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Austrian Christmas Traditions: Advent, Christkind, and Festive Customs

Austrian Christmas traditions include Advent wreaths, Christkind gift-giving, festive markets, caroling, nativity scenes, and enjoying treats like Vanillekipferl cookies and Stollen cake.

What are Austrian Christmas traditions? | How do Austrians celebrate Christmas? | What are the Austrian Christmas customs and traditions | Christmas in Austria explained | Advent and Christkind in Austria | Austrian Christmas markets and traditions are magical.

Here is a list of Christmas Traditions in Austria

Baking cookies and pastries are a favorite activity in Austria during Advent.
Homes all have Advent wreaths with 4 candles, each of which is being lit every Sunday during Advent. Advent Calendars are also popular.
Barbaratag is celebrated on the 4^th of December – a day dedicated to Saint Barbara. People place small twigs from cherry trees or forsythias in their homes and wait to see if the twig blossoms on Christmas Eve, which will then be a sign of good luck. It could (according to some traditions in Austria) mean that a member of your family is going to get married in the next year.
Saint Nicholas arrives on the 6^th of December (some might say a bit early) and goes from house to house leaving sweet treats for the children. In the “Silent Night” villages in Upper Austria, Tirol and Salzburger, Saint Nicholas and his scary helper, might knock on the door and ask if the children were naughty or nice. Then the “nice” children get rewarded with sweet treats.
Although he is often accompanied by Krampus, his not-so-cool helper who punishes the naughty children with his rod; the children are not so scared of Krampus. On the evening of 5 December, people even dress up as Krampus (Almost like Halloween) and roam the streets in parades making strange noises. (Well it is scary to me. I will rather be good.)
On the 24^th of December the Christkind (Christ Child), and not Santa Clause, comes to deliver presents. Yes, Austrian children do not believe in Santa Clause or Father Christmas. They believe that the Christ Child or Christkind brings the presents. Children listen outside to hear a bell ring which is the sign that you can enter the room and get your presents. Usually, presents are opened on Weihnachten (Christmas Eve).

Did you know

Traditionally the Advent wreaths have three lilac candles and one pink candle. The pink candle marked the third Advent Sunday and symbolizes “Joy” in waiting for the Christ child to be born.

What to expect in some villages

In some of the Austrian Villages on Christmas Eve, shops already close at around 6 p.m. (This includes most bars and restaurants as well.) You may still find a few places that will serve coffee, but for most the villages turns almost quiet until around 7 p.m. Then the Christmas tree is lit for the first time and the families gather to sing “Silent Night” around the Christmas tree.

The perfect souvenir when traveling to Austria during Christmas

When visiting Austria at Christmas, a nativity scene, even a small one, makes the perfect souvenir as they are a beloved and iconic Austrian tradition.

7 Interesting facts about Austrian Christmas traditions:

The Christkind Brings Gifts
In Austria, it’s not Santa Claus but the Christkind (Christ Child) who delivers gifts on Christmas Eve.
Advent Wreaths Are Essential
Most homes have an Advent wreath (Adventkranz) with four candles, one lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Silent Night Originated Here
The famous Christmas carol “Silent Night” (Stille Nacht) was first performed in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria.
Krampus Scares Naughty Kids
Austrian folklore includes Krampus, a frightening figure who punishes naughty children during the festive season.
Christmas Markets Are a Big Deal
Austria’s Christmas markets, like those in Vienna and Salzburg, are world-renowned for their charm and festive atmosphere.
Nativity Scenes Are Works of Art
Handcrafted nativity scenes (Krippen) are a treasured tradition, displayed in homes and churches across Austria.
Festive Treats Are Everywhere
Austrian Christmas features delicious treats like Vanillekipferl cookies, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and traditional Stollen cake.

Christmas in Austria is a magical experience like no other. From charming Advent markets filled with handcrafted treasures to the enchanting sound of carols like Silent Night, every corner radiates festive warmth. You’ll savor traditional treats, witness time-honored customs like the Christkind and Krampus parades, and immerse yourself in a fairytale atmosphere of snow-dusted villages and twinkling lights. Austria captures the true spirit of Christmas, making it the perfect destination to celebrate the season with joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories.

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