Christmas in the center of Graz is a lovely time of year, the streets are decorated with lights, the festive shop windows and the smell of roasted chestnuts all make for a warm festive atmosphere. And of course the famous Advent Markets! Graz Holding has a great page in English with all the information below. I’m also including links from Graz Tourist office. There will be free rides on trams & buses in Graz zone 101, including the Schloßbergbahn on advent Saturdays – 2.12, 9.12, 16.12, 23.12.
The Christmas markets, also known as Christkindlmärkte, Weihnachtsmärkte or Adventmärkte, open November 18 – December 23). They are all within walking distance of each other in the historic city center.
• Christkindlmarkt vor dem Rathaus
• Advent-Treff am Eisernen Tor with stands by charitable institutions
• Adventmarkt am Glockenspielplatz
• Adventmarkt am Mehlplatz
• Kunsthandwerksmarkt am Färberplatz (from 01.12)
• Altgrazer Christkindlmarkt im Franziskanerviertel
• Kinderadvent in der kleinen Neutorgasse (also 26.12 – 01.01) ferris wheel & other small rides
• Adventmarkt im Joanneumsviertel
• ARTvent im Lesliehof (from 01.12).
• Aufsteirern-Adventmarkt am Schloßberg (only Fridays – Sundays) local styrian products
• Adventmarkt am Südtiroler Platz
• Wonderlend am Mariahilferplatz
• Grieskindlmarkt am Nikolaiplatz sustainable products from local designers
• Buntes aus aller Welt am Tummelplatz (from 23.11) world market
New! Adventlounge Schmiedgasse with sitting areas and gastronomy (3 pm – 10 pm)
Each market has their own theme and atmosphere so it’s worth visiting them all to find your favourite. My favourites are drinking mulled wine / Glühwein at the stylish stands in the Joanneumsviertel (usually quieter then other markets) or visiting the traditional Styrian market at the top of the Schlossberg (Friday – Sundays only). Small kids will enjoy the rides at the Kleine Neutorgasse. Visit the Graz Tourist website or Graz Holding for more information and opening times for each market.
The “Steirisches Volksliedwerk” Styrian centre for folk music offers the chance to sing christmas carols and creative crafts, on Fridays from 3 pm to 4.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 6 pm for both young and old at the Stadtpfarrhof in Herrengasse (registration required).
There are also free kids events at the Hauptplatz advent market on Sundays 2 pm – 3pm. Plus free childcare on advent Saturdays Dec 2 – 23 and Friday Dec 8th for kids 3 – 12 yrs at the Ferdinandeum VS School, Färbergasse 11 where they will be entertained with crafts and Kasperltheatre 11 am – 5 pm. Parents can enjoy some child-free shopping time!
A fun way to view the markets is to take the tiny advent train through the city center. It runs daily 11 am – 9 pm from Hauptplatz, €3 adults / €2 kids.
Take a free 30 min ride on the Advent bim , an old tram decorated inside and out with christmas lights and be entertained with christmas tunes. Enter / return at Jakominiplatz, Hauptplatz or Südtiroler Platz. From November 18, Friday to Sunday 4 pm – 8 pm
The christmas lights will be on daily 4 pm – 10 pm (2 am on Dec 24 and 31) until 07.01. The Rathaus and Mariahilferkirche will both have colourful light projections on their facades.
One of the main features is the ice nativity scene from Dec 2nd in the Landhaus courtyard. Made from 35 tons of crystal-clear ice, by the Finnish ice sculptor Kimmo Frosti and his team.
The Grazer Winterwelt ice skating rink at the Landesportzentrum, at the foot of the Schlossberg in the Stadtpark, is open untill Jan 28th 9 am – 7 pm, along with the Advent Paradies market offering hot drinks and snacks. Special disco evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.
Outside of Graz, at the Murhof Golfclub near Frohnleiten, you can also enjoy Lumagica – a 1.5 km long circular path leads past an enchanted fairtale world, full of luminous objects and installations with music in the background. Tickets from €17 (kids €9). A free shuttle service for visitors is available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from Frohnleiten train station.
New Year
Due to pollution, fireworks are banned in the city of Graz (although you’ll still hear them going off everywhere!). The city of Graz holds 5 big water, fire, laser and light shows in front of the Rathaus on December 31st from 5.30 pm until midnight (the first two shows are usually family friendly).
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My Graz 
Just visited Graz and enjoyed my trip. Your post and photos reflect the scenes there nicely.
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