Fairytale Christmas market: Mozart's home town of Salzburg, Austria

Fairytale Christmas market: Mozart's home town of Salzburg, Austria

The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, situated on the Dom and Residenzplatz, has deep historical roots and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Located in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Salzburg, the Salzburg Christmas Market's unique location, traditional market stalls and long history make it a truly special festival.

Every year the Christmas Market opens on the Thursday before the first Sunday of Advent and closes on 1 January. Local folklore, traditional decorations on the Christmas tree, Christmas gifts of all sizes, incense to get you in the festive mood at home, a wide range of delicious Austrian specialities, mulled wine and hot punch: you'll find almost everything you need at the Christmas market on Salzburg Cathedral Square. Every year during the Christmas season, this famous Advent market attracts numerous tourists and is also a favourite with the locals. This is especially true because of the traditional huts and unique atmosphere, as well as the specially designed lights that stretch above the market like romantic stars across the night sky.

The market not only has about 100 stalls. The organisers have also prepared a colourful daily programme for visitors: reading of Christmas stories to children, Krampus (Central European folklore) parade, Christmas guided tours, choral concerts, visits of the "Sons of Christ", performances of festive tunes in the surrounding towers and much more.