Christmas Markets and Advent Markets in Graz 2026
16 popular markets in the Styrian capital
The Christmas tree glows on the Main Square, the scent of winter delicacies drifts from the stalls, and the next market is only a few steps away. During Advent, Graz shows just how enjoyable short distances can be. Between 20 November and 24 December 2026, 16 Advent markets invite you to stroll, browse and savour the festive atmosphere. All markets are located in the city centre and are within easy walking distance.
Which Advent markets are there in Graz?
From the Main Square to the Schlossberg
Festive lights and classic Advent traditions on the Main Square, Styrian products on the Schlossberg or handmade gifts at Färberplatz: each market has its own charm. Follow your interests or simply stop wherever catches your eye along the way. The short distances make it easy to discover different squares and what they have to offer.
Traditional Christmas markets in Graz
Graz customs and Styrian traditions
At the Christmas market in front of City Hall, festive stalls surround the Christmas tree. An avenue of lights stretches across the Main Square, while the façade of City Hall is transformed into an Advent calendar. The stalls offer Christmas goods and arts and crafts.
Just a few streets away is the Christmas market in the Franciscan Quarter, the oldest in the city. Rural traditions, arts and crafts, and products from Styrian GenussRegionen shape its distinctive character. If you enjoy taking things at a leisurely pace, you can easily combine both markets on a stroll.
Advent on the Schlossberg also has a distinctly Styrian side: at the “Aufsteirern” Christmas Market in the casemates, you can discover culinary products and arts and crafts from the region.
Styrian specialities
Culinary delights in the heart of Graz
Advent in the Foodie City is also about enjoying a taste of the region. In the Franciscan Quarter, you will find products from Styrian GenussRegionen, while the “Aufsteirern” Christmas Market on the Schlossberg features culinary products from Styria. At Eisernes Tor, regional delicacies complement the arts and crafts on offer at the stalls.
If you would like to round off your market visit with a relaxed meal, stop by the Joanneumsviertel. Here, food and drink meet a place that stands for art and culture in Graz.
Arts, crafts and gifts
Handmade gifts for family and friends
If you enjoy giving handmade gifts, make time for the market at Färberplatz. Artisans present unique pieces and small series made from clay, fabric, metal, glass and wood. Demonstration workshops and hands-on sessions offer an insight into their craft. The market begins on 27 November 2026.
The Franciscan Quarter, Schlossberg, Mehlplatz, Glockenspielplatz and Eisernes Tor are also well worth visiting for their arts and crafts. The Grieskindlmarkt at Nikolaiplatz additionally focuses on regional and fairly produced gift ideas.
Graz Advent markets for families
Carousel, Advent train and ice skating
At the Children’s Advent market in Kleine Neutorgasse, a carousel and Ferris wheel await younger visitors. There is also a children’s carousel on the Main Square, which is also where the Advent train departs. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the markets with a short ride through the city.
Another worthwhile stop is the Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaushof courtyard. If you still feel like getting active afterwards, head to Grazer Winterwelt and its ice rink. Further dates and children’s programmes can be found in the Advent events calendar.
How long are the Christmas markets in Graz open?
Dates and opening hours at a glance
Most Advent markets in Graz begin on 20 November 2026. However, closing dates and daily opening hours vary from market to market. The arts and crafts market at Färberplatz, for example, starts on 27 November, while the “Aufsteirern” Christmas Market mainly takes place at weekends. Sales stalls and food and drink stands may also have different opening hours. At the Christmas market in front of City Hall, sales stalls are normally open from 11 am to 8 pm, while food and drink stands remain open until 10 pm.
You will find the exact opening hours for your visit in the respective market listing.
Christmas time in Graz
A stroll through the festive city
Magical highlights during Advent in Graz
10 experiences not to miss
There are plenty of other beautiful stops to discover between the Advent markets in Graz. These ten highlights can easily be included in a walk through the city:
- Explore the Advent markets on foot: 16 markets are spread across Graz, most of them just a few steps apart.
- Admire the Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaushof courtyard: around 35 tonnes of ice are transformed into life-size nativity figures in the heart of the Old Town.
- Visit the Christmas Carols Office: in Sporgasse, you can get help finding Christmas songs, sheet music and information about musical traditions.
- See the Christmas tree on the Main Square: more than 25,000 lights illuminate the tree in front of City Hall.
- Discover the Advent calendar on City Hall: after dark, the façade becomes an illuminated backdrop for the Christmas market.
- Go ice skating at Grazer Winterwelt: visitors of all ages can take to around 3,000 square metres of ice.
- Head up the Schlossberg: the Schlossbergbahn funicular or Schlossberg lift takes you up for views of the city lights. On Advent weekends, the "Aufsteirern” Christmas Market awaits at the top.
- Take a ride on the Advent tram: the festively decorated vintage tram travels through Graz in return for a voluntary donation.
- Go Christmas shopping in the Old Town: stroll through the streets and stop by Kastner & Öhler. From the Freiblick rooftop café, you can enjoy sweeping views over the wintry rooftops.
- Enjoy a meal in the Foodie City: round off your market visit with Styrian cuisine and regional ingredients at a Foodie City partner restaurant.
How to plan your Advent visit
For a relaxed stay in Graz
An Advent stroll through Graz often leads quite spontaneously from one market to the next. If you plan your journey and accommodation in advance, you can spend more time enjoying the most beautiful places along the way.
Hotels near the Christmas markets
Stroll through the city in the evening
A hotel in the city centre gives you plenty of scope for an extended Advent stroll. Many of Graz’s markets are within walking distance, and in the evening you can wander through the illuminated streets once again. It is best to compare the location of your accommodation with the market locations on the map. The accommodation overview offers a range of options for your stay, and there is also an Advent package for 2026.
Getting around by public transport, Advent tram or car
Easy travel from market to market
Walking is often the easiest way to get between the markets in the city centre. For longer distances, you can use buses and trams. The free Graz old town tram (Altstadtbim) operates daily between Hauptplatz and Jakominiplatz, plus one additional stop in each direction. On Advent Saturdays in 2026, free travel also applies to selected services in fare zone 101 as well as the Schlossbergbahn funicular.
The festively decorated Advent tram is another free service with separate operating times.
If you are arriving by car, you will find information about car parks and Park & Ride facilities under Parking in Graz.
Graz during Advent
Festive lights and charming details
Frequently asked questions about Advent markets in Graz
Everything you need to know for Advent in Graz
There are 16 Advent markets in Graz in total:
- Christmas Market on the Main Square
- Advent at Eisernes Tor
- Advent Lounge Schmiedgasse
- “Aufsteirern” Christmas Market on the Schlossberg
- Christmas Market in the Franciscan Quarter
- Children’s Advent Market Kleine Neutorgasse
- Advent Market at Glockenspielplatz
- Advent Market at Mehlplatz
- Christmas at Karmeliterplatz
- Winter Wonderlend at Mariahilferplatz
- Christmas Market at Südtiroler Platz
- Grieskindlmarkt at Nikolaiplatz
- Grazer Winterwelt with ice rink
- Advent in the Joanneumsviertel
- Arts and Crafts Market at Färberplatz
- Gutes aus aller Welt at Freiheitsplatz
That depends on what you are most looking forward to. On the Main Square, the Christmas tree and projections on City Hall await you, while the Franciscan Quarter is known for rural Advent traditions. For Styrian products and views over Graz, head to the Schlossberg. If you are looking for handmade gifts, Färberplatz is well worth a visit.
Products from Styrian GenussRegionen can be found at the Christmas market in the Franciscan Quarter. The “Aufsteirern” Christmas Market on the Schlossberg combines culinary products from Styria with arts and crafts. At Färberplatz, the focus is on handmade unique pieces and small series.
At the Children’s Advent market in Kleine Neutorgasse, there is a carousel and a Ferris wheel. On the Main Square, a children’s carousel and the Advent train await. The Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaushof courtyard and the ice rink at Grazer Winterwelt offer further options for an Advent outing together.
You can ride the historic Advent tram in return for a voluntary donation. Full details and operating times can be found on the Advent tram page.
On 24 December, markets including those on the Main Square, in the Franciscan Quarter and Kleine Neutorgasse, as well as at Freiheitsplatz, Glockenspielplatz and Mehlplatz, are open. As opening hours vary, it is best to check the respective market listing before your visit.
