Advent magic in Lienz: Opening of the 29th Christmas market!

Advent magic in Lienz: Opening of the 29th Christmas market!

Today, November 21st, 2025, the 29th Lienz Advent Market was ceremoniously opened. This was accompanied by festive brass music and the first snow of the year. The tradition of the Advent market attracts not only the residents, but also many visitors. Prominent guests were present at the event, while Mayor Elisabeth Blanik and local councilor Franz Theurl portioned out the traditional “Lienz Lebzelten”, which were prepared by local bakers. In the first few hours of the market, crowds of people were already forming around the stalls offering all sorts of festive treats and handicrafts.

With the opening of the Advent market, the pre-Christmas events begin in Lienz. From December 1st, a window of the art advent calendar at the town hall will also be opened every day. Last year, the Advent market attracted over 100,000 visitors, which underlines the popularity of this tradition. Video reporter Nils Klinger was also there and asked passers-by the question: “What do you want for Christmas?”

Krampus days in Lienz

Exciting events are already on the horizon on the occasion of the upcoming Krampus Days, which will take place on December 3rd, 5th and 6th. This tradition goes back centuries and involves young boys dressing up as “Krampuses”. The Krampus wear elaborately hand-carved masks, thick furs and huge bells. Preparations begin in the fall when the masks (larvae) are carved, the furs are cleaned and the belts for the bells are made.

The Krampus parades begin on December 3rd at 7:30 p.m. on Johannesplatz with a Christmas present in the city center. On December 5th at 7:30 p.m. there will be another Santa Claus gift giving in the Patriasdorf district, and on December 6th at 6:30 p.m. the young Krampusse will move into the city center. These events are open to guests of all ages and offer a special experience for families.

The cultural context: Krampus traditions in Austria

Krampus is a horned, shaggy creature that appears as a companion to St. Nicholas in the alpine regions of Austria, Germany, and parts of Slovenia and northern Italy. While Santa Claus rewards the good children with sweets, Krampus punishes the naughty ones. This old tradition has its roots in pre-Christian winter rituals and is kept alive in many regions of Austria, including Vienna, through elaborately staged Krampus events. In Vienna there are regular Krampus runs, in which groups appear in detailed costumes.

This tradition is particularly visible at Christmas time, when Krampus and Perchten parade through the streets. The contrast between the elegant Christmas markets and the often wilder Krampus and Perchten parades offers a deep insight into the region's cultural heritage. The interest in these events is great and attracts many visitors to the fascination of these unique customs.

Further information and details about the Lienz Advent market can be found on the website Dolomite town. Information about the Krampus Days in Lienz can be found on Lienz city be read while Vienna Unwrapped offers further insights into the Krampus traditions in Vienna.