Christmas Markets in Graz: Your Complete Guide to Advent Time in the Second-Largest City in Austria in 2024
As Austria’s second-largest city and the capital of Styria, Graz transforms into a cozy Christmas village during what locals fondly call the “5th season.” With an impressive 16 Christmas markets scattered throughout the historic centre, the city comes alive with seasonal glow of countless lights, cute market stalls, and unique attractions including a life-size nativity scene carved from ice and a spectacular Advent calendar projected onto the town hall facade. The Christmas market season in Graz officially starts on 22 November and ends on 24 December, 2024.
What makes Graz truly special among Austrian cities is that all Christmas markets are within easy walking distance of each other, making it perfect for a festive walking tour. Whether you’re seeking traditional crafts, sustainable gifts, or family-friendly events, here’s your guide to the best of Christmas markets in Graz.
Featured image © Graz Tourismus – Harry Schiffer
🎄 Best Christmas markets in Graz for handmade gifts
ARTvent in the Lesliehof
- 2024 dates: 29 November – 23 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- the finest Styrian handicrafts
Färberplatz Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 29 November – 23 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- local and international craftspeople
- delicate glasswork to fine leather goods, textiles, and ceramics and more
Mehlplatz Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 24 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- handcrafted gifts, decorative ornaments, and traditional holiday items
Tummelplatz Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 24 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- crafts from all over the world, featuring vendors from four continents
Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 24 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- Make your own Advent wreath on 26 November
🎄 Sustainable Shopping
Green Christmas Market on Nikolaiplatz
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 22 December, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only!
- Click here for opening hours
- Graz’s first Green Advent market
- Fair-trade and regional gifts
- Zero food waste through TooGoodToGo
- Reusable tableware and returnable bottles, LED lighting, no heaters
- Full accessibility for visitors with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments
🎄 Best Market Food
Joanneumsviertel Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 23 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- Styria’s finest chefs and restaurateurs offer exceptional dining experiences
Advent Lounge in Schmiedgasse
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 23 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- Various punch and glühwein varieties alongside delicious Christmas market snacks
- Comfortable lounge areas
🎄 Special for kids
Kinder Advent Graz at Kleine Neutorgasse
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 24 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- Nostalgic carousel and Ferris wheel
- Special events including St. Nicholas and Krampus visits
🎄 Picture-Perfect Locations
Hauptplatz Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 24 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- The most iconic market in Graz offers with the grand Christmas tree
Karmeliterplatz Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 23 December, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only!
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- Offering stunning views of the Uhrturm (Clock Tower)
- Live music & events
Aufsteirern Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 22 December, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only!
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- Located on Schlossberg hill, this market offers breathtaking city views
- Regional specialties and warming winter drinks
- Handcrafted items and glass art
🎄 Traditional Christmas Markets in Graz
Franziskanerviertel Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 24 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- The oldest Christmas market in town
- Local Styrian handicrafts & regional specialties
Eisernes Tor Advent Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 23 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- A focus on the true meaning of Advent: reflection, peace, and community
Winter Wonderlend at Mariahilferplatz
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 23 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- Live music every Saturday afternoon
Südtiroler Platz Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22 November – 23 December
- Click here for opening hours and more info
- A small but charming market with “the largest painted Christmas tree bauble” and a nostalgic old-fashioned sledge
More Christmas Experiences in Graz
Besides the Christmas markets, there are also a number of wintery experiences to get in the Christmas mood:
What time do Christmas markets open in Graz?
It varies. Most markets open at 11am, while some open later in the afternoon (2-3pm). Many markets have different hours on weekends, typically opening earlier than on weekdays. For exact opening hours, make sure to check the individual market pages.
These locations open the earliest (10am):
- Tummelplatz
- Hauptplatz
- Karmeliterplatz (weekends)
- Aufsteirern (weekends)
What time do Christmas markets in Graz close?
The stalls selling products usually close at 7pm, while food and drink stalls remain open until 10pm. For exact opening hours, make sure to check the individual market pages.
What days are the Christmas markets in Graz open?
Most markets are open every day of the week, with a few exceptions that are only open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For exact dates and opening hours, make sure to check the individual market pages.
