The Sternadvent Christmas Market Salzburg (Der Sternadvent) is a peaceful Christmas market in Salzburg’s Old Town. This small market creates a haven of tranquility in the Sternarkaden, hidden between Getreidegasse and Griesgasse, with decorated stalls offering beautiful gift ideas by artists and craftspeople.
Known as the “quiet one” among Salzburg’s Christmas markets, the Sternadvent captures the true essence of Advent with its thoughtful atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the living nativity scene, fairy tales, and Christmas ornaments at the market. Visitors often stop to listen to the festive music playing throughout the area. The food and drinks are carefully prepared, offering special seasonal flavours.
The market also celebrates Salzburg’s rich Christmas traditions including:
- The Barbara Branch (December 4th): Following an old family custom, branches are cut and placed in water, expected to bloom by Christmas as a sign of new beginnings
- Roasted Chestnuts: People queue around steaming charcoal grills for this beloved winter comfort
- The Advent Wreath: Though seemingly ancient, this tradition only became common in the region since the 1960s
- Krampus Runs: Fearsome figures chase their “victims” through the streets around December 5th
- Winter Solstice: The precursor to our Christmas celebration, marking the moment when nights begin to shorten again
Market info
- The Sternadvent market cannot be directly accessed by car.
- Arriving by car? Drive toward city centre and use parking garages: Mönchsberggarage (from west), Kajetanerplatz (from south), or Mirabellgarage/Kapuzinerberggarage (from north/east). Paid street parking is also available. Consider Park & Ride options on busy days.
- By train? Arrive at Salzburg Main Station and take any trolleybus to Hanuschplatz or Rathaus stops. The market is just 50-100 meters away on foot.
- By trolleybus? Exit at Hanuschplatz stop in the centre for the shortest walking distance to the market.
2025 Market dates – Sternadvent Christmas Market Salzburg
20 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Opening hours on market days
Monday: 11am-7pm
Tuesday: 11am-7pm
Wednesday: 11am-7pm
Thursday: 11am-7pm
Friday: 11am-8:30pm
Saturday: 11am-8:30pm
Sunday: 11am-7pm
Exceptional opening hours
24 December 2025 (Wednesday): 10am-3pm
31 December 2025 (Wednesday): 10am-3pm
1-6 January 2026: 11am-6pm
Click here to find more Christmas markets in Salzburg or more Christmas markets in Austria!
Featured image © Sternadvent Salzburg
