© Tirol Werbung/Lisa Hörterer
© Tirol Werbung/Lisa Hörterer

Tirol Christmas Traditions

The run-up to Christmas is celebrated with deeply rooted traditions that will get everyone into the Christmas spirit. We have researched the finest Advent Markets the country has to offer this season!

Christmas is one of the most special times of year—a time where delicious food is enjoyed, time is spent with family and friends and most importantly, memories are made. There is plenty to see and do around the Land in the Mountains when the most wonderful time of the year rolls around—holiday momentum really builds with these delightful events and customs, deeply rooted in tradition.

Christmas Market in Lienz, © Tirol Werbung/Laurin Moser

1
Advent and Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

Some of the simplest joys of the season are the atmospheric Advent and Christmas Markets taking place throughout the country and celebrating the traditional sights, sounds and scents of Christmas. Distinctive, numerous stalls invite you to browse the traditional crafts and Christmas decorations, as well as to sample the local food and drink specialties, some available only at Christmas time.

More information
Cut out the bottom half of the cookie using the cookie cutter without a hole in the middle. Then cut out the top half using the cookie cutter with a hole in the middle. Bake these in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 170/175°C (keep an eye on them).

2
Baking Cookies

Christmas Cookies

Sweet Delicacies: One of Tirol’s seasons’ favorites is baking cookies using a variety of holiday-themed cookie cutters. Deeply rooted in tradition is Zelten, a fruit cake that is usually eaten during the Christmas season. The cake is usually made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts and spices.

Find out more
Lucky Charms: cherry tree branches, © Tirol Werbung

3
Lucky Charms

Lucky Charms

On the Feast of Saint Barbara, which is December 04, cherry tree or apple tree branches are brought into the homes, watered and placed in a warm room to bloom on Christmas, which is said to bring luck for the year to come.

St. Nikolaus, © Tirol Werbung/Michael Grössinger

4
St. Nicholas

Have You Been Good....

In Austria, the Santa Claus equivalent is St. Nicholas. Like Santa, he is suited in red and has a lot of work to wrap up at this time of year. Customs connected with St. Nicholas are performed on the eve of his feast, which is December 06. 

Krampus Parade in Igls, © Tirol Werbung/Bernhard Aichner

5
Krampus Parades

...or Bad This Year?

However, the Austrian Christmas season brings not only St. Nicholas, the bearer of gifts, but also Krampus, his darker side, who appears to mete out punishments for misdeeds of the past year. Large, foreboding, black-clad and antlers on his head, Krampus roams the streets on evenings around St. Nicholas’ feast. Grand “Krampus Parades” take place in late November and early December in Reutte, Haiming, Lermoos, Kappl or Lienz.

Find out more
© Alpbachtal Tourismus

6
“Anklöpfler”

Who's That Knocking at My Door?

The re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey: Among the activities and performances filling the Christmas traditions in some Tirolean villages is Joseph and Mary's search for shelter entitled “Anklöpfler” (literally, knocking at). The traditional story of the Holy Family’s journey, and their search for lodging, is re-enacted in a procession of carolers, historic characters, and visitors participating in the Christmas music.

© Tirol Werbung/Laurin Moser

7
Tirolean Nativity Scenes

Tirolean Nativity Scenes

The depiction of the Nativity Scene is one of the oldest and most beloved Christmas traditions in many Tirolean homes. While focusing on the central figures of the mother Mary and the Christ Child, crèche artists often telescope time and place to bring together a host of earthly and heavenly participants - shepherds, animals, angels, wise men, and commoners.

Special Recommendation: The Museum at Innsbruck and neighbouring Court Church boasts some of the country’s most beautiful and elaborate crèches, along with a variety of bizarre peculiarities relating to this tradition. Elaborate crèches are on display at many churches and homes throughout Tirol and can be visited from December 24 through Candlemas, February 2.

Find out more

8
Averting Bad Fortune

Averting Bad Fortune

In the past, people believed that during the 12 Rauhnächten (literally: Nights of Smoke) between 24 December and 6 January the doors to another world opened. This resulted in many customs and rituals, especially on the three most important nights (24 December, 31 December and 5 January). If you were wondering, the term 'Nights of Smoke' comes from the tradition of burning incense inside one's home to protect it from bad luck and ask for good fortune in the new year.

Epiphany singers in St. Sigmund, © Tirol Werbung/Bernhard Aichner

9
Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar

The Three Magi

A wonderful tradition is that of “Sternsinger” (literally ‘Star Singers’) singing, traditionally celebrated around 6th January in Tirol. This unique singing procession, also known as “Epiphany singers”, has children and young people walking from house to house with a star on a rod and dressed up as the Three Magi to collect money for charitable purposes. After having sung their songs, recited a poem, and collected donations for children in poorer parts of the world, they chalk the C+M+B blessing above the main door of the home. These initials refer to the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” – “May Christ Bless this Home”; they are often interpreted as the names of the Three Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.

Christmas Markets

show more +

How did you like this article?

Want to receive an answer? If so, please get in touch using the contact form.

Go up

Is your inbox in need of a holiday?

Then subscribe to our weekly newsletter full of exclusive holiday tips from Tirol!