9 Tips for the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Upper Austria
The Christmas markets in Upper Austria are, from our České Budějovice, literally just around the corner. So I thought, just as I invite you here in summer to fairy-tale mountain lakes, I’ll write some inspiration for you this year about the Advent markets too.
Christmas Markets in Upper Austria
Advent in Upper Austria is magical, and there’s definitely plenty to choose from. The pre-Christmas season here isn’t just about the markets themselves, but also about the traditional Advent atmosphere. The scent of punch mingles with the tones of Advent concerts. Hand-carved decorations are sold in stalls that resemble boutiques more than marketplaces.
>> Find accommodation in Upper Austria
Each city here has its own unique charm. Linz plays on the note of modern elegance, while Hallstatt or Steyr rely on tradition and the quiet beauty of history. The Christmas markets in Upper Austria are the right place to go when you want to experience traditional Austrian Christmas.
Hallstatt in winter / Austrian Lakes
Where are the most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Upper Austria?
Here are 9 places where you can enjoy the most magical Advent, just a stone’s throw from our South Bohemian borders:
1. Linz Christmas Markets
Linz is one of the most popular places for Christmas markets in Upper Austria. You can visit several Advent locations in the city of Linz.
- The Christkindlmarkt on the Main Square runs from November 22 to December 24, 2025, and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Entry is free, and the market combines traditional craft stalls, culinary specialties, and scenic spots for a Christmas atmosphere
- In addition to the main market, you can visit, for example:
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Christmas Market Volksgarten: November 22 – December 23 / daily from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Advent at the Cathedral in Linz: November 22 – December 22 / Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Christmas Market at Pfarplatz: November 22 – December 23
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Linz Christmas Markets / (c) TVLinz – Röbl
2. Bad Ischl Christmas Markets
Experience true imperial Christmas. You can combine Advent in Bad Ischl with a wellness weekend. Stay right in the city and also visit the Eurothermen spa Bad Ischl.
>> Find accommodation in Bad Ischl
- Bad Ischl dresses up in sparkling lights for Advent and attracts visitors with traditional markets full of crafts and the scent of Christmas delicacies.
- The Bad Ischl Christmas markets are held from November 21 to December 21, 2025, open from Wednesday to Sunday, always between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- Entry is free, the market focuses exclusively on local crafts and artistic products in the elegant and historic Trinkhalle
- The cultural program is complemented by concerts, exhibitions, and musical accompaniment, making Bad Ischl an Advent cultural gem in Upper Austria.
Christmas Markets in Bad Ischl
3. Hallstatt Christmas Markets
In winter, Hallstatt transforms into a fairy-tale village where festive decorations reflect on the lake’s surface and snow-capped mountains tower over the roofs of historic houses. The Hallstatt Christmas markets have a unique charm in Upper Austria, and although the official markets are held only on one day, I believe you’ll enjoy a peaceful Advent here on other days as well.
- In Hallstatt, the festive market is held on December 8, 2025, as a one-day Christmas market in the spirit of authentic traditions.
> Hallstatt Christmas Markets: What to see, where to stay, and where to eat
Hallstatt Christmas Markets / Austrian Lakes
4. Christmas Markets at Katzenberg Castle
The Advent market at Katzenberg Castle will take place from December 11 to 14, 2025. You’ll meet more than 90 exhibitors from the fields of artistic crafts and natural production. You’ll be well taken care of for symbolic Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
- Due to the uniqueness and value of these Christmas markets, there’s an entrance fee of 6 euros for adults at Katzenberg Castle, children under 14 have free entry
- Free parking available in the surrounding area
Advent at Katzenberg Castle
5. Christmas Markets at Mondsee
The Mondsee Advent markets will take place on weekends from November 21 to December 21, 2025, including December 8, which is a holiday. A great added value is the atmosphere of the Christmas markets in contrast with the lake. I recommend planning even one or more nights here to enjoy the winter mood of Mondsee.
Christmas Markets at Mondsee / (c) TVB Mondsee – Irrsee
The Advent market, which you’ll find right in the town of Mondsee, attracts with the scent of mulled wine, handmade gifts, and a festive atmosphere full of comfort. Come to soak up the Christmas magic and enjoy moments that will please all your senses. If you’re planning a holiday at Mondsee, get inspired by:
6. Steyr Christmas Markets
The traditional markets “Altstadt Steyr” and “Christkindlmarkt Promenade” run from November 21 to December 21, 2025, always from Wednesday to Sunday in the Old Town, and on weekends also on the local Promenade.
- Entry to “Altstadt Steyr” is free, but entry to some programs (e.g., selected performances) may be charged, for example, a ticket around 6.50 € at Christkindlmarkt.
- A unique feature of these Christmas markets in Upper Austria is certainly the combination of baroque architecture, live music, and craft demonstrations, e.g., the production of regional specialties.
- Advent in Steyr takes place in a magical historical environment.
Steyr Christmas Markets / (c) Botagraph
7. Christmas Markets at Lake Traunsee
Advent at Lake Traunsee is among the most romantic Christmas markets in Upper Austria. Ideally, stay in Gmunden and visit other places in the area.
>> Find accommodation at Traunsee
- Christmas markets are held in Gmunden, at Ort Castle, and for one weekend in Traunkirchen. The treetop path on Grünberg mountain, which you can reach by cable car, is also festively lit.
- The main markets are held: November 28 – December 21, 2025
- Always from Friday to Sunday at these times:
- Friday 1:00 PM–8:00 PM | Saturday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Christmas markets in Traunkirchen are held on December 13-14
> Traunsee Christmas Markets: What to see, where to stay, and where to eat
Christmas Markets at Traunsee / Austrian Lakes
8. Wels Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Wels, or “Welser Weihnachtswelt”, start in mid-November and last until December 24. You’ll find them in the city center (Stadtplatz) and in Pollheimerpark. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, or hop on the Advent train. Beautiful Christmas corners where you can have your photo taken also await you on site.
- Entry is free, and the marketplace combines classic wooden stalls with extensive light decoration, the so-called Lichterpfad (light path), and a focus on families with children, who will find plenty to enjoy here.
- A symbolic fee is charged only for special services, e.g., for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and so on.
- Markets in Wels are generally very popular, and therefore the Christmas markets are also a popular event.
- The Wels Christmas markets are worth visiting for a whole weekend.
Wels Christmas Markets / (c) Wels Marketing & Touristik GmbH
9. Christmas Markets at Wolfgangsee
If you’re looking for a tip for the perfect Advent in Austria, I recommend planning a weekend at Wolfgangsee, which annually ranks among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Upper Austria. You can visit three places at once, St. Wolfgang, peaceful Strobl, and traditional St. Gilgen.
>> Find accommodation at Wolfgangsee
- Advent at Wolfgangsee will be held from November 21 to December 22, 2025 / always from Friday to Sunday + December 8
- The combination of culinary experiences, music, and panoramic views of the lake, where a large lantern is lit during Advent, is exceptional
- Take a boat ride on the lake and ride the festively decorated cog railway to Schafberg
> Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets: What to see, where to stay, and where to eat
Wolfgangsee Christmas Markets / © Mirja Geh
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