Advent

In the 360° Alpenland, in the heart of Upper Austria, the Advent season begins on the first weekend of Advent.
A few attractions in Steyr are already open, such as the Steyr Christmas Market (from 13 November 2026) and the Christmas Museum and the Steyr Nativity Scene (from 20 November 2026).

The spectrum ranges from the markets on Steyr’s historic town square to smaller, charming Advent markets in Bad Hall and Kirchdorf an der Krems. In the south of the region, alpine markets and traditional events round off the programme. This brings together city life, tradition and mountain scenery within easy reach.
You can find a calendar of events on our website.

Thanks to the Christkindl pilgrimage site – which even has its own post office – Steyr is one of the most atmospheric places in Upper Austria during Advent. The nativity scene displays, the ‘Steyrer Kripperl’ and the Christmas Museum with its interactive train are all part of an Advent tour of Steyr. At the Christmas markets on the Promenade and on the Stadtplatz, with their varied programme of events, culinary delights take centre stage. Numerous concerts in the churches round off the programme. The performances by the brass ensembles on the Town Hall balcony are particularly atmospheric.

Churches, halls and abbeys across the region open their doors for concerts during Advent. From classical choral works to regional folk music, a musical bridge is forged between city and culture and living tradition. Music plays a particularly prominent role in the run-up to Christmas in Steyr, Bad Hall and around Schlierbach Abbey.

In the south of the region, groups of Perchten and Krampus make their way through the mountain villages between Pyhrn and Priel. The intricately carved masks and the ringing of bells are symbols of ancient winter customs in Upper Austria. Visitors gain an insight into a tradition that is still upheld today by local clubs and village communities. Particularly impressive are the Perchten parades organised by the Reichraminger Hintergebirgsteufeln and the Perchtenrauacht in Steinbach an der Steyr.

The Steyrer Kripperl – not a traditional nativity scene, but a rod puppet theatre – and various nativity scene exhibitions in Christkindl demonstrate just how deeply rooted this craft is in the 360° Alpine region. At the Palmenhaus in Steyr, the Krippenhaus in Steinbach and Haus Gruber in Großraming, historical figures are displayed alongside contemporary works. Special nativity scenes can be seen in the churches in the run-up to Christmas. At the Kripperl-Roas in Molln, stars point the way to the nativity scenes in homes throughout the parish.

Thanks to their central location in Upper Austria, Steyr, Bad Hall and the mountain resorts are easily accessible – including by public transport. The distances between the town, the spa resort and the mountains are manageable – ideal for a day trip or an Advent weekend.

Guided walking tours of Steyr (on Advent weekends, on the theme of ‘The Mystery of Christmas’) and tours led by the night watchman, as well as themed walks in Bad Hall, offer insights into architecture, craftsmanship and local customs. Especially during the dark winter months, with their idyllic illuminations, historic squares take on a special charm.

In the 360° Alpine Region, historic towns, Alpine traditions and wintry landscapes lie in close proximity. This combination makes Advent in Upper Austria particularly special here – in the heart of Upper Austria, where the power of nature, culture and a zest for life come together. The Advent traditions are lovingly upheld by the locals and are part of our way of life – a visit to an Advent market – wherever it may be – is part of our way of life.