Carinthia is a magical place, especially during the “ultimate” festive season: Christmas. The entire region indeed enjoys the splendid natural setting that – together with the skillful hand of those who set up huts and decorations – offers hours of great pleasure strolling among Christmas stalls.
Without moving too far from Italy, it is possible to visit wonderful Christmas markets: in Villach, in Austria, this time of year is particularly recommended to discover the city wrapped in splendid lights and a fairy-tale atmosphere.
In particular, the Christmas markets in Villach will be open from December 16 to 24, with more than 50 fully set up stalls, naturally in Christmas style.
Getting around the city in search of the stalls of your interest will not be difficult: it has indeed been decided to divide the small huts according to areas of interest.
Villach Christmas Markets
Villach, the charming city on the Drava River, will be adorned by the presence of the Christmas market, large decorations, garlands and colorful lights, and the nativity scene from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, while on Friday and Saturday until 20:00. In the historic center, among the various stalls, visitors will be tempted by local culinary delights and classic Christmas sweets from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 22:00, and on Friday and Saturday until 23:00. Shopping lovers, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to discover various handmade crafts typical of the area such as candles, decorations, handicrafts, sculptures, household items, and knitwear.
Dedicated entirely to craftsmanship, the “Kunst Advent” market will be set up in Oberer Kirchenplatz square and will be open on Thursdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 19:00, while on Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00. This year too, the ice rink on Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall, will not be missing, an unmissable event for young and old alike. The suggestive parade of the Perchten, demons of the pagan tradition very characteristic for the use of Krampus masks and noisy bells, confirmed again, will take place on December 2 in the center of Villach starting at 18:30, during which it is said that evil spirits are driven out of the city. On Sunday, December 18, the “Bauernadvent,” the farmers’ advent, will begin at 17:00 in Hans-Gasser-Platz, during which the “Christkind,” the Christ child, accompanied by angels and the Three Wise Men, is warmly welcomed with songs, the sound of bells, and glowing lanterns.
In addition to all this, it will be possible to visit the magical forest “Winter Wunder Wald,” now in its third edition, from November 18, 2022 to February 19, 2023, always in the Parkhotel garden. The creator of this installation, Thomas Brezina, a well-known writer of children’s and young adult books, will once again gift the city of Villach with a fairy tale atmosphere, bringing visitors back to their childhood memories. The magical garden will amaze adults and children with its luminous installations, including hearts, peace doves, and floating teddy bears among the trees and with the gingerbread house, allowing visitors with a simple photo to capture every warm Christmas moment at the various dedicated stations.
City Tour on the “Christkindl-Express”
Another recommended experience for the whole family is the city tour on the magical “Christkindl-Express,” the Christmas train departing from the central square and arriving at the station, or using a horse-drawn carriage. For the little ones, there is the experience of pony rides, the carousel ride, or the train dedicated to them, located in Villach’s main square.
For shopping fanatics, Villach has the ATRIO Shopping Center, the largest shopping mall in Carinthia, offering a variety of over 90 stores where you can indulge in Christmas shopping, even at the last minute. Decorated with Christmas balls, lights, and a majestic Christmas tree, the ATRIO Shopping Center will also host Christmas markets from November 14 to December 24, full of gift ideas, and from December 27 to 31 those dedicated to New Year’s, where lucky charms and various trinkets can be purchased. All activities and initiatives planned by the Villacher Advent 2022 program will of course be organized in full compliance with current regulations to ensure safety and maximum attention towards visitors.
Villacher Advent
The Villacher Advent offers the opportunity to discover, beyond the city in its fullest Christmas spirit, various tourist and sporting activities of the area. The slopes of the Gerlitzen Alpe, open from December 2, 2022 to April 9, 2023, are an ideal destination for all winter sports and skiing enthusiasts, as well as those on Mount Dreiländereck, open from December 17, 2022 to March 12, 2023, which are especially suitable for beginners and families, while the Dobratsch Nature Park is full of interesting and snow-covered trails perfect for those who love trekking.
Villach does not disappoint those who seek peace and relaxation during the winter season and prefer to immerse themselves in the warm water of a spa center such as the KärntenTherme in Warmbad-Villach, which offers a large SPA area with sauna and Turkish bath, as well as the FUN area where even the little ones can have fun among water slides and pools to dive into.
Ski & Spa
The combined Ski & Spa ticket which for 2, 3, 4 days includes access to Gerlitzen Alpe and the FUN area at KärntenTherme, open every day from 9:00 to 22:00. Also ideal for visitors is the winter Erlebnis CARD, valid from November 27, 2022 to April 2, 2023, which allows unforgettable experiences such as guided snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing courses, yoga sessions, and free two-hour admission to KärntenTherme after 4:00 PM, as well as free use of transport means such as regional trains in Carinthia, buses to reach Gerlitzen Alpe & Dreiländereck, and the Dobratsch Nature Park in Villach.
This winter, to assist tourists by increasing services and reducing waiting times, Gerlitzen Alpe is preparing in advance to offer efficient ski facilities by investing in the construction of a new 4-seater chairlift, an escalator in Annenheim, and efficient snowmaking, demonstrating real sensitivity and great commitment to energy savings, improved by 10-20% in recent decades.
Villach
During the Advent period, Villach is a city full of light, wonder, surprises, and conviviality. Here you will find everything the heart desires for the sweet Christmas atmosphere: music and singing performances, handmade decorations and ornaments, exquisite mulled wine.
16.11. – 24.12.2018
www.villacheradvent.at
Artistic Advent in the Parkhotel Park
16.11. – 24.12.2018, from Thursday to Sunday
www.weihnachtenimpark.at
Farmers’ Advent “Bauernadvent” in Villach
Villach prepares to become the Christmas capital: the Christ Child will arrive by boat on the Drava, enter the city with a solemn procession, and distribute his gifts to the little ones.
23.12.2018
www.bauernadvent.at/
