The rainbow at the Christmas market
What would the Christmas season be without a visit to a Christmas market? Of course, the Salzburg Christmas market in the old town is a must in our series of events. The origins of this market date back to the so-called ‘Tandlermarkt’ in the 15th century.
Traditional stalls belonging to the former travelling traders (Austrian: ‘Tandler’) lined the cathedral square a good 500 years ago. Much has changed over the centuries up to the present day. New stalls have been added, the market has grown and is now also very well known internationally. Despite this, the Salzburg Christmas market has retained its special traditional charm to this day.
The smell of mulled wine and biscuits
The smell of mulled wine and biscuits fills the air and is as much a part of this market as the large decorated fir tree in front of the cathedral. Another feature of the Christmas market in the old town at the Alter Markt is the punch stand run by HOSI Salzburg. For 21 years now, volunteers from HOSI Salzburg have been serving punch at this stand and chatting with Christmas shoppers. This year, the volunteers from HOSI Salzburg will once again be at the Christmas market at the Old Market.
‘The Christmas market is a wonderful opportunity for us to chat with all kinds of different people over a glass of punch,’ says Conny Felice, managing director of HOSI Salzburg. ‘We are delighted to be working with other associations and stallholders to bring this special market to life.’
‘We are part of society’
‘The punch stand is a sign of recognition for us. But it’s also an opportunity for us at HOSI Salzburg to get involved,’ says Conny Felice when asked about the significance of the stand for the city’s queer community. ‘It also shows people that faith and tradition on the one hand and queer life and openness on the other go hand in hand. We are part of society.’
‘Let’s raise a glass to this wonderful year 2025 and focus on the positive.’ With these words, Conny Felice invites everyone to stop by the HOSI stand for a punch again this year – the rainbow at the Christmas market.
Sebastian Brandstätter
The Salzburg Christmas Market will take place from 20 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. The HOSI Salzburg punch stand will be at the Christmas market on the Alter Markt from 27 to 29 November, on 27 and 28 November from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on 29 November from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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The second Christmas tip is Gigi La Pajette's Christmas revue. A premiere in Salzburg and in Gigi's repertoire. A new format, which Gigi has repeatedly devised and produced in recent years. Now, on 13 December, she will be on stage at the OFF Theatre with four of her Austrian drag colleagues, interpreting the festival of love in her own unique way. [Read more]
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