Are you attending?
Event Details
Welcome to the Christmas Markets 2026 in Lower Austria
Lower Austria offers one of Austria’s most diverse Advent landscapes in 2026 – from Baroque castles and the UNESCO Wachau to expansively illuminated adventure gardens. The Christmas Market at Schloss Hof runs from 14 November to 20 December 2026 on weekends plus 7 and 8 December and stands out with its historic setting. It is complemented by the long-running Kittenberger Advent Magic, the free Krems Adventzauber and the unique floating Wachau Advent in Dürnstein.
Highlights & Attractions at the Christmas Markets in Lower Austria
- Baroque Christmas Market at Schloss Hof with crafts, cuisine, light installations and family programme
- Kittenberger Advent Magic with more than 650,000 lights across 50 themed gardens and daily Advent show
- Krems Adventzauber in the historic old town of the UNESCO Wachau with free admission
- Wachau Advent in Dürnstein – Austria’s first floating Advent market on the Danube
- FAIRzaubert in the Kurpark of Baden bei Wien with spa-town atmosphere
- Regional specialities, high-quality handicrafts and atmospheric live music at all locations
- Family-friendly programmes with puppet shows, craft workshops, pony rides and children’s trains
Find Accommodation in Lower Austria
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The season begins in early November and runs into early January. Schloss Hof opens on selected weekends and offers market access together with the palace and park. The Kittenberger Advent Magic operates daily and turns the gardens into a sea of lights. In the Wachau, Krems and Dürnstein combine historic old towns with Danube romance. Many markets emphasise regional craftsmanship and sustainable products.
Christmas Market at Schloss Hof
From 14 November to 20 December 2026 (Saturdays, Sundays plus 7 and 8 December) from 10:00 to 19:00. Market admission approx. €12 for adults and €6 for children. Highlights include light installations, nativity exhibition, stable Christmas and an extensive children’s programme.
Kittenberger Advent Magic in Schiltern
From 7 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 daily 11:30–19:00 (closed on selected holidays). Adult admission approx. €14–15. More than 50 Christmas-decorated gardens, floating giant Advent wreath, ice magic garden and daily Advent show from late November.
Krems Adventzauber
From 19 November to 23 December 2026 in the old town of Krems. Free admission. Craft stalls and punch huts along the pedestrian zone, supporting programme with choirs and walking acts.
Wachau Advent in Dürnstein
Weekends from 20 November to 13 December 2026 (blocks: 20–22 Nov, 27–29 Nov, 4–8 Dec, 11–13 Dec). Admission approx. €8–10. Highlight is the floating Advent market on the Danube plus monastery courtyard and castle area.
Further recommended markets
Baden FAIRzaubert in the Kurpark (20 Nov–23 Dec 2026), Aggstein Castle Advent (late October to late November, Fri–Sun), Waldviertel Christkindlmarkt at Schloss Rosenburg (21–29 Nov 2026) and Schallaburg Christmas Market (11–13 Dec 2026).
Tickets & Admission for the Christmas Markets Lower Austria 2026
Many city and old-town markets (Krems, Baden) are free of charge. Schloss Hof and Kittenberger charge admission (approx. €6–15 depending on age and location). Dürnstein and Aggstein also levy moderate fees. The Lower Austria Card grants free or reduced entry once at many sites. Food and drinks are in the usual Christmas-market price range. Tickets for Schloss Hof and Kittenberger are best booked online in advance.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Lower Austria
- Well reachable by train: Krems and the Wachau via the Wachau Railway, Schloss Hof with shuttle from Vienna, Baden with the Badner Bahn.
- Warm, windproof clothing and sturdy shoes – it can be cool and damp especially in the Wachau and on the palace grounds.
- Book accommodation in Krems, Dürnstein, Langenlois or Baden early, as Advent weekends are heavily booked.
- Combine several markets in one weekend (e.g. Krems + Dürnstein or Schloss Hof + Kittenberger).
- Evenings bring out the light installations best – allow enough time for the gardens and palace parks.
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.
