The 9 Best Christmas Trips in Salzburg

1.Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 183 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72Our pick

Join an English-language class near Salzburg’s Old Town and learn apple strudel and Vanilla Kipferl with instructors including Johann, Leonardo, Nonna, and Ishmail. You’ll stretch pastry, shape cookies, eat goulash, taste the results, and carry extra cookies home.

“If you are looking for something fun and active to do in Salzburg, this is it! Our group of six ranged from 13-58 years old and each of us enjoyed our time making strudel and Christmas cookies. The hosts were detailed in their demonstration and then provided assistance as each group about to make our own strudel. Everything turned out delicious and we left with the ability to replicate the strudel at home. So fun! We’d definitely take another of their classes if we had a chance.”

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2.Christmas/Advent Concert & Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 154 reviews · from $93

Ride the funicular to Salzburg’s 900-year-old Fortress Hohensalzburg, enjoy dinner at its panoramic restaurant, then hear Mozart, Bach, Haydn, and Vivaldi performed by the Salzburger Advent Ensemble. Choose classic or VIP dining, with vegetarian meals available on request.

“What a beautiful setting for a wonderful evening. From the view of castle at night, and the ride up the funicular, it was great. Dinner was very good. Excellent food and service. The view of the city from our table was nice. And the concert afterwards was so wonderful. Thanks for a great evening.”

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3.Christmas Horse-Drawn Sleigh/Carriage Ride from Salzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $151

Leave Salzburg at 9 a.m. for Ramsau am Dachstein, where horses, bells, blankets, and Alpine views set the scene for a winter ride. Guides such as Walter, Daniel, Leo, and Lisa have led the trip. Plan on lunch at your own cost, a possible snow-free route, and a return via Filzmoos.

“A memorable excision, highly recommended. Probably the best tour guide I’ve ever had in all the years of traveling, Leapold.”

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4.Christmas/Advent Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 54 reviews · from $49Best value

Ride the funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg for a 90-minute Advent concert featuring Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and traditional Salzburg music. The 8 pm program includes the Salzburg Advent Ensemble, castle views, and festive decorations. On December 25 and January 1, concerts run at 5 pm and 8 pm.

“The venue itself was incredible, but the exceptional performance of these virtuosos was purely an exquisite experience. I wished they could have played a few more encores. Nobody wanted the concert to come to an end! It was the highlight of our time in Salzburg.”

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5.Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 36 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102

Begin with dinner at Hohensalzburg Fortress’s Panorama Restaurant, reached by included funicular. Choose classic, VIP, or Golden VIP dining, then hear a Best of Mozart concert with traditional Salzburg Christmas carols in historic fortress rooms. Smart casual dress is suitable.

“Dinner is delicious and concert is great. Just a reminder that the ticket offer you to visit the castle which will be closed at 5pm. The restaurant opens at 5:30pm which end up half an hour waiting time.”

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6.Salzburg Christmas Eve Tour to the Silent Night Chapel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 35 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $90

Leave central Salzburg at 3 pm by coach for Oberndorf, where you can browse Christmas stalls, learn the story of *Silent Night*, and attend a multilingual Christmas Eve service. Expect cold weather, crowds, outdoor standing, and a moving finale at the chapel.

“Last time I went was about 20 years ago. Maybe 200-300 people. A mass, then singing of Christmas carols and finally singing Silent Night by all in the crowd. Now, bus loads of people can't hardly move. No more mass only the story of the composition of the song. When they finally got around to singing Silent Night, no one in the horde sang, only the local choir. Better off staying in Salzburg and attending church in one of the many spectacular churches in the town.”

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7.Silent Night Oberndorf Christmas Eve Tour from Salzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 32 reviews · 4 hours · from $88

From Salzburg, join an English or German speaking guide for a four hour Christmas Eve visit to Oberndorf. Walk beside the Salzach, learn how Silent Night began, then join candlelit festivities and sing the carol in several languages. Dress warmly, as much of the service takes place outdoors.

“Great communication, our tour guide Kylie was awesome. She had such a great and fun energy. Not too much to see once the service got going and as predicted it was super cold but such a lovely thing to do on Christmas Eve. Really enjoyed it.”

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8.Salzburg Christmas Market & City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $348

Walk Salzburg’s Christmas markets and old town with an English-speaking guide, visiting the cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey, Getreidegasse, and Mozart sites. You’ll hear local stories, taste gingerbread, receive a Salzburg mug, and finish near the market with time for a warm drink and food.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our guide! She was thoughtful and very kind and showed us some of the best out of the way areas and the best places to purchase local items. The food tastings were also great!”

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9.Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concerts at the Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Ride Salzburg’s funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress for a 90-minute evening concert of Mozart, his contemporaries, and traditional Advent music. The December setting, city views, small concert hall, and included return ride make this a memorable night out, though seating comfort and sightlines can vary.

“The performance and the setting were wonderful. Unfortunately, they are the world’s most uncomfortable chairs which detracted from the experience. Also unclear what the “first class” ticket got us.”

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