What does Christmas in Austria look like?

Why does a cherry branch blossom at Christmas in Austria? And what do people do during the “Raunächte”? Read our calendar of Austrian Christmas traditions and decide which ones you would like to experience with us.

December 4th 
Christmas in Austria begins on the first Sunday in Advent and with the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath - but at the latest with the first beautiful Advent tradition, the “Barbarazweig” (“Saint Barbara’s twig”). On the 4th of December, a branch is cut off a fruit tree, e.g. a cherry, elder or hazelnut branch, and placed in a vase inside the house. If it blossoms by Christmas, this brings good luck in the New Year. In rural society, there used to be a whole range of other traditions associated with the Barbara twig - for example, it was also used as a harvest oracle. Would you like to try out this custom for yourself? You are sure to find a suitable branch to cut during your Christmas holiday in Austria at Hotel Elisabeth in Kirchberg, Tyrol!
 

December 5th and 6th 
During Christmas in the Alps, the Christ Child is not the only gift-bringer. On December 6th, Saint Nicholas traditionally brings a small sack of sweets, nuts, and mandarins to well-behaved children. He is accompanied by Krampus, a frightening figure with pre-Christian roots who punishes naughty children and gives them coal. Krampus parades often take place on the eve of St Nicholas' Day, i.e. on the 5th of December. But don't worry: the Austrian Krampuses are well behaved and usually limit themselves to scaring the onlookers. Afterwards, you'll be all the happier about the gifts of St Nicholas. A Christmas holiday in Austria at the beginning of December is the perfect opportunity to experience this fun event live.

From mid-December
As Christmas approaches, there is still a lot to prepare. The smell of Christmas biscuits starts to fill the kitchens. Linzeraugen, coconut macaroons, lemon stars and vanilla crescents are just some of the tempting biscuit varieties from Austria. Meanwhile, the children enjoy making straw stars. These and similar traditional decorations adorn Austrian houses and Christmas trees during the festive season. Opinions differ as to when the nativity set and Christmas tree should be put up: while some only bring them out on December 24th, others already put them up at the beginning of Advent. The rule is: whatever you like is allowed. The Hotel Elisabeth also looks a lot more Christmassy in December – allowing you to experience an authentic Christmas in the mountains.
 

Throughout the Christmas season
Everyone that wants to experience Austrian Christmas customs definitely shouldn't miss out on a visit to one of the many Christmas markets in Austria. At Hotel Elisabeth, we even have our own Christmas market, where our guests can buy the most beautiful handmade souvenirs and spend relaxing hours in a contemplative atmosphere. There are also many other Christmas markets nearby, for example here in the village of Kirchberg or in the near town of Kitzbühel. After a day on the slopes, people like to spend a cosy evening there with Christmas music, sweet treats, and a cup of mulled wine. And there is also plenty for the little ones to discover and snack on at the Christmas markets. Perhaps even a new favourite toy?
 

December 24th 
Austrian Christmas traditions culminate on December 24th, at Christmas Eve. Traditionally, the whole family comes together, Christmas carols are sung, and stories are read aloud. The presents are not brought by Father Christmas, but by the Christ Child. The children usually leave the room for a short time, then a bell is rung and when they are allowed back in, they find the presents under the tree. Once all the presents have been unwrapped, it's time for Christmas dinner. Different dishes are served depending on the region, but it is usually a hearty meal, whether it be a Christmas goose, boiled fillet or raclette. Many families also go to midnight mass afterwards. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are also usually spent with the family and used for relaxed feasting.
Those who spend Christmas at Hotel Elisabeth can look forward to a contemplative Christmas celebration with music, stories, a small gift-giving ceremony, and a special Christmas menu.
 

December 24th - January 6th 
Austrian Christmas customs continue between Christmas and New Years Eve, as well as into the first week of the new year. The nights between December 24th and January 5th are known as the “Raunächte” (lit. “rough nights”). Numerous customs and legends are associated with this time of the year in popular belief. For example, the weather on these days is said to predict the weather in the coming year. Superstitious people were once careful not to spend time outdoors after dark or refrained from playing cards, as it was believed that the gate to the spirit world was open during the Raunächte. It is therefore understandable that it became customary to burn incense in the house during this time. Today, we are more optimistic about the Raunächte, as it is a time when many of us are on a well-deserved Christmas holiday or are already looking forward to the approaching New Year's Eve party.

January 6th 
Epiphany concludes the series of Christmas holidays. It is usually the day on which we walk through our homes with incense to drive out the old year and make room for new ideas, new energy, and new resolutions. In Austria, around January 6th, children and teens go from house to house dressed up as carollers, proclaiming the good news and collecting donations. Who knows, perhaps they will also drop by the Hotel Elisabeth and greet our winter guests. After that, Christmas may be over, but you still have a few months left for a fantastic winter and skiing holiday.
 

What Christmas in Austria looks like?

Traditional customs, delicious specialties, and contemplative hours with our loved ones. At Hotel Elisabeth in Kirchberg in Tyrol we would like to give you the opportunity to experience an authentic and relaxed Christmas in the mountains in Austria, revive old traditions and spend relaxing days in the snow.
Just send us a non-binding enquiry to spend a winter or Christmas holiday in Tyrol, Austria!