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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!

Festive illuminated ice crib
© achtzigzehn/Hinterleitner

This is the Advent 2022 in Graz:

Here you can find all the info about the highlights of Advent 2022 in Graz. Enjoy the most beautiful time of the year in our wonderful city center, which is even more beautiful than usual during Advent!

Advent Projections:

During Advent, not only streets and squares in the city center are illuminated for Christmas, but also Graz City Hall. From December 1, the façade will even feature an oversized Advent calendar. In childlike anticipation, all of Graz is thus counting down the remaining days until Christmas Eve.
Just a few minutes’ walk away, on the other side of the Mur, another Christmas light installation awaits on the facade of the Mariahilferkirche.

Haupt- & Mariahilferplatz, from 25. 11. 2022
daily from 4 to 9 pm

Illuminated Graz City Hall in Advent
© Stadt Graz/Foto Fischer

Christmas illumination:

The Christmas illumination gives the city center of Graz that very special ambience in the pre-Christmas season. Numerous squares and streets with different motifs invite you to look and marvel. A very special highlight is the new lighting in Herrengasse, which can be seen for the second time this year: 14 light sails create a “sky full of pictures”, on which snow drizzle, shooting stars, Christmas wishes and even the clock tower glitter in competition.

The renewal has brought the Christmas lighting in Herrengasse up to the latest state of the art. In addition, the use of energy-saving LED lamps ensures that energy consumption can be kept constantly low.

Nevertheless, in view of the current situation, additional measures were taken to save energy. This year, the Christmas lights will shine only one week later, starting on Nov. 25, and at much shorter times than usual, namely from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the exception of Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 (both until 2 a.m.).

25. 11. 2022 – 6. 1. 2023
Daily: from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m,
on 24 and 31 December until 2 a.m.

Tramway runs through Herrengasse illuminated for Christmas.
© Sebastian Zier

The ice crib:

The ice crib in the Landhaushof is one of the traditional classics of Advent in Graz and arouses year after year and worldwide enthusiasm
among Christmas lovers all over the world. The renowned Finnish ice artist Kimmo Frosti and his international ice carving team transform 35 tons of crystal clear ice into a unique work of art.

26. 11. 20222 – 7. 1. 2023
Daily: open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Webcam ice crib
Festive illuminated ice crib
© achtzigzehn/Hinterleitner

Graz winter world:

What would Advent be without the winter world of Graz? Ice skating, ice hockey and curling make the wait for the Christ Child fly by. To warm up, the ice café with mulled wine and punch, tea and cocoa as well as small dishes and winter barbecue invite you.
New to the ice? No problem! Ice skating courses and skate rental also invite beginners to enjoy the ice rink.

Jahngasse 3, from 15. 11. 2022 (until 29.1.2023).
Opening hours: Ice rink: 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., Winter paradise: Tue-Fri 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat and Sun 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Graz winter world
View over the snow-covered ice skating rink of the Graz Winter World at the State Sports Centre during snowfall. Some visitors are at the skating rink, which is lined with conifers all around.
© Simon Möstl

Advent slow train & Adventbim (Advent tramway)

When the fun Advent slow train turns the corner, all children’s eyes light up. It makes its rounds through the Christmas old town and invites young and old passengers on a voyage of discovery. Also on the way is the Adventbim (Advent tramway) from the Tramway Museum Graz, which has dressed up especially festively for the occasion.

Advent slow train:

From Nov. 18, daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 24.12.: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From Christkindlmarkt, fare 3 euros (adults) or 2 euros (children).

Adventbim:

From 25.11, Friday to Sunday from 4 to 10 pm. 24.12.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Jakominiplatz, Hauptplatz and Südtirolerplatz, ride free of charge

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

New Year's Eve Spectacular:

Look forward again to a brilliant spectacle in the middle of Graz! Water, fire, laser and light are combined to an impressive show and impress with an overwhelming performance in front of the dreamlike backdrop of the Graz City Hall.

Main square (Hauptplatz), 31. 12. 2022, from 5.30 p.m.

New Year's Eve spectacle on Graz's main square, colorful lights project figures into the air
© Graz Tourismus/Schiffer

More high­lights:

Fairytale forest at Schloßbergplatz (Märchenwald am Schloßbergplatz):

You can’t buy the best moments in life. That’s why there’s a consumer-free zone at Schlossbergplatz to relax and discover. During Advent, fairy tale figures invite all the little ones into the fairy tale forest, and a new light shines every day on the oversized Advent wreath. Cozy pallet furniture offers space to linger.

Schloßbergplatz, from 17. 11. 2022  

 

Nativity Trail (Krippenweg):

The Nativity Scene Trail leads from the ice crib in the Landhaushof through Stempfergasse to the Christmas exhibition of the Diözesanmuseum Graz (Bürgergasse 2). The “Grazer Kripperlroas” begins in the displays of the stores in Stempfergasse. Christmas cribs from Tyrol can be admired at the Christmas exhibition in the Diözesanmuseum Graz from November 16, 2022. If you are still looking for a personalized nativity scene for your home or small gifts, you are sure to find what you are looking for at the Grazer Krippenhaus.

City center, from 27. 11. 2022
Store displays: daily 0 – 24 h
Diocesan Museum: Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat/Sun, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Christmas Tree (Weihnachtsbaum):

This year, Graz’s main square may once again be adorned with a magnificent Christmas tree. It is traditionally a gift to the
This year it comes from the community of Hirschegg-Pack, more precisely from the Hebalm. The magnificent spruce is a good 150 years old and more than 35 meters high. The Christmas glow is provided by Energie Graz, which lovingly handcrafted the tree with over 25,000 lights.
lights and decorates the tree with loving craftsmanship.

Main square, from 26. 11 . 2022
illuminated daily from 4 to 10 p.m.
24. & 31. 12. until 2 a.m.

 

Ringing Christmas Workshop (Klingende Weihnachtswerkstatt):

What would the pre-Christmas season be without singing and crafting together? On four Friday afternoons in Advent, there is a program for the whole family in the Stadtpfarrhof in Herrengasse in Graz. Whether grandma with grandson, father and daughter, uncle and aunt or simply good friends: All are cordially invited to tie an Advent wreath together, make Christmas tree decorations, draw candles and decorate gingerbread. And along the way, many Christmas carols will be sung.

Stadtpfarrhof/Parterresaal, Herrengasse 23,
every Friday from 25.11. to 16.12. (Advance booking requested under Tel. 0 31 6 90 86 35)

 

Office for Christmas Carols (Büro für Weihnachtslieder):

Who doesn’t know this? At Christmas you want to sing together and can’t get beyond the first verse of “Leise rieselt der Schnee”. The Styrian Folk Song Society provides a remedy. At the “Büro für Weihnachtslieder” (Office for Christmas Songs), song sheets with the best-known Christmas songs are available for a voluntary donation. The rich fund also includes a collection of instrumental sheet music, poems, stories, nativity plays, customs and much more that makes the pre-Christmas season so special.

Sporgasse 23 (in the Steirisches Heimatwerk), from 25. 11 . 2022
Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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:

Stroll, feast, meet friends and choose one or the other gift for your loved ones. The Christkindlmarkt in front of the town hall attracts with traditional handicrafts and culinary delicacies, warms with mulled wine and punch and spoils with waffles & Baumkuchen. As a highlight for the little ones there is of course the children’s carousel with colorful lights and music.

Main square (Hauptplatz), 18. 11. 2022 to 24. 12. 2022
daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., gastronomy until 10 p.m.
24. 12. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Advent market at Mehlplatz:

The richly decorated facades on the buildings of Graz’s Mehlplatz provide a unique backdrop for Advent Market.
Fancy handicrafts and gifts, delicious delicacies and hot beverages are presented in modern
designer stalls, which contrast charmingly with the historic substance.

Mehlplatz, 18. 11. 2022 to 23. 12. 2022
daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., gastronomy until 10 p.m.

Altgrazer Christkindlmarkt in the Franciscan Quarter (Franziskanerviertel):

Welcome to the oldest Christmas market in the city! Here rural traditions are held high. With products from the Styrian gourmet regions, Thuringian Christmas tree decorations, mulled cider, punch and mulled wine, a nostalgic atmosphere comes up.

Around Franziskanerplatz, 18. 11. 2022 to 24. 12. 2022
daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., gastronomy until 10 p.m.
24. 12. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children’s Advent in the small Neutorgasse:

First a round with the Ringelspiel? Or with the children’s train? The best overview of the Children’s Advent in the small Neutorgasse can be had by taking a ride on the Ferris wheel. A little treat before you go home and a selfie with the
Selfie with the giant snowman are of course also included.

Neutorgasse, 18. 11. 2022 to 24. 12. 2022
Monday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Gastronomy until 10 p.m.; Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Aufsteirern”- Christmas Market on the Schlossberg Mountain:

The Christmas lights of this city look even more enchanting from above. A traditional music program underlines the festive atmosphere above the roofs of Graz. High-quality products from Styrian exhibitors as well as delicious mulled wine and punch warm body and soul. Children can look forward to a Christmas program in the bell tower of the “Liesl”, and there are numerous workshops for adults.

Schlossberg, 18. 11. 2022 until 18. 12. 2022
Friday from 12 to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 to 9 pm,
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Advent in the Joanneum Quarter (Joanneumsviertel):

Art and cuisine are presented in perfect harmony at the Advent Market in the Joanneum Quarter. Some of Styria’s best restaurateurs will be on hand to serve homemade delicacies.

Joanneumsviertel, 18. 11. 2022 until 23. 12. 2022
daily from 15 to 22 o’clock

“Wonderlend” at the Mariahilferplatz;

Colorful booths and floats as well as a music program create a great atmosphere on Mariahilferplatz – the pavilion in the middle of the square can even become a dance floor. If you’re still not warm enough, you can enjoy mulled wine, punch and other delicacies or borrow a hot water bottle.

Mariahilferplatz, 18. 11. 2022 to 23. 12. 2022
Monday to Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m., Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m.

Christmas market at the Südtiroler Platz:

The rustic Steirerhütte forms the center of this small, but all the finer market. With its culinary delicacies and excellent mulled wine and punch, it is a popular meeting place. You can marvel at the “largest hand-painted Christmas tree ball” and a historic sleigh. Look forward to a pleasant and hearty Advent season at Südtiroler Platz!

Südtiroler Platz, 18. 11. 2022 to 23. 12. 2022
Monday through Friday from 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., gastronomy Monday through Friday 1 to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“Grieskindlmarkt” at Nikolai Square (Nikolaiplatz):

Sustainability can also be lived at Christmas. Fashion, decoration, natural cosmetics, jewelry and accessories of Styrian
designers are manufactured here according to this principle. Mulled wine, punch and regional delicacies made from local ingredients make resource conservation an additional pleasure.

Nikolaiplatz, 18. 11. 2022 until 18. 12. 2022
Thursday to Friday from 3 to 8 p.m,
Saturday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Advent market at the Glockenspielplatz:

Specialties and handicrafts from Styria transform the Glockenspielplatz into a popular meeting place during Advent. While the historic sounds of bells accompany you atmospherically through Advent, the wait for Christmas passes much faster with mulled wine, punch and other delicacies.

Glockenspielplatz, 18. 11. 2022 until 24. 12. 2022
daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. , gastronomy: until 10 p.m.

Advent meeting at the Iron Gate (Eisernes Tor):

Enjoyment for a good cause: The Advent Market at the Eisernes Tor is dedicated to charity. It is run by charitable institutions that donate their proceeds to aid projects. The mulled wine, mulled cider, berry punch, non-alcoholic hot drinks and delicious snacks taste even better.

Eisernes Tor, 18. 11. 2022 until 23. 12. 2022
daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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