Festive Excursion Tips in Salzburg City and Province

Even the festively decorated pathway leading up to Hohensalzburg Fortress is a memorable experience in itself. More than 100 traditional Herrnhut stars illuminate the Festungsgasse. The Christmas market features arts and crafts along with delectable Salzburg specialties. Every Sunday, Advent tours are offered for children (11 a.m.) and adults (3 p.m.). The supervised children’s program includes baking and crafts, plus a reading and play corner with Christmas music. On November 30 at 3 p.m., the Stefani Perchten get up to their mischief – fearsome in appearance but always kind and friendly toward children. On December 12 at 3 p.m., schoolkids from Salzburg City and Province present an Advent carol program.

Fortress Advent 2025:
21 November - 21 Dezember
Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
8 December, 11 a.m-7 p.m.
Supervised children’s program: all open days, 2–5 p.m.
Registration for the Advent tour: +43 662 842430-14 / office@festung-hohensalzburg.at

In December, the popular KreativKids Club is all about Advent. On three dates, in the DomQuartier children can craft to their hearts’ content – tons of glitter included. A truly heavenly experience awaits families on December 7 with a special themed tour all about angels. Afterward, children and their adult companions can create their own angel figures. For adults, there are three Thursday evening tours at 5 p.m., featuring festive wind music and treats from the Christkindlmarkt enjoyed on the terrace above the cathedral archway. From there, you can gaze out over the beautifully lit-up Christmas market in the heart of Salzburg’s historic Old Town.

Hellbrunn Palace and its park take on a special kind of magic in winter. The Hellbrunn Advent Market is now far from an insider secret – in fact, it’s one of the most popular Christmas markets in Salzburg. Its program has plenty to offer: traditional folk music in the Orangerie, a Krampus parade, and a children’s program with scavenger hunts, sausage grilling, and even a Christmas train. Of course, as is the case every year, there are also those classic market stalls with handicrafts, punch, mulled wine, cotton candy, and so much more. If you’d rather glide across the snow than fill your tummy with sweets, you can even hit the cross-country ski trail through the palace grounds – about 2 km long and starting at the playground, open whenever snow conditions allow.

Advent Magic at Hellbrunn 2025:
20 November - 24 December
Tue-Fri: 1-8 p.m. (Children's Christmas World: 2-6 p.m.)
Sat, Sun & public holidays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Children's Christmas World: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
24 December: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Children's Christmas World: 10 a.m-1 p.m.)

Here’s something even many of the locals don’t know: a “Roas” is a journey. At the Salzburg Open-Air Museum, visitors young and old can wander from house to house and take part in hands-on activities along the way – send a postcard from the Angel Post Office, bake cookies, or create their own forest nativity scene. When the cold sets in, a warm fire in the hearth provides a cozy spot to thaw out and warm your cockles. Children are invited to make crafts, design ornaments, dip candles, bake gingerbread and “stick bread”, or listen to fairy tales. We strongly urge you to buy tickets early since capacity is limited.

Advent Roas 2025:
29-30 November and 6-7 December
10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
Tickets

Salzwelten Salzburg is enveloped in a special aura of calm and wonder during Advent. On December 7 and 8, St. Nicholas and his eerie helpers visit the salt mine, handing out small gifts to children. During the Christmas holidays, additional children’s tours with Sally the Mine Duck offer exciting underground adventures. Those looking to make the Christmas Eve wait a little shorter will find just the thing here on December 24, when Christkind flutters through the tunnels bringing small, salty surprises. And to kick off the new year with a spark, visit Salzwelten on December 31 or January 1: after an exhilarating ride down the miners’ slides, guests are treated to a glass of sparkling wine. And with a lucky charm from the mine, you’ll be all set for the year ahead.

Christmas at Salzwelten Salzburg 2025

St. Nicholaus at Salzwelten
7-8 December, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Waiting for Christkind
24 December, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sliding into the New Year
31 December & 1 January, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tickets

At Hohenwerfen Castle, the medieval courtyard provides a magical setting for festive afternoons spent in a warm, family atmosphere. Traditional Pongau folk customs, Salzburg arts & crafts, local delicacies, Nativity plays, and authentic folk music all help kindle the Christmas spirit. For young visitors, a supervised children’s program offers crafts, cookie baking, and storytelling. On November 30, St. Nicholas visits the fortress with his entourage.

Advent Market at Hohenwerfen Castle 2025:
29-30 November, 6-8 December
1-7 p.m.
Supervised children’s program: all open days, 2–6 p.m.

The Advent Market at Fort Kniepass celebrates the return of light after the season of darkness with fire, sound, and illuminations. Experience traditional incense burning with fine resins and herbs, be enchanted by the Krampus figures, and sample mouthwatering seasonal treats. On the occasion of the winter solstice (21 December), visitors can witness an unforgettable play of light and shadow on the fortress grounds. Meanwhile, the kids get to enjoy an afternoon program that includes crafting stars out of straw, gingerbread baking, and storytelling.

Advent Market at Fort Kniepass 2025
18-21 December
2-8 p.m.
Children’s program: all open days, 2–6 p.m.

In the Lungau region – the southernmost part of Salzburg – the Christmas season is rung in with an especially festive event. Visitors to the Advent Market at Mauterndorf Castle can look forward to traditional Lungau craftsmanship, an array of regional delicacies, and warm holiday beverages. Music adds to the cozy, pre-Christmas atmosphere. There are lots of highlights to excite the kids as well: Christmas crafts, a reading corner, cookie baking in the rock cellar, and more.

Advent Market at Mauterndorf Castle 2025
6-8. and 13-14 December
1-7 p.m.
Supervised children’s program: all open days, 2–5 p.m.
A Holy Mass will be celebrated in the castle chapel on December 7.