The Beauty of the Quiet Season
Christmas Markets & Austrian Traditions
In 2026, Hochsteiermark hosts more than 40 Christmas markets and Advent events across the area between Semmering, Mariazellerland and Hochschwab. Well-known markets include Mariazeller Advent, Bergadvent am Stuhleck and the Christmas markets in Bruck an der Mur, Kapfenberg and Mürzzuschlag.
In Hochsteiermark, Advent feels like it used to: peaceful, authentic and unhurried. Traditional crafts, the scent of festive spices and children’s eyes lighting up with delight bring the anticipation of Christmas to life.
Christmas Markets in Hochsteiermark 2026
- More than 40 Christmas markets and Advent events across the region
- Mariazeller Advent: a firm favourite, from 19 November to 20 December 2026
- Bergadvent am Stuhleck: Styria’s highest Christmas market
- Christmas markets in Bruck an der Mur, Kapfenberg and Mürzzuschlag
- Traditional Krampus and Perchten parades in various locations from mid-November
- A relaxing journey to Mariazell on the Mariazellerbahn railway
A Relaxing Journey to Mariazeller Advent on the Mariazellerbahn
The journey to Mariazeller Advent is a chance to get into the Christmas spirit. Voted Austria’s most beautiful place in 2025 on the ORF television programme “9 Plätze – 9 Schätze”, the Mariazellerbahn railway takes you through the wintry Mariazellerland.
The train winds gently through valleys, past forests and snow-covered landscapes. Arrive in Mariazell without the hassle of finding a parking space, ready for a leisurely day at the Christmas market.
More Christmas Markets in Hochsteiermark
Beyond Mariazell, the Advent season comes to life throughout Hochsteiermark. In castles, within historic monastery walls, on town squares and high up in the mountains, there are many ways to enjoy this peaceful time of year.
Magic of Lights on the Mariazell Bürgeralpe
High above Mariazell, thousands of lights cast a warm glow over the Bürgeralpe and the wintry Holzknechtland during Advent.
Lights shimmer on the mountain lake, while music and light come together at the observation tower. For a warming break, stop for a mulled wine at the “Arche des Waldes” or the Berggasthof mountain inn. And if you’d like to make the winter evening last a little longer, stay for floodlit night tobogganing.
Magical Lights at the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe | Bürgeralpe Mariazell
Magical Lights at the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe | © Bürgeralpe Mariazell | Bürgeralpe Mariazell
Magical Lights at the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe | © Bürgeralpe Mariazell | Bürgeralpe Mariazell
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Mariazell New Year's Market
The best way to end the year
December 25, 2026 – January 5, 2027
The festivities in Mariazell continue after Christmas. The New Year Market keeps the main square a welcoming meeting place for anyone looking to enjoy the final days of the year in a festive setting.
Expect hot drinks, local crafts and live music daily from 5 pm to 7 pm. On New Year’s Eve, celebrate with music and dancing.
Fancy a Holiday During the Most Peaceful Time of the Year?
If you’re not ready to head home after a day of Advent festivities, stay a little longer. In the weeks before Christmas, Hochsteiermark reveals its quieter side, with wintry landscapes, small Christmas markets and plenty of time to unwind.
Frequently asked questions about christmas markets in Hochsteiermark
Mariazeller Advent runs from 19 November to 20 December 2026. The programme includes Advent concerts, exhibitions, tours of artisan workshops and activities for children.
Among the best-known are Mariazeller Advent and Bergadvent at Stuhleck. Christmas markets also take place in Bruck an der Mur, Kapfenberg, Mürzzuschlag, Neuberg, Turnau and other towns and villages. In total, the region hosts more than 40 Christmas markets and Advent events.
Styria’s highest Christmas market takes place on the Stuhleck mountain. Visitors can reach Bergadvent am Stuhleck via the Stuhleck and Weißenelf chairlifts, with or without skis.
The Mariazellerbahn railway offers a scenic way to travel to Mariazell, taking you through the wintry landscapes of Mariazellerland.
Mariazeller Advent offers a wide range of children’s activities. The Adventplatz’l Christmas market in Mürzzuschlag also has a dedicated programme for children.
The first Krampus and Perchten parades take place in November 2026. The season begins on 13 November with the Krampus parade on the Schlossberg in Bruck an der Mur. On 14 November, there is a children’s Krampus parade in St. Lorenzen and the Mürzer Krampus parade in Mürzzuschlag. The Wartberg Krampus parade takes place on 21 November.
