Christmas Magic in Tyrol
When the historic towns sparkle with Christmas lights, the scent of freshly made Kiachl fills the streets, and the mountains slowly put on their white winter coats, one of my favourite times of the year begins: Advent in Tyrol.
I have to admit, I absolutely love the run-up to Christmas! The twinkling lights, the beautifully decorated houses, that first cup of mulled wine, and the wonderful feeling of snuggling up somewhere warm and cosy after a chilly winter day. And let's be fair, a little Christmas magic and festive kitsch are all part of the fun!
And here in Tyrol, there's no better place to soak up the festive atmosphere. Between medieval old towns, charming traditional Christmas markets and hopefully already snow-covered mountains, there are so many wonderful places waiting to be discovered.
And the best part? From our BADL in Hall in Tirol, some of Tyrol's most beautiful Christmas markets are practically on our doorstep. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic Advent weekend for two, a festive getaway with friends or a few cosy days with the family, I'd love to share my favourite places and experiences that you definitely shouldn't miss!
Hall Advent Market – Christmas Magic Right on Our Doorstep
20 November to 24 December 2026
Of course, we have to start with our very own Hall Advent Market. And yes, I might be a little biased, but for me, it's one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Tyrol!
During the festive season, our historic Old Town transforms into a little Christmas wonderland. Beautifully decorated stars sparkle above the narrow streets, charming market stalls fill the Upper Town Square (Oberer Stadtplatz), and the historic building façades become one giant Advent calendar. Each day, another illuminated number appears, counting down the days until Christmas.
What I love most about the Hall Advent Market is its wonderfully cosy atmosphere. It's where friends meet for a cup of mulled wine, where you can discover lovely handmade Christmas gifts, or simply enjoy the festive spirit surrounded by centuries-old buildings. And of course, no visit would be complete without trying a freshly made Tyrolean Kiachl, a delicious traditional fried pastry!
The atmosphere becomes especially magical at 6:00 pm, when local choirs and brass ensembles fill the square with traditional Christmas music.
There's plenty for families to enjoy, too! At Marktanger, you'll find an ice-skating rink, an ice stock sport area, a children's carousel and even a petting zoo. While the little ones have fun on the ice, the grown-ups can warm up with a delicious cup of hot punch.
Our tip: Visit in the late afternoon, just as dusk begins to fall and the Christmas lights slowly come to life. And if you'd like to make an evening of it, why not enjoy a cosy dinner at one of Hall's lovely restaurants afterwards?
The best part for our BADL guests? The Advent Market is just a few minutes' walk from our doorstep! So you can leave the car behind, enjoy an extra cup of mulled wine and stroll back to your cosy room whenever you're ready.
Innsbruck Christmas Markets – Seven Times the Christmas Magic
Mid-November to early January, depending on the market
If you love Christmas markets, you'll absolutely love Innsbruck! With not just one but seven different Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm, there's plenty of festive magic to discover.
My personal favourite is the traditional Christmas Market in Innsbruck's Old Town, right in front of the famous Golden Roof. Charming wooden stalls line the historic streets, the scent of cinnamon and roasted almonds fills the air, and beautiful Christmas decorations are waiting to be discovered around every corner.
I also love the enchanting Fairy Tale and Giant Alley, where colourful fairy-tale characters decorate the historic building façades – especially magical for little ones!
Just a few minutes' walk away, you'll find the Christmas Market at the Market Square (Marktplatz). With its magnificent Swarovski crystal Christmas tree and festive activities for children, it's a wonderful place for families.
If you prefer something a little more modern, take a stroll along Maria-Theresien-Straße. Here, sparkling light installations transform the shopping street into a beautiful sea of lights.
For something truly special, head up to the Panorama Christmas Market on the Hungerburg. Even the ride on the Hungerburg funicular is an experience in itself, and once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the festively illuminated city. If the surrounding mountains are already covered in snow, the scenery couldn't be more Christmassy!
If you're looking for something quieter and more traditional, the charming little Christmas markets in St. Nikolaus and at Wiltener Platzl are well worth a visit. And don't miss the Kaiserweihnacht at Bergisel, where you can discover beautiful handicrafts while enjoying wonderful views over Innsbruck.
Our tip: Set aside an entire afternoon to explore Innsbruck. Start with a leisurely stroll through the city centre, visit the Christmas markets in the Old Town and at the Market Square, and then take the funicular up to the Hungerburg around sunset.
And here's another little bonus for our guests: With the Hall-Wattens Guest Card, you can take bus number 504 from Hall to Innsbruck free of charge. That means you can enjoy the festive atmosphere – and perhaps an extra cup of mulled wine – without worrying about driving!
Opening Hours of the Innsbruck Christmas Markets
Old Town Christmas Market – Golden Roof
13 November to 23 December 2026
Daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Christmas Market at Marktplatz (Market Square)
13 November to 23 December 2026
Daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Christmas Market on Maria-Theresien-Straße
25 November 2026 to 6 January 2027
Daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Hungerburg Panorama Christmas Market
20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027
Monday to Friday: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
St. Nikolaus Christmas Market
20 November to 23 December 2026
Daily from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Wiltener Platzl Christmas Market
20 November to 23 December 2026
Daily from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Kaiserweihnacht at Bergisel
13 November to 20 December 2026
Friday: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Also open on 7 and 8 December.
Rattenberg Advent – Christmas as It Used to Be
20 November to 20 December 2026, on selected Advent dates
If you're looking for a Christmas market that's a little different from the usual ones, you should definitely visit Rattenberg.
Austria's smallest town transforms into a truly magical place during Advent, where it almost feels as though you've stepped back in time.
Instead of countless fairy lights and brightly illuminated market stalls, Rattenberg embraces the warm glow of candles, torches and open fires. As darkness slowly falls over the medieval streets and the historic houses begin to glow in the soft candlelight, the atmosphere becomes wonderfully romantic.
Traditional Christmas carols fill the air, and the little shops invite you to browse for special gifts. Rattenberg is particularly famous for its glassmaking tradition, so you might even find a beautiful handcrafted Christmas present for someone special.
And there's one thing you absolutely have to try: the famous Rattenberg Advent wine, a delicious warm drink with a hint of elderberry!
What I especially love about Advent in Rattenberg is its peaceful, traditional atmosphere. It's less about big attractions and more about slowing down, enjoying the little moments and experiencing the magic of Christmas in a truly authentic setting.
Our tip: Visit Rattenberg on an Advent Saturday and arrive in the afternoon. This gives you plenty of time to explore the charming little shops before watching the town transform into a sea of candlelight as evening falls. It's a wonderfully romantic way to spend a winter afternoon!
Achensee Christmas – Festive Magic Between Lake and Mountains
27 November to 27 December 2026, on selected dates
A Christmas market on a boat? Yes, we have that here in Tyrol too!
For me, Achensee Christmas is a particularly lovely idea for a winter day trip. Around Tyrol's largest lake, you'll find several charming Advent experiences, some of which you can even combine with a festive boat trip.
Just imagine: You're sitting aboard a beautifully decorated Christmas boat, enjoying a warm cup of mulled wine while the breathtaking mountain scenery of Lake Achensee slowly passes by. With a little luck, the surrounding peaks will already be covered in snow, making the landscape look like something straight out of a Christmas postcard.
One place I'd especially recommend is the Bergadvent at Fischergut in Pertisau. Right by the lake, in front of one of the region's oldest farmhouses, you'll find charming little market stalls, traditional Tyrolean treats and a lovely festive programme.
The Tyrolean Mountain Christmas at Sixenhof in Achenkirch is also well worth a visit. Inside the centuries-old barn, life-sized figures, animals and atmospheric displays bring to life the Christmas traditions of the Achental valley and show how Christmas was celebrated here in times gone by.
It's a wonderful experience not only for children but also for adults who would love to discover more about traditional Tyrolean Christmas customs.
Our tip: Set aside a whole day to explore Lake Achensee and combine a visit to the Bergadvent in Pertisau with a trip on the festive Christmas boat. The boats operate on selected Advent dates, so we recommend checking the timetable and booking your tickets in advance.
Small Christmas Markets in the Hall-Wattens Region – Our Hidden Gems
Besides the well-known Christmas markets, there are plenty of smaller Advent events around Hall that are just as charming.
I especially love these little markets because they bring the local community together. Local associations offer homemade treats, neighbours meet for a warm drink, and it's easy to strike up a friendly conversation.
In Wattens, the Advent market “Funkeln im Herzen” (Sparkle in the Heart) takes place on the church square. Here, you can browse the little stalls for Christmas gifts and soak up the festive atmosphere with a warming drink in hand.
Absam also gets into the Christmas spirit in December. At the Advent market on the village square, you'll find regional products, handmade crafts and live music. One of the highlights is the traditional St. Nicholas procession on 5 December.
And if you prefer something a little more rustic, make sure to visit the Advent market at Heissangerer in Tulfes. Here, you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean specialities such as Kaskrapfen (savoury cheese pastries) and Kiachl (traditional fried pastries), discover lovely little gifts and even pick out a locally grown Christmas tree.
Our tip: If you'd like to experience Christmas away from the larger, busier markets, visit one of these charming village Advent markets. They're a wonderful way to discover authentic Tyrolean Christmas traditions and experience the festive season like a local.
Whether you're sipping mulled wine at the Hall Advent Market, wandering through the sparkling lights of Innsbruck, enjoying the romantic candlelit streets of Rattenberg or taking a festive winter boat trip across Lake Achensee – there's something truly magical about Advent in Tyrol.
And the best part? You don't need to visit a Christmas market every single day to have a wonderful Advent holiday. Sometimes, it's the little moments that make this season so special. A peaceful winter walk through a hopefully snow-covered landscape, a cable car ride up our local mountain, the Glungezer, or an afternoon of ice skating are just as much a part of the Christmas season for me as that first cup of mulled wine.
Our Tyrolean Christmas traditions are also well worth discovering. On an atmospheric lantern-lit guided tour through Hall's historic old town, you can step back in time and hear fascinating stories about our town. And if you're staying with us around Christmas, don't miss the chance to join a Rauhnächte tour. These mysterious nights between Christmas and Epiphany are surrounded by fascinating legends and centuries-old customs that are still very much alive in Tyrol today.
But sometimes, you don't need any plans at all. A cup of hot chocolate, a delicious slice of cake and a cosy afternoon admiring the winter mountain scenery can be just as wonderful.
And that's exactly what I love about Advent here in Tyrol: all these special experiences are just a short trip away from our BADL. Perhaps December is the perfect time to escape the pre-Christmas rush for a few days, treat yourself to a little getaway and simply slow down to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
We would absolutely love to welcome you to our BADL during this magical season and share a little piece of Tyrolean Christmas magic with you!