Christmas Markets in Carinthia

The magic of Christmas at Carinthia's lakes

During Advent, Carinthia’s lakes are transformed into enchanting winter settings, with festive lights reflected on the water and atmospheric experiences along the shores. At Lake Wörthersee, Velden delights with its floating Advent wreath and Children’s Advent, while Pörtschach celebrates art and music by the lake. Maria Wörth invites visitors to festive concerts, and the Pyramidenkogel offers breathtaking views from its Advent market high above the lake. Advent boat trips connect the festive lakeside locations with Klagenfurt.
At Lake Millstätter See, the 2.4-kilometre Lichtweg enchants visitors with atmospheric light installations illuminating historic buildings and special places. Boat trips offer another wonderful way to enjoy the lake’s peaceful winter atmosphere.

Urban Advent in Klagenfurt and Villach

The Advent season in Klagenfurt and Villach combines festive traditions with a vibrant urban atmosphere.
In Villach, Advent spreads throughout the historic city centre. The Art Advent at Nikolaiplatz, Hüttenadvent at Hauptplatz and Market Advent around the parish church create different festive highlights. The illuminated church tower gives Villach its nickname “City in the Light”, while Christmas stalls, an ice rink and activities for children add to the atmosphere.
In Klagenfurt, Hafenknistern at Lendhafen offers a unique Advent experience along the wintry Lendkanal. Fire bowls, lights, handicrafts, culinary treats, choral singing, jazz and Christmas music create a cosy setting for meeting and lingering.

Advent in the Mountains

In Carinthia’s mountains, Advent invites visitors to slow down and enjoy Christmas traditions amid beautiful winter landscapes. Lantern-lit paths, festive music and cosy stops create memorable experiences for all ages.
At 1,700 metres, the Katschberg Advent Trail features a lantern-lit route, tea stations, traditional songs and a teddy bear workshop. The Mallnitz Mountain Advent offers three Christmas markets, readings, crafts and walks with decorated llamas. In Bad Kleinkirchheim, the Christmas market, Star Trail and Path of Warmth meet centuries-old spa traditions.
New is the Schönleitn Christmas Village near Lake Faak. Historic farmhouses host music, readings and family activities, with the unique opportunity to stay overnight in the Christmas village.

Advent in Velden

During Advent, Velden on Lake Wörthersee transforms into a romantic City of Angels and the setting for one of Austria’s most beautiful Christmas markets. Festive lights, traditional crafts, regional delicacies and Christmas music create a magical atmosphere along the lakeside.
The spectacular floating Advent wreath illuminates the lake, while the enchanting illuminated park in the town centre provides a fairytale setting for Velden Children’s Advent. With its sparkling lights and festive charm, Velden invites visitors of all ages to enjoy special moments and experience the magic of Christmas.
20 November – 20 December 2026

Advent Above the Clouds – Pyramidenkogel

At 920 metres above sea level, the Pyramidenkogel Advent market offers breathtaking panoramic views of Carinthia’s winter landscape and the festively illuminated villages around Lake Wörthersee. The world’s tallest wooden observation tower shines like a giant Advent candle above the lake. At its foot, a charming Christmas market invites visitors to discover local crafts, regional delicacies and farmers’ products. Live music by local ensembles, choirs and instrumental groups creates an authentic festive atmosphere. Children can look forward to exciting adventures with Benno the bear and visit the Christmas house, where llamas, goats and donkeys occasionally stop by.
20 November – 20 December 2026

The Quiet Art Advent in Pörtschach

Along the picturesque lakeside promenade and across the peninsula, the Quiet Art Advent in Pörtschach invites visitors to discover a unique Advent trail on the shores of Lake Wörthersee. Atmospheric light installations and the peaceful lakeside setting create a magical backdrop for art and creativity. Local artists showcase their works and invite visitors to experience the creative process up close. Under the motto “Art that moves. Sounds that touch the soul”, sound installations and atmospheric concerts bring art to life, creating a special experience for all the senses.
20 November – 20 December 2026

Romantic Church Advent in Maria Wörth

Picturesquely situated on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, Maria Wörth is a magical place to experience Advent. Its historic pilgrimage churches provide a beautiful setting for Christmas concerts held every Saturday and Sunday. Follow the Ice Princess Luna to enchanting places where stories come alive, discover the wish tree and ring the wish bell when making a heartfelt wish. The charming Christmas market on the peninsula features handmade crafts, regional specialities and festive decorations. Visitors can also enjoy alpaca walks, guided tours of the pilgrimage churches and peaceful strolls along the beautifully decorated lakeside promenade.
21 November – 20 December 2026

Advent at the Millstatt Light Trail

On the shores of Lake Millstatt, the historic town centre transforms into an enchanting world of light and art during Advent. Along a 2.4-kilometre trail, the internationally acclaimed artist collective OchoReSotto illuminates historic façades, squares and parks with spectacular light installations. Light and sound create magical moments, while the 750-year-old Lindarius lime tree shares stories of the past. Visitors can write Christmas wishes on little paper boats and set them afloat on the lake. For a special winter experience, board the historic MS Porcia for an Advent cruise with warming punch and festive treats. Along the trail, cosy stalls serve punch and regional Carinthian delicacies.
29 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Amidst the Nockberge

Nestled in the Nockberge mountains, the World Cup and spa town of Bad Kleinkirchheim combines Christmas traditions with centuries-old thermal spring heritage. At the village square, opposite St. Kathrein Thermal Spa, a festive market featuring more than 30 stalls offers handmade wooden and felt crafts and Carinthian delicacies. Follow the 700-metre Star Trail with its enchanting stories and pony farm, or discover the “Path of Warmth”, leading past atmospheric fire pits and fragrant alpine aromas to St. Kathrein Church, built above a historic healing spring. Brass band concerts, horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s activities and the traditional St. Nicholas celebration with Perchten masks complete this special Advent experience.
27 November – 20 December 2026

On the mountain at 1,750 metres above sea level

The Katschberg Advent Path invites you on an atmospheric winter walk through the snow-covered landscape at 1,750 metres above sea level. Themed barns line the lantern-lit path, with a different surprise to be found in each one: from teddy bear making workshops to choral music, readings and warming tea. You can reach the starting point of the Advent Path via the so-called Wichtelweg (2.5 km) on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. It takes around 45 minutes to complete the path at a leisurely pace.  
25 November – 25 December 2026

Mallnitz Mountain Advent

Nestled in the Hohe Tauern National Park region, Mallnitz invites visitors to escape the pre-Christmas rush and rediscover the magic of a traditional Advent. A gentle 3.5-kilometre trail winds through the winter landscape, connecting three atmospheric Christmas markets in the village centre, the park and the BIOS National Park Centre. Discover regional delicacies, traditional crafts and festive music in charming wooden huts. Families can enjoy storytelling, Christmas crafts, tobogganing, a special post office for letters to the Christ Child and a festive Christmas train. A guided walk with beautifully decorated llamas adds a truly memorable touch to this peaceful mountain Advent experience.
27 November – 20 December 2026

Schönleitn Christmas Village

At Lake Faak, the Schönleitn Christmas Village transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland where Christmas traditions bring people together. Historic farmhouses, festively decorated squares and enchanting light installations create a cosy atmosphere filled with warmth and charm. At the village square, music, choir performances, readings and traditional customs invite visitors to enjoy peaceful Advent moments. Families can look forward to horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and ice skating right in the village. By the crackling fire, enjoy warm drinks and regional delicacies while soaking up the festive atmosphere. For a truly special experience, visitors can even stay overnight in the Christmas village.
19 November 2026 – 10 January 2027

Hafenknistern Klagenfurt

Hafenknistern transforms Klagenfurt’s Lendhafen into a vibrant meeting place where urban culture meets festive Advent spirit. Surrounded by art, creative crafts and flickering fire pits, visitors can enjoy regional delicacies, smoked fish and cosy places to relax by the water. A varied music programme ranging from choral singing and jazz to traditional Christmas melodies creates a unique atmosphere. Families will also find activities for children, making Hafenknistern a welcoming place for all generations. Right in the heart of Klagenfurt, this special waterfront setting invites visitors to slow down, connect and enjoy the anticipation of Christmas.
26 November – 20 December 2026

Villach – the City of Light

During Advent, Villach’s historic old town transforms into a magical Christmas world, with the illuminated tower of the parish church shining like a giant candle above the rooftops. Three festive markets invite visitors to explore: the Art Advent at Nikolaiplatz, the Hut Advent at Hauptplatz and the Market Advent around the parish church. Discover regional delicacies, the scent of Christmas cookies and unique gift ideas. A varied programme includes the traditional Krampus run, ice discos and skating shows at the town hall square. Children can look forward to cookie baking, pony rides, a miniature train and a carousel. Welcome to Villach – the City of Light.
20 November – 31 December 2026

From exploring snow-covered mountains to relaxing snowshoe hikes through the Carinthian countryside, the Winter Kärnten Card is your ideal companion. Impressive views from the Pyramidenkogel, absorbing culture at Carinthia’s museums, numerous cable cars and much more bring variety to the cold season. 
Further information: www.kaerntencard.at/winter/en/