Christmas time in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region
Christmas markets, lively traditions, and traditional crafts
Christmas time, also called "Advent" in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region combines small, regional Advent and Christmas markets with living traditions, traditional crafts, and culinary specialties. In Altaussee, Bad Aussee, Grundlsee, and Bad Mitterndorf, pre-Christmas events define the so-called “quiet time”, when a spirit of reflection and time-honored traditions and customs take hold in the region nestled between lakes and mountains.
Particular highlights include the St. Nicholas plays, known far beyond the region - the performance of which in Bad Mitterndorf is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage - as well as the traditional “Miglo” custom, as the Krampus is called here in the Ausseerland region. Various Advent events, such as nativity scene exhibitions, traditional music, and regional Advent cuisine, round out the program.
Schifffahrt Grundlsee | Advent boat trip on lake Grundlsee in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region | Martin Huber
St. Nicholas plays in Bad Mitterndorf | Christmas Season in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region | © (c) Martin Huber - all rights reserved | Martin Huber
Ausseer Advent | Christmas Season in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region | © tornow@aon.at digiart@aon.at digiart-design.at | Tornow
In a nutshell:
- Region: Ausseerland Salzkammergut
- Towns: Bad Aussee, Grundlsee, Bad Mitterndorf, Altaussee
- Christmas season: Usually from late November through Christmas
- Advent tradition highlights: UNESCO-recognized St. Nicholas play in Bad Mitterndorf, traditional Miglo custom
- Advent and Christmas Markets: Regional markets featuring crafts, culinary delights, and Christmas events in all four towns
- Nativity Scenes and Crafts: Traditional nativity scene exhibitions and “Kripperl-Roas,” hand-carved figurines, and Krampus masks
- Culinary delights during Advent: Regional specialties such as smoked fish and roasted chestnuts, as well as tea, punch, and mulled wine
Why Christmas in Ausseerland Salzkammergut is special
The “quiet season” defines the Christmas time in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region as a time for reflection, shared preparations, and time-honored traditions. The snow-capped mountains, icy-clear lakes, and traditional architecture make the towns of Ausseerland particularly romantic settings during the Advent season. Small, regional Advent and Christmas markets featuring traditional crafts, folk music, and local cuisine create the magical atmosphere of Advent.
The Advent traditions of the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region are particularly vividly showcased in the UNESCO-recognized St. Nicholas Play in Bad Mitterndorf, the St. Nicholas Plays in Tauplitz and Pichl-Kainisch, and the traditional Miglo custom in Altaussee, Grundlsee, and Bad Aussee. Artfully crafted nativity scenes, as well as the hand-carved masks of the Miglon (Krampusse), are part of the living craft traditions closely tied to these customs, which make the pre-Christmas season in the region so distinctive.
The term “Miglo” originates from the Alpine region and is another name for Krampus—the terrifying figure of Advent folklore and St. Nicholas's companion.
Explore Christmas events in the region
Discover the magic of Advent amid Christmas markets and traditional events, atmospheric Advent concerts and nativity scene exhibitions, as well as seasonal culinary delights.
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Advent Traditions in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region
Time-honored traditions & living customs
St. Nicholas plays and Miglotog
St. Nicholas, Krampus, and Habergeiß
December 5th is Krampus Day - or “Miglotog”, as it’s called in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region. The term “Miglo” originates from the Alpine region and is another word for Krampus - the terrifying figure of the Advent tradition and St. Nicholas’s companion. On this day, the Krampus groups go from house to house in Altaussee, Bad Aussee, and Grundlsee. In Bad Mitterndorf, Tauplitz, and Pichl-Kainisch, the traditional St. Nicholas plays, regionally called “Nikolospiele”, are performed. The performance of the St. Nicholas play in Bad Mitterndorf is even listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Nativity scenes, masks, and handicrafts
Traditional crafts during Christmas time
Nativity scene making, mask carving, and traditional arts and crafts hold a special place in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region. Handcrafted Christmas nativity scenes, artistically carved Krampus masks, and works made of wood and paper showcase the diversity of regional crafts.
At the Advent and craft markets in Bad Aussee, Altaussee, Grundlsee, Bad Mitterndorf, and Tauplitz, you’ll also find products made from Swiss stone pine, beekeeping products, and handmade gift ideas. Nativity scene exhibitions and the “Kripperl-Roas” on the Ischlberg offer insights into a craft tradition that is still cherished and passed down to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where are the Advent and Christmas markets held in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region?
Advent and Christmas markets are held in Bad Aussee, Altaussee, Grundlsee, and Bad Mitterndorf/Tauplitz. Venues include the spa parks and the Imperial Stables in Grundlsee. Current dates can be found on the Advent and Christmas Markets page and in the events calendar.
When do the Advent markets in Ausseerland Salzkammergut begin in 2026?
The first Sunday of Advent falls on November 29, 2026. Some Advent and craft markets begin earlier in November. The exact dates and opening hours vary by venue and can be found in the overview of Advent and Christmas markets.
What is the St. Nicholas play in Bad Mitterndorf?
The St. Nicholas play in Bad Mitterndorf is a traditional folk play featuring historical characters, costumes, and scenes passed down through generations. Since 2020, it has been recognized as part of Austria’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You can find more information on the official Nikolospiel website.
What is the Miglotog in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut?
On December 5, in Altaussee, Bad Aussee, and Grundlsee, St. Nicholas and the “Miglon”—as the Krampus are called here in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut—go from house to house wearing hand-carved masks and traditional robes. You can read more about this tradition in our fascinating magazine article on Miglotog.
What can you do during Advent in Ausseerland Salzkammergut?
In addition to the Advent markets, Advent concerts, and traditional events such as the St. Nicholas play or the Miglo custom, there are various nativity scene exhibitions to discover in the event calendar. Culinary delights during Advent round out the pre-Christmas program. For active recreation, a wide selection of winter activities awaits, including sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, and much more.
Winter Activities in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region
There are many ways to explore the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region during the Christmas Season: A wide variety of winter activities offer breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains and lakes, turning every winter day into a special experience of nature and winter.
