Are you attending?
Event Details
Welcome to Advent 2026 in Carinthia
Carinthia combines two things during the Christmas season that few other Austrian regions offer together: classic Christkindl markets in the state capital Klagenfurt and in Villach, alongside romantic advent markets right on the shore of Lake Wörthersee and unusual mountain markets set high above the clouds. Between mid November and New Year's Eve 2026, events are spread across the whole state, letting visitors choose between city bustle, quiet lakeside charm and alpine winter magic.
What Makes Carinthia's Advent Season Special
Unlike many other regions, Carinthia's Christmas season is shaped equally by lakes and mountains. Around Lake Wörthersee, string lights and illuminated boat jetties reflect in the water, while in the Nockberge mountains and at altitudes above 1,700 meters, advent markets appear that can only be reached by cable car or along lit up hiking paths. This variety means a single market rarely tells the whole story; exploring several towns is where Carinthia's Advent really comes alive.
Christkindlmarkt am Neuen Platz in Klagenfurt
The heart of Carinthia's Advent runs from November 14 to December 24, 2026, around the Lindwurm fountain on Neuer Platz, right in front of Klagenfurt's town hall. Craft stalls, Christmas decorations, gift items and food stands make up the region's largest Christkindlmarkt, while the illuminated old town streets invite a festive winter stroll.
Villacher Advent: Market, Huts and Arts Advent
In Villach, the 2026 Advent currently runs from November 13 to December 31 across several squares in the old town: the Marktadvent around the parish church on Oberer Kirchenplatz, the Hüttenadvent on Hauptplatz, and the craft focused Kunstadvent on Nikolaiplatz. A particular highlight is the Villacher Krampuslauf, which traditionally brings more than 1,000 Krampus figures through the city center. Since exact opening hours for the three squares can shift slightly year to year, it is worth checking the official Villacher Advent website before visiting.
Veldener Advent at Lake Wörthersee
The Christmas market in Velden am Wörthersee runs from November 20 to December 20, 2026, plus December 7 and 8. It opens Fridays from 3 to 8 pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and the two December dates from 11 am to 8 pm. Admission is free, and the lakeside setting makes it one of the most romantic Advent backdrops in Carinthia.
Stiller Advent in Pörtschach am Wörthersee
Also running from November 20 to December 20, 2026, Pörtschach hosts its Stiller Advent on weekends plus December 7 and 8. A lighted path along the lake, Carinthian music and choir performances make this a quieter, more reflective alternative to the bigger city markets.
Kirchenadvent Maria Wörth
On the Maria Wörth peninsula with its two historic churches, the Kirchenadvent takes place from November 21 to December 20, 2026, on weekends plus December 7 and 8. Fire bowls, lanterns and the lakeside setting make this small market one of the most atmospheric in the region.
Advent über den Wolken at the Pyramidenkogel
In Keutschach am See, at the foot of the world's tallest wooden observation tower, the Pyramidenkogel advent market runs from November 20 to December 20, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays plus December 7 and 8. At 920 meters above sea level, the market offers sweeping views over Carinthia's wintry lakes and mountains, and admission is free.
Katschberger Adventweg
At around 1,700 meters above sea level, the Katschberg turns into an illuminated advent trail from November 25 to December 23, 2026, open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 8 pm, plus December 8 and 25. Admission is ticketed and includes a thermo mug with free tea along the route; adults currently pay 27 euros for a new mug or 22 euros with a mug from a previous year, while children under 12 enter free.
Kirchheimer Advent in Bad Kleinkirchheim
The advent market on the village square of Bad Kleinkirchheim, directly opposite the St. Kathrein thermal spa, runs from November 27 to December 20, 2026, Fridays through Sundays, plus December 7 and 8. A Sternenweg path through the spa park and a Weg der Wärme leading to St. Kathrein church round out the program, which pairs well with a visit to the thermal baths.
Adventmarkt at Hochosterwitz Castle
The dramatically sited Hochosterwitz Castle in Launsdorf, perched on a rocky outcrop, opens its advent market from December 4 to 8, 2026. Visitors reach the market through 14 historic gates or by lift, finding craft stalls, nativity scenes and regional products set against a unique medieval backdrop; access on foot is free.
Petzen Christkindlmarkt at 1,700 Meters
Austria's highest Christmas market takes place in Feistritz ob Bleiburg on five dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19, 2026, reached by the Petzen Bergbahnen cable car. Craft stalls, regional delicacies and the striking mountain setting make this small but distinctive market a worthwhile trip for anyone who loves the mountains.
Find Accommodation in Klagenfurt
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Visitor Tips for Carinthia's Christmas Markets
- Smaller mountain markets like Katschberg or Petzen often run on select dates only, so checking the exact schedule in advance matters more here than elsewhere
- Warm clothing is recommended for the lakeside markets around Wörthersee, since open areas by the water can feel noticeably colder than the town centers
- Sturdy footwear is a good idea for the Katschberg and Petzen markets, since the paths can be snowy and uneven
- In Klagenfurt and Villach, public transport is worth considering, since the old towns get busy on 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.
