What makes the Advent season in Austria so special?
- Living traditions – Many customs are an integral part of the Advent season in Austria. St Nicholas, Krampus, Advent wreaths, Advent singing and regional events have been cherished and passed down through generations.
- Special Advent markets – Austrian Advent markets are popular meeting places for locals and visitors alike. Regional products, traditional crafts, music and typical delicacies offer an authentic taste of the Christmas season.
- A magical winter atmosphere – Snow, mountains and festively decorated villages shape the Advent season, especially in the Austrian Alps. At the same time, the winter landscape offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities in the fresh mountain air.
- Time to slow down – Alongside Christmas markets and festive events, Advent also offers space for moments of tranquillity. Winter walks, wellness and cosy evenings provide a welcome escape from everyday life.
Advent in the Mountains – Winter Magic in Salzburger Land
An Advent holiday in the mountains combines the special atmosphere of the festive season with snow-covered landscapes and memorable experiences together. Grossarltal in Salzburger Land offers the perfect setting: families can enjoy precious time together and discover the magic of winter with their children, while couples embrace the tranquillity of the mountains and relaxing moments for two.
Snow-covered landscapes, crisp mountain air and the traditional Salzburg Mountain Advent in Grossarl shape the festive season in the valley. Winter walks through the snowy countryside, tobogganing and other activities add variety to an Advent holiday in Salzburger Land. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can soak up the winter atmosphere on a stroll through Grossarl or combine their stay with soothing wellness experiences. This creates the perfect balance of nature, activity and relaxation – for a special winter holiday in the Austrian Alps during Advent.
Magical Winter Days at DAS EDELWEISS
An Advent holiday in Salzburger Land combines snow-covered mountain landscapes, festive anticipation and precious time together with memorable winter experiences. At DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort, the magic of Advent begins right on the hotel doorstep: every Wednesday, the outdoor lounge is transformed into a small, atmospheric Advent market for the EDELWEISS Advent Magic. Festive music, a crackling fire, hot roasted chestnuts, punch and mulled wine create a cosy atmosphere and set the mood for the Christmas season.
Advent in Grossarl can also be experienced in a special way beyond the hotel. Join host Karin Hettegger on a torchlight hike through the wintry landscape, while a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered Hüttschlag offers a memorable winter experience for couples and families alike. Walks through the snowy countryside and the festive atmosphere of Grossarltal add to the magic of the Advent days – before returning to DAS EDELWEISS, where relaxation, culinary delights and the EDELWEISS Mountain Spa provide the perfect end to a winter’s day.
Advent Programme 2026
Advent Programme for Children at DAS EDELWEISS
Advent at DAS EDELWEISS is filled with magical moments for our youngest guests. A lovingly curated children’s programme brings the festive season to life with creative experiences and joyful traditions. Little bakers can create festive treats in the Christmas cookie bakery, while letters to the Christkind capture their most heartfelt Christmas wishes. The Angel Photo Studio creates lasting memories of this special time of year. For a touch of adventure, the EDELWEISS slide rally awaits in the hotel’s own water slide park, where young guests can compete for the title of EDELWEISS Slide Champion. Festive children’s yoga offers a calmer interlude, combining gentle movement with imaginative stories – creating precious moments of joy, wonder and relaxation throughout the Advent season.
Each year, the programme is complemented by a changing selection of creative and festive activities. These may include a festive punch-mixing workshop, Christmas soap making, roasting marshmallows by the fire or sharing enchanting Christmas stories. With new experiences to discover throughout the Advent season, families can enjoy precious time together and embrace the anticipation and magic of Christmas.
Salzburg Mountain Advent in Grossarl
The Salzburg Mountain Advent in Grossarl combines the festive atmosphere of the pre-Christmas season with living customs and regional traditions. Lovingly decorated stalls, handcrafted products and local specialities set the scene at the Advent market in Grossarltal. Visitors can discover traditional arts and crafts, regional delicacies and cherished Advent customs against the winter backdrop of the Salzburg mountains.
St Nicholas and Krampus are also an integral part of the Advent season in Salzburger Land. Around 5 and 6 December, traditional Krampus appearances with intricately carved masks and elaborate costumes create an impressive spectacle, while a visit from St Nicholas is a much-loved highlight of the festive season, especially for families and children.
Traditional Advent music, brass ensembles and a varied programme bring the region’s customs to life throughout the Mountain Advent in Grossarl. Combining culinary delights, craftsmanship and tradition, the Salzburg Mountain Advent offers an authentic festive experience for families, couples and everyone wishing to spend the Christmas season in the Austrian Alps.
“For those who prefer an even quieter and more traditional Advent experience, I especially recommend the Advent market in the mountaineering village of Hüttschlag. Surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks, lovingly crafted nativity scenes and traditional shepherd plays, it is a truly atmospheric way to enjoy the festive season.”
Karin Hettegger, Host
FAQ
When does the Advent season begin in Austria?
The Advent season begins on the first Sunday of Advent and covers the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During this time, Advent markets open in many towns and villages, accompanied by a variety of traditional events.
What Advent traditions are there in Austria?
Typical Austrian traditions include Advent wreaths, St Nicholas and Krampus, Christmas cookie baking, festive music and regional customs. At DAS EDELWEISS, these traditions are embraced in a contemporary and heartfelt way and woven into the holiday experience.
What is the tradition behind St Nicholas and Krampus?
At the beginning of December, St Nicholas and Krampus traditionally make appearances in many regions of Austria. St Nicholas represents the warm and benevolent side of the custom, while the Krampus figures, with their distinctive masks and elaborate costumes, add an element of excitement and traditional spectacle.
What can families do with children during Advent?
At DAS EDELWEISS, families can enjoy a variety of experiences together during the winter season – from creative activities for children to adventures in the snow-covered landscape and relaxing moments at the hotel.
Where can you experience Advent in the mountains?
Grossarltal is an ideal destination for a winter escape surrounded by mountains, regional traditions and nature. From DAS EDELWEISS, many of the region’s Advent experiences are within easy reach and can be perfectly combined with relaxing moments at the hotel.
