Christmas in the Graz Region
Lights, markets and festive moments
Graz is the capital of Styria and Austria’s second-largest city. The historic Old Town, together with the Schlossberg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides the setting for Christmas markets, culture, culinary delights and special experiences during the festive season.
During the Christmas season, Graz reveals its most festive side. The illuminated Herrengasse, the Christmas tree on the Hauptplatz and the 15 Christmas markets in the city centre create the atmosphere of the city’s most wonderful time of the year. Highlights include the Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaushof, the Büro für Weihnachtslieder (Office for Christmas Songs) and the Grazer Winterwelt.
Around Graz, the Graz Region adds further Christmas experiences with special locations, illuminated attractions and regional traditions that complement the city’s festive atmosphere.
Christmas highlights at a glance
- 15 Christmas markets in Graz – from traditional Christmas markets to arts and crafts and culinary specialities
- Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaushof – a work of ice art in the heart of Graz’s historic old town
- Grazer Winterwelt – 3,000 m² of ice rink space in the city centre
- Krampus parades in Graz and the surrounding region – experience traditional customs, impressive masks and winter traditions
- LUMAGICA, Frohnleiten & magical light experiences – illuminated trails, the Frohnleiten skyline and winter highlights around Graz
- Christmas experiences around Graz – Piber Castle, Rein Abbey, Advent in St. Bartholomä and other places featuring craftsmanship and regional traditions
Christmas moments to discover
From Graz to the surrounding region: These experiences capture the atmosphere of the Christmas season.
Stay longer and experience Christmas
Christmas markets, culture and winter experiences are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Hotels and accommodation in Graz and the surrounding region provide the ideal base for your stay.
Christmas traditions around Graz
Historic places, living traditions and regional highlights complement the Christmas season in Graz and showcase the diversity of the surrounding region. At the Advent in St. Bartholomä, traditional craftsmanship, music and a warm festive atmosphere come together. Christmas at Piber Castle combines the festive season with the world of the Lipizzaner horses and the unique setting of the stud farm.
During the November weekends and at Tannengraß & Lebzeltstern at the Austrian Open-Air Museum Stübing, regional specialities, traditional crafts and Styrian Christmas traditions take centre stage. Rein Abbey also invites visitors to experience the festive season in historic surroundings, with culture, music and peaceful moments.
Christmas excursions
During the weekends leading up to Christmas, guided excursions take visitors to selected places around Graz. Christmas markets, historic locations, regional cuisine and personal encounters give each route its own character.
The excursions are accompanied by GrazGuides. Dates, routes, departure times, prices and booking options are provided for each individual Christmas excursion.
Getting around during Christmas
Advent Tram, Christmas sightseeing train and the Old Town tram make it easy to explore Graz’s city centre. Travel times, areas of validity and further information are available on the Christmas in Graz page.
For tour groups, designated coach parking areas and specific options for drop-off and pick-up are available in Graz.
New Year’s Eve in Graz
As the year comes to an end, Graz shows its festive side once again. At the New Year’s Eve spectacle on the Hauptplatz, water, light and music come together in front of the Rathaus.
Styriarte accompanies the turn of the year with “Graz im Dreivierteltakt“ at the Stefaniensaal.
Lights in the alleyways, music in historic rooms and cherished traditions: this is the magic of the Christmas season.
FAQs about Christmas in the Graz Region
The first Christmas activities start in mid-November. The Graz Christmas markets open on 20 November 2026, with some events beginning even earlier. All Christmas markets can be found at a glance here.
Some of the highlights include the 15 Christmas markets, the Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaushof, Grazer Winterwelt, the Advent Tram, the Büro für Weihnachtslieder (Office for Christmas Songs) and the festively illuminated city centre.
The highlights include the Christmas markets in Graz, LUMAGICA in Frohnleiten, Rein Abbey, the Austrian Open-Air Museum Stübing, Piber Castle, St. Bartholomä, as well as concerts and guided excursions.
Around Graz, light parks, historic locations, nativity scenes, Christmas markets and events featuring regional crafts invite visitors to explore the surrounding area.
Krampus and Perchten parades take place at various locations in Graz and the Graz Region. Dates, venues and starting times are listed in the event calendar.
During the weekends leading up to Christmas, guided excursions take visitors to selected Christmas destinations and events in the Graz Region.
The Advent Tram, the Christmas sightseeing train and the Old Town tram make it easy to explore Graz’s city centre. Designated coach parking areas and stopping options are available for tour groups.
Hotels and accommodation provide the perfect base for exploring Christmas markets, events and winter experiences at a relaxed pace.
