Graz Christmas Market: 12 Unmissable Experiences

From twinkling lights to alpine huts to dazzling trees, we were completely captivated by the Graz Christmas Market.

The fun and festive Advent celebration blankets the entire city. Every corner is brightened with cheerful charm and we happily got caught up in the wintertime gala.

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To be fair, the Graz Christmas Markets were exactly what persuaded us to visit the Austrian city in December. However, the holiday hoopla was even better than we envisioned.

It wasn’t just steaming cups of gluhwein or the quiet lanes illuminated in decorations that stirred our festiveness. It was also the special touches and unrivaled traditions that truly got us excited about Advent in Graz!

12 Unmissable Graz Christmas Market Experiences

Christmas in Europe is incredibly magical – but the Graz Advent event goes above and beyond. Locals call Christmas in Graz the ‘5th Season,’ because the celebrations are so robust they deserve their own time of year.

Rather than providing a rundown of the numerous markets that dot the cityscape, we are highlighting the unique and unmissable Christmas experiences in Graz, Austria.

#1 Soak in Graz Christmas Merriment on the Hilltop

Hiking up to the ruins of the ancient fort on Schlossberg Hill is one of the Top Things To Do in Graz – but it is even more spectacular at Christmastime. Holiday chalets are tucked along the brick walls of the old casemate in an idyllic setting.

Musicians play a festive soundtrack of the Christmas season and log fires provide a bit of warmth on cold evenings. It is an atmosphere that is unsurpassed and a highlight of visiting Graz at Christmas!

#2 See the Graz Nativity Scene Made of Ice

Nativity Scenes – or Weihnachtskrippen in German – are a common sight at Christmas markets around the world.

We’ve seen the elaborate renditions in Madrid and the peculiar addition of a dog in the scene at St. Patrick’s in New York City. But we have never witnessed anything like the ice-sculpted nativity scene in Graz.

Situated in the stunning Landhaushof courtyard, the life-size nativity is chiseled from 35 tons of crystal-clear ice. Glowing with colorful lights, the Ice Crib – or Eiskrippe – features Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, along with the Three Wise Men and farm animals.

We are glad we caught it early on, because the outdoor nativity begins to melt as soon as it is put on display!

#3 Enjoy a Bowl of Warm Ofenkartoffel

One of the best things about Christmas markets is the tempting fare. While sizzling sausages and warm sweets are always abundant, Graz introduced us to a new Christmas fair food: Ofenkartoffel.

These oven baked potatoes are so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying on a cold, wintery night. At the Christmas market in Graz, the potatoes are smashed into the bottom of a bowl and then topped with meat, cheese and sauces. This elevates the humble spud to a whole new level!

#4 Stand Under Upside Down Graz Christmas Trees

Of all the decorations we expected to see at the Graz, Austria Christmas Markets, inverted trees dangling from above was not one of them.

Yet, there they hang, south of the main square above Schmiedgasse, as beautiful as they are perplexing.

We had a difficult time getting to the bottom of the Upside Down Trees. We heard some say that when you look up, it makes you feel as if you are soaring over a winter landscape.

Another explanation is that it’s a long-forgotten tradition. Apparently, hanging trees upside down used to be the norm in the olden days as a way to save space in cramped housing.

Either way, we became quite enamored with the unusual decor and found ourselves returning time and again to walk beneath these oddly placed evergreens.

#5 Ride the Graz Christmas Tram

Modern, merry and bright are the three best words to describe the Graz Advent Tram. We sidled up right alongside the kids on the sidewalk to watch the glowing tram as it rattled down the tracks.

Wrapped in lights, the tram travels from Jakominiplatz to Laudongasses – passing by several Graz Christmas markets along the way. It’s free to catch a ride, so why not hop on the streetcar and glide through town?

#6 Snap a Selfie with a Graz Christmas Tree

We were astounded by the number of holiday trees at the Graz Xmas Markets. From the soaring spectacle in Hauptplatz (Graz Main Square) to a pop-up forest at Schloßbergplatz to lone trees adorning quaint courtyards, we were enchanted by them all.

The most radiant, however, is the one that stands as the centerpiece of Winter Wonderlend – the Christmas market in Graz’s Lend district. The shimmering tree is set among dozens of chalets under the Baroque bell towers of Mariahilferhkirche.

A resplendent sight in an extraordinary setting, the Lend Christmas Tree is the perfect backdrop for a holiday selfie or group photo. Just be prepared to have some new best friends in your picture!

#7 Sip Regional Schilcher Gluhwein

Warm mulled wine is a classic Christmassy drink – but not all hot wine is the same. At the Christmas markets in Graz, visitors can sample the local flavor by sipping the specialty Schilcher Gluhwein.

Schilcher wine is exclusively produced in the Styria – or Steier – region of Austria. Fresh and fruity on the palate, the wine blends well with holiday spices for a perfect cup of cheer.

Apfel Punsch with rum and Feuerzangenbowle (a potent concoction sweetened with a rum-soaked sugarloaf) are two other popular holiday drinks.

#8 Savor the Ambiance in Franziskanerplatz

The snug Franciscan Quarter hosts the oldest Christmas Market in Graz, Christkindlmarkt. Emanating an age-old ambiance, we couldn’t help but feel the Christmas spirit when walking through the district that is so steeped in history.

The market huts sell classic Christmas eats and the inviting cafes welcome patrons into their cozy corners with winter warmers.

While strolling through the historic square, it’s impossible to resist the sweet temptations at Linzbichler. The family-run confectionary sells local Zotter chocolates, regional gingerbread – or lebkuchen – and other classic candies.

#9 Marvel at Graz Christmas Lights and Displays

The holiday season markets extend beyond the buzzing squares down light-laden lanes. Nowhere in the city is it more apparent than on the streets that lead to Hauptplatz.

Herrengasse, where trams move in a steady flow through the city center, hosts a phenomenal display. Modern Christmas lights span overhead, draping the entire throughfare in colorful illumination. Don’t miss the dangling baubles at the Ferdinand Haller shop!

The stores that line Sackstraße enhance the scene with decked out window displays. Not to be missed are the festive fashions at Kastner & Ohler (better known simply as K&O) and it’s hipster sidekick Infected and the giant star in front of Trinity Church.

The curving Sporgasse is equally charming, with twinkling lights and locally-owned shops all dressed up for the holidays. The vibe is often enhanced by musicians performing classic Christmas tunes on street corners.

Splendid Stempfergasse might actually be our favorite Christmas street in Graz. The lovely lane through the heart of Old Town beckons you in with twinkling stars, shimmering lights and a classic tree.

#10 Have a Jolly Time at a Modern Graz Landmark

While Graz Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has modern structures that are just as jolly during the holidays.

Murinsel, the artificial island floating in the middle of the Mur River, is one of the city’s contemporary landmarks. During the holidays, the outdoor space is transformed into a forest of trees and the café mixes up fun Christmas cocktails.

The posh rooftop of K&O is another innovative space full of holiday cheer. The fashionable, open-air roof overlooks the Old Town and is the perfect place for a hot beverage.

#11 Join the Revelry under the Glockenspiel

There is no doubt that merrymaking abounds throughout the City of Graz at Christmastime. However, it really seems to thrive at the Advent Market on Glockenspielplatz.

Multiple cabins cluster together, each pouring copious variations of hot wine into themed mugs. Situated under the historic Glockenspiel clocktower, we joined locals and other visitors in the quintessential holiday scene.

We often planned our stop here to coincide with the appearance of the Glockenspiel dancers. They put on a show every day when the clock strikes 11am, 3pm and 6pm.

#12 Delight in the Holiday Fairytale at Hauptplatz

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Christmas season in Graz, Austria without stepping into the fairytale market on the city’s main square, Hauptplatz.

Occupying the space directly in front of the gorgeous and grandiose Graz City Hall (Rathaus), the atmosphere is pure magic.

Each Christmas hut is distinctively decorated, the towering tree twinkles bright and an old-fashioned carousel spins with delightful grace.

Impossible to miss is the imposing Town Hall façade. Lit with fanciful cinematics it completes the whimsical scene.

Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Graz

Ready to book your Christmas trip to Graz? Before you go to Austria, we have a few travel planning tips!

Check Graz Christmas Market Dates and Times

Prior to booking your trip, you will want to make sure the markets are open! Each Xmas market in Graz operates on its own schedule.

Many will open 5 weeks ahead of Christmas, while others begin 4 weeks before. Most markets are open for visitors every day of the week, but some are only open during weekends.

All of the festivities close on or before Christmas Eve. Find this year’s schedule on the official website.

December 5: Krampus Night

One date to mark on your calendar is December 5, which is better known in Austria as Krampus Night – or Krampusnacht. It falls on the eve of St. Nicholas Day (the traditional time for St. Nick to fill stockings with gifts).

To ensure kids are behaving, Krampus – a grotesque folklore figure with cowbells – roams the streets and punishes naughty kids (and adults) with a swat on the legs with a birch branch. It’s peculiar, frightening and mesmerizing…all at the same time!

Dress in Layers

Layered clothing is essential at Austrian Christmas markets! Winter coats, hats and gloves will definitely need to be packed for your December vacation to Europe.

We actually lucked out with the weather during our Christmas trip to Graz. Daytime temperatures hovered in the high 40s and rarely dipped below freezing at night.

That said, we still needed to bundle up and then peeled off all the top layers anytime we went inside a bar, restaurant or shop!

Stay Somewhere Beautiful in Graz

Take your Christmas trip up a notch by staying at one of the best hotels in Graz: Aiola Living Boutique Hotel.

The sublime property is located right in the midst of the merriment and just steps from the main square. Already booked up for this season? Use our tips for finding more Top Hotels at the Best Prices.

Plan a Multiple-City Christmas Vacation

Travelers planning a multiple-spot tour can easily add Graz to their trip itinerary. Graz is connected by train and bus to several nearby European Christmas Destinations.

The Vienna Christmas Market is just 2.5 hours away by train – and it’s spectacular!

Salzburg and Munich are 4 and 6 hours from Graz by train, respectively. Both put on sensational holiday markets.

If traveling south to Ljubljana and Zagreb, the fastest route is by bus. It takes 3 hours to get to Ljubljana and another 2 hours to reach Zagreb.

The Ljubljana, Slovenia holiday fair is a wonderful celebration in a magnificent location, while the capital of Croatia goes all out with their superb Advent in Zagreb.

Start planning your trip to Austria! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

More Christmassy Destinations in Europe

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