The Salzburg Christmas market is one of the oldest in the world. For over 500 years, with only a brief interruption, it has transformed the old town of Salzburg around the cathedral into a traditional Christmas wonderland.

Why this is so and what visitors can expect, gaysalzburg.at editor Sebastian Brandstätter talked to Wolfgang Haider, chairman and press officer of the Salzburg Christmas Market Association.

gaysalzburg.at: This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Christmas market at the Domplatz and Residenzplatz in Salzburg. What was the Christmas market like 50 years ago?
Wolfgang Haider: The Christmas market in Salzburg has actually existed since 1491. It has its origins in the cathedral arches on Domplatz, where there was a flea market. In the winter, travelling traders (known as ‘Tandler’ in Austrian) could not move around because of the snow.

So they stayed in the city and had a market there for that period of time, where they sold their goods. In the 17th century, it was renamed the Nikolaimarkt. During the Second World War, it was cancelled. After the Second World War, in 1947, it was re-established at Mirabellplatz and in 1974 it was moved back to the Old Town of Salzburg.

gaysalzburg.at: What makes the Salzburg Christmas Market unique?
Wolfgang Haider: The tradition, the down-to-earth attitude and the variety of products, which no other Christmas market has. All the restaurateurs have different specialities on offer. There is also a great deal of individuality in our products. We now offer products that can no longer be bought in the city.

We reoccupy every stand that closes down with a similar product range. The stands are also not rented to the stand operators; they own them. This means that they can also individually design their stands with lighting and decoration, which gives the whole thing its own flair. Our supporting programme is also very diverse. We have daily choral singing, the Christkind (the Christ child) comes to the market every Sunday, and we have Krampus processions. So there is always something to experience.

gaysalzburg.at: What is the best way to experience the Salzburg Christmas market?
Wolfgang Haider: The Christmas market is always worth a visit, because you get into a mood there that you can otherwise only get from picture books. In this form, the Christmas market is a small town. Every stand is designed with a lot of passion.

“Hear, see, smell, feel – experience Christmas with all your senses“

Take two hours to really walk around the market, stopping at each stall and really looking at the wares. You’ll find things you’d never have come across otherwise. Things you can’t even get in the city. Mouth-blown Christmas baubles, traditional felt slippers, wooden toys for the kids. You’ll find plenty of things not just for yourself, but also as Christmas gifts.

We have a large model railway on our Christmas tree, which is going to be even bigger this year. Children look at it with shining eyes every year, but adults enjoy it too because it reminds them of their own childhood. If you look at it that way, then that’s the reward for doing it.

gaysalzburg.at: Wolfgang Haider, thank you very much for the interview.
The Salzburg Christmas Market at the Dom- und Residenzplatz will take place from 21st November 2024 to 1st January 2025.

The Salzburg HOSI is celebrating an anniversary this year, linked to the 50th anniversary of the Salzburg Christmas market at Dom- and Residenzplatz. This year marks the 20th year that the Salzburg HOSI has had a stand at the Christmas market at Alter Markt, right next to the Salzburg Christmas market.

“For us, it’s a great opportunity to talk to people in a totally relaxed way. We’ll be there from 11 to 14 December and we’re looking forward to lots of people coming to see us,“ says Conny Felice, managing director of HOSI Salzburg.

Queer Advent Season

But even outside of the Christmas market, Salzburg offers queer people plenty of opportunities to combine the enchanting atmosphere of the Advent season with queer events in the city.

On 7 December, the last queer city tour of the year will take place, which of course includes the Christmas market. And also on 7 December, the last HOSI-Fest will take place at the ARGE Kultur. With two dance floors, shows and a vibrant atmosphere, the HOSI-Fest is the largest queer clubbing event in Salzburg and the surrounding area.

A week later, on 13 and 14 December, the Magic Garage invites you to its Christmas edition at Narrencastl. And on Sunday 15 December, it’s the last time this year for “Sexy Sunday Afternoon“ at Dark Eagle.

So the Advent season is definitely worth a trip or a detour to Salzburg, even for queer people.
A contribution from Sebastian Brandstätter and Peter Goebel