Christmas in Graz
The festive heart of the city
During the Christmas season, Graz’s city centre comes together in a festive atmosphere. The illuminated Christmas tree in front of the Rathaus, thousands of lights across the streets and squares, and 15 Christmas markets shape the city’s festive season. The Ice Nativity Scene is created in the Landhaushof, while market stalls invite visitors with the aromas of roasted chestnuts, freshly baked waffles, mulled wine and Styrian specialities.
In the Sporgasse, the Büro für Weihnachtslieder (Office for Christmas Songs) preserves more than 30,000 songs, texts and melodies. Other highlights include Grazer Winterwelt and beautifully decorated streets throughout the city. All major Christmas attractions in Graz are within easy walking distance.
This is how Christmas in Graz comes to life: a city experience combining lights, culture, culinary delights and historic locations.
Christmas markets in Graz
The 15 Christmas markets in Graz are located close to each other and can easily be explored on foot. The centrepiece is the Christmas Market on the Hauptplatz, with its Christmas tree, avenue of lights, handicrafts and children’s carousel. High above the city, the Aufsteirern Christmas Market on the Schlossberg showcases Styrian products and traditional crafts in the historic Kasematten.
At the Joanneumsviertel, art, culture and cuisine come together. The Grieskindlmarkt at Nikolaiplatz focuses on sustainable design and regional gift ideas. At the Eisernes Tor, hot drinks and small dishes are combined with a charitable purpose.
Culinary discoveries are an essential part of Christmas in Graz. Regional products, warm drinks and small dishes accompany the journey from one market to the next.
Graz in lights
During the Christmas season, the city centre of Graz is transformed by thousands of lights. The Christmas tree on Graz’s main square, the Hauptplatz, shines with more than 25,000 LEDs, 90 strings of lights and 100 golden and silver ornaments. The Christmas lights extend throughout the entire city centre, with the Herrengasse creating a particularly atmospheric setting.
The Falling X Mas Trees in Schmiedgasse and other light installations invite visitors to explore Graz on foot and discover the city from a new perspective.
Christmas Market and Lights at Graz Main Square | © Graz Tourismus | Foto Fischer
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Advent at Schlossbergplatz in Graz | © Graz Region | valantic Austria
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Christmas lights in Graz city centre | © Graz Tourismus | Harry Schiffer
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Advent at Schlossbergplatz in Graz | © Graz Region | Henx
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Advent lights in Graz city centre | © Graz Region | valantic Austria
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Illuminated Christmas tree in Graz | © Graz Region | studio draussen
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Christmas events in Graz
Beyond markets and permanent Christmas attractions, Graz offers a diverse programme of concerts, guided tours, family activities and special events throughout the Christmas season. Historic venues, churches, stages and squares become settings for music, culture and shared experiences.
The programme ranges from Christmas concerts and cultural events to traditional customs and seasonal activities. Families will also find many opportunities to experience the Christmas season together.
Special Christmas experiences
Beyond the Christmas markets, special places and experiences invite visitors to discover Graz from different perspectives during the Christmas season. Ice art, musical traditions and winter activities combine culture, heritage and the city’s unique atmosphere.
Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaus Courtyard
Since 1996, a nativity scene made from around 35 tonnes of crystal-clear ice has been created every year in the courtyard of the Landhaus in Graz. Finnish ice artist Kimmo Frosti and his team transform the ice into intricate figures, which are redesigned and staged in a new way each year.
For its 30th anniversary, the Ice Nativity Scene once again showcases the interplay of craftsmanship, transience and Christmas tradition. After nightfall, carefully placed lighting highlights the delicate ice sculptures. The Ice Nativity Scene is one of the most popular photo motifs of the Christmas season in Graz.
Grazer Winterwelt
From 14 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, Grazer Winterwelt at the Landessportzentrum in Jahngasse invites visitors to enjoy ice skating. With around 3,000 m² of ice, there is plenty of space for families, recreational skaters and everyone who enjoys spending time on the ice.
In addition to the ice rink, the Grazer Winterwelt offers curling, ice hockey, skate rental and various events. Grazer Winterwelt combines activity, encounters and a winter atmosphere in the heart of Graz.
Office for Christmas Songs
Located in Sporgasse, the Büro für Weihnachtslieder (Office for Christmas Songs) has preserved one of the largest collections dedicated to Christmas singing and music since 1991. More than 30,000 songs, lyrics, sheet music and stories are available to explore, read and share.
The archive of Steirisches Volksliedwerk (Styrian Folk Song Association) combines musical traditions with international Christmas carols. During the Christmas season, the office opens its doors and invites visitors to rediscover familiar melodies and the stories behind them.
Advent Tram & sightseeing train
The decorated Advent Tram and the Christmas sightseeing train offer a special way to discover Graz during the Christmas season. The historic tram runs through the city centre, while the sightseeing train takes a leisurely route past illuminated squares and the city’s sights.
Especially popular with families and those who prefer to experience the Christmas season at a slower pace, these two rides are among the special moments of Christmas in Graz.
Christmas in Graz is a time of short walks, beautiful lights and unexpected discoveries.
New Year’s Eve in Graz
As the Christmas lights slowly fade, Graz remains a place for special moments at the turn of the year. The city centre invites visitors to stroll, enjoy culinary delights and linger, while the Hauptplatz becomes a meeting point for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
At the New Year’s Eve Show on the Hauptplatz, water, light and music come together in front of Graz’s Town Hall. For a quieter, musical way to end the year, Styriarte presents “Graz im Dreivierteltakt” at the Stefaniensaal.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas in Graz
The Graz Christmas markets open on 20 November 2026. Some events and attractions start even earlier.
Graz has 15 Christmas markets, most of which are located in the city centre and are easy to explore on foot.
Highlights include the 15 Christmas markets in the city centre, the Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaus Courtyard, the Büro für Weihnachtslieder (Office for Christmas songs),Grazer Winterwelt and the Advent Tram.
The Ice Nativity Scene is located in the Landhaus Courtyard in the heart of Graz’s city centre. Since 1996, a unique work of ice art has been created there every year.
Yes. The decorated Advent Tram runs through Graz’s city centre during the Christmas season. The Christmas sightseeing train also offers a cosy ride through the city’s Christmas atmosphere.
The New Year’s Eve Show on the Hauptplatz is the city’s main highlight for the turn of the year. In addition, Graz offers a variety of cultural and culinary experiences around New Year’s Eve.
Advent Brochure 2026
Christmas markets, events and winter experiences in Graz and the surrounding region: The brochure can be viewed online, downloaded or conveniently ordered by post.
