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.

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!

Wed, Feb. 11, 2026 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.

Wed, Feb. 11, 2026 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Body, mind and mountains: Guided snowshoe hikes on the 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.

Wed, Feb. 11, 2026 10:30 Feuerkogel, Ebensee

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.

Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 09:45 — 15:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

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, Feb. 16, 2026 09:45 — 13:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

Guided snowshoe hike on the "5 Fingers" on Mount "Krippenstein" in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt

The "5 Fingers" viewing platform is also an experience in winter, from which you have spectacular views over Lake Hallstatt and far into the Salzkammergut.

Fri, Mar. 6, 2026 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Seilbahn (Talstation), Winkl 86 Obertraun

Pure nature & endless silence: Snowshoe hike "Fascination Dachstein - Krippenstein" in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt

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. 8, 2026 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

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!

Thu, Dec. 24, 2026 17:00 Protestant church Hallstatt, Landungsplatz Hallstatt

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.

Tue, Dec. 29, 2026 17:00 — 20:00 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

Divine service on Old Year's Eve in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt

The Protestant church in Bad Goisern invites you to the last service of the year. Say "Good bye" to the old year with a church blessing!

Thu, Dec. 31, 2026 18:30 Protestant church of Bad Goisern, Ramsaustraße Bad Goisern

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.

Tue, Jan. 5, 2027 16:45 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

With ancient custom into the new year: Glöcklerlauf “Glöckler Parade“ in Bad Ischl 2027

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!

Tue, Jan. 5, 2027 17:00 — 19:00 Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

Back to the origins: Ebensee Glöcklerlauf 2027 - the original

Ebensee on Lake "Traunsee" is the centre and origin of this custom, which takes place every year on 5 January, the eve of Epiphany and the last Rauhnnacht. Look forward to an unforgettable traditional event in the heart of the Salzkammergut at the beginning of the new year.

Tue, Jan. 5, 2027 18:00 — 19:00 Marktgemeinde Ebensee am Traunsee, Hauptstraße 34 Ebensee

The first highlight in the new year: Glöcklerlauf (parade) in Bad Goisern 2027

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.

Tue, Jan. 5, 2027 20:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

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!

Colourful through the night: "Glöckler runs" in the Salzkammergut - the first highlight of the year

"Glöckler runs" in the Salzkammergut are an old custom in which men and women dressed in white with illuminated light caps, which are artistically designed, parade through the villages. The events are a living example of traditional customs in the Salzkammergut. And you can be there live!

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.

Filigree craftsmanship & unique customs: Nativity scene exhibitions in the Salzkammergut

The Salzkammergut is rich in traditions and customs, and nativity scenes are an important part of it. The exhibitions show the art of nativity scene building, which often has a long history in the region.