Carinthia is truly magical, especially during the festive season—Christmas time. The entire region comes alive with its stunning natural scenery and charming little chalets and decorations, making a stroll among the Christmas stalls pure delight.
Just a short trip from Italy, you can explore beautiful Christmas markets in Villach, Austria. This time of year is perfect for discovering the city lit up in dazzling lights and wrapped in a fairy-tale ambiance.
The Christmas markets in Villach will be open from December 16 to 24, featuring over 50 festively decorated stalls.
Finding your favorite stalls is easy—the wooden huts are divided into themed areas across the city.
Villach Christmas Markets
Villach, the picturesque city on the Drava River, transforms for the holiday season with oversized decorations, garlands, twinkling lights, and a Nativity scene. The Christmas market is open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 8:00 pm. In the old town, food stalls tempt visitors with local specialties and traditional Christmas sweets from Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, staying open until 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Shopping lovers will find artisan creations typical of the region—candles, ornaments, crafts, sculptures, home decor, and knitwear.
The “Kunst Advent” market, dedicated entirely to local crafts, is held in Oberer Kirchenplatz on Thursdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and until 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The popular ice rink returns to Rathausplatz (in front of the town hall), a must for all ages. Don’t miss the atmospheric Perchten parade, a local pagan tradition featuring Krampus masks and noisy cowbells—said to drive away evil spirits. This lively event takes place on December 2, from 6:30 pm in Villach’s center. On Sunday, December 18, Hans-Gasser-Platz hosts the “Bauernadvent” (Farmers’ Advent) at 5:00 pm, with the Christkind, angels, and the Three Wise Men arriving to music, bells and lanterns.
There’s more to experience: Visit the magical “Winter Wunder Wald”—now in its third edition—from November 18, 2022, to February 19, 2023, in the Parkhotel’s garden. Conceived by renowned children’s author Thomas Brezina, this enchanted garden revives childhood memories with glowing installations: hearts, doves, teddy bears among the trees, and a gingerbread house—all perfect for memorable Christmas photos.
City Tour on the “Christkindl-Express”
For family fun, hop on the magical “Christkindl-Express” train departing from the main square to the train station—or try a horse-drawn carriage ride. Younger visitors will love pony rides, the carousel, or the children’s train set up in Villach’s main square.
Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy ATRIO Shopping Center, Carinthia’s largest mall with over 90 stores—ideal for last-minute Christmas gifts. Decorated with fairy lights, baubles, and a grand Christmas tree, ATRIO hosts its Christmas markets November 14 to December 24 (gift ideas galore!) and New Year’s markets (lucky charms and trinkets) from December 27 to 31. All events for Villacher Advent 2022 are organized in accordance with current safety guidelines for a secure and enjoyable visit.
Villacher Advent
The Villacher Advent offers much more than a magical city wrapped in Christmas spirit—it’s also a gateway to local sightseeing and winter sports. The Alpe Gerlitzen ski slopes (open December 2, 2022 to April 9, 2023) are ideal for ski enthusiasts, while Dreiländereck (open December 17, 2022 to March 12, 2023) is perfect for beginners and families. The Dobratsch Nature Park offers snow-covered trails for trekking lovers.
Villach caters equally to those seeking relaxation, with the KärntenTherme spa complex in Warmbad-Villach. Here you’ll find a full SPA area—saunas, Turkish bath—and a FUN zone for kids to enjoy waterslides and pools.
Ski & Therme
The Ski & Therme combo ticket is valid for 2, 3, or 4 days, including access to Gerlitzen Alpe and the FUN section at KärntenTherme (open daily 9:00 am to 10:00 pm). The Winter Erlebnis CARD (valid November 27, 2022 to April 2, 2023) unlocks things like guided snowshoe hikes, cross-country ski lessons, yoga classes, and two hours’ free admission to KärntenTherme after 4:00 pm. It also covers transport: free use of regional trains, buses to Gerlitzen Alpe & Dreiländereck, and access to Dobratsch Nature Park.
This year, to improve guest experience and reduce wait times, Gerlitzen Alpe is investing in new, efficient ski lifts, a 4-seater chairlift, a new escalator in Annenheim, enhanced snowmaking, and a commitment to energy savings—cut by 10-20% in recent decades.
Villach
During Advent, Villach is a city of lights, wonder, and festive spirit. You’ll find everything for a magical Christmas: concerts and choirs, handmade ornaments, and delicious mulled wine.
16.11. – 24.12.2018
www.villacheradvent.at
Artistic Advent in the Parkhotel park
16.11. – 24.12.2018, Thursday to Sunday
www.weihnachtenimpark.at
“Bauernadvent” Farmers’ Advent in Villach
Villach is set to become the Christmas capital: the Christkind arrives by boat on the Drava, enters the city in a festive parade, and brings gifts to the youngest guests.
23.12.2018
www.bauernadvent.at/
