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Event Details
Welcome to the Graz Christmas Market 2026 at Hauptplatz
From November 20 to December 24, 2026, the historic center of Graz turns into a festive world of fairy lights, mulled wine and beautifully decorated wooden huts. At its heart is the Christmas market on Hauptplatz, right in front of the town hall, but within a short walk seven more advent markets line the streets of the old town. This makes Graz one of the Austrian cities where the Christmas spirit can be experienced most densely, entirely on foot.
Highlights and Attractions at the Graz Christmas Market
- A beautifully lit Christmas tree at the center of Hauptplatz and a lit avenue leading to the town hall
- A festive light projection on the town hall facade, designed as a giant advent calendar
- A nostalgic carousel for children with a lively weekend program
- Eight advent markets across the city center, all within comfortable walking distance of one another
- The Aufsteirern Christmas market on Schlossberg hill, with views over the rooftops of the old town
- Free public transport within tariff zone 101 on every advent Saturday
- The starting point for the popular family advent train right on Hauptplatz
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Graz
The Hauptplatz Christmas market is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, with food and drink stalls staying open until 10 pm. On December 24, 2026, the market closes early at 2 pm. On weekends, a children's program runs Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm in the Kids Pavilion, and Sundays from 2 to 4 pm feature a Christmas show with puppet theater. The detailed 2026 program will be published by the city of Graz later in autumn.
Tickets and Admission for the Graz Christmas Market
Entry to every advent market in Graz, including the one on Hauptplatz, is free of charge. No ticket is required; visitors only pay on site for food, drinks and handicrafts.
Other Advent Markets in Graz City Center
Around Hauptplatz, visitors will find seven further advent markets, each with its own distinct character, making a stroll through the old town well worth extending.
Aufsteirern Christmas Market on Schlossberg Hill
Up on the Graz Schlossberg, reachable by funicular or the Schlossberg lift, the Aufsteirern Christmas market takes place on five advent weekends. From November 20 to December 20, 2026, it offers Styrian specialties and regional handicrafts inside the Kasematten, along with sweeping views over the illuminated old town. Opening hours are Friday 12 to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm, with additional special opening days on December 7 and 8.
Altgrazer Christmas Market in the Franciscan Quarter
The oldest Christmas market in the city sits on Franziskanerplatz, just steps from Hauptplatz, and is dedicated to rural traditions with handicrafts and products from Styria's culinary regions. It runs from November 20 to December 24, 2026, daily from 11 am to 10 pm, and until 2 pm on December 24.
Advent Market on Glockenspielplatz
Under the motto Styria, this market centers on local handicrafts and communal advent wreath making, along with visits from Nikolo and Krampus. It runs from November 21 to December 24, 2026, daily from 11 am to 8 pm, with food stalls open until 10 pm and shortened hours until 2 pm on Christmas Eve.
Advent Market on Mehlplatz
This smaller, centrally located market on Mehlplatz offers creative mulled wine varieties alongside handicrafts and homemade waffles. It is open from November 20 to December 24, 2026, daily from 11 am to 7 pm, food stalls until 10 pm, and until 4 pm on December 24.
Winter Wonderlend on Mariahilferplatz
On Mariahilferplatz, a modern lighting concept built around a large Christmas tree gives this market a younger, contemporary atmosphere. It runs from November 20 to December 23, 2026, with live music every Saturday.
Handicraft Market on Färberplatz
Around fifty local and international artisans and designers present handmade one of a kind pieces in clay, glass, wood and metal on Färberplatz. This market opens a week later than most others and runs from November 27 to December 23, 2026, with staggered opening hours between 11 am and 10 pm depending on the day.
Advent in the Joanneumsviertel
In the courtyard of the Joanneumsviertel, some of Styria's best restaurateurs serve mulled wine and winter treats in a quieter, culturally focused setting, complemented by the ARTvent handicraft market in the Lesliehof. Exact 2026 dates had not yet been published at the time of research; in previous years the market ran from late November through December 23.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Graz
- All the city center advent markets are within short walking distance of each other, so a car is not needed to visit them
- Free public transport applies on advent Saturdays within tariff zone 101, including the Schlossberg funicular
- Late November and December typically bring cold, sometimes damp winter weather to Graz, so warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended
- Accommodation in the Graz city center should be booked well ahead of the advent weekends
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
