Christmas Markets in Innsbruck: 5 Markets Not to Miss

Un Noël de lumière illuminera cette année la Capitale des Alpes. Le premier des nombreux rendez-vous organisés en 2019 pour commémorer les 500 ans de la mort de Maximilien I débutera à l’occasion de l’Avent. Le LightShow Max 500, un spectacle audiovisuel en 3D, transformera l’un des lieux historiques les plus beaux et évocateurs de la ville en point de départ pour un voyage inhabituel dans le temps. Une aventure éblouissante qui rendra encore plus magique le Noël d’Innsbruck, avec ses six fascinants marchés, chacun avec son caractère distinctif, plus de 200 stands et de nombreux événements liés à la tradition tyrolienne, des Krampus, à l’arrivée de Saint Nicolas, jusqu’à l’incroyable chœur de 500 enfants chantant Astro del Ciel pour l’Enfant Jésus.

Une atmosphère magique, entre douces mélodies, l’odeur inconfondable de kiachl, de cannelle et d’amandes caramélisées, avec la neige qui se reflète dans les lumières et les lanternes décorant les fenêtres, à vivre en se promenant à pied dans les ruelles du centre ou à bord du tramway historique Christkndlbahn, le tram des marchés de Noël.

Animés par la population locale et suspendus dans des décors féeriques au pied de la Nordkette enneigée, les marchés de Noël d’Innsbruck vous plongent dans le monde magique de la montagne enchantée. Car leurs origines se perdent dans le temps. Ce seront les couleurs, les parfums, les lumières, mais à Noël Innsbruck confond la population locale avec les touristes, venus même de très loin, peut-être en train, pour profiter de l’atmosphère de Noël du Christkindlmarkt, le spectaculaire Marché de Noël.

Innsbruck Christmas Markets: Christkindlmarkt

Just a few meters from the famous Golden Roof, symbol of Innsbruck, in Austria, the capital of the Alps, strolling through the Christkindlmarkt in the Altstadt, you can walk among stalls full of all kinds of delights, from typical Tyrolean sweets to mulled wine and roasted almonds; there are many curiosities to discover: Christmas decorations, local handcrafted wood and glass products, real Tyrolean loden, decorated candles.

The most famous market in Innsbruck, therefore, takes place in the historic center. As tradition dictates, the many typical stalls display figurines to enrich the nativity scene, finely carved by local artisans; splendid are the Tyrolean wreaths and decorations for the Christmas tree, all accompanied by the indispensable Christmas sweets, punch, mulled wine to warm up the curious visitors of the market.

Innsbruck Christmas Markets: Christkindlmarkt am Marktplatz

Then there is the Christkindlmarkt am Marktplatz, at the market square of Innsbruck, that is Landhaus Square where the regional offices are located. In this enchanted corner of Innsbruck particular attention is given to families and children, with a carousel, a small petting zoo of farm animals, and a puppet theater that delights the little ones every afternoon. At the Marktplatz then takes place the classic market tailored for families: the carousel, the petting zoo, and many other attractions excite the little ones and shorten the wait for Christmas; while parents can find stalls with original gift ideas. This market is held from November 15 to December 23, every day from 11:00 to 20:30.

Mercados de Innsbruck: Maria Theresien Straße

Spostandosi ancora, ecco il mercatino di Natale in Maria Theresien Straße, principalmente concentrato su prodotti enogastronomici della tradizione tirolese e caratterizzato da un’illuminazione più moderna.

Panoramic Christmas Market of Innsbruck

If you want to combine a visit to the markets with a mini excursion to admire Innsbruck from above, you can take the funicular and go to the Panorama Christkindlmarkt Hungerburg, also called the Panoramic Christmas Market of Innsbruck, a very special high-altitude Christmas market. From here the view of Innsbruck is already fabulous, but for those who want to go even higher, just take the cable car to the Hafelekar station, at an altitude of 2256 m. The funicular Hungerburgbahn was designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid and embodies the most innovative aspects of mountain architecture. There is also the possibility to continue the ascent with the Nordpark-Seegrube cable cars up to 2334 m. But this is a unique experience in all of Europe, to climb from the historic heart of a great city up to the peaks of the high mountains, all in just 25 minutes! The Market runs from November 28 to January 4, from Thursday to Sunday (and on December 8), from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm and also on December 31 from 8:00 pm.

Christmas Market in Innsbruck

A very small market but with a distinctly focused character: this is the Christmas market Weihnachtströdlermarkt on Franziskanerplatz. It is not the usual market with Christmas decorations and gifts but a place that will please those looking for good deals: here the stalls, about ten, are all dedicated to antique items.

The Fairy Tale Road of Innsbruck

Also not to be missed is the Fairy Tale Road, with a series of puppets (handmade and large) of the protagonists of the best-known stories (Anderson, Grimm…) placed on the facades of the historic houses in the center; and of course the Living Advent Calendar.  It is located in the center a short distance from Riesengasse (“Giant’s Alley”), represented by four imposing figures, the giants themselves.

Romanticism and tradition. The lights of the large Christmas tree in the center of the square are reflected in the Golden Roof, from which suggestive Christmas music resonates. All around, more than 70 stalls make their way between the medieval houses, offering traditional Christmas decorations, Tyrolean artisan crafts, candles, and typical festive sweets. Kiebachgasse transforms into the Alley of fairy tales and giants, transporting young and old into a world full of fantasy, while from the panoramic platform you can enjoy a splendid view of the historic center and the entire market.

Marktplatz, a Swarovski tree for the Family Market

A market that looks like a small village, illuminated by a large Swarovski crystal Christmas tree, 15 meters tall and decorated with over 170,000 crystals. It is the Christmas market most loved by families, with a nostalgic carousel with horses, a small farm with animals to cuddle and ponies to ride, the puppet theater, storytime, the Jaufenthal nativity scene. And also games, entertainment, and 60 stalls where you can make unique purchases and taste many gastronomic specialties or stop for an aperitif at dusk.
From November 15 to December 23, every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The market at altitude with a view over the city

A very romantic pre-Christmas meeting point is the panoramic Christmas market on Hungerburg, with a spectacular view over Innsbruck. Thanks to the futuristic funicular designed by Zaha Hadid, reaching the market will be an exciting adventure: starting from the historic center and in a few minutes you are at altitude admiring the splendid view over the Capital of the Alps, breathing fresh air and savoring the delicious scents of Advent. The stalls are set up right next to the stations of the Nordkettenbahn system, inviting you to drink a mulled wine before continuing the ascent with the panoramic cable cars to reach the Seegrube and Hafelekar peaks at 2,256 meters.

A secret market: St. Nikolaus

Those who love small but carefully curated and refined things will not be able to resist the charm of the St. Nikolaus Christmas market. In the oldest district of Innsbruck, a few minutes’ walk from the city center, you feel like you are in another world, immersed in a pre-Christmas atmosphere of quiet and reflection. In Hans Brenner Square, you can calmly savor delicious homemade cookies while listening to sweet Christmas music.
From November 24 to December 23, every day from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  

LightShow Max 500

A new and sparkling show lights up the Christmas of the Capital of the Alps. In 2019 the 500 years since the death of Emperor Maximilian I will be commemorated with a series of events starting already in November 2018 with the spectacular LightShow Max 500. A fantastic 3D audiovisual projection, with a very special backdrop, the inner courtyard of the imperial Hofburg palace. The exclusive staging of the LightShow Max 500 mapping show invites you to take part in a fantastic journey into the world of the famous emperor known as the last knight and first artilleryman. The light show will take place several times a day from November 20 to January 20.

Maria Theresien Strasse, the chicest market

A large rock crystal shines on the Maria Theresien Strasse Christmas market, the shopping street of Innsbruck. It is the most modern market, with a special setup: along the street stylized glittering light trees mark the path leading to the city’s most beautiful shops and stalls, which here offer carefully chosen Christmas products from all over the world.
From November 25 to January 6, every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lights, gifts, bustling squares: the Christmas markets are a great excuse to visit Innsbruck. At Christmas.