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

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

New Year celebration in the Koppenbrüller Cave

Mystical start to the year in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut in Austria. A adventure for the hole family!

Koppenbrüller cave (Koppenbrüllerhöhle), Obertraun

Torch walk in Hallstatt

Wait until it's dark! Then Hallstatt shows itself from a completely different side and stories take on their very own charm. Please register for organizational reasons. In prominent footsteps through the night!

Sat, Dec. 7, 2024 18:00 — 19:00 Tourist office of Hallstatt, Seestraße 114 Hallstatt

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, Dec. 16, 2024 09:45 — 13:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

© OÖTourismus/Röbl | Winterwandern mit Betty

Guided snowshoe hike with Betty in Gosau

Feel the tranquility of the mountains. Enjoy the pure clear winter air. This winter the big adventure is waiting for you! Winter fun for the whole family in around 3 ½ hours on the deep snow covered Zwieselalm in Gosau.

Sun, Dec. 22, 2024 09:45 — 14:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

© OÖTourismus/Röbl | Winter in Gosau: Schneeschuhwanderung “Dachstein West“

Guided snowshoe hike to the Skywalk "5fingers" on the Dachstein plateau

High alpine guided snowshoe hike on the 2000 meter high Krippensteinstein in Obertraun of about 2 hours. Two guided tours a day. On the way to the viewing platform "5Fingers". Snowshoeing for everyone.

Mon, Dec. 23, 2024 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Seilbahn (Talstation), Winkl 86 Obertraun

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!

Mon, Dec. 23, 2024 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.

Mon, Dec. 23, 2024 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.

Mon, Dec. 23, 2024 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Famous tunes in a romantic setting

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

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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!

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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!

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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.

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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.

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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.

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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!

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 17:00 Protestant church Hallstatt, Landungsplatz Hallstatt

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!

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 21:00 Catholic church Gosau, Gosau 1 Gosau

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.

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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!

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 22:00 Protestant church Gosau, Gosau 179 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!

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 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!

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 23:00 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. 25, 2024 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!

Wed, Dec. 25, 2024 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!

Wed, Dec. 25, 2024 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!

Wed, Dec. 25, 2024 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!

Thu, Dec. 26, 2024 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!

Thu, Dec. 26, 2024 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!

Thu, Dec. 26, 2024 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!

Thu, Dec. 26, 2024 10:30 Catholic church Hallstatt, Kirchenweg 40 Hallstatt

Free Snowshoe hikes on Mount Feuerkogel

Together with a local guide you'll explore the wintry alpine world on Upper Austria's sunniest spot and enjoy the fantastic panorama.

Thu, Dec. 26, 2024 10:30 Feuerkogel, Ebensee

© | Schneeschuhwandern auf dem Feuerkogel in Ebensee im Salzkammergut: Geführte Schneeschuh Wanderungen

“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!

Thu, Dec. 26, 2024 11:00 — 18:00 Gaststätten, Hallstatt

Children's tour in winter with Sally in the Altaussee Salt Mine

There's a lot of fun on holiday with this duck: visitors to the tunnels of all ages can experience the world of miners with Sally in the salt mine of Altaussee, explore mysterious tunnels and discover a mysterious lake in the mountain. The family experience for everyone aged 4 and over. Little kids, great fun! Just do it!

Fri, Dec. 27, 2024 15:00 — 17:00 Altaussee salt mine, Lichtersberg 25 Altaussee

New Year’s Music in Obertraun

On the south-eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt, the old year is bid a traditional farewell and the New Year is welcomed in a very colourful way.

Sun, Dec. 29, 2024 17:00 — 20:00 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

© Perstl | Neujahrsblasen der Ortsmusikkapelle Obertraun von Haus zu Haus

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.

Mon, Dec. 30, 2024 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Traditional Christmas in the Bad Ischl district of Lauffen

Christmas like back then. Experience the diverse customs of one of the most beautiful places in Austria. There, where the "stade" time is not quite so quiet!

Mon, Dec. 30, 2024 16:00 Pilgrimage church "Maria im Schatten" Lauffen, Marktstraße 49 Bad Ischl

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.

Mon, Dec. 30, 2024 16:30 Panorama-Jet , Gosau

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

New Year's Eve in Hallstatt

Countdown into the New Year on the historic market square of Hallstatt. With fireworks and music. The perfect place for an unforgettable end to the year.

Tue, Dec. 31, 2024 23:45 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

New Year's Concert in Bad Ischl 2025

On 1 January 2025, the Sinfonietta da Camera Salzburg under the direction of Peter Wesenauer invites you to the traditional New Year's Concert at the Kongress & TheaterHaus Bad Ischl.

Wed, Jan. 1, 2025 16:30 Congress and Theater House Bad Ischl, Kurhausstraße 8 Bad Ischl

Nativity trip with horse-drawn carriage in Bad Ischl

A particularly beautiful tradition in Bad Ischl is the craft of making nativity scenes. There are now a large number of these masterpieces, some of which you can admire on the Nativity trip with horse-drawn carriage “Kripperlroas”.

Thu, Jan. 2, 2025 13:30 Tourist office of Bad Ischl, Auböckplatz 5 - Trinkhalle Bad Ischl

New Year's Concert in Gosau

Mit einem musikalischen Querschnitt aus der "Fledermaus“ von Johann Strauß geht es ins neue Jahr. Beim beliebten Neujahrskonzert des Salonorchesters der Landesmusikschule Bad Goisern in Gosau.

Sat, Jan. 4, 2025 20:00 — 22:00 Culture Centre Gosau, Gosau

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.

Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 16:45 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

With ancient custom into the new year: Glöcklerlauf “Glöckler Parade“ in Bad Ischl 2025

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!

Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 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 2025

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.

Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 20:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern