Christmas markets – combine skiing with Christmas traditions in Austria!
Early winter is the perfect opportunity to discover Austria. The ski resorts offer excellent snow and peaceful pistes at this time of year, while the villages transform into magical Christmas destinations in December. The smell of mulled wine, festive Christmas lights, and the charm of traditional stalls at the Christmas markets make your winter holiday unforgettable. That’s why we’ve put together a list of lovely Christmas markets in some of the villages and areas where we rent out holiday homes.
Zillertal Arena: Atmospheric
We’re starting this blog in one of Austria’s largest ski areas: the Zillertal Arena. This region is famous for its wide-ranging slopes and stunning mountain views. Skiing here in December means you can enjoy peaceful, uncrowded runs! During this month, the entire area transforms into a true winter wonderland.
The same goes for the charming village of Zell am Ziller. Here, you can visit the Christmas market on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025 (from around 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) at the music pavilion in the village center. The nearby villages of Königsleiten and Hochkrimml are also well worth a visit. In winter, they’re beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas trees, creating a warm and festive atmosphere, perfect after a long day on the slopes!
Wildkogel Arena: Enchanting
The other large “Arena,” the Wildkogel Arena, is just like the Zillertal Arena, a picturesque ski area that also offers enchanting Christmas markets. In or near the Wildkogel Arena, you’ll find the charming villages of Bramberg am Wildkogel and Neukirchen am Großvenediger.
- In Bramberg, the “Advent a de Berg” market takes place on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, 2025, starting around 2:00 p.m.
- In Neukirchen, the “Neukirchner Advent Market” runs from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 14, 2025, with festivities beginning each afternoon at around 2:00 p.m.
You can also take an evening walk with torches from these villages. A fairytale ending to a day on the slopes and definitely worth a visit!
KitzSki: A Must-Visit
The Kitzbühel & Kirchberg ski area, also known as KitzSki, is one of the oldest and most traditional in the world. It’s not only a destination for celebrities and the wealthy but has long been popular among all kinds of holidaymakers. The region is renowned for its diverse slopes and charming villages.
A visit to the Mittersill Christmas Market is an absolute must. You can experience the market starting on Friday, November 21, 2025, its official opening date. The festivities continue until Sunday, December 21, 2025. Let yourself be enchanted by the magical atmosphere as you sip a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy a glass of glühwein!
Lungau: Authentic
For those looking to truly unwind, the ski areas of Katschberg and Grosseck-Speiereck are perfect choices. Located in the Lungau region, these resorts are snow-sure from early December and are ideal destinations to kick off the ski season.
A real highlight in the area is exploring the magical Katschberger Advent Trail on foot. This 2.5 km route will be open in 2025 on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 26 to December 21, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., as well as on Monday, December 8 and Thursday, December 25.
Other recommendations include:
- The authentic Christmas market in Sankt Margarethen im Lungau on Saturday, November 29, 2025 (from 6:00 p.m.) and Sunday, November 30, 2025 (from 4:00 p.m.).
- The first weekends of December feature festive markets in Sankt Michael im Lungau and at Burg Mauterndorf in Mauterndorf.
- In Tamsweg, charming Christmas markets are held on the first three Saturdays and Sundays of December (specific details to follow).
You can view all Advent markets in the Salzburg Lungau region here. With a bit of planning, you can visit a different Christmas market every weekend!
Hochkönig: Festive
The charming villages of Maria Alm, Mühlbach am Hochkönig, and Dienten am Hochkönig, located in the Hochkönig ski area (with around 120 kilometers of slopes), are filled with Christmas magic in December. You’ll find everything here for a cozy ski and holiday experience. The villages are beautifully decorated with lights, festive ornaments, and Christmas décor, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
A visit to the Christmas market in Maria Alm is highly recommended. The market starts on Friday, November 28, 2025, and continues throughout the Advent weekends (Friday to Sunday) until around December 21. Here, you’ll find stalls offering traditional handicrafts, a nativity scene exhibition, alphorn and folk music performances, torchlit walks, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. The official Hochkönig website also highlights an extensive Advent program, featuring additional Christmas markets, glühwein, handmade crafts, church concerts, workshops, and exhibitions.
In short, December in the Hochkönig region promises a heartwarming blend of winter sports, festive markets, and authentic mountain traditions.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Idyllic
The vast Ski Circus Saalbach-Hinterglemm / Leogang / Fieberbrunn ski area, with around 270 kilometers of slopes, is a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing here in the early season means you can glide down the mountains in complete peace and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Alps.
But Saalbach-Hinterglemm is about much more than just skiing. When the festive season begins, the village transforms into a fairy-tale winter wonderland. Everywhere you look, lights sparkle, soft Christmas music fills the air, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and glühwein creates a cozy, festive atmosphere.
A real highlight is the “Glemmer Adventzauber”, taking place in 2025 on Saturday, November 22, in the heart of Saalbach. During this charming event, you can stroll among wooden stalls filled with handcrafted Christmas decorations, local delicacies, and artisanal gifts.
You also shouldn’t miss the unique “Quirky Christmas – A Different Kind of Advent”. This modern and creative Christmas market will be held on the weekend of December 5–6, 2025, and returns on the weekends of December 12–14 and December 19–21, 2025. Expect a delightful mix of traditional charm and contemporary flair – with live music, artistic light installations, creative decorations, and delicious treats.
Whether you’re wandering through the illuminated village center with a mug of hot chocolate after a day on the slopes, or simply soaking in the magical atmosphere, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is at its most enchanting in December.
Up to 25% Discount
An early ski holiday in December means not only that you can enjoy quiet slopes and optimal snow conditions, but it’s also a great deal. If you book now before 1 December 2024 for the period from 6 to 21 December 2024, you can enjoy up to 25% off!
Be enchanted by the combination of winter sports and Christmas traditions in the beautiful ski resorts of Austria!
