Winter music and crafts by the palace: Salzburg’s Mirabell Christmas Market

Choose winter gifts in front of the palace

Stallholders offer wood carvings, Christmas decorations, ceramics, tea and spices, knitwear and more. The official Advent guide also highlights carved nativity decorations, jewellery and beeswax candles. When choosing a gift, think about the recipient’s tastes and ask about materials and how the item was made. Local-festival professionals can also observe how the stalls introduce products and their makers.

Opening hours vary by date

Regular market hours are 10:00–20:00 from Sunday to Thursday and 10:00–21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. On Christmas Eve, 24 December, it opens only from 10:00 to 15:00; on 25 and 26 December, hours are 11:00–18:00. From 27 to 31 December, the market runs from 10:00 to 19:00. All times are local (CET). Check these special hours if you plan to visit near the end of the year.

Choose a date for wind music and the tree lighting

According to the music announcement published by the operator on 3 November, seven ensembles will perform in front of the palace on selected dates between 21 November and 30 December. The first performance is at 17:15 on 21 November. Music is not scheduled for every day the market is open, so check the performers for your visiting day first.

On 25 November, wind music at 17:15 will be followed by the tree lighting at 18:00. A visit by St Nicholas and the traditional Alpine figures known as Krampus is planned from 18:00 on 3 December. Music performances from 27 to 30 December start at 15:30.

Admission is free; budget separately for purchases

Market admission is free. Food and product prices vary by stall, so set aside a separate shopping budget. Typical choices include pretzels, roasted chestnuts, potato dishes, hot drinks and alcohol-free children’s punch.

The programme also includes a wheelchair St Nicholas visit, an event for visually impaired visitors and carols in sign language, but their dates have not yet been fixed. If one of these events is your main reason for visiting, choose your day after its schedule is confirmed.

Getting there and tips for your visit

Mirabellplatz is approximately a 10–15-minute walk from Salzburg Central Station. Trolleybus lines 1–6 also stop near the square, so choose a route convenient for your accommodation. If you drive, check the latest prices and conditions for Mirabell parking. The market is described as level and easy to navigate with wheelchairs and pushchairs. Dress warmly for the outdoor setting and check programme-change notices once more before setting out.

Start planning your visit now.

• Full 2026 programme: https://weihnachtsmarkt-salzburg.at/en/christmas-programme
• Opening hours, transport and accessibility: https://weihnachtsmarkt-salzburg.at/en/info
• Stallholders and crafts: https://weihnachtsmarkt-salzburg.at/en/exhibitors
• Music announcement: https://weihnachtsmarkt-salzburg.at/en/blog/mirabellplatz-advent-music