After my first Christmas market trip to Europe in 2023, I was bitten hard by the Christmas bug. So, while I gave it a miss last year, I knew I couldn’t stay away from them for too long. Planned my 2025 Euro trip such that I literally landed there the day the markets opened.
Vienna has recently emerged as one of Europe’s leading Christmas destinations, so we were keen to visit it. Additionally, we decided to explore other smaller Austrian towns, as well as some neighboring cities. Click on the individual links for detailed Christmas guides:
A little fun fact – Austria was the first European country I visited a decade ago, and since then, there has been no looking back😉 This was our second time in Innsbruck, and we loved it even more! I guess the fact that it snowed on our trip made it even more magical 🙂 For a detailed guide on Austrian summer trip, please click here.
And yes, while Vienna steals all the spotlight for its Christmas markets, I equally enjoyed the smaller towns. They have a more local feel. So, if you are visiting Vienna, do consider adding the smaller towns to your itinerary 🙂
But before we dig deeper, here are couple pointers to keep in mind for visiting Europe during holiday season:
- Each city has several markets spread throughout the city. These markets usually open around mid-November. Most markets close by December 23rd or 24th, though some may stay open until early January. Always check the official website while planning your trip. Here is the link for Austrian Christmas markets.
- If you order a drink in the market, you must leave a deposit for the cup, which ranges from €4 – €5. Once you have finished the drink, you can either keep the cup (as a souvenir) or return it. You don’t have to return it to the stall where you bought the drink. You can return it to any of the stalls selling drinks and get your deposit refunded. The cup designs vary between the markets, so you may want to check out the different mug designs and keep the ones you like as souvenirs and return the rest.
- Most markets in Innsbruck are cash only.
- The markets are at their busiest in the evenings and on weekends. So, if you are looking to peacefully browse thru the stalls and buy, then advise going early in the day. Even if you have strolled the market during morning time, you should go back at night since they look prettier with the lights on.
- I wouldn’t recommend the market for those who have mobility issues or are unable to stand for long periods, as there isn’t much seating available.
Best Way to Reach
Innsbruck has an international airport, Kranebitten, which is only 4 kilometers from the city center, making it convenient to fly into Innsbruck!
If you can’t find direct flights to Innsbruck from your hometown, then consider flying into Munich, Germany or Vienna. From Munich, Innsbruck is a 2-hour drive. From Vienna, the drive is a lot longer – 5.5 hours.
Since we were travelling from Mumbai, we took the flight from Mumbai to Munich and then rented a car from Europcar. If you are planning to visit multiple Austrian cities during your trip, best to rent a car. Like us, if you are planning to drive in Austria, then note that you need to purchase a vignette to be able to drive on expressways. The vignette must be clearly visible on the windscreen otherwise, substantial penalties can apply. Click here for more information.
If you don’t want the hassle of renting and driving the car, then you can also reach Innsbruck via train. The main train station is located at a walking distance to the Old Town. From Salzburg, it takes 2 hours and from Vienna, it takes 4.5 hours on train.
Where to Stay
Innsbruck’s Christmas markets are small and you can easily visit them all in a day. Is a day trip enough? Technically yes, but even if you visit just for the day, ensure you stick around post sunset when the lights are turned on.
After our long flight from Mumbai and drive from Munich, we decided to stay the night in Innsbruck. For first time visitors, I recommend staying in or close to the Old Town. On our first trip we stayed at Hotel Penz and on our second trip, we stayed at AC Hotel Innsbruck. Hotel Penz is lovely and the hotel’s rooftop offers amazing views! So even if you aren’t staying there, you can stop by for drinks or a meal.
AC Hotel was within 10-minute walk to most areas of interest in the old town. And the view from the room sealed the deal for me – Just look at this!
Also, steps away from one of the best breakfast places in this city – Do check out the Breakfast Club. I ordered Quark-Apricot, Apple-Nut & Cream waffles one of the days – simply delicious!
Things to Do
Christmas Markets
While the markets here are small, they are definitely worth exploring and different from the other European markets I have visited. There are six different Christmas Markets in this city.
On some days, you will spot scary looking figures parading through the streets. The Krampus runs have become an integral part of Advent in Austria’s Tyrol region. You can experience this unique custom in Innsbruck from late November until early December. While Santa Claus hands out sweets to the kids, the Krampuses are set on frightening them 😂
Old Town Market
Set in front of the iconic Golden Roof with the massive Christmas tree, and historical buildings, it is the most magical square during holiday season.
You will find a good mix of stalls here – traditional wooden toys, handmade decorations, ceramics and lots of festive treats and drinks.
There is also a small, elevated platform that gives you a great view of the Golden Roof and the Christmas tree. As the sun sets, there are light projections of snowflakes dancing on the front of the buildings, which make it look even more magical!
And you also get to hear trumpets and horns playing Christmas carols, played by a group of musicians up on the balcony of the Golden Roof. It truly doesn’t get more magical!
At the stalls, you will mostly find tons traditional Austrian food, sausages, meats and cheeses. Don’t forget to try the local specialties, Kiachl – fried dough pastry topped with Sauerkraut, sugar or cranberry jam and Krapfen –doughnuts filled with vanilla or chocolate. We picked up Kiachl topped with cranberry (could have easily gone back for Round 2) and delicious potato spirals on a stick.
Marktplatz Market
Located beside the river at Market Square is another large Christmas market. 
This is a great market for children as there is a small petting zoo, a merry-go-round and a couple of fun game stalls. You will also find a puppet theatre for young kids. There is also a 3D wagon ride here, where you sit in a sleigh and wear glasses. As you can see, this market is geared for families with young kids.
But there is lots to browse as well. You can buy beautiful Christmas ornaments and gifts for yourself or loved ones. And, of course, plenty to eat!
In the middle of the market stands the Swarovski Christmas tree, a 17.5 meter-high tree with more than 112,400 Swarovski crystals. And it changes colors every few minutes. Make sure to come here at night where you can see the giant Swarovski tree all lit up!
Don’t forget to walk a little further for this iconic view of colorful houses flanked by snow-capped mountains!
Maria-Theresien-Straße Market
Right near the Old Town you’ll find another one of Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets. Maria-Theresien-Straße is Innsbruck’s main shopping street lined with several shops. Here, you will find twinkling trees and modern lighting design and around 30 stalls offering a wide range of international gifts and delicious treats. And the best part, this market even stays open after New Year’s Eve, right up to first week of January.
Sadly, it had not yet opened for the season when we visited ☹ But we did see a lot of preparations in full swing.
We also spotted Käthe Wohlfahrt shop, the well-known German brand famous for traditional Christmas decorations. It is the perfect shop if you’re looking for something special to take home.
This one opens later in the season so be sure to check the dates while planning your trip.
Other Markets
- Hungerburg Market – this tiny market is set outside the Hungerburg funicular station. This small Christmas Market has less to offer in terms of food, drinks and shopping but the views are what makes it special. Round trip ticket to Hungerburg costs Euros 14. You can combine the market visit with a trip up the mountain. More on that later.
- St. Nikolaus – a smaller, quieter Christmas market across the river from Marktplatz.
- Wilten – Located near the main train station, it offers a dreamy, romantic, and slightly quirky atmosphere. Here, you will find a unique mix of handcrafted jewelry, artistic one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as regional and international specialties.
- Stiftskeller – Innsbruck’s most famous ale house turns their patio into a small Christmas Market, serving drinks and food.
Other Things to Do
Stroll around the Old Town streets
As the sun sets, lights are turned on and this city looks extra magical!
Stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic old town and don’t forget to look up at the beautifully preserved facades of the medieval buildings. You will also spot see fairy tale characters looking down at you. Rapunzel, Pinocchio, Little Red Riding Hood, the Witch from Snow White! There is also a tiny theatre here where fairytales are performed for children every afternoon.
Don’t forget to take a stroll along Riesengasse, where giant figures from fairytales stand tall along the passage and above the arches.
Right by the mall, Kaufhaus Tyrol, you will spot a giant illuminated shooting star stretching across the front of the mall.
Nordkette
For the best views over Innsbruck and the surrounding Austrian Alps, take the cable ca to Top of Innsbruck. Roundtrip ticket costs Euros 44.80. Be sure to layer up and dress warmly. Since these tickets are expensive, if it is cloudy on the day of your visit then skip this. Check the LIVE webcam here before your visit.
Stadturm
Don’t want to spend much but still get a lovely view of the city? Then make your way to Stadturm where you need to climb 133 steps to the top of the viewing platform. It overlooks the medieval streets of Innsbruck and offers stunning views of Bergisel, Patscherkofel mountain, the River Inn and the Nordkette mountain range.
This onion-domed tower was built in 1450 and is far older than the Golden Roof.
Lumagica
Lumagica is a sparkling winter wonderland in Innsbruck’s Hofgarten which features more than 300 displays during the festive season. Here you get to see artistic light installations, interactive elements creating an enchanting winter world. Click here for more information and ticket details.
Visit Nearby Towns
- Hall in Tyrol
- Kufstein
*All prices as of November 2025