Christmas Markets at Lake Wolfgang 2024 in Austria

Austria's Alpine region is a magical place, especially during winter and the holiday season. Don't miss the chance to visit one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets at Lake Wolfgang in Strobl, St. Wolfgang, and St. Gilgen. Hundreds of Christmas trees, beautiful decorations, thousands of candles, and lanterns—all make for an atmosphere similar to a cozy holiday get-together among family and friends. You can also try a romantic boat ride on the lake or a lovely snowy walk through the nearby villages.

Christmas Market in St. Wolfgang

The village of St. Wolfgang becomes a true winter wonderland. Its center is filled with candles and torchlights, creating a cozy atmosphere. A few solid, rustic market stalls line the promenade from Postplatz Square to the lakeside. The highlight of the celebration is the Salzkammergut Nativity scene, featuring more than 70 life-size sculptures, which can be found throughout the village, as well as the beautiful 52-feet (16-m) Peace Lantern towering over the lake. If you're visiting with your date, consider taking an evening lantern boat tour.

Schedule & Hours

The St. Wolfgang Christmas Market is open from 1 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesdays, from 11 am to 7:30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10 am until 7:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Live music can be heard all throughout the market, starting from 5 pm, while boat tour booking is available from 4:30 pm.

Christmas Advent in St. Gilgen

The town of St. Gilgen, where the Mozart family lived for many years, features a baroque setting for the Advent market. Visitors can stop by the Mozart House and Mozartplatz. The local market offers many Mozart-related souvenirs. Picturesque stall facades there were designed by Raja Schwahn-Reichmann. Numerous red-and-gold candles are scattered throughout the town, creating a unique holiday atmosphere. Similar to St. Wolfgang, you can hop on a boat for a tour around the lake, or even enjoy a mesmerizing trip on a train to the Schafberg mountain.

Christmas Market in Strobl

Meanwhile, the nearby village of Strobl is known for its special romantic atmosphere and a few prominent Nativity scenes. The entire village is transformed into one mesmerizing exhibit of the birth of Jesus, with a spectacular comet, hanging above the buildings, and various life-size figures. The lakeshore is truly magical and transports you right into the Bethlehem story. Besides the regular arts & crafts market, Strobl also boasts boat tours around Wolfgangsee.

Schedule & Hours

Both Strobl and St. Gilgen Christmas markets share the same schedule. The markets are closed on Wednesdays and are open from 11 am until 7:30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the markets are open from 10 am until 7:30 pm.

Transportation

The three villages on the lake are connected by ferries from the Lake Wolfgangsee boat company offering spectacular views of the Advent markets from the water. Comfortable ferries run from Strobl to St. Wolfgang and then on to St. Gilgen with intervals of about 30 minutes on the weekends. The ferry stops at all stations St. Gilgen, Strobl, St. Wolfgang Markt, and St. Wolfgang Schafbergbahn. Warm yourself up with a cup of mulled wine, and enjoy the ride!