Mayrhofner Advent: Tradition, tranquillity and Christmas magic in the Zillertal Valley

Last updated on 06.11.2023

Mayrhofner Advent opens its doors once again on Friday, December 1st, 2023. The picturesque festival area in Scheulingwald Forest with its cosy wooden huts, romantic candlelight, crackling firepits and festively adorned stalls offers a truly unique atmosphere. A special highlight is the 3.5 metre Advent wreath, which illuminates the entire festival site. An evocative programme with choirs, brass bands and carol singers creates special moments that invite you to linger and enjoy: heavenly encounters included.

Mayrhofner Advent is known far beyond the valley’s borders for its unique ambience. The Forest Festival Area is open on all four weekends of December and provides the perfect setting as a special oasis of tranquillity and warm hospitality. Romantic candlelight, crackling firepits and an impressive Advent wreath in the centre of the site emphasise the scenic backdrop of Scheulingwald Forest.

Festive wreath consecration on the first Saturday of Advent
On Saturday, December 2nd, parish priest Jürgen Gradwohl lights the first candle of the beautiful 3.5 metre Advent wreath. Afterwards, Mayrhofen Men’s Choir sing festive Christmas carols, inviting you to sing along and bring the evening to an enchanting close.

Diverse craftsmanship
Local exhibitors impress with exquisite handicrafts, lovely gift ideas and culinary souvenirs. The stalls brim with Christmas tree decorations, handicrafts, felted and knitted goods, cookies, homemade bread and much more. The alluring aroma of mulled wine and freshly prepared Zillertaler Krapfen (hearty cheesy fritters) will quickly get you into the Christmas spirit.

Soft melodies and gentle sounds
Local choirs, singers and brass ensembles provide the musical accompaniment. A special highlight are the “Anklöpfler”: groups of singers, who traditionally dress as shepherds and celebrate the birth of Jesus in their songs.

Where children’s hearts skip a beat
During the seemingly endless wait for Christmas Eve, a visit to Mayrhofner Advent provides an ideal diversion for the little ones: in Kröll’s Advent Bakery, kids can get creative by decorating the “Mayrhofner Advent Angel”, the Christkindl Post Office invites you to send your wish list to Santa, while the lovely petting zoo with its fluffy sheep brings a smile to the faces of young and old.

Heavenly visitors at the Mayrhofner Advent
Highlights of Mayrhofner Advent include the traditional St. Nicholas Procession on Sunday, 3rd December and the heavenly Procession of the Christ Child on Friday, 22nd December, which marks the end of Mayrhofner Advent.

Capture unforgettable moments
A newly installed photo point at the Forest Festival Area invites you to take pictures of your visit and send your digital greetings to the world.

The detailed programme for Mayrhofen Advent is available at advent.mayrhofen.