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It smells of gingerbread and hot mulled wine. Gentle sounds accompany the Christmas magic. Some songs bring back memories. And regardless of whether you still believe in Christkindl & Co: sparkling eyes are not uncommon at this time of year, even on grown-up faces.
So, let’s take a look at the little Christmas worlds and the most beautiful Christmas markets in and around Klagenfurt am Wörthersee!
Harbor crackling in the Lendhafen
The Lendhafen is a place that really is its own little world with a special flair at any time of year. This year, the Lendhafen is once again dressed up for Christmas and we dare to say: the Advent market in the Lendhafen has easily become a Klagenfurt city center Christmas favorite!
Hand-picked products, talented artisans, music, street food, mulled wine and punch. Cozy seating areas, the open fire bowls crackle and reflect in the water.
On all four Advent weekends – Thursday to Sunday
November 26 to December 20, 2026
Thursday from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
On December 7 and 8 from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Advent Magic in Klagenfurt Old Town
The whole city is bathed in magical light as soon as you drive from the Ring towards the old town. Strolling across the Old Square or visiting the popular Christmas market on the New Square is an experience in itself.
The Christmas market on Neuer Platz is the largest in the Alps-Adriatic region. Reason enough to supplement Klagenfurt’s Advent program with smaller markets and events around Neuer Platz. For example with choir singing at the Silent Advent in the Landhaushof.
Whether you opt for mulled wine or mulled cider, a stroll through the decorated Bahnhofstraße or 10. Oktober Straße also brings pure atmosphere away from the mulled wine stalls. The Landhaushof and Kramergasse exude a Christmassy flair.
You can find all the information here visitklagenfurt.at/advent.
Christmas Magic at Alter Platz
If you’re looking for an Advent atmosphere, Alter Platz is the right place. Here, celebrations take place with music, mulled wine, and culinary delights. You enter the Christmas magic through two illuminated gates, behind which newly designed stalls, illuminated figures, and food stands await. Open daily from November 5 until 11:00 PM, presented by Bar Italia & Teatro in der City.
Advent also means letting work rest and taking time for others: at Advent After Work on December 4 and 18 from 4:00 PM. On December 4, children bring toys for children in need and receive a Nikolaussackerl, accompanied by Bernhard Fibich singing. On November 21, the Krampus Party starts at 4:00 PM with free admission, and the Krampus parade begins at 7:00 PM.
Advent above the Clouds at Pyramidenkogel
The Pyramidenkogel, or more precisely the foot of the world’s highest wooden observation tower, attracts true Advent lovers from all over the world. On Advent weekends from Friday to Sunday, the atmospheric Christmas market in the municipality of Keutschach captivates visitors with regional quality products, fine delicacies and the a cappella sounds of various choirs and musicians, who simply mingle with the cheerful visitors and sing heavenly songs right on the spot.
When Benno the Christmas bear appears among the many wooden huts, children’s eyes light up as they only do in magical Christmas worlds. And that really is how you could describe it here: A small world away from the hustle and bustle and certainly closer to the Christkindl than any other Christmas market.
Dates: November 20 to December 20, 2026
Friday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
On December 7 and 8 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Velden Advent
Especially at Christmas time, the municipality on Lake Wörthersee shines as brightly as ever: as a city of angels with a sea of lights. Children’s eyes are guaranteed to light up thanks to the Advent angels!
The Christmas market in Velden is also the perfect place for a good dose of romance. It’s no wonder that the Christmas market in Velden am Wörthersee attracts Christmas fans from all over the world every year. A real highlight for young and old alike is the floating Advent wreath with its impressive 80,000 lights.
At night, it transforms the Velden Bay into a magical sea of lights and becomes the shining symbol of Advent in Velden. A walk along the promenade is an absolute must – while the Advent lights twinkle below, the stars shine in the sky above.
If you want to see the spectacle from above, you should plan a ride on the Ferris wheel. A horse-drawn carriage ride or a ride on the slow train are also ideal ways to explore the unique Christmas market.
The program also includes concerts, a Christmas tree and craft exhibition, a petting zoo and pony rides. You can find the entire program here.
Dates: November 20 to December 20, 2026
Friday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
On December 7 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
On December 8 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Christmas Market on the Lakeside Promenade in Pörtschach
The Christmas market on the idyllic lakeside promenade in Pörtschach is quiet and magical. Time seems to stand still here. Between open fireplaces, torches and a path of lights as far as the astonished eyes can see, visitors to this Christmas spectacle experience true Carinthian pre-Christmas traditions.
Here you can enjoy regional delicacies, hot tea, wine and cider. There is also plenty on offer for younger guests! While the grown-ups enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the lake, the little ones can marvel at the Christkindl boat with a message in a bottle or enjoy the Advent bay trip through the sea of stars.
Dates: November 20 to December 20, 2026
Friday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
On December 7 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
On December 8 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Website: www.woerthersee.com/advent/poertschach
Advent Magic in Kolpinghaus
Arts and crafts, workshops, and music all under one roof. This way, you can stroll through Advent in the warmth.
Between the open-air markets, Kolpinghaus in the center opens its doors. It stays warm here, no matter the weather outside. Carinthian artists showcase works made from Swiss pine wood and ceramics, jewelry, bags, nativity scenes, and incense. You buy directly from those who made them, choosing your gifts in peace and with style.
From December 10 to 20, the indoor Advent market is open daily. Children paint, craft nativity scenes from natural materials, and create decorations from book pages with both adults and children. You need to register for the workshops in advance. Gingerbread is decorated in the show workshop. In the evenings, there are readings, singing, a slam, and a request concert with an open mic.
Advent at Freilichtmuseum Maria Saal
In Maria Saal, friends of the pre-Christmas season meet the small world of another time. And then someone has also immersed it in fragrant Advent. How can you ever get this magic out of your heart again? During the tour, traditions and old crafts await at every corner. Mulled wine and cookies, tea and dreams.
Here you can wander from house to house in wintry silence, discovering the unknown and recognizing the familiar. Heated smoking rooms offer readings, contemplative music and all kinds of programs for the whole family. The motto here is: take your time, soak up the peaceful Christmas atmosphere between centuries-old buildingsand take it home with you.
Only on 04., 05. and December 6, 2026 the small world appears in a fragrant dress of lights. Those who appreciate the extraordinary and long for a contemplative Christmas atmosphere away from department store Christmas songs should definitely visit the Freilichtmuseum in Maria Saal. Even the Krampus wants to know what Advent must have felt like in the past.
Website: landesmuseum.ktn.gv.at
Advent Market Burg Hochosterwitz
Medieval magic awaits at Advent at Burg Hochosterwitz, not far from Klagenfurt. From December 4 to 8, 2026, the enchanting Advent market at Burg Hochosterwitz opens its gates.
Here you can immerse yourself in a world full of festive atmosphere, artistic craftsmanship and regional delicacies, surrounded by centuries-old walls. In true castle style, there are blacksmiths, carvers and nativity scene makers on site. Jewelry designers, ceramic and wooden toy makers and beekeepers are sure to have a Christmas gift or two for you.
Opening hours:
Dec 4 from 2:00 PM
Dec 5 from 11:00 AM
Dec 6 from 11:00 AM
Dec 7 from 11:00 AM
Dec 8 from 11:00 AM
Advent markets around Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
The Christmas markets in and around Klagenfurt am Wörthersee are not to be outdone this year when it comes to a pre-Christmas glittering spectacle. The eyes of visitors young and old are guaranteed to light up around the Carinthian capital.
Which market should definitely not be missing from your Advent bucket list?
