The pre-Christmas period in Central Carinthia impresses with many traditions, customs and, of course, culinary delights that will make your eyes light up. The medieval town of St. Veit an der Glan, once the capital of Carinthia, the castle town of Friesach and Althofen are particularly captivating during Advent with their picturesque alleyways and cozy addresses. Treat yourself to some pre-Christmas days in Central Carinthia and get in the mood for Christmas!
Overview of dates of the Advent markets in Carinthia
In the mood for Christmas in St. Veit
The town center of the enchanting historic town with its 900-year history is the venue for the small, fine St. Veit Christmas market throughout Advent, from 28 November to 24 December 2025. The Christmas Lounge and market stalls invite you to fortify and warm yourself with mulled wine specialties and local delicacies as well as to browse through the small but fine selection of traditional arts and crafts, design and handmade items.
A fairytale Christmas time in Althofen
From November 28 to December 31, 2025 , the Althofen Christmas market is a magical and contemplative accompaniment to the most wonderful time of the year.
The town park is decked out and it smells of chestnuts, cookies and cinnamon – just like Christmas. 24 stalls provide Christmas flair and make you forget the stress and hectic of the pre-Christmas period with wonderful arts and crafts, fine food, hot winter drinks and atmospheric music. An Advent program and live music from around 5:00 p.m. on each afternoon ensure a festive atmosphere and a convivial get-together.
Dates:
The Althofen Christmas World is open on November 28 and 29, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 on Fridays from 2 p.m. to approx. 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to approx. 9 p.m.
Advent magic in the mine in Knappenberg
The show mine, a historic “hereditary gallery” dating back to 1567, is an impressive experience in itself. A special kind of journey through time, which is given a particularly magical touch at the Knappenberg Mining Advent. Culinary specialties and traditional craftsmanship from the region await visitors.
Date: December 8, 2025
Advent market at Hochosterwitz Castle
Through 14 historic gates – or more comfortably with the Fürst-Max-Bahn – the path leads up to Hochosterwitz Castle, the largest fortified complex in the country, spectacularly enthroned on a monumental rock. In December, it is once again the setting for an Advent market with an incomparable ambience.
Small stalls with handicrafts and regional products invite you to look, marvel and enjoy. Carvings and lovingly crafted nativity scenes as well as handicrafts made of ceramics or glass are on sale, as are wooden toys, herbs in many variations, stationery, as well as fine brandies, jams and beekeeping products. There is also an accompanying pre-Christmas program – for children with Christmas stories, a visit from St. Nicholas and the Görtschitztal traditional costumes.
Date: December 5 to 8, 2025
Medieval winter market days in Friesach
The medieval castle town of Friesach also invites you to one of the most beautiful Advent markets in the country: The castle grounds form the theatrical backdrop, where a castle complex has been under construction for over a decade as part of a scientific project using historical materials and construction methods.
The medieval Christmas market at the Friesach castle building experience traditionally takes place on the last weekend of Advent – this year on December 20 and 21, 2025. Let yourself be enchanted by a Christmas market of a special kind and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the castle building site. Culinary delicacies, punch, mead, mulled wine, mulled cider and much more will be on offer. Craftsmen, traveling traders and local associations not only offer culinary delights at a variety of market stalls, but also present traditional arts and crafts – both medieval-inspired and modern – and invite you to linger and buy gifts.
The absolute highlights are fire and magic shows, live music, horseshoeing by the master blacksmith of the construction site and, of course, the traditional Perchten run on Sunday.
Admission is free on both days – ideal for families and children!
Date: December 20 and 21, 2025
Christmas market on the Flattnitz
This year, the Christkind is also going high up. A picturesque Christmas market will take place on the Flattnitz from 6 to 8 December 2025 at the municipal parking lot at the valley station of the former chairlift. 20 market stalls with culinary delights and handicrafts from the region will get guests into the Christmas spirit in the hopefully snow-covered pass landscape in the Gurktal Alps.
Date: December 6 to 8, 2025
You can find more Advent markets and all Christmas dates here.
