From November 28, 2025, atmospheric Advent markets in Gastein invite you to linger – surrounded by Christmas scents, handicrafts and musical sounds.
During the most contemplative time of the year, the Gastein Valley is shaped by deeply rooted customs and traditions – such as the Krampus Run on December 5th and 6th, 2025, when over 100 groups, consisting of Saint Nicholas, basket bearers, three to seven Krampus figures, and an angel, parade through the villages. While the Krampus drive away the darkness, the artfully adorned Gastein Perchten welcome the emerging light at the beginning of the new year. The Gastein Perchten are an intangible UNESCO cultural heritage and only parade through the valley every four years.
Advent Market Bad Hofgastein
The historic town center of Bad Hofgastein, with its festively illuminated pedestrian zone, provides the perfect backdrop for a particularly atmospheric Advent market. Handcrafted gifts, regional delicacies, and warming drinks are offered in rustic wooden huts. Brass band music, choirs, alphorn players, and live performances by regional artists create a festive atmosphere. Incense workshops with herbal expert Heidi Huber, musical torchlight walks, and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered spa gardens complete the program. Dates: November 28–30, 2025, December 5–8, 2025, December 12–14, 2025, and December 19–21, 2025, Fridays to Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (also open on December 8, 2025).
ARTvent Bad Gastein
Under the motto "Art for all the senses," the ARTvent market opens at the Congress Square on three weekends in December. Handicrafts, creative workshops, live music, sophisticated drinks, and culinary specialties create a special atmosphere. For the final event, from December 26th to 28th, 2025, the ARTvent market in Bad Gastein will feature DJs and live music, perfectly capturing the festive spirit of the year's end. Dates: December 12th–14th, 19th–21st, and 26th–28th, 2025, Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sundays from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Advent in Dorfgastein
In the picturesque village park, a small, charming Advent market invites visitors to linger, offering regional products, handcrafted items, and warming treats. The nativity play performed by the local elementary school, the carolers from Dorfgastein, and musical performances create a contemplative atmosphere. Date: December 13, 2025, from 12:00 noon. Many more events can be found in the Advent brochure at [website address missing]. www.gastein.com.
Advent traditions
The "Anklopfenächte" (Knocking Nights) are the nights before Christmas that reenact Joseph and Mary's search for lodging before the birth of Jesus. Small groups, dressed as Mary and Joseph, the innkeeper, and two or three shepherds, go from house to house reenacting the search. In Bad Hofgastein, the tradition of the "Anklöckler" (knocking on doors) will be presented on December 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Advent market. Those interested can experience the traditional shepherd's play at the Dorfgastein Advent market. The ritual burning of local herbs is particularly practiced during the Twelve Days of Christmas. Herbalist Heidi Huber shares her knowledge of this custom in her weekly incense workshops at the Advent market in Bad Hofgastein.
Gastein Perchtenlauf 2026 – UNESCO cultural heritage in action
While the Krampus drive away darkness and evil during Advent, the Gastein Perchten welcome the light and bring good fortune, blessings, and new beginnings for the coming year. The Gastein Perchten Run, recognized as an intangible UNESCO cultural heritage, takes place every four years. This winter, on January 1, 2026, in Bad Gastein and on January 6, 2026, in Bad Hofgastein, around 165 people will parade through the valley. Approximately 30 of them will wear heavy headdresses, up to 2.5 meters high, adorned with taxidermied animals and artistic mirrors. On the first day, they will cover around 14 kilometers, and on the second day, about 17 kilometers—an impressive feat of endurance and strength under such weight. Further information is available at [website address missing]. www.gastein.com.