Christmas markets – combine skiing with Christmas traditions in Austria!
What could be better than ending a day on the slopes with a visit to a charming Christmas market? In December, many Austrian mountain villages transform into magical winter destinations. Picture beautifully illuminated streets, traditional wooden stalls, the aroma of mulled wine and delicious local treats. Combine your ski holiday with a visit to a Christmas market and discover Austria's festive traditions. We've put together a selection of the best Christmas markets in 2026 in and around the ski resorts where ChaletsPlus offers holiday accommodation.
Zillertal Arena: Christmas Market in Zell am Ziller
The Zillertal Arena is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Alongside its extensive slopes and cosy mountain restaurants, you'll find plenty of Christmas atmosphere. Zell am Ziller is particularly worth visiting in December.
On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026, the traditional Zell Christmas Market takes place near the music pavilion in Zell am Ziller. From 3:00 pm, you can explore stalls offering regional delicacies and handmade gifts. There's plenty for children to enjoy too, including a petting zoo. A romantic horse-drawn carriage ride completes the festive experience.
Staying in Königsleiten or Hochkrimml? A trip to this Christmas market is a wonderful addition to your ski holiday.
Wildkogel Arena: Charming Christmas Markets in Bramberg and Neukirchen
December in the Wildkogel Arena is about more than just skiing. The charming villages of Bramberg am Wildkogel and Neukirchen am Großvenediger host traditional Christmas markets.
On 5 and 6 December 2026, Bramberg celebrates Advent a de Berg. Here, you can enjoy regional products, Austrian specialities and traditional live music. One of the highlights is the atmospheric Advent walk along the Laternenweg, where Christmas stories are told along the way.
A weekend later, from 11 to 13 December 2026, the Neukirchner Advent takes place. The village centre transforms into a charming Christmas market filled with handmade gifts, music and local specialities. Children can enjoy a petting zoo, a Christmas bakery and an ice-skating rink.
The market in Neukirchen is open on Friday and Saturday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Perfect for soaking up the festive atmosphere after a winter's day in the mountains!
KitzSki: Traditional Christmas Market in Mittersill
The Kitzbühel & Kirchberg ski area, better known as KitzSki, is famous for its varied slopes and authentic Austrian atmosphere. There's also plenty to discover away from the slopes in December.
One event worth visiting is the Mittersill National Park Advent Market. During the Advent season, the historic centre of Mittersill transforms into a festive meeting place with Christmas stalls, regional products and delicious winter treats.
Lungau: A Magical Christmas Walk on the Katschberg
Looking for a truly special Christmas experience? Then the Katschberger Adventweg is a must during your holiday in the Lungau region.
From 25 November to 23 December 2026, you can follow a beautifully illuminated winter trail of approximately 2.5 kilometres. Along the way, you'll pass cosy wooden huts, enjoy traditional music and discover several tea stations. The snow-covered mountains provide a magical backdrop for this unique Christmas walk. The Advent trail is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You can also visit on 8 and 25 December. Please note that an admission fee applies for adults.
Several charming Christmas markets also take place in the surrounding villages:
- St. Margarethen: Saturday 28 November, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
- St. Michael im Lungau: 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20 December, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Mauterndorf Castle: 5, 6, 8, 12 and 13 December, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
- Tamsweg: 11–13 and 18–20 December. Friday and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
This gives you the perfect opportunity to discover a different Christmas market during your ski holiday.
Hochkönig: Christmas Traditions in Maria Alm
The charming villages of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach am Hochkönig together form a wonderful winter sports destination. In December, Christmas lights, decorated village squares and traditional music create a truly festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights is the Wallfahrt-Advent in Maria Alm. From Friday 27 November to Sunday 20 December 2026, this charming Christmas market takes place during the Advent weekends. The market is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
In the village square, you'll discover stalls selling handmade products and Austrian delicacies. You can also enjoy traditional music, Christmas concerts, torchlight walks and romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides.
The combination of the charming village, impressive mountain scenery and Austrian Christmas traditions makes Maria Alm a wonderful destination for a winter holiday.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm: A Unique Christmas Experience
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is known for the extensive Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski area. But there's plenty to enjoy away from the slopes in December too.
On Saturday 28 November 2026, the Glemmer Adventzauber takes place from 4:00 pm at Liebe Heimat in Vorderglemm. During this festive event, you can enjoy regional products, homemade treats and traditional music. Children can take part in a creative workshop, and St. Nicholas will make a special appearance at around 5:30 pm. Looking for a Christmas market with a surprising twist? Visit Schräge Weihnacht in Hinterglemm, taking place on 4 and 5, 11 and 12, and 18 and 19 December 2026.
From 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the area around Hotel Glemmtalerhof transforms into a charming Christmas market featuring local crafts, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and live music. Each weekend has its own theme, ranging from traditional Alpine music to Christmas Swing.
A wonderful way to end a day in the Austrian mountains!
Rauris: Discover Authentic Austrian Christmas Traditions
Rauris, one of the newest destinations offered by ChaletsPlus, is another wonderful place to experience traditional Austrian Christmas celebrations. This charming mountain village is located in the Rauris Valley, surrounded by the impressive peaks of Hohe Tauern National Park.
The Rauris Advent Markets are scheduled for 5, 12 and 19 December 2026, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In Voglmaierpark, you'll find charming stalls selling handmade products, regional delicacies and festive decorations.
Alongside the Christmas market, traditional Austrian customs and activities, such as horse-drawn carriage rides and the Anklöckler, add to the special atmosphere. The market's small-scale, authentic character is exactly what makes a visit to Rauris so enjoyable.
It's a wonderful opportunity to experience not only the beautiful mountains but also Austria's traditional Christmas celebrations during your winter holiday.
Combine Your Ski Holiday with a Christmas Market
A ski holiday in December offers the perfect combination of skiing, charming mountain villages and festive Christmas markets. Whether you choose a magical Christmas walk on the Katschberg, a traditional Advent market in Maria Alm or the authentic festive atmosphere of Rauris, there's plenty to discover in Austria in the run-up to Christmas.
Would you like to experience this special time of year for yourself? Explore the comfortable chalets and holiday homes offered by ChaletsPlus and enjoy a winter holiday filled with snow, festive cheer and Austrian Christmas traditions.
Please note: Dates and opening hours are subject to change. Always check the organiser's latest programme before your visit.
