Salzburg Christkindlmarkt

What the market is

The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is an Advent market on the Dom- und Residenzplatz, the square between the cathedral and the Residenz in the old town. The stalls sell Christmas decorations, gifts, food and drink.

The market keeps older Alpine Advent customs alive. The Krampus, a horned figure from Alpine folklore, appears in processions in early December. The Perchtenlauf on 21 December is tied to the Rauhnächte, the twelve nights around Christmas.

When and how long

The market runs in Nov 19, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027. On Monday to Thursday it is open from 10:00 to 20:30, on Friday from 10:00 to 21:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00, and on Sunday and public holidays from 9:00 to 20:30.

Christmas and New Year change the hours. The market is open from 9:00 to 20:30 on 8 December, from 9:00 to 15:00 on 24 December, from 11:00 to 18:00 on 25 and 26 December, from 10:00 to 20:30 on 27 to 30 December, from 10:00 on 31 December, and from 11:00 to 18:00 on 1 January.

The program is fixed. The Krampus procession is on 5 December at 18:30, the Nikolo and children's Krampus event is on 6 December at 15:30, and the Perchtenlauf is on 21 December at 13:00.

Where and getting around

The market is in the old town, so most of your time there is on foot. Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, is a short walk away. Taxis and buses also run to the old town from the airport.

The fortress Hohensalzburg sits above the old town and can be reached by the Festungsbahn funicular, which is a useful way to see the city from above after you have walked the market.

Tickets and costs

Entry to the market area is free. Food, drink and goods are paid for at the stalls, so your spending is up to what you choose to buy. Plan for the cost of a meal and a drink, and any gifts, in addition to your travel.

Where to stay

Hotels and guesthouses in the old town put you closest to the market, and the walk back from the square is short in the evening. Accommodation near Salzburg Hauptbahnhof is a short walk from the old town, and it is a practical choice if you arrive by train.

Book early for December weekends, since the market draws many visitors at that time of year.

Tips for a first visit

Go earlier in the day. The market is busiest on weekend evenings, and the stalls are easier to browse in the afternoon or on a weekday.

Dress for cold weather. The market is outdoors in December in an Alpine city, so warm layers and comfortable shoes make the walk around the old town easier.

If you want to see the Krampus, check the dates of the processions, since 5 and 6 December are fixed events on the schedule and the Perchtenlauf is on 21 December.

What else is nearby

Salzburg Cathedral stands on the market square itself, so you can see the church while you walk the stalls. The Residence is next to it and is part of the same square.

The Getreidegasse shopping street is a short walk from the square. The house where Mozart was born is on this street, so the walk fits well with a visit to the market.