Salzburg Christmas Market & City Tour: Explore Historic Center and Learn Local Alpine Traditions
4.8
27 Ratings
Salzburg
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Salzburg Christmas Market and discover the rich traditions of the Alpine region. Explore the historic center, learn about the origins of the famous song 'Silent Night, Holy Night,' and indulge in local culinary delights and traditional crafts.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Residenzplatz Market - We will meet at the residence square and walk around the Christmas market. Learn who lived in the Residence building, why Christmas markets were important to people, where to still find real arts and crafts from Salzburg, how salt trade impacted life here or what kind of traditions happen during the Christmas season.

  • Salzburg Cathedral - Visit the Salzburg Dom and be amazed by the beautiful baroque design from the 17th century. Find 7 organs inside, a beautifully handcrafted manger and a historic baptismal font. Learn about the story of the song Silent Night, how christmas traditions developed and how locals celebrate Christmas​ in this church.

  • St. Peter’s Abbey (Stift St. Peter) - Stop at one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries Europe’s to learn about Salzburg’s history, the musicians Michael Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Next to the monastery is the beautiful cemetery with all the wrought iron crosses, one of Europe’s oldest Restaurant, small hidden areas decorated beautifully for Christmas. Also, follow the smell of freshly baked bread to the oldest bakery in town.

  • Salzburg Festival - Many Christmas performances happen here in this big Festival Hall since the last century. Already the van Trapp family started their career with a choir contest in Salzburg. Listen to some interesting stories before going on to the next sight.

  • Getreidegasse - W.A.Mozart was born in the most famous shopping street. He started his career with his sister early in life. The Mozart Museum is worth a visit during your stay. We will talk about his life in front of the building to be able to also see the buildings and shops.

  • Alter Markt - This square offers well-known coffee houses or candy shops. Try one of the famous Mozartkugel (chocolate) from a shop and find out how or where they are made.

  • Residenzplatz Market - Back at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, you will see the Christmas tree with many lights. Learn about the tradition of the trees, the purpose of a green tree, the traditions and celebrations during the winter season.

Finish the tour, warm up with a warm drink and delicious local food at one of the food stands with homemade delicacies.

What's Included
  • Professional guide
Additional Information

Join the festive spirit a little ahead of Christmas in the historic heart of the city, while gaining fascinating insights into Salzburg’s Christmas market and the local Alpine customs. Over a 90 minutes’ tour, explore the prominent attractions of the Old Town and delve into the intriguing history behind the globally acclaimed hymn, “Silent Night, Holy Night”. We will offer exclusive recommendations for your Christmas shopping, uncover the lesser-known facets and idiosyncrasies of the city, its gastronomic delights and traditional artisanship. Remember to savor the best Glühwein or other warm beverage as the tour concludes before immersing into the Yuletide joy in Salzburg.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
Residenzpl. 1
Residenzplatz
Meet me at Residence square 1, directly at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, in front of the big Christmas tree and near the sign "Salzburger Christmas Tour"
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(27 Ratings)
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Candidocal
Feb 22, 2024
Salzburg Market - Beautiful experience from Vienna by train, the Salzburg market is an experience worth having for the place and the atmosphere you can breathe, I recommend a visit to Furst for the famous Mozart balls nearby.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I9939nwbrianc
Dec 21, 2023
Beautiful early Christmas in Salzburg - We took the train from Schliersee and arrived just after dark. The lights were so festive and Christmasy. The weather was cool and crisp, and the new fallen snow surrounded the area. Kids were ice skating on the manmade rink on the edge of the vendors. We found the vendors to be very pleasant and very conversational. Which is great, especially given that my German consists of 10 words. We always enjoy a few minutes on the lock bridge as we walk towards the market. Always amazed at how long people have been hanging locks there. I highly recommend taking a stroll through the market and enjoying some great food. Try the handmade pizza. Delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
502steveg
Dec 9, 2022
Go for the chicken sticks and fries - I was here for the Christmas market. If you like market food, you’ll have no problem finding something to eat. Lots of glühwein for the cold temps. But you’ll find no hot chocolate. There are other hot drinks, but I stayed with glühwein. Did not experience anything bad. Just be aware of your bags and pockets when its crowded.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariange762gw
Jan 3, 2020
Good for Adults and kids - We are a family of 5 (with 3 girls ages 11,11 & 9) and all of us really enjoyed the tour with Michaela. Our group was really fun and it provided us with so much valuable information. Michaela was so good with our girls, and even made it fun for them, She was always careful to include the girls in all the conversations. Besides, Salzburg is really magicak during Christmas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anacr0ss
Dec 28, 2019
Nice - It's a big Christmas Market, that spreads through the old downtown streets and gardens. Plenty of things to see, crafts, food, mulled wines and warm punsches, winter clothes and local treasures. A truly fun experience.
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Robin_m
Dec 27, 2019
Worth the money! - So much more than learning about the Christmas Market. Wonderful opportunity to hear about local culture and history. Our guide was amazing. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Valeries749
Dec 20, 2019
Great tour - My husband and I joined Michaela for our Christmas Market tour and really enjoyed it. The markets are fantastic but we also enjoyed the historical information that she supplied as we strolled around the old town. Michaela was an excellent guide and we were very fortunate to have her all to ourselves. I have completely fallen in love with Salzburg.
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Luciac863
Dec 8, 2019
Beautiful and Quaint City - Salzburg was a beautiful city. It was quaint and the people were lovely. Plenty of history, places to see and eat.
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Cathleenh366
Dec 5, 2019
Christmas Market tour - We came to Salzburg on our first visit. The city was more beautiful than expected. The tour was very nice and all our questions were answered. We learned many items of history on city and region with a little Mozart as well.
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Robert_g
Dec 17, 2022
Our guide was excellent... - Our guide was excellent and the tour was good. However getting to the meeting point was very difficult because of lack of information on where and how to park.
Review provided by Viator