Your Holiday Planner: Christmas & New Year events

Unforgettable holidays for the end of the year

Holy Night on the quiet Lake Hallstatt: The UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut invites you to an atmospheric Christmas and lively New Year's Eve celebrations with a varied entertainment programme. Whether as a couple, with family or friends - in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau or Obertraun you can also experience a lot "between the years": culinary events, unforgettable winter experiences in the fairytale landscape between mountains and lake or a visit to the museum - there is something for everyone.

From house to house

And at the beginning of the new year, an old custom is revived: in the first week of January, the carol singers go from house to house. Children dress up as the Three Kings, who, according to the Christmas story, came from the Orient to give gifts to the Christ Child. They sing, recite poems and collect donations. They draw the year and the letters C+M+B (Christus mansionem benedicat – Christ bless this house) on the door frame with consecrated chalk.

To make your choice a little easier, we have summarized the most beautiful events around Christmas and New Year's Eve below.

Church celebrations at a click

Guided snowshoe hikes in the Salzkammergut

Snowshoeing through the lonely winter world is a pure nature experience in clear alpine air and in a beautiful landscape. That's why more and more nature lovers are getting a taste for it! Get to know the most beautiful corners of our winter landscape with an experienced guide. Simply unforgettable. Just do it!

© OÖ.Tourismus/Röbl | Schneeschuhwandern im Salzkammergut

"Glöckler parades" im Salzkammergut - A Procession of light and sound

Ancient customs with their secret magic around the winter nights have a firm place in the tradition of the Salzkammergut. Every year on 5 January. On the eve of the Three Kings - and you can be there live. A unique spectacle for spectators. We have put together the most beautiful runs for you below. A unique custom that can only be found here!

Worship services on the holidays

Would you like to attend a service during celebrations such as Christmas, the turn of the year or Epiphany? Here you will find an overview of church services for the holidays.

Event around the holidays

Guided snowshoe hike to the skywalk "5Fingers"

A fantastic half-day tour through the snow-covered landscape on the 2000-metre-high Krippenstein mountain. A hike for beginners and advanced hikers. With breathtaking impressions and unforgettable photos. Not everyone does that!

Sun, Mar. 16, 2025 09:30 — 12:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Guided snowshoe hike "Margschierf – Dachstein Plateau"

Fantastically beautiful, high alpine snowshoe hike of about three hours for everyone. With fantastically beautiful views. In the wild ice landscape on the Dachstein plateau. Let yourself be seduced by outdoor professionals. Just do it.

Sun, Mar. 16, 2025 09:30 — 12:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Guided Snowshoe Hike with Igloo Building

Pure Adventure. In the "ice desert" at 2000 meters above sea level. For everyone who is looking for a challenge. "Building houses" with a difference. Register now. Because together there is simply more winter.

Sun, Mar. 16, 2025 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Tour for everyone: Guided snowshoe hike "Bibereck“ with Betty in Gosau

Your winter experience in the salzkammergut. Discover the snow-covered mountains. Join us on an unusual tour of discovery. Winter hike with Betty. An unforgettable holiday experience!

Mon, Mar. 17, 2025 09:45 — 13:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

© OÖTourismus/Röbl | Winterwandern mit Betty

Evening tour of the mountain of treasures - Salzwelten Altaussee

An adventurous evening tour for the whole family. Discover old miners' tunnels and underground lakes. A varied evening experience on your holiday!

Wed, Mar. 19, 2025 17:00 Altaussee salt mine, Lichtersberg 25 Altaussee

Guided snow shoe tour

In winter, you can experience this majestic high mountain range on guided snowshoe tours across the Dachstein wilderness plateau. Almost effortlessly we explore a fascinating karst landscape and enjoy the wonderful panoramic view.

Sun, Mar. 23, 2025 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Operetta Salon 2024 in Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl und die Operette – diese Liebe reicht bis in Kaiserzeiten zurück. Das Leben und Schaffen vieler Operettenmeister wurde durch das Salzkammergut beeinflusst, ebenso wie die kulturelle Entwicklung der Stadt durch diese Liaison bedeutend mitgeformt wurde.

Sun, Jun. 15, 2025 16:30 Trinkhalle Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

Magical family experience: Magic of lights on "Mount Grünberg" in Gmunden

On the Grünberg in Gmunden am Traunsee, the Salzkammergut treetop walk transforms into a radiant backdrop for unique winter moments.

Sun, Dec. 7, 2025 13:00 — 20:00 Salzkammergut treetop path, Am Grünberg Gmunden

Famous tunes in a romantic setting

Famous tunes in a romantic setting in the heart of Hallstatt on Christmas Eve,

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 16:00 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

Children's Christmas service in the Catholic Church in Bad Goisern

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 16:00 Catholic church Bad Goisern, Kirchengasse Bad Goisern

Catholic Christmas service in Gosau

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 16:00 Catholic church Gosau, Gosau 1 Gosau

Tower Music in Obertraun

Starting shot into Christmas Eve. Musicians from Obertraun accompany guests and locals into the holidays. Let yourself be enchanted by the Christmas atmosphere.

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 16:15 Catholic church Obertraun, Obertraun Obertraun

Tower Music in Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee

Starting shot into Christmas Eve. Musicians from Bad Goisern accompany guests and locals into the holidays. Let yourself be enchanted by the Christmas atmosphere.

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 17:00 Churches, Bad Goisern

Christmas Eve Mass of the Catholic Church of Hallstatt

Holy Mass in the Catholic Church of Hallstatt on the holiday "Christmas Eve" in German language.

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 17:00 Catholic church Hallstatt, Kirchenweg 40 Hallstatt

Christmas Vespers in the Evangelical Christuskirche Hallstatt

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 17:00 Protestant church Hallstatt, Landungsplatz Hallstatt

Christmas Eve late-night Mass of the Catholic Church of Hallstatt

Christmas Eve late-night Mass of the Catholic Church of Hallstatt in German language.

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 21:45 Catholic church Hallstatt, Kirchenweg 40 Hallstatt

Evangelical Christmas service in Gosau

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 22:00 Protestant church Gosau, Gosau 179 Gosau

Catholic Christmas service in Gosau

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 22:00 Catholic church Gosau, Gosau 1 Gosau

Christmas mass in the Ev. Church in Bad Goisern

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 22:30 Protestant church of Bad Goisern, Ramsaustraße Bad Goisern

Catholic Christmas service in Bad Goisern

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 23:00 Catholic church Bad Goisern, Kirchengasse Bad Goisern

Evangelical Christmas service in Bad Goisern

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Thu, Dec. 25, 2025 09:00 Protestant church of Bad Goisern, Ramsaustraße Bad Goisern

Catholic Christmas service in Gosau

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Thu, Dec. 25, 2025 09:00 Catholic church Gosau, Gosau 1 Gosau

Catholic Christmas service in Bad Goisern

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Thu, Dec. 25, 2025 10:00 Catholic church Bad Goisern, Kirchengasse Bad Goisern

Christmas Mass on 1st Day of Christmas in the Catholic Church of Hallstatt

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Thu, Dec. 25, 2025 10:30 Catholic church Hallstatt, Kirchenweg 40 Hallstatt

© Kraft | Gottesdienste Pfarrkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt in Hallstatt in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut

Catholic Christmas service in Gosau

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Fri, Dec. 26, 2025 08:30 Catholic church Gosau, Gosau 1 Gosau

Evangelical Christmas service in Bad Goisern

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Fri, Dec. 26, 2025 09:00 Protestant church of Bad Goisern, Ramsaustraße Bad Goisern

Catholic Christmas service in Bad Goisern

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Fri, Dec. 26, 2025 10:00 Catholic church Bad Goisern, Kirchengasse Bad Goisern

Christmas Mass on 2nd Day of Christmas in the Catholic Church of Hallstatt

We invite you. Celebrate a festive service with us. We look forward to guests from all over the world. Please note: This Christmas service only in german language!

Fri, Dec. 26, 2025 10:30 Catholic church Hallstatt, Kirchenweg 40 Hallstatt

“Krampamperl” burning in Hallstatt

Would you like to experience a rustic custom on your vacation? hen you shouldn't miss this event on Boxing Day. Tradition and old customs are very important in the region of Hallstatt. Every year new - always different! It's best to reserve a table in good time! You'll have a lot of fun - guaranteed!

Fri, Dec. 26, 2025 11:00 — 18:00 Gaststätten, Hallstatt

Zwieselalm-Ascent in the Gosau Valley

Skiing tour to the Zwieselalm on the end of December in the Dachstein West Ski Region in Gosau. Register now! Limited number of participants.

Tue, Dec. 30, 2025 16:30 Panorama-Jet , Gosau

© werbegams / Zwieselalm-Aufstieg in Gosau Skitourengehen in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut

Cool start to the year in the Salzkammergut: New Year's Swim 2026 in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt

This event is not for the faint-hearted, because in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt you start the new year with the New Year's swim. A "cool event" in the truest sense of the word. There will also be a great supporting programme.

Thu, Jan. 1, 2026 11:00 — 14:00 Car Park "Untersee (Strandbad)" Bad Goisern, Untersee Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee

The unusual event: New Year's celebration in the Koppenbrüller Cave in Obertraun

New sound from Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt: The somewhat different start to the new year! An unforgettable cave experience for young and old explorers! A magical underworld is waiting for you! You just have to be there.

Fri, Jan. 2, 2026 17:00 — 20:00 Koppenbrüller cave (Koppenbrüllerhöhle), Obertraun

The age-old customs around winter nights: "Glöcker parade" (Glöcklerlauf) in Obertraun

The age-old customs around winter nights with their secret magic have been a staple in the winter months for decades. One of the most beautiful customs is the Glöcklerlauf in Obertraun on 5 January, the eve of the Epiphany Festival.

Mon, Jan. 5, 2026 16:45 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

With ancient custom into the new year: Glöcklerlauf “Glöckler Parade“ in Bad Ischl 2026

A parade of light and a unique atmosphere: "Glöcklerlauf" (parade) and Ride of the "Three Kings" in the centre of the spa and imperial town of Bad Ischl. An ancient custom with a firm place in the tradition of the Salzkammergut. A highlight for all those who are on holiday around Bad Ischl at this time!

Mon, Jan. 5, 2026 17:00 — 19:00 Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

© Kulturplattform Bad Ischl | Glöcklerlauf im Zentrum von Bad Ischl

The first highlight in the new year: Glöcklerlauf (parade) in Bad Goisern 2026

Processions take place on the evening of 5th January. Eager spectators gather to watch the parades of figures dressed all in white. The men carry large bells attached to their belts and wear elaborate head decorations. These are illuminated on the inside by large candles.

Mon, Jan. 5, 2026 20:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

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Unforgettable holidays for the end of the year

From house to house

Church celebrations at a click

Event around the holidays

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