On November 13, 2026 the Innsbruck Christmas markets will open, the charming Austrian city just beyond the border that, at Christmas, becomes a magical place. There are many novelties in this new edition and several markets around the city, each different from the other, which will run until January 6, 2027.
Surely the most original are the one in Telfs, a Christmas market unique in the world with a Victorian theme, and the Christmas Market on the ski-jump ramp that hosted the XII Winter Olympic Games.
In Innsbruck there are seven Christmas markets, all different from one another. The most characteristic is the one set up under the famous Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck: an erker in late Gothic style that rises on the façade of the Neuer Hof, the old palace of the Counts of Tyrol, whose roof is covered by 2,657 sheets of gilded copper. Then there is the central market on Maria-Theresien-Straße, the one in Telfs with a Victorian theme and the altitude market overlooking the ski jump that hosted the XII Winter Olympic Games.
1. The Christmas Market Under the Golden Roof
It is the oldest and most evocative market in Innsbruck, surrounded by the characteristic medieval palaces. While you’re there, stroll along Märchengasse, the Street of Fairytales, along Kiebachgasse and Köhleplatz, where the windows feature statues of fairy-tale characters.
2. The Christmas Market on Maria-Theresien-Straße
This market unfolds along the central Maria-Theresien-Straße, the city’s main shopping street. Here the atmosphere is more modern. This market is famous for its crystal Swarovski light installations, whose main site lies just outside Innsbruck, in Wattens, Tyrol, where you can visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, an experiential venue where art and technology blend in spectacular fashion.
3. The Christmas Market at Market Square
The Marktplatz or Market Square, overlooking the banks of the Inn River, hosts another Christmas market perfect for families, as rides for children are set up here, along with a puppet theater and an imposing Swarovski crystal Christmas tree, of course.
4. The Christmas Market of Wilten
In the Wilten Platzl, not far from the historic center, this market mainly sells local artisanal and artistic objects and organic gastronomic specialties.
5. The Christmas Market of St. Nikolaus
This market takes place at Hans-Brenner-Platz, on the opposite bank of the Inn River, where there is a quiet, very authentic neighborhood far from the tourist bustle. The stalls display Tyrolean handicrafts.
6. The Christmas Market of Hungerburg
This market is held on the panoramic terrace of Hungerburg at an altitude of 860 meters, accessible via the wonderful Hungerburgbahn funicular designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, connecting the city center with the Hungerburg district in just eight minutes. From up here one enjoys a spectacular view of the illuminated city. The market comprises only a few intimate stalls.
7. The Christmas Market of Bergisel
At the foot of the famous ski jumping hill, one of the Alps’ most original Christmas markets is set up. The atmosphere is highly evocative and focuses on historic Tyrolean traditions and local craftsmanship.
8. The Christmas Market of Telfs
About 25 km from Innsbruck, in the town of Telfs, there is a Advent market unlike any other in the world. Known for its historical reenactments and performances dedicated to the figure of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Victorian atmosphere, it is renowned for the combination of Tyrolean regional cuisine, wooden crafts, and nineteenth-century-themed street shows.
All the markets, urban and extra-urban, are reachable exclusively by public transport, especially if you use the Innsbruck Card which allows not only access to the city’s museums but also free use of public transport, including the panoramic sightseeing bus (The Sightseer) and the two cable lifts (guests staying at least two nights in an Innsbruck hotel receive a complimentary Innsbruck Card).
Traveling by train
On November 13, exactly, a initiative organized by the German and Austrian railways will bring Italians comfortably to Innsbruck by train. The new Railjet DB-ÖBB trains will depart five times a day (every two hours) from Verona station direct to Austria. In addition, there are trains departing from Venice to Munich and from Bologna.
