- 1 night
- train journey 2ⁿᵈ class
- 4* Hotel
City break in Graz
When fairy lights twinkle above the streets, the scent of punch and seasonal treats drifts through the old town, and historic squares become charming meeting places, a very special time begins in Graz. Numerous Christmas markets are located within just a few minutes’ walk of one another, and each tells its own festive story. The city’s Christmas heart beats on the Main Square, where the Christmas tree in front of the illuminated Town Hall sparkles with more than 25,000 lights. The Winter Wonderlend on Mariahilferplatz and the Christmas market on Karmeliterplatz offer a more urban and creative atmosphere, while the Aufsteirern Christmas Market on Schlossberg combines Styrian traditions with breathtaking views across the city’s sea of lights.
Graz is more than just a Christmas market. It is an entire city filled with light, festive flavours and memorable moments, inviting visitors to discover, linger and enjoy.
Highlights
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Sixteen Christmas markets, each with its own distinctive character, all within easy walking distance. As you stroll through Graz’s festively illuminated Old Town, you can move from traditional to creative, from peaceful to vibrant in just a few minutes. Along the way, historic alleyways, atmospheric squares and plenty of hidden gems await discovery. In Graz, the journey from one Advent experience to the next is delightfully short.
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There is always something happening during Advent in Graz. Live music, Advent concerts and the Bureau of Christmas Songs fill the city with festive sounds, while wreath-making workshops, St Nicholas celebrations and Krampus traditions bring local customs to life. Children can look forward to theatre performances and magic shows, while active visitors can enjoy Graz Winter World. And with the Advent tram and sightseeing train, even the journey becomes part of the festive experience.
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The Clock Tower stands on the Schlossberg, from where a wonderful view over Graz unfolds. Especially in the evening, golden light bathes the city in an almost magical atmosphere. The Schlossberg can be easily reached by the Schlossberg funicular, the Schlossberg lift, or on foot via 260 steps.
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The historic centre of Graz offers pure shopping enjoyment with a wide variety of stores. Unique shops with charming ideas invite you to stroll and explore. Among all the boutiques and trendy stores, impressive buildings such as the “Painted House” are waiting to be admired.
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The whole city dresses up for the festive season, showing visitors just how colourful and varied Graz can be at Christmas. The richly decorated shopping streets and squares create a particularly atmospheric setting.The centrepiece of the Christmas lights on Herrengasse is a series of moving images featuring Graz landmarks and sights, bringing stories of the city to life.Some of the best photo spots in Graz city centre:
- Hauptplatz with the «Love Graz» installation
- Sparkling snow globes topped with crowns on Schlossbergplatz
- Illuminated stag on Karmeliterplatz
- St Nicholas on Nikolaiplatz
- Illuminated Clock Tower and Styrian heart at Eisernes Tor
- Life-size Nativity scene and snowman by the Priesterseminar
- Upcycled Nutcracker and «FärBÄR» on Färberplatz
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Travelling from Switzerland to Graz by train generally takes between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the point of departure. From Zurich, a direct night train operates daily to Graz. Alternatively, you can depart from any Swiss railway station, usually with one or two transfers, for example in Innsbruck. The route passes through diverse Alpine and Danube landscapes, making the journey an experience in itself. Travelling by car or plane is also an option, but the train offers a reliable and easily planned connection to the Styrian capital.
Insider Tips
Impressions
