ADVERTORIAL • October 2015
Six ways to feel Christmassy in Salzburg
Alpine surroundings, elegant baroque architecture, and a rich history of music and art, make Salzburg one of Europe’s most charming destinations – especially during the the colder months. This Christmas, discover the illuminated lanes and majestic squares of the city’s historical district – and all the magic it has to offer
Start your Christmas shopping
The roots of the famous Salzburg Christkindlmarkt (19 November – 26 December) go back to the 15th century, making it the biggest and oldest market of its kind in Salzburg. The Stern Advent Market (19 November 2015 – 6 January 2016) takes place in the festively spruced-up ‘Stern Arcades’ of the Sternbräu. Both markets offer an array of traditional Austrian crafts, decorations and winter warming snacks. Pick up a bag of hot roasted chestnuts and find something beautiful to put on your tree.
Try a festive brew
Warm up from the inside with a seasonal beer-tasting festival. At the Stiegl Beer Advent (26 November – 20 December) discover specialty brews in all conceivable variations, including mulled beer, mead and even beer candyfloss. Families are welcome to enjoy the arts-and-craft stalls, live Christmas music and an ice-stock rink.
Shut your eyes and listen
Take in the sounds of Salzburg as well as the sights. This year’s Salzburg Advent Singing at the Grosses Festspielhaus (27 November – 13 December) is a traditional programme featuring actors, singers and vocal ensembles, including the Salzburg Folk-Song Choir. As part of the Opera in the Mountain Festival, an operatic Christmas gala will take place in Salzburg’s Kavernen 1595 on 5 and 19 December 2015.
Walk this way
Want to learn more about Advent in Salzburg? Salzburg Christmas Walking Tours are led by tour guides (19 November – 23 December) who willgive you a fascinating insight into the town’s history as you wander through the markets. Pick up Christmas shopping tips and warm up with schnaps samples along the way.
Dinner and a show
At The Sound of Salzburg Dinner Show Goes Christmas, audience participation is a must. The show, which combines atmospheric music and cooking, takes place inside Monk’s mountain, in the heart Salzburg’s old town. Listen to famous Mozart compositions, songs from The Sound of Music, and traditional Christmas carols while you prepare and bake your own apple strudel. Your dessert is served during the second act.
Get lost in the woods (sort of)
Head to the striking, yellow-hued 400-year-old former Hellbrunn Palace for a magical Christmas spectacle (19 November – 24 December). Here, in the lush, well-manicured grounds, you’ll find hundreds of fir trees transforming the inner courtyard into a fairytale forest. Events during the month include processions of eerily costumed Perchten figures, exhibitions of Nativity scenes and festive concerts.
For more festive Salzburg inspiration click here
This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips