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Magical Wolfgangsee Advent: tradition, lights and cosiness!
Experience the traditional Wolfgangsee Advent from November 21st to December 21st, 2025 in St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang.
Magical Wolfgangsee Advent: tradition, lights and cosiness!
In the run-up to Christmas there are numerous festive highlights in Austria that make the hearts of visitors beat faster. A very special Advent market that has been inspiring for over 20 years is the Wolfgangsee Advent. It stretches across the picturesque towns of St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang in the Salzkammergut, and this year the motto is “Advent like back then”. You can experience the contemplative atmosphere of the market particularly well from November 21st to December 21st, 2025, as holidaycheck.de reports.
A highlight of the Wolfgangsee Advent is the impressive 16 meter high peace light lantern in St. Wolfgang and the 11 meter high Advent candle in St. Gilgen. This year, the special atmosphere is underlined by candlelight and open fireplaces - electric light is a no-go here. The lovingly designed wooden huts are decorated with traditional decorations and the offering ranges from regional delicacies to handmade gifts that strengthen the feeling of home, as wolfgangseer-advent.at explains.
Commuting options and maritime Advent magic
Visitors can commute between the towns with the Wolfgangsee boat trip. These special lantern cruises take place on select days, including November 26th, December 3rd and December 10th, always at 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. This means Advent can be experienced in a completely different light. The boat trip not only offers a convenient way to reach the markets, but also a fascinating view of the festively illuminated shores of Lake Wolfgangsee.
The idyllic backdrop between the mountains and the sparkling water creates a unique atmosphere. Atmospheric music and sparkling lights await guests on site, transforming the villages into a true winter wonderland. As a special symbol of Advent, the over 1,100-year history of Lake Wolfgang invites you to discover it, and the large ORF Peace Light lantern sets an emotional accent.
A historical legacy: “Silent Night, Holy Night”
Another cultural highlight at Christmas time in Austria is the song “Silent Night, Holy Night”. The text was written by Joseph Mohr, who found inspiration for it in Mariapfarr in 1816, while the melody was performed by Franz Xaver Gruber in Oberndorf in 1818. The song has a deep connection to the region and is still sung today in many churches and on festive occasions. The places associated with this history, such as Gruber's birthplace in Hochburg-Ach or the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, attract numerous visitors who are interested in the origins of this musical tradition, as austria.info shows.
Overall, the Christmas season in Austria not only offers a colorful range of markets and events, but also a deep insight into the traditions and customs that have been maintained over the years. So if you are looking for a contemplative experience, the Wolfgangsee Advent is definitely worth a visit! Come by and enjoy the festive atmosphere!