bohemian King Wenceslaus IV, who granted Bautzen its market rights in 1384. From St. Michael's Day onwards, the butchers were allowed to sell their meat publicly on the market on Saturdays until Christmas.
These early meat markets evolved over time into the popular festive markets of today, from the ancient Christmas tree markets, where fir and spruce trees were and are sold as decorations at Christmas.
The Christmas tree tradition dates back to the early 19th century. One night before Christmas in 1815, court bookseller Johann Wilhelm Hoffmann placed the first public Christmas tree in Germany in front of his shop in the Cranach House on Weimar's market square.
With the influence of the Enlightenment and the rise of Protestantism, the figure of St. Nicholas shifted to the Christ Child as the primary gift-bringer, leading to the establishment of Christmas markets.
In the 17th century, the first Christkindlmarkt was held in Innsbruck's heart. However, the market as we know it today has been held since 1973.
I invite you to experience the joy of Christmas this winter in Innsbruck, with its stunning mountains as your backdrop.
Seven different Christmas markets in Innsbruck, each with its own character and singularity, give you the perfect opportunity to experience a memorable time in Tirol.
The most visited and famous Christmas market in Innsbruck is the Traditional Market in the Old Town.
The market -open this year from 15th November until 23rd December-, is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year. Located in the historic old town, between attractive medieval buildings and the Golden Roof, a large Christmas tree dominates the center of the scene with colorful Christmas market stalls offering a variety of delightful Tyrolean seasonal treats like "Kiachln" -freshly baked farmers’ donuts traditionally served with Sauerkraut-, burnt sugar almonds, chestnuts and "Glühwein".
Open daily from 11.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m
Every year, in the run-up to Christmas, some of the streets in Innsbruck's old town are inhabited by life-sized fairy tales, giants, and legendary figures. The Fairy Tale Alley has been around since 1998, when Mrs Margit Riedmann founded it. The 28 lovingly designed figures have delighted young and old ever since. An old town business sponsors each fairy tale and contributes to the magical atmosphere.
Tip: Every day until December 23rd at 5:30 p.m., the Amras Tower musicians will perform Christmas music from high up by the Golden Roof. The best view of both the musicians and the city's landmark can be enjoyed from the large terrace in the center of the market.
The Modern Market on Maria-Theresien-Strasse, Innsbruck's splendid main avenue, has a very special vibe with Christmas articles from all over the world, shimmering trees, and giant Christmas ball ornaments creating a lovely Christmassy atmosphere.
Open daily from November 25 to January 6 from 11.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m
The Family Market on the market square "Marktplatz", with the glittering Swarovski crystal tree and its unique sparkling star has a homely atmosphere and many exciting attractions for children.
The family market on Marktplatz (formerly Landhausplatz) is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Open daily from November 15 to December 23 from 11.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m
The cozy Panorama Market on the Hungerburg with stunning views of of the city Innsbruck is one of our favorites and highly recommendable.
Christmas Magic on Wiltener Platzl, in the pretty district of Wilten, includes genuine arts and crafts, outstanding food, and a select cultural program including short concerts and culture with puppet shows for children.
Open daily from November 24 to December 23 from 4.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m
The Christmas market in Innsbruck’s oldest district of St. Nikolaus shows the tranquil and reflective side of Advent. In the Hans-Brenner-Platz square, a small square on Innstraße, you will experience an advent with traditional Christmas music and delicious Austrian biscuits.
Open daily from November 22 to December 23 from 4.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m
And last but not least, the Christmas market on the Bergisel Hill. The Kaiserweihnacht is centered around genuine products and traditions with a focus on regional products and Tyrolean craftsmanship.
From November 29 1 to December 21, every Friday and Saturday afternoon (15:00 - 18:30 hrs.) you will have the opportunity to ride the “Christkindlbahn”, Innsbruck's historic Christmas tram.
This vintage tram only runs in the run-up to Christmas, allowing visitors, free of charge, to immerse themselves in the magic and wonder of the Christmas season.
One more Thing. The magical LUMAGICA light park has been enriching Innsbruck in winter since 2020. The first LUMAGICA light park opened in Hückelhoven, Germany, on a coal hill - a very unspectacular location.
LUMAGICA is an interactive park of lights. Amidst abstract elements and light installations, there is much to see and marvel at, but there is also plenty to experience actively. LUMAGICA is located in the Hofgarten, the "Court Garden."
Admission is included in the SKI plus CITY Pass Stubai Innsbruck
