Journal · Advent & Celebrations
Christmas markets on your own?
The scent of punch and hot chestnuts, fairy lights between the wooden stalls, a brass band playing „Silent Night“ somewhere nearby: Advent in Austria is a truly special time. And yet many women know the feeling of standing alone at a punch stand among couples and groups of friends. Here are the loveliest markets – and a few thoughts on turning Advent into something to remember.
Vienna: from Rathausplatz to Spittelberg
The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz is the classic – big, festive and right next to the illuminated Rathauspark. If you prefer something quieter, Spittelberg offers lovingly made crafts between Biedermeier houses. In front of Schönbrunn Palace the market becomes a winter fairy tale, and on Karlsplatz, in front of St. Charles’s Church, you’ll find a market focused on art and design. A tip for nostalgics: the Old Viennese Christmas Market on the Freyung.
Salzburg: Advent between the cathedral and the Residenz
Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz is one of the most atmospheric in the Alps – with the fortress in the background and brass music from the towers above the old town. Just outside the city, the park of Hellbrunn Palace turns into a fairy-tale setting during Advent, perfect to combine with dinner.
Graz: an ice nativity and old-town magic
In Graz, Advent markets are spread across the whole old town, from Hauptplatz to the Franciscan quarter. Don’t miss the ice nativity in the Landhaus courtyard – a life-size nativity scene carved from ice every year.
You’ll find exact opening times on each market’s website; most open from mid to late November.
A few tips for your visit
- Go on a weekday. Early weekday evenings are calmer, and conversations start more easily.
- Combine it with something. An Advent concert, a dinner, a museum visit – and a quick stroll becomes a whole evening.
- Dress warmly. It sounds obvious, but good shoes and gloves decide whether you leave after half an hour or truly enjoy the evening.
Warmer together
A Christmas market is all about sharing: two mugs of punch, a bag of chestnuts, marvelling together at the prettiest stall. If you’re missing someone for evenings like these, der Freizeitmann is happy to join you – purely social, warm-hearted and with a love of small discoveries, in English or German. Not an escort, not a dating service, simply good company for an atmospheric evening.
You’ll find more in the FAQ and on the pages for Vienna and Salzburg. And if there’s a company party coming up in December too: A Christmas party without a partner?
Some things are simply better in good company.
