It may well be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go. But very few places have undergone a festive glow-up quite as magical as this one. Just a hop, skip, and a jump two hour flight from London is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in the whole world. So, wrap up warm folks – we’re off on an Alpine adventure.
Salzburg Christmas market
The jaw-droppingly gorgeous Christmas market in question is the Salzburg Christmas market in (you guess it, folks) Salzburg. Perched in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the market boasts a rather impressive Alpine backdrop – and is set against the city’s stunning cathedral. The market dates all the way back to the 15th century, and serves up a dreamy dollop of Christmas magic to countless visitors each and every year.
The Salzburg Christmas market in its current form set up shop in 1974. It’s home to around 100 traditional market stalls (serving up everything you could possibly want or need from a Christmas market), a jam-packed events programme (featuring the likes of story times, parades, guided tours, and carol concerts), a gigantic Christmas tree, and its own specially designed lighting that resembles a breathtaking canopy of twinkling stars above you as you wander through the market.
Getting to Salzburg Christmas market from London
Now I know that a trip to Salzburg isn’t exactly comparable to hopping on the Tube to Winter Wonderland, but I can assure you that it’ll be well worth the journey. Flights from London to Salzburg are just under two hours, and with a decent rummage through Skyscanner, there are flights costing as little as £26. And considering that Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart and the spot in which the Sound of Music was set, there’s plenty of other things going on in the city to keep you entertained whilst you’re there.
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is open until January 1, 2026. Find out more and plan your visit here.
