Salzburger Christkindlmarkt
Salzburger Christkindlmarkt is a Christmas market in the heart of Salzburg on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. About 100 wooden market stands are decorated with lights that hang above the squares like stars, displaying regional handcrafted toys, tree ornaments, local baked goods, mulled wine, and warm punches.
The market began as a fair on Cathedral Square in the late 1400s and later became known as the Nikolaimarkt, held around St. Nicholas Day. Since 1974, it has been held annually from late November until early January, becoming one of Salzburg's established Christmas traditions.
The market is named after the Christ Child, a figure in Austrian Christmas tradition who appears daily to tell stories and interact with visitors. Here you see local craftspeople selling handmade goods and hear traditional wind music and choral singing that fill the squares with the sounds of regional holiday customs.
The market sits on two central squares in Salzburg's old town, making it easy to reach on foot from most locations. Visitors should expect crowds during peak hours and wear warm clothing, as the market runs through the cold winter season.
The market opens each year with a traditional ceremony featuring special music and a formal greeting to mark the start of the season. On New Year's Eve, the squares transform into a lively celebration venue with fireworks and extended hours for food stalls well past midnight.
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