If you think about Christmas in Austria, the first thing that naturally comes to mind is the Christmas market. It is a long-standing tradition in Austria and the first records of christmas markets date back to 1772 in Vienna. They come under many names, the classical “Weihnachtsmarkt”, or the more popular “Christkindlmarkt”.
Here is an overview of the Christmas markets in Graz! I ordered them according to personal preference: from the ones I like the most to the ones I still like, but I visit less often. (My reasons will be explained in the description of every market). So let’s start our journey through the Graz Christmas markets.
Most markets are open all week from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can find the exact opening times from each market on the official tourist site of Graz:graztourismus.at
Read more:
- What not to miss during Advent in Graz
- Austrian Christma traditions
- The Story of St Nicholaus and Krampus
Grieskindlmarket
This is the newest Christmas market in Graz. A new addition from 2019 and completely dedicated to sustainable living. This market was organized by the café Omas Teekanne and is open every weekend of advent. You can meet here makers from Graz and Austria, selling their handmade products.
Find more information here on the Omas Teekanne website.
Joanneumsviertel
This market is hidden amongst the museum neighbourhood of Graz. There are two parts, one with mainly mulled wine and punch stands, another with stands selling crafts and products. The latter will open on the 30th.
Why I like it: it attracts a smaller crowd than the markets at the main square and the Glühwein stands are modern and hip. I recommend trying out the Franzi Punsch at the Hotpot stand. 🙂
Südtirolerplatz
Why I like it: Here are mostly Glühwein stands and some food stalls, but I like it mainly for the same reason as above, there are less people and it is beautifully decorated.
Am Eisernen Tor
This is also a market with mostly Glühweinstands, but the ones here are all from different charities, which means by buying their drinks you are supporting good causes. This is mainly a haunt for locals, who want to avoid the crowds of tourists at the main square. Besides the Glühwein, every stand has its own different type of hot punch.
Why I like it: because of the charity aspect and because you can drift away from the traditional mulled wine and try something different.
Aufsteirern Markt Schloßberg
I think this is the most beautiful Christmas market in Graz. Up the Schloßberg, inside the Kasematten is a lovely market selling handmade products and food and drinks. There is also a program of styrian live music. This market is unfortunately only opened at the weekend, Friday from 12 to 9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Why I like it: this is, in my opinion, the most romantic and christmassy market in Graz.
Franziskanerplatz
This is the oldest Christmas Market in Graz and offers all you need, stands selling delicious sweet brezels, mulled wein and punch. There are also some stands with Christmas decorations and souvenirs. For children there are also rides and carousels next to the river Mur.
Why I like it: because of the huge brezels and because it is usually not that busy.
Glockenspielplatz, Mehlplatz und Färberplatz
Wander around the three squares hidden behind the buildings on the eastern side of Herrengasse, and you discover three different Christmas markets. Two selling gifts and homemade products, one offering mulled wine and hot punch.
Why I like them: the three markets are in close proximity to each other. You can wander around for a bit and once in a while there are also concerts. The atmosphere and light decorations are lovely!
Hauptplatz
This is obviously the favourite market by tourists in Graz and probably the one with the most christmassy atmosphere. While you sip your mulled wine and enjoy a chocolate waffle, the christmas tree towers above you, as well as the facade of the Rathaus building.
Why I dislike it: as I said, it is a favourite by tourists and can get crowded. I also have the feeling that the prices of some food is more expensive than what you would find in other markets in the city. It’s worth having a look around the stalls during the day, but when it starts getting dark it will start getting too packed to handle.
Mariahilferplatz
This market is beautiful because of the location and because of the ferris wheel. In the evenings at the weekend there are concerts and a lot of people gather there to party the night away.
Why I dislike it: besides the ferris wheel, the market does not have much to offer. But you can take great shots for instagram here.
Tummelplatz
The Christmas market in Tummelplatz is very special because here you can find stands selling objects from all over the world: items out of silver, wood, ceramic and also very hippy-like incense sticks. At the weekends there is also live music.
Why I dislike it: it very colourful but if you are looking for the traditional Austrian Christmas Market, this one is not a particularly appealing. I think Tummelplatz is a beautiful square and it has a lot of potential, but the Christmas market here does not seem any different to the flea markets that are held here a couple of times a year.
3 thoughts on “The best Christmas Markets in Graz”