Austria, Europe
Salzburg in December
Christkindlmarkt, Advent concerts, and the lit fortress. Weekends are packed; go midweek.
The straight answer
December is a good month to visit Salzburg. Christkindlmarkt, Advent concerts, and the lit fortress. Weekends are packed; go midweek.
- Weather
- Cold, highs near 39F (4C), snow possible
- Crowds
- 5 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What December is like in Salzburg
December is cold, with highs near 39F (4C) and snow possible. The Christkindlmarkt fills the Cathedral square, Advent concerts fill the churches, and the fortress glows over the old town. Crowds are at their peak on weekends and prices are high. Markets close on December 24 or 26, and the city is quiet on Christmas Day.
It suits families and couples who love holiday markets and music. Go midweek if you can, since weekends are packed with day-trippers. If you want calm streets and low prices, early December or January are better. Pack for cold evenings outside with mulled wine.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about Salzburg this month.
The Christkindlmarkt
One of Austria's oldest Christmas markets fills the Cathedral square with stalls and lights.
Advent concerts
Evening concerts in churches and halls are a highlight of the season.
The lit fortress
Hohensalzburg glows above the old town, especially pretty after a snowfall.
What to pack for December
- A warm coat and insulated boots
- A hat, scarf, and gloves
- Hand warmers for market evenings
- Smart clothes for concerts
Our timing tip
Visit the markets on weekday afternoons, not weekend evenings, when the square is shoulder to shoulder.
Book Salzburg for December.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in SalzburgOpens a hotel search for Salzburg in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in SalzburgWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in SalzburgTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Salzburg for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in December
Things to do in Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress
One of the largest medieval castles in Europe, reached by funicular. Go early or late afternoon.
Mozart's Birthplace
On the Getreidegasse, the busiest street in town. Visit at opening to avoid the crush.
DomQuartier
One ticket for the prince-archbishops' Residenz state rooms, the Cathedral galleries, and the museum of St. Peter's Abbey.
Hellbrunn Palace and the trick fountains
Water games that soak visitors, open in the warmer months, roughly April to early November.
Untersberg cable car
Rises to about 1,800 meters for Alpine views over Salzburg. Closed for maintenance in some spring and fall weeks.
Eisriesenwelt ice cave
The world's largest ice cave, near Werfen. Open roughly May to October; dress warmly.
Beat the crowds
- Walk the Getreidegasse and visit Mozart's Birthplace before 10am, when tour groups arrive.
- Stay a few nights instead of day-tripping from Munich or Vienna; the old town is at its best in the evening.
- Go to the Christmas markets on weekday afternoons, not weekend evenings.
- For the Salzburg Festival, book tickets as soon as sales open and reserve hotels at the same time, or stay in a nearby town with a train link.
Know before you go
- Hellbrunn's trick fountains and the Eisriesenwelt ice cave are seasonal, closed in winter.
- Mountain cable cars like the Untersberg close for maintenance for a few weeks in spring and fall.
- Shops close on Sundays and public holidays, though museums and restaurants stay open.
- Christmas markets usually close on December 24 or 26; the city is quiet on Christmas Day.
Salzburg in December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Salzburg?
December is a good month to visit Salzburg. Christkindlmarkt, Advent concerts, and the lit fortress. Weekends are packed; go midweek.
What is the weather like in Salzburg in December?
Cold, highs near 39F (4C), snow possible.
Is Salzburg crowded in December?
December is peak crowd season in Salzburg; expect lines at the headline sights.
What is happening in Salzburg in December?
Christmas markets (mid to late november through december 24 to 26).
Keep planning Salzburg.
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