Five beautiful things you’ll find at the Salzburg Christmas market

Forget just meeting Father Christmas, make sure you see one of Salzburg’s most well-loved traditions: the Krampus Run. From late November until St. Nicholas Day on December 6, look out for dozens of Krampus wannabes dressed in ghoul-like masks running through the streets of the Old Town with chains and bells in an eerie yet entertaining display of chaos and festive charm. True to tradition, kids and adults alike are reminded to be on their best behaviour. To balance out the eeriness of Krampus, Anglöckners, a group of carollers, will be lending their voices to spread Christmas cheer and goodwill around the market.

Salzburg is known for its classical music heritage (Mozart was born there, nbd), so what better way to enjoy it than in the historic churches and public spaces throughout the city? Weisenblaser, musicians who play folk melodies on brass instruments, fill the air with traditional tunes and music. Don’t be surprised if you hear ‘Silent Night’, which was written in Salzburg, more than once during your visit. What are you waiting for? Start practicing your do-re-mis.

If twinkling lights, warm apple cider and Christmas carols don’t entertain your kids, ride a carousel, catch a puppet show, or try making traditional Austrian decorations and ornaments. Don’t forget to check out the Salzburg Krippen Tour (Nativity Scene Trail). The city is famous for its intricate nativity scenes, known as Krippen. Follow the Krippenweg, a trail that takes you to churches and secret locations, and discover artistic nativity scenes which highlight the traditions and craftsmanship of the city. Salzburg Mountain Advent in Grossarltal is an absolute must for a white Christmas vibe. A trip here will feature snow as far as you can see, traditional festive tunes and holiday scents from torchlight to candles. If you're looking to go further afield, the towns of Hüttschlag and Grossarl will come fully decked out in lights, while vendors sell their wares alongside classic culinary and drinks delights.

Enjoy the smells and tastes of the festive season at Salzburg Christmas Market during the holiday season. Glühwein has to be the drink you warm up to when at the market, an aromatic and slightly spicy mulled wine made with Austrian wine and mixed spices like cloves and cinnamon – it’s perfect to sip on as you stroll around the Old Town. If you are a collector, hold onto your glühwein cup as a souvenir. Want something exotic? Look out for punsch, a sweet punch made with rum and mixed with fruit juices. Children are not left out, they can enjoy rum-free kinderpunsch and hot chocolate with layers of whipped cream, marshmallows and extra chocolate.

If it’s your first time in Austria and you want to eat traditional foods, the Salzburg Christmas market has ’em. Chow down on grilled sausages or leberkäse (Austrian meatloaf best served in a soft dinner roll with mustard). Other delicious foods include strudel, a pastry filled with cinnamon, apples and whipped cream, kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian shredded pancake, and, of course, pretzels! And don’t forget to buy gingerbread, sugar-coated almonds and jam-filled cookies as souvenirs to take home: your fam will be happy with those Christmas treats.

Some of the best gifts you can find on any adventure abroad are those made by local craftspeople. Home-distilled schnapps, hand-carved nativity figures, handmade kitchen utensils and Christmas tree ornaments crafted from glass, straw and felt – they can all be found among the 100 stalls. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Head down to Lake Wolfgangsee, 40 minutes from the city by bus, and shop for that perfect gift while enjoying the Salzkammergut nativity scenes, which contain more than 70 life-size figures scattered around the village.