Austria is a country where Christmas is celebrated with magical traditions that have been passed down for generations. Unlike the commercialized holidays many in the United States are familiar with, Austrian Christmas is deeply rooted in history, folklore, and family customs. From charming markets filled with lights and aromas to unique rituals that mark the advent season, Austria offers a holiday experience unlike any other. If you want to feel the true spirit of Christmas and discover how locals embrace this festive season, these 17 unique Christmas traditions in Austria (from a local) will give you an authentic glimpse.
1. Have an Advent Calendar
The countdown to Christmas in Austria begins with the Advent calendar, which starts on December 1st. Each day, a small door is opened, revealing a chocolate treat, a tiny gift, or a festive image. This tradition isn’t just for children; many Austrian families enjoy creative calendars that are handmade, personalized, or filled with small surprises for adults as well. The excitement grows daily as families anticipate the holiday, making this simple ritual an essential start to the festive season.
2. Make Your Own Advent Wreath
Another cherished tradition is making your own Advent wreath. This circular arrangement of fir or pine branches holds four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent. Lighting a new candle each week symbolizes hope, joy, peace, and love, gradually building the anticipation for Christmas. Austrian families often decorate their wreaths with ribbons, dried fruits, and pinecones, turning the creation into a fun and meaningful family activity that connects generations and adds a personal touch to holiday décor.
3. Celebrate Christmas on the 24th
In Austria, Christmas is celebrated on the evening of December 24th, rather than on the 25th. Families gather for a festive dinner and exchange gifts, often around a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The evening is filled with warmth, candlelight, and shared traditions that make the celebration intimate and heartfelt. This approach allows the 25th to be more relaxed, spent visiting relatives or enjoying quiet moments together, creating a different rhythm compared to American celebrations.
4. Baby Jesus Brings the Presents & the Christmas Tree
Unlike the familiar Santa Claus, Austrian children receive gifts from Christkind, or Baby Jesus, which is one of the cherished 17 Unique Christmas Traditions in Austria. This angelic figure delivers presents on Christmas Eve, often accompanied by the glow of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The tradition emphasizes the religious roots of the holiday, highlighting the spiritual significance of the season while still allowing for festive excitement. Families carefully plan gift-giving and tree decorating, making the evening magical for children and adults alike.
5. Traditional Christmas Tree Decorations
Austrian Christmas trees are adorned with traditional decorations that are often handmade and reflect centuries of cultural heritage. Straw stars, glass baubles, wooden figurines, and delicate ornaments are common. Unlike commercialized trees, these decorations often tell a story or carry symbolic meaning, connecting families to their ancestry and local traditions. Some households even pass down heirloom decorations, making the Christmas tree a centerpiece of memory and celebration.
6. Visit Some Christmas Markets
No Austrian Christmas is complete without a visit to the Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkts. Cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck come alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Visitors can shop for handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and local delicacies. These markets offer a sense of community and tradition, where locals and tourists alike mingle, sample festive treats, and immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere of the season.
7. Drink Mulled Wine and Eat Roasted Chestnuts
Glühwein, or mulled wine, is a staple of Austrian holiday celebrations, often paired with roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and sausages. Sipping warm, spiced wine while walking through snowy markets or watching street performances creates a sensory experience that epitomizes Austrian Christmas. These treats are more than just food; they are part of the festive culture, bringing warmth and comfort in the cold winter months.
8. See Some Krampus
In certain regions, the legend of Krampus adds a thrilling edge to Christmas. This half-goat, half-demon figure punishes naughty children and parades through towns in terrifyingly elaborate costumes. Krampus runs, or Krampusläufe, are held in Alpine villages, where locals dress up to scare and entertain. While the tradition may seem frightening, it is a vital part of Austrian folklore and emphasizes moral lessons with a blend of excitement and theater.
9. See Some Perchten
Perchten parades are another fascinating tradition in the Alpine regions. Unlike Krampus, Perchten are designed to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the New Year. Participants wear masks carved from wood, often painted with bright colors, and create elaborate costumes that represent various spirits and creatures. These parades are lively spectacles, combining ritual, artistry, and community celebration, giving a unique insight into Austrian culture and beliefs.
10. Get Sweet Treats from St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th, is a highlight for children across Austria. On this day, children receive chocolates, nuts, and small gifts from St. Nicholas, often left in their shoes or stockings. This tradition fosters excitement and teaches generosity and gratitude, as children learn to anticipate and appreciate small acts of kindness during the holiday season. It is a charming prelude to Christmas Eve festivities.
11. Bake Some Austrian Christmas Cookies
Baking is at the heart of Austrian Christmas, with families preparing cookies like Vanillekipferl, Lebkuchen, and Linzer Plätzchen. The aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, and nuts fill homes, creating a sensory backdrop for holiday activities. Baking is often a communal activity, involving children and adults, and provides a tangible connection to family heritage and local culinary traditions. Cookies are enjoyed at home, shared with neighbors, or gifted as tokens of friendship.
12. Sing Silent Night Which Originated in Austria
The world-famous carol “Silent Night” (Stille Nacht) was composed in Oberndorf, Austria, in 1818. Singing this song remains a central tradition in Austrian households during the holidays. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate across generations, and many families perform it at Christmas gatherings, evoking a sense of historical pride and spiritual reflection. The song’s global popularity underscores Austria’s enduring influence on holiday music traditions.
13. Burn Incense in the Raunächte
The 12 Rauhnächte, or “twelve nights” between Christmas and Epiphany, are steeped in mysticism. Austrians burn incense to purify their homes and invite good fortune for the coming year. This practice reflects ancient beliefs and connects modern families to centuries-old rituals, combining spirituality, superstition, and cultural identity. Homes filled with aromatic smoke create a serene and reflective atmosphere, enhancing the seasonal experience.
14. Pick up the Light of Peace on Christmas Day
The Peace Light from Bethlehem is a symbolic flame that arrives in Austria every Christmas. Communities and families share this light, spreading messages of hope, unity, and goodwill. Participating in this tradition connects Austrians to a global movement of peace, emphasizing the spiritual and humanitarian aspects of the holiday. It is a quiet yet powerful reminder of the deeper meaning of Christmas.
15. Display a Nativity Scene in Your House
Austrian homes often feature detailed nativity scenes, or Krippen, which depict the birth of Christ with handcrafted figurines. These displays range from simple setups to elaborate miniature villages, reflecting craftsmanship and devotion. The nativity scene is more than decoration; it is a symbol of faith, family, and cultural pride, anchoring the holiday celebrations around spiritual reflection and storytelling.
16. Watch an Austrian Christmas Movie
Watching Christmas movies is a modern tradition that complements Austria’s historical customs and is one of the many 17 Unique Christmas Traditions in Austria that locals cherish. Local films and television specials often showcase family values, folklore, and winter landscapes, providing entertainment while reinforcing cultural identity. For American audiences, exploring Austrian Christmas movies offers an immersive way to experience the holiday spirit from a different cultural perspective while connecting with these authentic Austrian traditions.
17. Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Dinner
The culmination of Austrian Christmas is the festive dinner, which varies regionally but often includes roast goose, carp, dumplings, and rich desserts. Families gather around the table, sharing food, stories, and laughter. This meal reflects hospitality, tradition, and togetherness, emphasizing that Christmas in Austria is as much about connection and warmth as it is about gifts and decorations.
May Also Read:
13 Cool Things to Do in Vienna in Summer (By a Local)
Final Thoughts
Austrian Christmas traditions are a blend of history, folklore, and family-centered practices that create a magical holiday experience. From the excitement of Advent calendars and wreaths to the warmth of mulled wine, the thrill of Krampus, and the serenity of nativity scenes, these customs offer a unique perspective on the season. Experiencing these 17 unique Christmas traditions in Austria (from a local) allows anyone, whether visiting or celebrating at home, to embrace the authentic spirit of a European Christmas, full of joy, reflection, and unforgettable memories.
