The Christmas season in Munich is incomparable. No fewer than 13 Christmas markets offer contemplation and plenty of culture in the city. If you want to add to the pre-Christmas feeling and combine it with an excursion, be sure to visit the Salzburg Christmas market. The Salzburg Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Central Europe and forms the heart of the Salzburg Christmas.
It starts on November 20 and runs until January 1, 2026, with something going on every day right in front of the cathedral and the Residen. From Monday to Thursday, the Salzburg Christmas Market is usually open from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays it closes at 9:00 pm.
Music and tradition at the Salzburg Christmas market
As usual at most Christmas markets, many stalls offer regional and traditional products, gifts and handicrafts. But you can also enjoy classic Austrian delicacies, warming mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. There is also plenty of entertainment: choirs sing at the Salzburg Christmas Market every day at 5 pm. A total of 90 groups take part, including children’s choirs every Friday at 2 pm. At the weekend there is also singing at 3 pm.
The traditional Salzburg tower blowing also takes place regularly on Residenzplatz. Even more music is provided by the “Heavenly Sounds”, where Christmas music is played from the balconies of the nave – every Friday and Saturday at 4 pm. And on the four Sundays in Advent, the Christ Child comes to visit with four angels.
If that’s not enough, you should take a look at the various traditional events. These include the holiday Perchtenlauf on December 21 or St. Nicholas’ appearance on December 6. It certainly won’t be boring at the Salzburg Christmas market.
More Christmas markets in Salzburg
In addition to the large Christmas market in front of the cathedral, there are other atmospheric markets to visit, such as the Hellbrunn Advent Magic. Discover the unique setting at Hellbrunn Palace. This Salzburg Christmas market is particularly family-friendly and offers a children’s Christmas world with a Christmas train, petting zoo and post office to the Christ Child.
There is also another Christmas market on Mirabellplatz: It is much smaller, but also all the more contemplative. And it captivates with the beautiful backdrop of Mirabell Palace. Last but not least, the market at Hohensalzburg Fortress also has a special atmosphere. The “Festungsadvent” offers you a view over the whole city and a program with music groups and Perchten.
Incidentally, the Salzburg Christmas Tour offers even more magic and enchantment for visitors. Because even if you are just making a trip to the Austrian city, you can learn historical facts about the Christmas markets here. Christmas time in Salzburg is a magical experience.