While it might feel a tad on the early side, getting into the festive spirit early can only be a good thing as the days get ever shorter and darker.
You may be glad to hear that you can already visit one of Austria's delightful Christmas or winter markets. Here are the dates to get in your diary.
Thursday November 12th
Vienna: Advent Market and Christmas Exhibition at Blumengärten Hirschstetten
Head to the Wiener Stadtgärten (City Gardens) for the 23rd floral festive exhibition called The Magic of Christmas.
Get into the spirit of the season with beautiful floral arrangements, glowing lanterns and stars, alongside nutcrackers, angels and – of course – Santa Claus. Don't forget to check out the new illuminated trail, which has more than 900 poinsettias and 340 fir trees.
After viewing the gardens, you can visit the accompanying Christmas market organised by the Kulturverein Donaustadt. Featuring more than 50 stalls, guests can enjoy seasonal treats and regional specialties, and browse handmade crafts.
November 12th-December 20th 2026. Free entry.
More Vienna dates:
For those looking for more festive fun in the capital, the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace opened on November 6th and runs until January 6th.
The Christmas Market at Stephansplatz also opened on November 6th and runs until December 26th.
READ ALSO: How Austria plans to keep its Christmas markets safe in 2026
Friday November 13th
Innsbruck: Christmas Markets in the Old Town and at Marktplatz
Experience Christmas in an Alpine setting with a visit to Innsbruck, where some festive markets open on November 13th.
The traditional Old Town Christmas Market – or Christkindlmarkt – is set against the backdrop of the city's famous Goldene Dachl or Golden Roof.
With dozens of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts and foodie treats, guests can take in the atmosphere with a Glühwein. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Märchengasse or Fairy Tale Alley, while the tower trumpeters perform Christmas songs most days at 5pm.
Innsbruck's Christmas Market at Marktplatz also offers a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a petting zoo. And the Kaiserweihnacht am Bergisel promises traditional Tyrolean crafts, regional food (like Zelten or fruitcake) and music, as well as stunning views across the city.
November 13th-December 23rd 2026 (Old Town and Marktplatz), weekends during November 13th-December 20th (Kaiserweihnacht). Free entry to all.
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Hallein, south of Salzburg: Christmas Market at the Alte Saline
For something a little different, head to Hallein, just south of Salzburg, where the Christmas market is held at the historic Old Salt Works (Alte Saline).
More than 60 exhibitors will be on hand at weekends selling handmade crafts, Christmas decorations and delicious snacks. The market is fully covered, making it a good option for the unpredictable November weather.
There is plenty of fun in store for families, including a free children's craft and activity area known as the Wichtelstube, alpaca walks for children, guided tours of the Old Salt Works and historical walking tours of the town.
November 13th-December 20th 2026 (weekends). Free entry.
READ ALSO: What are the best Austrian Christmas markets according to locals?
Advent in Villach
If you live in the south of Austria, or plan on visiting the area, why not head to Villach for the annual Advent celebrations?
The city in Carinthia transforms into a festive wonderland complete with lots of twinkling lights, while the illuminated tower of the parish church (Stadtpfarrkirche) resembles a giant Christmas candle.
Guests can browse the stalls and pick up delicious snacks while there is also an ice-skating rink at Rathausplatz for those keen to get moving.
November 13th-December 31st. Free entry.
Steyr, Upper Austria: Adventdorf and Christkindlmarkt
Also on November 13th, the historic town of Steyr, south of Linz, is launching two festive events.
The Adventdorf at Stadtplatz and the Christkindlmarkt along the Promenade will offer guests plenty of food and drink, stalls and musical performances. Don't forget to wrap up warm for the occasion!
November 13th-December 24th (Adventdorf), November 13th-December 20th (Christkindlmarkt Promenade). Free entry.
Wels, Upper Austria: Welser Weihnachtswelt
The annual Welser Weihnachtswelt or Wels Christmas world is an event for the whole family.
This year's attractions include the Christkindl-Eis, a new ice-skating area on Stadtplatz, open throughout the holiday season. Children can also take a ride on the Christmas train.
The city's Christmas lights trail (Lichterpfad) also gets underway on November 13th, illuminating the streets and squares with festive displays. It runs until November 13th-December 24th 2026 (Christmas market), ice skating continues until January 6th 2027, lights trail runs until February 2nd 2027. Entry to the market and lights trail is free, but the activities are not.
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