Christmas in the center of Graz is a wonderful time of year – the sparking light decorations, the shop windows and the smell of roasted chestnuts all make for a warm festive atmosphere. And of course the famous Advent Markets.
Plus free rides on trams & buses (with 1 or two numbers) in Graz zone 101, including the Schloßbergbahn on advent Saturdays – 30.11, 7.12, 14.12, 21.12.
The Christmas markets, also known as Christkindlmärkte, Weihnachtsmärkte or Adventmärkte, open November 22 – December 24). They are all within walking distance in the historic city center. This year there is a new advent market at Karmeliterplatz and redeveloped concepts at Eisernen Tor and Mariahilferplatz. There is also more focus on sustainability and regional products this year. Info below from Graz Holding.
Hauptplatz (from 22.11.): The festively decorated Christmas tree, the avenue of lights, arts and crafts and culinary delights enchant visitors to the main square.
Eisernen Tor (from 22.11.): Back to what Advent originally meant: contemplation, peace and quiet, cosy get-togethers. The Advent market at the Eisernes Tor offers a chance to return and reflect.
Mehlplatz (from 22.11.):Punch & mulled wine stands with unusual creations can be found here, as well as beautiful handicrafts and desserts such as homemade waffles.
Franziskanerviertel (from 22.11.): The oldest Christmas market in Graz is dedicated to rural traditions, displays Thuringian Christmas tree decorations and presents products from the Styrian gourmet regions.
Joanneum Quarter (from 22.11./29.11.): The ‘Styrian Arts and Crafts Initiative’ presents extraordinary gift ideas, while well-known Styrian restaurateurs serve only the best in the Joanneum Quarter.
Children’s Advent in Kleine Neutorgasse (from 22.11.): In front of the Franciscan Church, children’s eyes light up at the sight of the carousel, nostalgic Ferris wheel, giant snowman and sweets that sweeten the wait for Christkind.
Südtiroler Platz (from 22.11.): Around the Steirerhütte, culinary delicacies, the largest painted Christmas tree ball and a historic sleigh invite you to linger in a rustic atmosphere.
Wonderlend on Mariahilferplatz (from 22.11.): Experience a harmonious festival full of Christmas tradition and culture on Mariahilferplatz. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt.
Grieskindlmarkt at Nikolaiplatz (from 22.11.): Sustainable, fairly produced and regional gifts, mulled wine and punch, Christmas biscuits and apple strudel, waffles and tarte flambée: all homemade with lots of love.
Glockenspielplatz (from 22.11.): Charming tradition and Styrian customs enchant with local handicrafts, joint Advent wreath making and a visit from St Nicholas and Krampus.
Aufsteirern Advent Market on the Schloßberg (from 22.11.): In an incomparable Christmas atmosphere, traditional Styrian culture is combined with a festive mood and brings the magic of Christmas to life. Friday – Sundays only
Worldmarket at Tummelplatz (from 22.11.): Exhibitors from four continents show original gifts, woollen goods, winter textiles, Christmas decorations and handicrafts. There is also regionally conscious gastronomy.
Art/craft/market on Färberplatz (from 29.11.): Artisans offer handmade unique pieces & small series. Organic & regional specialities, live music and children’s workshops create a festive atmosphere.
Advent lounge in the Schmiedgasse (from 22.11.): High-quality Advent huts offer exquisite punch and culinary delicacies that can be enjoyed in the four cosy lounge areas.
Karmeliterplatz (from 22.11.): At the urban Christmas market with a view of the clock tower, atmospheric light projections, high-quality gourmet products and live music create a pre-Christmas ambience.
Each market has their own theme and atmosphere so it’s worth visiting them all to find your favourite. Visit the Graz Tourist website or Graz Holding for more information and opening times for each market. You can also pick up a useful brochure with all the information about markets and special events calendar (some highlights below) or view it on-line here.
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 10€ adults / 5€ kids)
29.11.: Tie an Advent wreath and sing Christmas carols
06.12.2024: Making Christmas tree decorations and singing Christmas carols
13.12.2024: Making straw stars and singing Christmas carols
20.12.2024: Decorate gingerbread and sing Christmas carols
Parents can enjoy some child-free shopping time with free childcare on advent Saturdays for kids 3 – 12 yrs at Tummelplatz, Kinderfreunde Steiermark where they will be entertained with crafts and Kasperltheatre 11 am – 5 pm. You can see the list of activities in the link above.
On top of the Schlossberg in the Liesl tower (near the Schlossbergbahn) the Engerlbackstube will be open for kids to bake christmas cookies Friday 14:00 – 19:00 and Saturday & Sundays 12:00 – 19:00. (Free, they decorate and make just a few cookie each). On the second floor is Advent wreath making on Nov 24.
There is also a fun free kids program with crafts, theater, visits from Nikolas and the krampus and other events every weekend at different advent markets – you can find them all here.
A fun way to view the markets is to take the tiny advent train through the city center. It runs daily 11 am – 8 pm from Hauptplatz, €3 adults / €2 kids.
Or 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 22.11. to 24.12. Friday-Sunday, 4 – 9 pm (11 am – 5 pm on 24.12.)
The christmas street lights will be turned on November 21st and then daily 4 pm – 10 pm (2 am on Dec 24 and 31) until January 6th. The Rathaus and Mariahilferkirche will both have colourful light projections on their facades. The giant christmas tree at Hauptplatz will be lit from November 30th.
A nice features is the ice nativity scene from Nov 30th 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 Feb 2nd, 2025 , along with the Advent Paradies market offering hot drinks and snacks. Special disco evenings on Friday and Saturdays evenings. For migrant families who can’t afford the skating fees, Caritas SIQ – sports & integration will be covering entry and ice skate rental on Thursdays evenings for up to 30 people (check their facebook or website for upcoming info).
Other nice places to sip mulled wine is at the open-air bar at Murinsel which is decorated with 100 christmas trees 29.11. to 22.12.2024: Fri, Sat and Sun, 12 am – 7.30 pm.
The Park Hotel near the Stadtpark in St Leonhard has a romantic outdoor adventmarkt starting November 21st with warm food and drink from 17:00 – 22:00.
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 €18 (kids €11). A free shuttle service for visitors is available 16:10 – 20:30 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from Frohnleiten train station. There is also the option of a direct bus from Graz train station on Saturdays for 8€.
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 at 5.30 pm, 7.30 pm, 9.00 pm, 10.30 pm and midnight (the first two shows are usually family friendly).
There is also a big Silvester-Party at Mariahilferplatz with DJ “Radio Flamingo” from 20.00 until 02.00.
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My Graz 
I enjoyed visiting Graz’s Christmas Markets last year. The gluhwein and the raclet made a special impression on me!
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