Advent is approaching: get ready to be enchanted by the lights and sights of the Innsbruck region

Last updated on 12.10.2026 | Innsbruck Tourismus

The year may be drawing to a close, but the Innsbruck region still has plenty of scintillating highlights in store as part of its “Bergweihnacht” (“Mountain Christmas”) programme. Christmas markets will fill the air with irresistible sounds and smells, while the city and mountains shine under the winter moonlight and festive illuminations.

The highlight of Innsbruck’s “Mountain Christmas” is its charming Christmas markets, which offer plenty of food, crafts and special events for visitors of all ages. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Martin Venier

Always enchanting, year after year: the Christmas season in the Innsbruck region is not to be missed. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Martin Venier

A world of wonder: Christmas markets

The main highlight of Innsbruck’s “Mountain Christmas” season (13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027) is its array of Christmas markets, which conjure up a festive atmosphere in the city and beyond. Innsbruck itself boast seven markets that cater to all tastes. Beautifully created art, top-quality crafts and unique gifts will be on offer alongside the all-important feast of culinary treats, from roasted chestnuts to traditional Tyrolean “Kiachl” pastries. The best way to get in the Christmas market mood is to simply take a leisurely stroll around the invitingly lit stalls, admiring all the finely crafted delights and breathing in the mouth-watering aromas. The same goes for the markets outside the city too. The Christmas market in Telfs (3 to 12 December 2026) has a Victorian vibe, with costume-clad sellers, carol singers and other details that will take you on a journey back in time to 19th-century London. Igls will also be celebrating the festive season with its own market this year (4 to 20 December 2026). And on 23 December there will be a magnificent parade, as the Christ Child makes his way through the heart of the village accompanied by some 200 angels, shepherds and animals.

Whether you like to buy early or leave everything until the last minute, everyone will find the perfect gifts at the region’s Christmas markets. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Manuel Kokseder

The Tyrolean capital is home to seven Christmas markets, each with a distinctive character of their own. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Tom Bause

Something for everyone: “Kiachl” pastries and other festive treats draw visitors to the vibrant market in Telfs. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Mathias Brabetz

Simply spellbinding: ICE MAGIC and LUMAGICA

Wonderful though they are, the Christmas markets are not the only Advent attractions that Innsbruck has to offer. This year, for example, ICE MAGIC (12 November 2026 to 21 February 2027) will be making its debut on Landhausplatz: with winding trails of ice promising plenty of fun for skaters of all ages, plus a fantastic programme of light shows, events and food against the impressive mountain backdrop, this new feature is sure to bring some extra special sparkle to the season. Not far from the ice rink, visitors will also have the chance to enjoy a truly illuminating walk: this winter, LUMAGICA (13 November 2026 to 31 January 2027) will once again transform Innsbruck’s Imperial Gardens into a unique spectacle of light – a “Light Art Gallery” with captivating artistic creations and interactive installations that will have people both young and old absolutely spellbound.

Enjoy a truly illuminating walk through Innsbruck’s Imperial Gardens with the enchanting LUMAGICA light trail. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Christoph Farbmacher

All aglow: Bergsilvester and Resonanz

The excitement may begin in the run-up to Christmas Eve, but as you would expect in the Innsbruck region, it continues into New Year too. Tyrol’s capital city in particular puts on a varied programme for its “Bergsilvester” – “New Year’s Eve in the Mountains” (30 to 31 December 2026). The highlight is a spectacular firework display on the Seegrube mountain, lighting up the surrounding peaks in a moment of colourful splendour. Another event marking the turn of the year, but with a more reflective twist, is Resonanz (31 December 2026 to 23 January 2027), which offers a calmer counterpoint to the vibrant New Year festivities. Illuminated façades and various light shows and installations created by a range of artists invite you to wander through the city in leisurely contemplation.

Happy New Year! Innsbruck always celebrates the turn of the year in spectacular style with a firework display on the Seegrube mountain. © Innsbruck Tourismus/Danijel Jovanovic

The new Resonanz event offers a reflective alternative way to mark the New Year, with captivating light shows and installations throughout the city. © Innsbruck Marketing/Maria Knoll

More information about what’s happening in the Innsbruck region before, during and after Christmas is available online at www.innsbruck.info/en/events/christmas.html.

About the Innsbruck region
The Innsbruck region is unique in its symbiosis of vibrant urbane space and captivating alpine landscape. It covers both Innsbruck itself – the capital of Tyrol – and over 40 locations in the surrounding area, with six distinct tourist regions: Innsbruck, Inntal-Telfs, Kühtai-Sellraintal, Mieminger Plateau, Patscherkofel Region and Western Plateau. Innsbruck offers all the sights and sophistication of a thriving city, yet sporting thrills and opportunities to conquer your next peak are never very far away. The free Welcome Card offers guests the chance to experience the region in all its diversity, with access to various attractions and free use of local public transport. The official destination management organisation for the Innsbruck region is Innsbruck Tourismus. Innsbruck Tourismus’ 100 or so employees and eleven tourist information offices are on hand to help solo travellers, couples, families and groups enjoy unforgettable holiday moments.

Further links
Website: www.innsbruck.info/en/
Blog: www.innsbruck.info/blog/en/
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/innsbrucktourism
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YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/InnsbruckTVB

This article was produced independently by Innsbruck Tourismus. This organisation is solely responsible for the content, text, images, videos and the accuracy of the information. The relevant contact details can be found below. Tirol Werbung GmbH accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information provided.