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Ad­vent in Graz

The most beautiful time of the year is celebrated in Graz in a very special way. Advent in its most beautiful form, an experience for young and old. Here you can find all the info!

Nächtlicher Hauptplatz in Graz mit Adventmärkten
© Region Graz/Robert

This will be Advent in Graz 2024:

Here you can find all the information about the highlights of Advent in Graz in 2024. At 2.1 million people, Advent in 2023 attracted more visitors to the city centre than ever before. Compared to 2022, 100,000 more people were out and about in the city. Enjoy our Christmas markets and many other attractions again this year.

Advent markets:

Around the Advent markets, visitors can expect numerous pre-Christmas attractions throughout the city centre during what is probably the most beautiful time of the year. The many different markets and Advent highlights can be easily reached on foot. There are also convenient and attractive Christmas mobility options.

Advent markets: from 22 November to 24 December 2024
Arts and crafts: from 29 November to 24 December 2024

 

Festlich beleuchteter Adventmarkt am Hauptplatz (Luftaufnahme)
Beleuchteter Hauptplatz mit Blick vom Rathaus zum Schloßberg in der Adventzeit. Advent in Graz.

Christmas tree:

This year, Graz’s main square will be adorned with a magnificent Christmas tree from the Altaussee region. Energie Graz provides the festive glamour, lovingly decorating the tree by hand with over 25,000 lights.

Main square, from 30.11.2024
Illuminated daily from 4 to 10 pm
24.12. until 2 am

Blick auf den weihnachtlichen Hauptplatz mit Christbaum in der Mitte
Christkindlmarkt am Grazer Hauptplatz 2023

Christmas illumination:

The Christmas lights give the city centre of Graz that very special pre-Christmas ambience. Numerous squares and streets with different motifs invite you to look and marvel. A very special highlight is the new lighting in Herrengasse.

From 21 November 2024

Tramway runs through Herrengasse illuminated for Christmas.
© Sebastian Zier

The ice crib:

The ice nativity scene in the historic Landhaus courtyard is one of the classics of ‘Advent in Graz’ and arouses enthusiasm among Christmas lovers year after year – even worldwide. Renowned Finnish ice artist Kimmo Frosti and his international team of ice carvers transform over 33.3 tonnes of crystal-clear ice into a unique work of art. After dusk, the ice cot is beautifully illuminated with atmospheric lighting.

Landhaushof, from 30.11.2024
Daily 8 am to 9 pm

Festive illuminated ice crib
© achtzigzehn/Hinterleitner

Graz winter world:

What would ‘Advent in Graz’ be without the Graz Winter World? The 3,000 square metre ice rink offers a variety of winter delights. Guests can not only indulge in classic ice skating here, but also try their hand at curling or ice hockey.

For those who do not bring their own equipment, a comprehensive skate hire service is available. Directly accessible from the ice rink, the catering area invites you to take a well-earned break. Here, visitors can fortify themselves with hot drinks and a selection of snacks while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Provincial sports centre, from 15 November

Graz winter world
Zwei junge Frauen in der Winterwelt
© Winterwelt/Stefan Leitner

Adventbim (Advent tramway) & Advent slow train (Bummelzug)

The Advent slow train makes its rounds through the Christmassy old town and invites passengers of all ages on a journey of discovery. The festively decorated Advent Bim from the Graz Tramway Museum is also on the way.

Slow train: daily from 22.11. – 24.12. from 11 am – 8 pm (11 am – 2 pm on 24.12.)

Adventbim: from 22.11. to 24.12. Friday-Sunday, 4 – 9 pm (11 am – 5 pm on 24.12.)

Adventbim in the illuminated Herrengasse in the evening during Advent.
© Stadt Graz/Foto Fischer

Old Town Bim (Altstadtbim) and free rides on Saturdays:

Free travel* for all generally applies on all Advent Saturdays. In the city centre, you can travel for free every day thanks to the Altstadtbim**.

Advent Saturdays:

30.11., 7.12., 14.12., 21.12.

*applies to all public transport with 1- or 2-digit numbers in fare zone 101, + Schloßbergbahn, except night buses.
**between Haupt- and Jakominiplatz plus 1 stop each – info here!

©

Advent projections:

During Advent, not only the streets and squares in the city centre are illuminated for Christmas, but also Graz City Hall. From 1 December, an oversized Advent calendar can even be seen on the façade. In childlike anticipation, the whole of Graz counts down the remaining days until Christmas Eve.

Hauptplatz, 21.11. – 24.12., 4 – 10 p.m. (on 24.12. until 2 a.m. the following day)

Illuminated Graz City Hall in Advent
© Stadt Graz/Foto Fischer
Illuminated mini clock tower in Advent at Eisernes Tor
@ achtzigzehn/Hinterleitner
Advent market in front of the mountain station of the Schlossbergbahn at sunset. Numerous people are gathered in front of the stalls, which are decorated with fairy lights. The bell tower on the Schlossberg can be seen in the background, and there is also a sweeping view over the lights of the city. The sky is colored orange.
© ivents/Scheriau
Illuminated Christmas tree on the main square at night. In the foreground an illuminated Graz lettering
© Holding Graz/Zier

Ad­vent mar­kets:

Christmas market in front of the town hall (from 22.11.):

The festively decorated Christmas tree, the avenue of lights, arts and crafts and culinary delights enchant visitors to the main square.

Advent meeting at the 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.

Advent market at 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.

Alt-Grazer Christkindlmarkt in the 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.

Advent Market in the 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 the Christ Child.

Advent Market at 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.

Advent Market at the 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.

Good products from all over the world 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.

Christmas at 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.

Evening view of the Advent market at Glockenspielplatz. The various stalls are decorated for Christmas and brightly lit. Passers-by stand in front of them and look at the displays. The facades of the buildings in the background are hung with fairy lights.
© Graz Tourismus/Schiffer
Evening view of the Circus Wonderlend on Mariahilferplatz. Passers-by stand around tables and at the stalls. Strings of lights with red, blue, yellow and green lamps hang in the trees. In the background, colorful patterns are projected onto the facade of the Minoritenkirche.
© Graz Tourismus/Schiffer
Evening view of the brightly lit Ferris wheel at the Children's Advent at Kapistran Pieller Square. The ground is covered with snow and passers-by wait in a short queue in front of the ticket booth.
© Graz Tourismus/Schiffer
Stand at the Advent market at the Tummelplatz . It is evening and in the display of a Standls are various fabrics, clothing and jewelry to see.
© Graz Tourismus/Schiffer