Innsbruck Christmas Markets: 5 Must-See Markets

This year, Christmas lights will illuminate the Capital of the Alps. Starting with Advent, Innsbruck will host a series of special events in 2019 commemorating 500 years since the death of Maximilian I. LightShow Max 500, a stunning 3D audiovisual show, will transform one of the city’s most historic sites into the launch point for an extraordinary journey through time. It’s a brilliant adventure that makes Christmas in Innsbruck even more magical with its six enchanting markets, each with a unique atmosphere, over 200 stalls, and countless traditions: from the Krampus parade and St. Nicholas’ arrival, to an impressive choir of 500 children singing Silent Night.

The city glows with festive melodies, the aroma of kiachl, cinnamon, and candied almonds, and snowfall reflecting in the lanterns that decorate historic windows. You can soak in the charm by strolling through the old town or riding the Christkndlbahn, the nostalgic Christmas tram.

Locals mingle with visitors from afar in the dreamlike setting at the foot of the snowcapped Nordkette. Innsbruck Christmas Markets immerse you in the enchanted world of Alpine winter. While their origins are lost in time, today colors, lights, and scents blend locals with travelers drawn to the festive spirit of the Christkindlmarkt—Innsbruck’s landmark market.

Innsbruck Christmas Markets: Christkindlmarkt

Just steps away from the famous Golden Roof, Innsbruck’s iconic landmark in the heart of Austria’s Capital of the Alps, you’ll find the Old Town Christkindlmarkt. Here, market stalls overflow with Tyrolean sweets, mulled wine, roasted almonds, traditional decorations, wooden and glass crafts, genuine Tyrolean lodens, and hand-decorated candles.

So, Innsbruck’s most famous Christmas market takes over the historic center. As always, you’ll find nativity figurines hand-carved by local artisans, sparkling Tyrolean wreaths and tree ornaments, and classic Christmas treats, punch, and mulled wine to warm up as you browse.

Innsbruck Christmas Markets: Christkindlmarkt am Marktplatz

Next, visit Christkindlmarkt am Marktplatz at Landhausplatz, Innsbruck’s market square and home to the regional offices. This market is especially family-friendly, featuring a carousel, a small petting zoo, and a puppet theater that captivates children every afternoon. The Marktplatz offers a classic family market—rides, friendly animals, and various attractions delight little ones as parents hunt for unique gifts. Open daily from November 15 to December 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Innsbruck Markets: Maria Theresien Straße

On Maria Theresien Straße, Innsbruck’s main shopping avenue, you’ll find another Christmas market focused on Tyrolean gourmet products, all set beneath modern festive lights.

Panoramic Christmas Market in Innsbruck

Combine your market visit with a scenic adventure: hop on the funicular to Panorama Christkindlmarkt Hungerburg, Innsbruck’s high-altitude Christmas market. From here, take in breathtaking views over Innsbruck, and—with a further cable car ride—you can reach Hafelekar station at 2,256 meters. The Hungerburgbahn funicular, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is an architectural landmark in itself. You can even continue to Seegrube with the Nordpark-Seegrube cableway up to 2,334 meters. Nowhere else in Europe can you travel from a historic city center to snowy mountain peaks in just 25 minutes! This market runs from November 28 to January 4, Thursday to Sunday (plus December 8), from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with extended hours on December 31 from 8:00 p.m.

Christmas Market in Innsbruck

A small but unique market is Weihnachtströdlermarkt at Franziskanerplatz. This is not your typical market of decorations and gifts, but a treasure trove for vintage hunters, with about ten stalls devoted exclusively to antiques.

Innsbruck’s Fairy Tale Lane

Don’t miss the Fairy Tale Lane, featuring handmade giant puppets from beloved stories (Andersen, Grimm, and more) decorating historic facades in the center, as well as the famous Living Advent Calendar. Located near Riesengasse, or “Giant’s Alley,” you’ll spot four towering figures—the giants themselves.

Romance and tradition reign here: the great Christmas tree’s lights reflect off the Golden Roof as magical seasonal music fills the air. Over 70 stalls line the medieval streets, offering classic decorations, Tyrolean crafts, candles, and festive treats. Kiebachgasse turns into Fairy Tale and Giant’s Lane, drawing both adults and kids into a world of fantasy. From the panoramic platform, gaze out over the Old Town and the entire Christmas market.

Marktplatz: A Swarovski Christmas Tree for Families

This market feels like a Christmas village, crowned by a 15-meter-tall tree encrusted with over 170,000 Swarovski crystals. It’s a family favorite, with a nostalgic carousel, petting farm, pony rides, puppet theater, fairy tale hour, and the Jaufenthal nativity scene. Plus, with 60 stalls for unique gifts and local specialties, it’s the perfect place for a festive break or evening aperitif.
Open from November 15 to December 23, daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Mountain-View Christmas Market

For a truly romantic pre-Christmas setting, visit the Panoramic Christmas Market on Hungerburg, with its spectacular city vistas. Thanks to Zaha Hadid’s futuristic funicular, the ride from the old town to lofty heights is a thrilling experience—take in crisp mountain air and all the scents of Advent. Stalls cluster next to the Nordkettenbahn station, perfect for a mulled wine before heading even higher via the panoramic cable cars to Seegrube and Hafelekar at 2,256 meters.

A Hidden Market: St. Nikolaus

If you love small, refined experiences, don’t miss the charm of the St. Nikolaus Christmas Market. In Innsbruck’s oldest neighborhood, just minutes from the city center, discover a peaceful, reflective Advent atmosphere. On Hans Brenner Square, enjoy homemade cookies and gentle Christmas music away from the crowds.
Open from November 24 to December 23, daily from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

LightShow Max 500

This year brings a brilliant new show to Innsbruck’s Christmas. As part of festivities marking the 500th anniversary of Emperor Maximilian I’s death, the dazzling LightShow Max 500 kicks off as early as November 2018. This immersive 3D audiovisual projection takes place in the historic inner courtyard of the imperial Hofburg palace, turning it into a stage for a fantasy journey through the world of the legendary emperor. The show runs several times daily from November 20 to January 20.

Maria Theresien Strasse: The Chicest Market

A giant rock crystal shines above the Christmas market on Maria Theresien Strasse, Innsbruck’s premier shopping street. This is the city’s most modern market, with contemporary styling—stylized “light trees” line the streets, guiding you to elegant shops and stalls offering handpicked holiday products from around the world.
Open from November 25 to January 6, daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lights, gifts, and lively squares: Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets are the perfect excuse to visit Innsbruck at Christmas.