FOR CHILDREN, DECEMBER 24TH IS ONE OF THE MOST MAGICAL DAYS OF THE YEAR. TO MAKE THAT NEVER-ENDING WAIT FOR PRESENTS A BIT SHORTER, NUMEROUS SALZBURG EXCURSION DESTINATIONS AND SIGHTS OFFER EXCITING PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES ON THIS DAY. THIS MAKES THE ANTICIPATION EVEN MORE FUN, WHILE CHRISTKINDL IS BUSY MAKING FINAL PREPARATIONS BACK AT HOME:
EAGERLY AWAITING CHRISTKINDL: CHRISTMAS EVENTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF SALZBURG
WAITING FOR CHRISTKINDL AT THE SALZBURG OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
In Salzburg's biggest museum, the animals of the forest can also look forward to small gifts at Christmastime. And on December 24th, children from Salzburg can help decorate the trees with fruit, and suet dumplings they’ve made themselves. This helps the time until the presents arrive pass by quickly. By the way, admission to the museum is free on this day - a donation box is available for voluntary contributions. Click here to go the event webpage.
MORE CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT THE SALZBURG OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
During the pre-Christmas period, the Open-Air Museum hosts an Adventroas on three different dates: A day filled with folk customs, music, singing, crafts, and stories about Advent. The dates for this year's Adventroas are December 3rd, December 9th, and December 10th. We suggest buying your tickets online in advance!
CHRISTMAS JOYS AT SALZWELTEN SALZBURG
Salzburg’s most popular salt mine for visitors also helps you shorten the wait until December 24th. From 10 am to 3 pm, Christkindl flitters through the salt galleries and distributes small, salty gifts to the children. But that's not all: in fact, Salzwelten has put together a colorful program for children and families throughout Advent: from the visit of St. Nicholas on December 2nd and 3rd to the traditional Anglöckeln on December 8th. In addition, extra dates for the popular children's tour with the happy little mine duck Sally are scheduled during the Christmas season. Anticipation is indeed the greatest joy of all!
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS AT THE DOMQUARTIER
During the run-up to Christmas, creativity reigns supreme in the DomQuartier. In the workshops of the Creative Kids Club, little artists from the age of four can experiment to their heart's content. They learn interesting and simple techniques and are able to take a playful approach to art. In keeping with Advent, various Christmas-themed crafts are conjured up together, from gift wrapping paper to Christmas tree decorations. Afterward, parents can join them for a Christmas tour that includes wind musicians performing festive melodies from atop the Cathedral Arches.
SALZBURG'S FRIENDLIEST KRAMPUSSES AT FORTRESS ADVENT
No doubt, the wild antics of the Krampusses throughout the city and province of Salzburg leave a lasting impression on young and old alike. However, if the big Krampus parades are just too wild and crazy for you, then the romantic Advent market at Hohensalzburg Fortress is definitely the place for you to be: on December 3rd, the Stefaniperchten come to visit. They send a few chills down the spines of visitors, but without scaring the little ones too much. On all the other opening days, the Salzburg Fortress Advent has plenty to offer youngsters as well: for example, organized children's programs at Atelier-Hödlmoser, including cookie baking, Christmas crafts, and a reading and games corner with Christmas music.
Salzburg Fortress Advent runs from November 24th to December 23rd, every Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND FOR CHILDREN AT HELLBRUNNER ADVENTZAUBER
Writing a letter to the Christkindl at the Christmas post office, taking a ride on the Christmas train, or gazing at the many animals: all of this and much more can be enjoyed at Hellbrunner Adventszauber. It's no wonder that this market outside the gates of the city of Mozart is so popular with families. The kids can even look forward to grilling hot dogs over an open fire. And the little Sherlock Holmeses can test their luck on the Fairytale Scavenger Hunt. Hellbrunner Adventszauber is open from November 23rd to December 24th, always from Tuesday through Sunday. This year, the first weekend is dedicated completely to children: on November 25th and 26th, 2023, the Children's Christmas Train is free for all kids!
CHRISTMAS LIKE IN THE OLDEN DAYS AT HOHENWERFEN CASTLE
The Romantic Advent at Hohenwerfen Castle is one of the insider tips when it comes to Christmas markets. In the beautiful castle courtyard, you will be inspired by the Christmas spirit immediately, with lots for the children to look forward to on the five days it’s open: including a visit from St. Nicholas on December 2nd and supervised children's programs such as crafts, cookie baking, and a storyteller (on all dates). The Christmas market at Hohenwerfen Castle is open on Saturday, December 2nd, and Sunday, December 3rd, as well as on Friday, December 8th, Saturday, December 9th, and Sunday, December 10th, in each case from 1 pm to 7 pm.
ATMOSPHERIC ADVENT IN THE SOUTH OF SALZBURG PROVINCE
In the Salzburger Lungau region, Mauterndorf Castle hosts a beautiful Advent market with lots of highlights for children: the crafting program, reading corner, and cookie baking in the Rock Cellar are very popular with the kids. Meanwhile, adults can stroll through the traditional market, with handmade pottery and ceramic products alongside extraordinary jewelry designs, homemade handcrafts, and much more.
