Beautiful Towns to Visit in Austria at Christmas

Austria

When December arrives, Austria transforms into a true Christmas fairytale: snowy mountains, traditional markets, wooden stalls aglow with lights, and the warm aromas drifting from every cup of coffee. The streets are filled with music, towns are beautifully decorated, and every corner is crafted to make winter feel magical.

Planning a winter getaway? Here are some of the best towns to enjoy Christmas in Austria. Hire a car with CarJet and explore at your own pace, taking in the sights without any rush and enjoying complete freedom.

A Guide to Austria’s Most Charming Christmas Towns

Here are some of Austria’s most enchanting towns to visit for an unforgettable Christmas.

1. Hallstatt: Austria’s Most Iconic Postcard Town

Hallstatt is stunning year-round, but at Christmas it becomes pure magic. With its lakeside setting, mountain views and festive lights, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. Make sure to visit the viewpoint and take a stroll along the lake for unbeatable views.

In December, its narrow streets are decorated with lights, small festive stalls and inviting cafés where you can warm up with a hot chocolate and forget the cold. The lakeside walk and panoramic viewpoint are not to be missed.

2. Alpbach: A Classic Alpine Christmas

Alpbach is considered Austria’s most beautiful village, especially at Christmas. Its traditional wooden houses and gentle festive lights create a calm, cosy atmosphere.

During the holidays, windows are decorated with wreaths and candles, and the scent of gingerbread mixed with rich hot chocolate fills the air.  It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful winter break in nature and a Christmas in true Alpine style. There are also plenty of activities nearby, from skiing and gentle walks to exploring the snowy forests.

3. Salzburg: Baroque Magic and Festive Markets

Salzburg has a wonderfully warm and festive feel. Although slightly larger than other towns, it’s impossible to talk about Christmas in Austria without including it. The historic centre comes alive with lights, music and markets, turning every street into a picture-perfect scene.

The Christkindlmarkt, set in front of the Cathedral, is one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. Browse local crafts, enjoy traditional sweet treats, listen to live music and soak up a mix of history, tradition and festive cheer.

As the city where Mozart grew up, music plays a key role in Salzburg’s Christmas celebrations, filling the streets and squares with carols and concerts that make your visit even more special.

4. St. Wolfgang: Christmas by a Picture-Perfect Lake

St. Wolfgang, in the Salzkammergut region, is one of Austria’s most captivating Christmas villages. Its Wolfgangseer Advent brings the lakeside communities together with festive markets, seasonal decorations and a variety of holiday activities.

The village’s highlight is the giant floating lantern, which lights up the water each evening, creating a truly stunning scene. Wandering through the streets to the sound of traditional carols and browsing local craft stalls is a memorable experience. For a different perspective, you can explore the lake by boat, offering a unique and enjoyable way to experience Christmas in the area.

5. Innsbruck: The Alpine Capital of Christmas

Innsbruck is the perfect destination, it combines history, traditional and festive cheer all in one. Surrounded by mountains, the city sparkles every December with various christmas markets, dotted all around the centre. The most famous is set next to the Golden Roof, the city's most iconic landmark. Along the streets, you’ll spot giant figures from traditional tales, creating a magical atmosphere for a stroll.

CarJet: Your Trusted Companion for a Christmas Trip to Austria

CarJet makes it easy to find the best car hire deals in Austria. It compares prices from multiple companies so you can quickly see the most convenient and affordable options for your trip.

This means you can book a car without spending ages checking websites one by one. CarJet also offers support in your language and clear conditions from the start,  which is particularly useful when travelling during busy periods like Christmas.

How to book with CarJet

Booking with CarJet is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Enter your destination and dates On the CarJet website, choose where you want to pick up your car, such as Vienna or Salzburg airport, and select your travel dates.
2. Compare hundreds of options The platform searches multiple suppliers and displays available cars, sorted by price, type and conditions, making it easy to find the right car for your trip.
3. Check the details clearly Before booking, CarJet shows exactly what each option includes: fuel policy, insurance, mileage, deposit, and excess. Everything is transparent, so there are no surprises when you collect the car.
4. Book in a few clicks Once you’ve chosen a car, just enter your details and confirm your booking. It’s fast, secure, and completely online.
5. Receive your confirmation You’ll get a booking voucher, car hire company details, and instructions for collection—everything ready before you even land in Austria.
6. Pick up your car and start your trip On arrival, show your ID, driving licence, and the card used to book. Then you’re ready to begin your Christmas road trip!

Booking with CarJet doesn’t just save you money—it also means you’ve got support whenever you need it. If you have any questions, you can call +34 964 830 995, reach customer service online, or use the virtual assistant for quick answers.