Innsbruck

The traditional Christkindlmarkt in Innsbruck’s medieval Old Town enjoys one of the most striking and romantic locations in the entire Alpine region. From November until January, a colourful cornucopia of traditional Christmas ornaments, Tyrolean handicrafts, candles and typical Christmas pastries will be on sale from the lovingly adorned stalls at the foot of a huge, shimmering Christmas tree. The historical Old Town then becomes the perfect spot for getting together with friends, and enjoy the festive ambiance and performances beneath the Golden Roof over a steaming mug of mulled wine and ‘Kiachln’ (piping hot doughnuts, laced with Sauerkraut or jam). Every day, spectators gather around a theatre wagon to listen to magical fairy tales and enchanting tunes, while a wonderland of tales and legends with life-sized images of giants, princesses and mythical creatures comes alive in nearby side alleys.

When the Emperor's Christmas opens its doors on Advent weekends, it lives up to its name: at this atmospheric Advent market on Innsbruck's famous Bergisel, tradition and origin are the main focus. The Bergisel hosts are particularly proud of the finest Tyrolean craftsmanship and high-quality regional products. A little away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, you can peer at the sparkling lights of the city in a contemplative atmosphere and breathe in the slowdown.

From November until January, also Innsbruck’s splendid Maria Theresien Street turns into a vibrant pre-Christmas zone lined with lively market stalls illuminated by glistening crystal trees and crowned by a giant rock crystal. Here locals and visitors from all across the globe get into a festive mood with mellow jazz tunes and culinary treats.

Just a few steps away a little Yuletide paradise awaits children as well as grown-ups at the Innsbruck Marktplatz by the Inn River. From November until December, Punch and Judy and storytellers, as well as a host of other attractions including an adorable nostalgic merry-go-round do their best to help little market-goers shorten the wait until Christmas Eve. At the centre of this picture-perfect setting rises a dazzling, 15-m tall Swarovski Christmas Tree, a truly unique example of crystal craftsmanship adorned with more than 170,000 sparkling crystals illuminated by energy-efficient LEDs. This year, Swarovski has commissioned design artist Michael Hammer with a truly special ’top of the tree’ ornament: Similar to the one that has crowned the Christmas tree at the New York Rockefeller Centre in 2004, the artist will be crafting the giant star exclu-sively from exquisite Swarovski crystals.

The Panorama Christkindlmarkt at Hungerburg represents yet another popular pre-festive meeting point. Due to its elevated location just above Innsbruck, it offers fabulous views and an exceptional romantic ambiance as from November until December the crisp winter air mingles with the delicious aromas of Advent. Getting there on the Hungerburg funicular is quite a fascinating experience in itself: starting at the very centre of town, it whisks you up to Innsbruck’s decidedly most scenic Christmas market in less than ten minutes.

Christmas magic awaits you also at nearby Wiltener Platzl, a mere five minute stroll away from glittering Maria Theresien Street. Framed by historic town houses, the market stalls dotted around the friendly square surprise visitors with cultural variety, regional culinary treats and distinctive boho flair from November until December.

The small market in Innsbruck's oldest district, St. Nikolaus, is located on the north side of the river Inn and can be reached in a few minutes' walk from the Löwenhaus station of the Hungerburgbahn. Away from the tourist streams, the market is traditionally a place of contemplation. Atmospheric music, homemade biscuits and a quiet, homely atmosphere against the backdrop of the colourful houses along the Inn are the hallmarks of this Christmas market. If you prefer sports, you can walk down the valley on foot instead of the Hungerburgbahn. Provided that you wear good shoes, you can walk past the Alpine Zoo to the Christmas market in St. Nikolaus in about 1 hour.