Christmas markets: where to go

Visiting Christmas markets is a traditional winter activity that brings festive gatherings, local craftsmanship, and seasonal food to mountain villages. Held during the winter and Advent season, these markets typically run from late November or early December through to late December or early January, allowing visitors to explore decorated wooden stalls set against alpine scenery.

Across Austria, Italy, and France, several resorts host authentic seasonal markets in their central squares and pedestrian areas. In Austria, Kitzbühel organizes the Kitzbüheler Advent in its historic town center from late November to late December, while the Wolfgangsee Advent transforms St. Wolfgang during the pre-Christmas weeks. Filzmoos hosts its authentic Advent market on weekends in December, and Heiligenblut sets up the Glockner Advent Market in its village square.

In the Italian Alps, Canazei holds its Mercatino di Natale in the village center from early December until the Epiphany, while Madonna di Campiglio features artisan stalls in Piazza Sissi. In France, Megève organizes an annual winter market in the village where local producers and artisans showcase regional goods.

Christmas markets by country

16 destinations compared

DestinationCountryVillage altitudeBedsSeasonPrice levelServices
Canazei
Val di Fassa
Italy1,460 m12,000Winter–1
Heiligenblut
Carinthia
Austria1,288 m2,200Winter–1
Kitzbühel
Kitzbichl
Austria762 m8,103Winter€€€€1
St. Wolfgang
Lake District
Austria538 m3,000Winter–1
Vipiteno
South Tyrol
Italy948 m2,700Winter–1
Ortisei and Val Gardena
Alto Adige
Italy1,236 m6,000Winter€€€–
Corvara in Badia
Alto Adige
Italy1,568 m6,000Winter€€€€1
Filzmoos
Salzburg
Austria1,057 m3,000Winter–1
Innichen / San Candido
South Tyrol
Italy1,175 m10,000Winter–1
Madonna di Campiglio
Trentino
Italy1,522 m28,000Winter€€€ / €€€€1
Megève
Rhône-Alpes
France1,027 m34,000Winter–1
Molveno
Südtirol
Italy1,070 m5,408Winter–1
Predazzo
Dolomites
Italy1,000 m–Winter–1
Seefeld in Tirol
Tyrol
Austria1,178 m8,373Winter–1
St. Anton am Arlberg
Tyrol
Austria1,264 m11,672Winter–1
Tarvisio
Valcanale
Italy754 m10,000Winter–1
Compare Canazei, Heiligenblut, Kitzbühel

Christmas markets in each destination

Heiligenblut

Carinthia, Austria
Christmas Markets
  • Glockner Advent MarketWinter

    Every December, Heiligenblut hosts the charming Glockner Advent Market, transforming the village square into a festive wonderland. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and enjoy traditional…

Full guide to Heiligenblut

Vipiteno

South Tyrol, Italy
Christmas Market
  • Vipiteno Christmas MarketWinter

    Held annually in Vipiteno's historic town square, this magical market features traditional wooden stalls offering local crafts, festive decorations, and South Tyrolean delicacies. The atmosphere is enhanced by carol…

Full guide to Vipiteno

Filzmoos

Salzburg, Austria
  • Filzmoos Advent MarketWinter

    The Filzmoos Advent Market offers a truly authentic and traditional pre-Christmas experience. Held on weekends in December, this charming market features beautifully decorated stalls selling local handicrafts, regional…

Full guide to Filzmoos

Megève

Rhône-Alpes, France
  • Megève Christmas MarketWinter

    Transforming the village into a festive wonderland, the Megève Christmas Market is a beloved annual event. Local artisans, producers, and vendors set up charming chalets offering handcrafted gifts, regional delicacies,…

Full guide to Megève

Molveno

Südtirol, Italy
  • Molveno Christmas MarketWinter

    A charming and cozy Christmas market held annually in Molveno, typically throughout December until early January. Stalls offer traditional handcrafted gifts, local food and wine, festive decorations, and warm beverages…

Full guide to Molveno

Frequently asked questions

Which mountain destinations host Christmas markets into early January?

Canazei hosts its market from early December until the Epiphany, while Innichen / San Candido runs from late November to early January. Molveno also holds its Christmas market throughout December until early January.

Where are the Christmas markets located in Seefeld in Tirol and St. Anton am Arlberg?

Both Austrian destinations hold their seasonal events in their pedestrian zones, with Seefeld hosting the Seefeld Advent Market and St. Anton running its traditional Weihnachtsmarkt during the Advent season.

When does the Filzmoos Advent Market take place?

The Filzmoos Advent Market is held on weekends in December, offering traditional items and a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere in the village.

What does the Vipiteno Christmas Market feature?

Held annually in Vipiteno's historic town square, the market features traditional wooden stalls offering local crafts, festive decorations, and regional specialties.

Where can you go christmas markets in the mountains?

Canazei (Italy), Heiligenblut (Austria), Kitzbühel (Austria), St. Wolfgang (Austria), Vipiteno (Italy) and Ortisei and Val Gardena (Italy), among 16 destinations offer christmas markets according to Alpe Match data.

Which countries offer christmas markets?

Italy (9 destinations), Austria (6 destinations) and France (1 destination).

When is the season for christmas markets?

Based on the services listed in each destination, christmas markets is mainly available in winter. Dates vary every year: check with local operators.

Which christmas markets destination reaches the highest altitude?

Canazei, with a maximum altitude of 3,343 m.

Christmas Markets in Mountain Resorts | Alpe Match | Alpe Match