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5 of the best Christmas ski holidays in Austria
If your idea of a top-tier December ski holiday involves stunning, tranquil, snowy pistes in the morning and a steaming mug of Glühwein while browsing winter market stalls at night, then skiing at Christmas in Austria is perfect for you.
Christmas in the Austrian Alps features several unique yuletide traditions. For example, you won't encounter a jolly old man in red here. Instead, you'll meet 'Christkind,' an angelic gift-bringer who arrives on the 24th. Then there's 'Krampus,' a horned, goat-like figure who accompanies Saint Nicholas in determining whether children are naughty or nice!
With snow-capped peaks, warm Austrian alpine hospitality, and some of Europe's largest ski areas, Austria is one of the best destinations for a Christmas ski holiday, especially for those looking to travel early. Festivities begin as early as November, and with transfers to and from the airport taking as little as 30 minutes, it’s the perfect choice for those with only enough time for a Christmas ski weekend or short break!
Interested in a Christmas ski trip to Austria? We've got you! Our Heidi experts have handpicked their top Austria Christmas ski resorts, each offering its own unique vibe. From the snowy heights of St. Anton, where the peaks shimmer under the winter sun, to the enchanting tradition of Christmas tree diving in Zell am See, here's where to find the best Christmas ski holidays in Austria:
1. Kitzbühel
Famed for its chocolate box charms and renowned Advent Market, Christmas in Kitzbühel, or ‘Glitzy Kitz,’ ignites the festive spirit in full force with a month filled with winter delights alongside some serious A-grade skiing and snowboarding.
With 230km of wide pistes and tree-lined trails to explore, Kitzbühel Christmas skiing offers plenty for seasoned skiers and snowboarders to enjoy all week long! Glide through abundant snow on the high-altitude summit slopes of Resterhöhe, or test your mettle at Mount Hahnenkamm on Kitz’s legendary Streif, considered one of the most challenging downhill runs in the world.
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, Kitzbühel is overflowing with festive charm. Throughout December, the resort’s medieval streets transform into one of Austria’s best Christmas markets, adorned with thousands of fairy lights, a vintage carousel, and stalls selling all kinds of crimbo delights. Stroll through the enchanting old town streets with a steaming mug of Glühwein and enjoy live music from local choirs, or spend an afternoon ice skating on the lake before gearing up for an exhilarating night of tobogganing down the slopes. Race you to the bottom!
What’s on at Christmas in Kitzbühel?
- 6th December: St. Nicholas parade.
- Kitzbühel Advent market in Hinterstadt and Kitzbühel town park, open five days a week.
- Local choirs and music groups perform daily at Wiltener Sangerknaben.
- Christkindl Christmas Post Office, kids can drop off their Christmas lists!
- ‘Living Advent Calendar’: a family performance show.
- Children’s activity program featuring arts and crafts.
- Social clubs and bars offering drinks and food.
- Live nativity scene exhibition and storytellers.
- Daily pony rides and a petting zoo.
- Enjoy a ride on the carousel.
- Ice skating on the lake.
- Night toboggan runs.
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2. Seefeld
For couples and young families, a Christmas ski holiday in Seefeld offers plenty to see and do, thanks - in part - to its proximity to the beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck. Ski all day on the slopes, hop on the tram, and explore Innsbruck's seven winter markets in the afternoon!
One of Austria's best Christmas ski holidays for anyone looking to fit a winter escape into just a few days, Seefeld is only a 30-minute transfer from Innsbruck Airport. Ideal for short breaks and ski weekends. Beginners and families will feel at home on Seefeld's 34km of easy green and blue runs across the Gschwandtkopf and Seefelder mountains, while cross-country lovers will be spoiled for choice with the region's 245km of langlauf trails.
After a morning in the mountains, head into town to explore Seefeld’s Christmas markets, where you can enjoy an irresistible array of Tyrolean delicacies. Think fragrant roasted chestnuts, sweet "Kiachl" fried dough pastries, and delightfully crunchy Zillertaler Krapfen dumplings filled with gooey cheese. Mmmm...
Alternatively, take the tram to be whisked away into Innsbruck for a host of fantastic, festive fun. Explore seven (yes, seven!) additional Christmas markets, view the glittering 14m-high Swarovski Crystal tree, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to soak in the festive spirit in true alpine style. Giddy up!
What’s on at Christmas in Innsbruck?
- Seven Christmas markets to explore, featuring over 200 stalls. We recommend the traditional Old Town Christmas Market and the Panorama Christmas Market located on the funicular railway at Hungerburg Hill.
- The 14m high Swarovski Crystal tree.
- Handicrafts corner: activities for kids.
- Horse-drawn carriage tours.
- Local brass band and church choir performances.
- Swarovski Crystal Worlds light festival.
- See the 14m-tall Christmas tree in front of the Golden Roof.
What’s on at Christmas in Seefeld?
- Light Park at Kurpark Seefeld - Atmospheric light installation display.
- Seefeld Christmas Market: 21.11.2025 - 06.01.2026.
- Seefeld Krampus Display: 06.12.2025- “Tuifl” parade through the streets, amazing the spectators. ‘Angel Post Office’: children write their wish lists to the Christ Child.
- Ice skating, curling, and sledding.
- Christmas concerts.
- 100.000 Lights Path.
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3. Zell am See
Are you searching for a chilled Christmas ski trip in Austria, complete with all the trimmings? Zell am See’s laid-back slopes provide the perfect backdrop for your upcoming December adventure, blending stunning scenery with cruisy pistes and heaps of festive family fun.
If you’re seeking breathtaking, snow-capped mountain views on your Austria Christmas ski holiday, Zell am See is the perfect destination. Take the chairlift to the summit of Schmittenhöhe mountain for stunning vistas over a sea of peaks, then enjoy tree-lined groomed runs as you descend back into town. Alternatively, while the kids are taking their first ski school lessons, head to nearby Kaprun for exhilarating, high-altitude fun on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
Christmas in Zell am See is taken seriously, featuring a wide range of traditional festivities that are well worth experiencing. The focus here is on celebrating the Advent Star, with twinkling decorations and illuminations brightening the town! Visit Lake Zell to stroll through the Light Park, enjoying the illuminations, sculptures, and wonderful concerts, or relax aboard the MS Schmittenhöhe for a magical Starry Boat Tour on Lake Zell.
Want to see something truly unique? Return to Lake Zell on the 25th to witness Zell am See’s famous ‘Christmas tree diving, ' where a fully decorated tree is submerged 15m below the surface amid a circle of torches before being raised again and displayed for the entire resort to admire!
What’s on at Christmas in Zell am See?
- Starry Advent Show in Elisabethpark
- Light Park by Lumagica: breathtaking light figures and music at Lake Zell
- Parish Advent at Kirchbichl
- Starry Advent at Kaprun Castle
- Starry Boat Tour: board the MS Schmittenhöhe for a starlight cruise on Lake Zell
- Krampus Processions Christmas Tree Diving at Lake Zell
- Star Advent Markets at Zell am See, Lake Zell, and Grand Hotel alongside those at Kirchbichl and Kaprun Castle.
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4. Bad Gastein
Welcome to Bad Gastein! Where rugged mountain vistas, dramatic crashing waterfalls, and devilishly delightful tree-lined pistes collide with one-of-a-kind Krampus traditions. Let's get stuck in…
Nestled in the heart of the Gastein Valley, Bad Gastein offers a smorgasbord of 198km wide, open, super-fun pistes that keep intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders happy all December long. And when the regular runs aren't enough? Bad Gastein's reputation as a freeriding hotspot keeps off-piste aficionados grinning from ear to ear with deep powder bowls, narrow chutes, and steep verticals. See you at the bottom!
Amid Bad Gastein's delightfully festive 'ARTvent' Christmas market, torch-lit winter hikes, and Advent concerts lies a winter tradition deeply rooted in Austria's Gastein Valley: the annual Krampus run. On December 5th and 6th, "Passen" groups of over 100 Krampuses, dressed in goat furs, horns, and elaborate carved pine masks, parade through Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and Dorfgastein. Instead of being feared, these grisly figures serve as protectors, banishing evil with their spine-chilling shrieks and the ringing of bells which echo throughout the valley. A unique and intriguing sight not to be missed!
What’s on at Christmas in Bad Gastein?
- Winter hikes by torchlight.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides.
- Kids' Advent workshop: handicrafts, baking, and more.
- Contemplative Advent concerts: Barbara concert in the Böckstein pilgrimage church, alphorn players and tower wind players, and open-air music in churches.
- Rauhnächte "Smoke nights”: smoking of herbs and resins to cleanse, protect, and bless houses.
- Anklöckler “Knocking nights”: symbolizing Mary and Joseph's search before the birth of Christ, small groups go house to house singing songs for charity.
- Krampus Run: On December 5th, more than 100 "Passen" Krampus groups drive out evil with their bells and shrieks.
- Bad Gastein ‘ARTvent’ market: watch regional crafts such as glassmaking and wood carving and buy Christmas presents and delicacies.
- "Christkindl workshop": kids can join in making traditional crafts.
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5. St. Anton
There's no better choice than St. Anton for a guaranteed White Christmas. From its Christmas card views to its extra-snowy high-altitude slopes, St. Anton brings festive spirits by the bottleful and is the perfect pick for experts and non-skiers alike!
For the bold and the brave, St. Anton's lofty 2,806m high pistes provide the perfect playground, entertaining skiers and snowboarders as early as November. Experts will relish twisting and turning through tricky gullies and powder-filled bowls. Meanwhile, intermediates and budding beginners will discover plenty to enjoy across the Arlberg's over 300 km of snowy slopes, seamlessly connecting to create endless cruisy runs. What's more, Christmas is one of the best weeks for uncrowded pistes, since most families choose to visit for New Year and Half Term. Result!
With as much to do off the slopes as on them, everyone is catered for during a Christmas skiing holiday in Austria at St. Anton. Relive the childish wonder of Christmas with "Adventzauber" and “Advent Magic in the Park.” A festive-themed trail featuring illuminations, a brass band, winter market stalls, and open fireplaces with log cabins where you can pause to enjoy a drink. And for anyone craving some turkey, gravy, and spuds, you're in luck! Reserve a table at local favourite Café Schneider for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. "Frohe Weihnachten!"
What’s on at Christmas in St. Anton?
- St. Anton Christmas market at the town’s museum.
- Life-size nativity scene Carol-singing displays.
- “Advent Magic in the Park”: a Christmas trail for kids, illuminated with candles and log cabins featuring food, drinks, and handicraft sessions with elves.
- Fantastic après scene.
- Sleigh rides through the forests.
- Ice skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
- The chance to enjoy a traditional UK Christmas dinner!
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New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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