Finally back: Advent in Tyrol

Updated on 18.10.2021

The nine Christmas markets that have come together under the umbrella brand "Advent in Tirol" focus on authentic Tyrolean traditions, far away from the hype and kitsch.

When the first snowflakes fall, small market stalls open their doors and hatches and the scent of chestnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air, the festive season has begun again at the Christmas markets in Tyrol. One thing is particularly important to the nine markets that have joined forces under "Advent in Tirol" (Achensee, Hall in Tirol, Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Kufstein, Lienz, Rattenberg, Seefeld and St. Johann in Tirol): to focus on Tyrolean customs and not on kitschy consumerism that has nothing to do with Christmas tradition. In order to do justice to this, the markets of "Advent in Tirol" have committed themselves to uniform quality criteria, which range from the appearance of a market to the range of stalls and the cultural programme. Sustainability is also a top priority at the nine "Advent in Tirol" markets. The aim is to avoid plastic as much as possible. And canned music is a taboo anyway. Instead, the "quiet time" is celebrated with brass bands and singing groups.

"Advent in Tyrol": Nine Christmas markets scattered throughout TirolEvenbefore the first candle is lit on the Advent wreath, a special atmosphere is created at Lake Achensee . At the "AchenSeeWeihnacht", visitors sail across the tranquil lake on a steamer of the Achenseeflotte amidst Christmas scents and sounds. Also on board is a floating Christmas market under a romantic glow of lights. A Christmas wonderland also awaits at the landing stage in Pertisau: market stalls, petting zoo, children's programme - and of course you can also warm up here with delicious punch and mulled wine.

The Advent market in the old town centre of Hall in Tirol, which is the largest old town in western Austria, is one of the most beautiful markets in the country. On the Upper Town Square, where the imposing town hall and the Christmas tree with its many lights stand, it features small market stalls as well as a large Advent calendar that colourfully projects the numbers 1 to 24 onto pretty house facades.

The Bergweihnacht Innsbruck invites you into the Christmas season with seven Christmas markets. The largest is the market in the historic city centre, which attracts visitors with over 70 stalls and the Christmas tree, which rises magnificently into the sky in front of the "Golden Roof". A "modern sea of lights" welcomes visitors to Maria-Theresien-Straße. The market on the market square is known for its children's programme, while the panoramic Christmas market on Hungerburg Castle offers the most beautiful views over the city. An insider tip is the market in the St. Nikolaus district, which is very tranquil. The Christmas magic in the Wilten district also promises a cosy atmosphere.

Kitzbühel, the lively Gamsstadt, which is famous for the legendary Hahnenkamm race, is transformed into a "stade (quiet) town" in the run-up to Christmas. Every alleyway glitters and lights up. Market stalls decorated for Christmas invite you to stroll, linger and savour Tyrolean delicacies.

The Christmas markets in Kufstein are also atmospheric meeting places during Advent. At the market in Kufstein's town park, "Tyrolean delicacies" and local arts and crafts take centre stage. The children's programme with a train, merry-go-round and barbecuing bread on a stick will make the little visitors' eyes light up. Kufstein Fortress also puts on a Christmassy outfit during Advent. Visitors can stroll through the historic grounds and look around for Christmas surprises at the "Christmas Magic" event. The town of Kufstein also scores with a variety of shopping opportunities. In December, the "Pearl on the Inn" also shines in pre-Christmas splendour with light installations throughout the town centre.

The Lienz Advent is one of the most traditional in Tyrol. With Christmas lights and traditional delicacies, it lives up to its motto "Be a child again". Another eye-catcher is the Liebburg, the town hall, which is transformed into an Advent calendar at Christmas time. In addition to the Krampus, who herald the arrival of St Nicholas, the legendary night watchman, who regularly makes his rounds at the Christmas market in Lienz, is also a special attraction.

In Rattenberg, the smallest town in Austria, the pre-Christmas period is celebrated differently. Instead of stalls and artificial lighting, the focus is on "contemplation, meeting lovely people and traditional music and customs". People meet at the various inns in the town, which spoil their guests with culinary delicacies. Candles in the windows, torches and fireplaces also bring "light into the darkness" in Rattenberg. If you fancy a special taste experience, you should try the Rattenberg Advent wine, which has a wonderful elderberry flavour.

The pre-Christmas season also gets off to an atmospheric start in Seefeld - and above all with guaranteed snow thanks to the altitude of over 1,200 metres. The Christmas market in the pedestrian zone welcomes visitors with small wooden huts, where the scent of mulled wine fills the air and regional handicrafts and enchanting gift ideas are on offer. In the evening, the sounds of the Seefeld Weisenbläser brass band and traditional Christmas carols from local choirs and musicians can be heard.

The festive scent of cinnamon, cloves and incense accompanies an atmospheric Advent stroll through the Christmas market in St. Johann in Tirol. Lovingly crafted Christmas surprises, handicrafts and festive decorations await you in the sales huts. The market hosts invite you to savour homemade delicacies. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Advent, children can create gifts, make Christmas tree decorations and bake biscuits in the Advent workshop. Exciting legends are also told in St. Johann.

Planned opening times 2021 for the "Advent in Tirol" markets

Achensee: 12.12. to 22.12.Innsbruck: 12.12. to 6.1.2022, dailyKitzbühel: 13.12. - 19.12., daily from 2pm - 8pm, from 20.12. - 09.01. Winter market Wed - Sun 2pm - 8pmRattenberg: 18.12. - 19.12.Seefeld: 16.12. - 6.1.2022, daily 2 - 9 pm, Klingender Advent 13.12. - 15.12., Leutascher Kapellenadvent 17.12. - 18.12.St. Johann in Tirol: cancelledHall in Tirol: cancelledKufstein: cancelledLienz: cancelled

Dates and programme subject to change due to Corona.

Further information on all "Advent in Tirol" markets: www.adventintirol.com

Safe hospitality: An overview of the current Covid-19-related safety regulations and recommendations in Tyrol can be found at www.willkommen.tirol.