advent in graz

Graz during the Advent season is more than just Christmas lights and mulled wine: with ice, music and culture, the city has a very special atmosphere in the run up to Christmas. Explore the quiet and appealing sides of the city – from the Christmas market to the Ice Nativity Scene, and from the Nativity Trail to the Winter World.

When the smell of roast chestnuts and mulled wine wafts its way through the alleyways of Graz and thousands of Christmas lights illuminate the roofs of the old town, a special time of the year has begun. Advent in the capital of Styria combines a festive atmosphere with lived customs and traditions, urban flair and welcoming hospitality. Artfully designed Christmas markets, the unique Ice Nativity Scene and the traditional Office for Christmas Carols make the Advent season in Graz an atmospheric experience, nestling in the stunning location of the Old Town of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the best part: all the experiences are very close together. Welcome to the Advent of short distances.

„Have you ever heard of the Falling X-Mas Trees in Schmiedgasse?“

Christmas markets in Graz

From the traditional Christmas market to the modern light show: in Graz, 16 Christmas markets combine to create an atmospheric experience. Each market has its own character – sometimes traditional, sometimes creative, sometimes consciously sustainable. At the Christkindlmarkt on the main square, a nostalgic carousel turns before the historical backdrop, the Grieskindlmarkt on Nikolaiplatz, meanwhile, is the place to go for sustainability and regional products, Advent at the Glockenspielplatz is the place to go for traditional flair, and at the Wonderland at Mariahilferplatz, mulled wine meets with pop culture. Everything is a walk away – making Graz the “Advent of the short distances”

Christmas markets

The Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaus Courtyard

In the heart of Graz, a work of art made of ice is created every year: the world’s largest Ice Nativity Scene. Since 1996, Finnish artist Kimmo Frosti has been using a chisel and power saw to create an impressive depiction of the Holy Family from some 35 tons of crystal-clear ice. The figures are regularly renewed: after all, the transient is also part of the artwork. The Ice Nativity Scene is a fascinating Advent highlight which combines tradition, craftsmanship and wonder – and is only a few steps away from the main square in the beautiful courtyard of the Landhaus.

Office for Christmas Carols

Where else can you find more than 30,000 Christmas carols under one roof? The Office for Christmas Carols in Sporgasse is a unique place of musical tradition. It is home to musical scores, texts, stories and background information – from Alpine folk music to international classics. Whether it’s for reading, singing along or browsing: the office opens daily for all of those who want to discover Advent in music in the peaceful time of the year.

Graz Winter World

Put your skates on and off you go! With its 3,000 m² ice rink, the Graz Winter World at the foot of the Schlossberg invites visitors to enjoy active winter fun. Whether it’s gliding elegantly, helping your children on their first laps, or just watching and enjoying some mulled wine: this is where getting active and the Advent atmosphere merge in a most beautiful way. Its central location and cosy ambience make the Winter World a popular place at which to meet in the heart of the city.

Advent Tram and Advent Train

Travel through the Christmas hustle and bustle the easy way: the festively decorated Christmas Tram makes its way through the centre of Graz for free on Advent weekends (Fri–Sun) – a nostalgic experience complete with bells and history. Families especially like the Christmas Train through the Old Town, which makes children’s eyes light up and is also a great opportunity for adults to slow down and reflect. This way, every trip through the city at Christmas is an experience.

TIP: On Christmas Saturdays, all public transport in the Old Town is free of charge.

Nativity Trail through the Old Town

Between shop windows, churches and alleyways, the Grazer Nativity Trail wends its way through the Christmassy Old Town. Artistic depictions of the Holy Family are everywhere to be seen – sometimes interpreted classically, sometimes creatively. From the Diocese Museum to the Stempfergasse to smaller hidden courtyards, the trail invites you to discover and take things more slowly. It is a quiet tour for interested eyes – and a beautiful contrast to the bustle of the markets – which culminates in the Ice Nativity Scene.

City Centre Christmas Decorations

With more than 25,000 Christmas lights on display, the centre of Graz turns into a true Christmas wonderland. In the Herrengasse, festive lighting with motifs showing the sights of Graz stretch across the street, bathing the surroundings in a warm splendour. In the Schmiedgasse, the spectacular “Falling X-Mas Trees” are truly astonishing. Lovingly designed photo points await visitors – the small clock tower or the luminous Graz lettering are great places for a souvenir photo, for example. In the Stories World at Schlossbergplatz, fir trees are decorated with well-known fairy tales that invite you to read and listen.

Christmas brochure

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„Did you know that the city’s highest Christmas market is the Aufsteirern christmas market at the Schlossberg?“

Graz Region

Those eager to make the most of winter can enjoy a variety of activities – from scenic walks and fun sledging adventures to simply unwinding in the beauty of nature.

advent in graz

Christmas markets in Graz

The Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaus Courtyard

Office for Christmas Carols

Graz Winter World

Advent Tram and Advent Train

Nativity Trail through the Old Town

City Centre Christmas Decorations

Christmas brochure

Graz Region

cosy warmth

winter sports

accomodation

getting here

Graz Region