The traditional 'Salzburger Christkindlmarkt' recently opened in Mozart's birthplace Salzburg. The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt is often discribed as the most beautiful Christmas market in the world, thanks to its stunning location in the heart of Salzburg's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. The Market at the Cathedral and Residenz Square has deep historical roots and is one of the oldest Advent markets in the world. The origins of Salzburg's famous Christmas market date back to the late 15th century.

 Located at the foot of Hohen Salzburg Fortress, in front of the cathedral, there are 97 stalls selling decorative items, local crafts, candles, jewellery, wooden toys and traditional food. An extensive programme of events includes choral concerts in front of the cathedral, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, visits from the Christ Child, festive melodies played from the surrounding towers (Turmblasen) and much more. At the turn of the year, the market transforms into a spectacular New Year's Eve, with lots of entertainment, dancing, music and fireworks.

Where: On Cathedral and Residenz Square, in Salzburg's historic city centre, Austria
When: 21 November 2024 - 1 January 2025

History

The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at the Dom and Residenzplatz has deep historical roots and is one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. Its unique setting in the heart of Salzburg’s World Heritage-listed Old City, the traditional market stands and its long history make the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt a truly special occasion. The origins of the famous Salzburg Christmas market go all the way back to the late 15th century. It’s located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress, in front of the Cathedral. There are 96 stalls to browse, where to buy decorative objects, local crafts, candles, jewelry, wooden toys and traditional food. An extensive programme of events such as choral singing in front of the cathedral, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, visits by the “Christ Child”, festive melodies performed from the surrounding towers (Turmblasen) and much more.

The history of the Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg

The origins of the famous Salzburg Christmas market go all the way back to the late 15th century. Back then, the so-called “Tandlmarkt” would be held on Cathedral Square in the heart of the city, offering a wide range of goods for the locals to buy. By the 17th century, this Advent market had been christened the “Nikolaimarkt” – that is to say, the “Saint Nicholas’ Market”. For two weeks before and two weeks after St. Nicholas’ Day (on 6 December), a variety of products were offered for sale on and close to Cathedral Square: from a delectable selection of foods, to dolls and all kinds of bric-a-brac. The "Nikolaimarkt" was one of the most famous Advent markets of its day, second only to the ones in Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam and Nuremberg. From 1903 until the early 1930s, the Christmas market was restricted to the area adjacent to the cathedral arches.

Christmas Market with a Unique Atmosphere

The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, as it is known today around the world, has existed since 1974. Every year, the market is officially opened with befitting pomp and circumstance on the Thursday preceding the first Sunday in Advent, closing its shutters for the final time on 1 January. Local folk customs and traditional decorations for the Christmas tree, gifts for big and small, incense to help conjure up a festive atmosphere in your own home, all kinds of delectable treats in the form of Austrian specialties, mulled wine and hot punch: At the Christmas market on Salzburg’s Cathedral Square, you will discover practically everything you could possibly wish for. This famous Advent market draws countless visitors every Christmas season, and is also very popular with the locals, too. Not least because of the traditional huts and unique atmosphere, along with specially designed lighting that stretches above the market stands like romantic stars across the night sky.

Events at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt

The Christkindlmarkt isn’t only a location for around 100 market stands. The organizers have also ensured that visitors are treated to a colorful daily events program: readings of Christmas stories for children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts, visits by the “Christ Child”, festive melodies performed from the surrounding towers, and so much more.

- “Sing-Along” in a choir open to singers from the general public – every Tuesday from 6 – 8 p.m.

- Traditional wind music – performed high above the square every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and every Thursday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

- Visit of the Salzburg “Christ Child” with his angels – every Sunday, 4 p.m.

- Children’s reading with the “Christ Child” – every Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The Christkindlmarkt becomes the stage for the turn of the year as a New Year's Eve market

An exciting supporting programme will shorten the waiting time for the turn of the year. Punctually at midnight, the new year is welcomed with a festive fireworks display. On January 1 the gastronomic huts of the market will be open until 5:00 pm.

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