The chronicle & tradition of the Salzburg Christmas Market

„ ... what beautiful things you can find to buy from the old women.“

This song text from the end of the 15th century vividly describes the goods on offer at the „Tandlmarkt“ in front of Salzburg Cathedral Square. It soon became a proper pre-Christmas market, which in the 17th century was known as the „Nikolaimarkt“. 14 days before and 14 days after St Nicholas' Day, traders sold dolls, sweets and junk goods here. It went down in history as one of the most famous pre-Christmas markets alongside those in Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam and Nuremberg.

In 1903, the Nikolaimarkt was included in the city's market regulations. It was limited to the cathedral arches and, until it was discontinued in 1932, was „not only attended by men, but also by women ...“, as the chronicle records.

1974 the new beginning.

The Christkindlmarkt has existed in its present form since 1974, with its unique atmosphere, traditional huts and specially designed

„The “starry sky" lighting gives it its unmistakable appearance. The people of Salzburg love it and almost a million visitors from all over the world marvel at this sparklingly beautiful Christmas world year after year.