Christmas
Christmas traditions in Austria
Austria, especially the Alpine region, is truly a winter wonderland at the most beautiful time of the year. Christmas time is something very special here – a celebration full of magic, contemplation and traditions that will warm your heart.
In addition to familiar customs such as the Advent wreath and the festively decorated Christmas tree, there are also some unusual rituals to discover here. Have you heard of the mystical Glöcklerlauf or the atmospheric star carol singing? These and many other customs are what make Christmas traditions in Austria so unique. Join us on a journey through the magical world of Christmas traditions and be inspired by the festive atmosphere.
The diversity of Christmas traditions in Austria
Christmas in Austria is more than festively decorated Christmas trees and glittering Advent markets – it is a time full of customs that combine history, spirituality and community. Every Christmas tradition in Austria tells its own magical story and invites you to become part of these living traditions.
The Peace Light: a light for the world
Have you ever heard of the Peace Light? Every year it is lit by a child in the grotto where Jesus was born in Bethlehem and from there it travels all over the world. In Austria, you can pick up the light in churches, train stations or from the scouts – a moving gesture that symbolises peace and hope.
St Barbara’s branches: Blossoming wishes for the festive season
On 4 December, St Barbara’s Day, fruit tree branches are placed in water. If they blossom by Christmas, they are said to bring good luck for the New Year. Originally, this custom in Salzburg and Tyrol was also a love oracle: the first branch to blossom supposedly revealed the future husband.
Anklöpfeln: musical search for shelter
In Tyrol, shepherds go from house to house on the three Thursdays before Christmas. They sing and tell the story of Mary and Joseph, who were looking for a hostel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site not only conveys a sense of contemplation, but also the magic of community.
Nativity scene exhibitions: Art and tradition combined
In Tyrolean families, hand-carved nativity scenes are often true treasures that are passed down from generation to generation. They are one of the most important Christmas traditions in Austria. Around Christmas, you can admire elaborately designed nativity scenes in many places – one highlight is the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum in Innsbruck with its impressive exhibits.
Fumigating: protection for house and yard
During the Holy Nights – the nights around Christmas and the turn of the year – many families burn incense and holy water. This involves going through all the rooms of the house and even the stable to drive away evil spirits and ensure protection in the coming year.
Krampus runs: a frightening custom with tradition
Especially (but not only) in Tyrol and Salzburg, you will encounter the Krampus, St Nicholas’ spooky companion. During the spectacular parades, the terrifying masks are a mixture of art and mythology. Brave enough to plunge into the hustle and bustle?
Star caroling: A tradition with heart
Around 6 January, children dressed up as the Three Wise Men go from house to house. With songs and poems, they collect donations for charitable projects. The blessing ‘C+M+B’ remains as a loving reminder above the front door.
Christmas markets: magical meeting places during the Advent season
When we talk about Christmas traditions in Austria, we can’t forget about the atmospheric Christmas markets! From the world-famous Advent markets in Salzburg, which delight with traditional Advent carol singing and artistic crafts, to the romantic markets in Tyrol, framed by snow-capped mountains and delicious mulled wine – here you can experience pure Christmas magic. These markets not only offer regional specialities such as Kiachl and roasted almonds, but also handmade gifts made with love. Let yourself be enchanted by the twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon and cloves and the unique atmosphere! By the way, we have already compiled the most beautiful Christmas markets in Tyrol and Salzburg for you here.
Fine foods
Culinary Christmas highlights: A feast for the senses
Whether sweet, savoury or liquid – the culinary delights of the Christmas season invite you to experience Austria’s regional diversity with all your senses. Here are some of the most typical dishes that should not be missed when we talk about Christmas traditions in Austria!
Sweet classics: biscuits, dumplings and stollen
The Christmas season in Austria would be unthinkable without its sweet highlights. Vanilla crescents and gingerbread, which enchant the Advent season with their irresistible scent of cinnamon and vanilla, are among the absolute favourites. In Salzburg, you can’t miss the famous Salzburger Nockerl – a fluffy dessert dusted with icing sugar and reminiscent of the snow-covered mountains. Equally iconic is the Salzburger Stollen, a moist fruit bread with nuts and dried fruit, which is baked according to old family recipes.
Regional specialities: Hearty and unique
Austria’s diversity is particularly evident in its savoury Christmas dishes. In Tyrol, Zillertaler Krapfen are an absolute delight: crispy deep-fried dumplings filled with a savoury mixture of grey cheese and potatoes. They are not only a speciality at Christmas time, but also a real feel-good classic on cold winter days. Christmas carp, which is particularly popular in rural regions, is traditionally served crispy fried or in a fine herb sauce. Wild game dishes with cranberries and fluffy serviette dumplings are also very popular.
Warming drinks: mulled wine, Jagertee and more
No Christmas without the right drinks! Mulled wine, refined with spices such as cinnamon and cloves, is a staple at every Christmas market. Equally popular is Jagertee, a strong black tea with a shot of rum, which will warm you up after a day in the snow. A regional speciality is Schneewein, a creamy, sweet liqueur that is particularly popular in Tyrol and Salzburg during the winter months.
VAYA
Christmas at the VAYA Resorts - magical traditions and modern comfort
If you want to experience the unique magic of Christmas traditions in Austria up close, the VAYA resorts are the perfect place for you. With their authentic location in the picturesque mountain regions where these customs are deeply rooted, the resorts offer an unrivalled combination of tradition and contemporary luxury. Pack your warmest socks and your nearest and dearest – off to the mountains for the festive season. That means no stressful Christmas cooking and no cleaning up afterwards. All you have to do is relax!
Whether it’s a regionally inspired Christmas menu, a visit to a nativity scene exhibition or a contemplative evening with mulled wine and biscuits by the crackling open fire – the VAYA Resorts combine the best of Austrian Christmas culture with a relaxing winter idyll. At the same time, they are the ideal base for exploring the surrounding Christmas markets or taking part in special events such as ‘Anklöpfeln’ or a Krampus run. For example, you can reach the Innsbruck Christmas markets from the VAYA Kühtai in around 45 minutes by car, and from the VAYA Seefeld in around 30 minutes. Or you can relax at the VAYA Fieberbrunn (approx. 1.5 hours by car) after an exciting Krampus run in Salzburg.
Immerse yourself in a world where the scent of cinnamon and fir branches fills the air, the mountains glisten in the snow and you can savour every moment in comfort and warmth. Spend the festive season at a VAYA Resorts and discover the most beautiful Christmas traditions in Austria!
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