Christmas wishes for in-laws USA families love to send at the holidays carry warmth, gratitude, and a little American cheer. Whether you are writing to your mother-in-law in Texas, your father-in-law in Ohio, or your brother-in-law and sister-in-law across the country, the right words can make the family dinner feel even closer. This list brings together heartfelt, funny, and short messages made for American homes, snowy mornings, and long drives home for Christmas. In-laws become family in the truest sense at Christmas. They welcome you to the table, share treasured recipes, cheer for the same football team, and help trim the tree. A thoughtful wish thanks them for that welcome and tells them how much their love means through the year. Use these 45 wishes in a card, a text, a holiday letter, or a toast at the table. Pick one that fits your family, add a personal line about a shared memory, and send it early so it arrives before the turkey is carved and the eggnog is poured. Last up...
The best Christmas markets in Austria are why travelers say Frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas) feels more magical here than anywhere else in Europe. Austrian Christkindlmärkte (Christ Child markets) pair centuries-old Advent traditions with Alpine scenery, handcrafted gifts, and outstanding market food.
In 2026, fast trains link Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Linz, and most markets run from mid-November through Christmas into early January. Below: 15 picks with vibes, foods, 2026 dates, and tips.
Last updated: September 22, 2026
Jump to: Vienna | Salzburg | The Alps | Lakeside Advent Markets | Hidden Gems | Planning Your Trip | FAQ
The Best Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna hosts around 20 markets; these four are essential.
- Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, Vienna. 150+ stalls beneath the city hall. Try Glühwein (mulled wine) and Maroni (roasted chestnuts). Nov 13 – Dec 26, 2026. Tip: weekday evenings beat crowds.
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, Vienna. In the Habsburg summer palace courtyard. Try Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) and Feuerzangenbowle (flaming punch). Expected mid-November through early January. Tip: add a palace tour.
- Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, Vienna. Smaller and calmer, against the baroque Upper Belvedere. Try Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents) and Weihnachtspunsch. Expected mid-November – Dec 26. Tip: visit at golden hour.
- Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz, Vienna. 70+ stalls between the twin museums. Try Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and heiße Schokolade. Nov 20 – Dec 26, 2026. Tip: try the curling lanes.
The Best Christmas Markets in Salzburg
One of the oldest Christkindlmärkte in the German-speaking world, dating to the 15th century, plus a fairy-tale palace market.
- Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz and Residenzplatz. Beneath the fortress, with choir concerts and Turmbläser (tower brass). Try Bratäpfel (baked apples) and Glühwein. Nov 19, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027. Tip: catch the free daily 5 pm concerts.
- Hellbrunner Adventzauber, Salzburg. In Hellbrunn Palace's candlelit courtyard. Try Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) and Glühmost (hot mulled cider). Expected late November – Dec 24. Tip: go after dark.
The Best Christmas Markets in the Austrian Alps
Traditional markets with the Alps rising behind the stalls.
- Old Town Christkindlmarkt, Innsbruck. Medieval lanes, the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), and the Nordkette peaks. Try Kiachl (fried dough with jam) and Glühwein. Nov 15 – Dec 23, 2026. Tip: ride the Hungerburg funicular.
- Kitzbühel Advent, Kitzbühel. A chic ski-town market on lantern-lit streets. Try Tiroler Gröstl (fried potatoes) and Punsch. Expected late November – Dec 26. Tip: combine with a ski day.
- Seefeld Christmas Market, Seefeld. A quiet, high-altitude village market. Try Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Jagatee (hunter's tea with rum). Expected early December – Jan 6. Tip: one of the few markets open past New Year.
Lakeside Advent Markets in the Salzkammergut
Waterfront villages turned into glowing Advent scenes — small, romantic, and among Europe's most photographed.
- Hallstatt Christmas Market, Hallstatt. A single-day market on the December 8 holiday (Mariä Empfängnis). Try gebrannte Mandeln (candied almonds) and Orangenpunsch. Dec 8, 2026. Tip: arrive early.
- Wolfganger Advent, St. Wolfgang. Floating lake lanterns and the giant Friedenslicht (peace light) on Wolfgangsee. Try Bratwürste and Heidelbeerglühwein (blueberry mulled wine). Expected late November – Dec 23. Tip: take the ferry at dusk.
- St. Gilgen Advent, St. Gilgen. A baroque market with brass music and a village Krippe. Try Stollen (fruit bread) and Eierpunsch (egg-nog punch). Expected late November – late December. Tip: ride the Zwölferhorn cable car.
Hidden Gems: Markets Worth the Detour
Regional favorites where the Glühwein is cheaper and the atmosphere is all locals.
- Graz Advent Markets, Graz. Across the old town, with an ice nativity (Eiskrippe) in the Landhaus courtyard. Try pumpkin-seed treats and Punsch. Expected late November – Dec 24. Tip: see it after dark, lit from within.
- Christkindlmarkt Linz, Linz. On the baroque Hauptplatz with strong craft traditions. Try Linzer Torte (jam-and-spice tart) and Apfelpunsch. Expected late November – Dec 24. Tip: take home a Linzer Torte.
- Villach Advent, Villach. Carinthia's market with Austrian and Italian influences. Try Kärntner Kasnudeln (cheese pockets) and honey Glühwein. Expected late November – Dec 24. Tip: easy day trip from Slovenia or Italy.
Planning Your 2026 Austria Christmas Market Trip
Dates: Most markets open November 13–21, 2026, through December 23–26. Salzburg runs to January 1, 2027; several Innsbruck and Seefeld markets continue into early January.
Getting there: Fly into Vienna (VIE), Salzburg (SZG), or Innsbruck (INN). ÖBB trains link Vienna–Salzburg (2.5 hours) and all major cities.
When to visit: Early December (Dec 5–15) is the sweet spot — everything open, snow likely in the Alps, lighter crowds. Weekdays beat weekends; dusk is best.
Money tip: Bring cash (Bargeld). Market mugs (Tassen) carry a deposit (Pfand, usually €3–5) — return the mug for your money back or keep it as a souvenir.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austria Christmas Markets
When do Austria's markets open in 2026?
Most open November 13–21: Vienna on Nov 13, Innsbruck on Nov 15, Salzburg on Nov 19.
Which Austrian Christmas market is best?
Vienna Rathausplatz is the best all-rounder; Salzburg the most traditional, Innsbruck the most scenic, Hallstatt the most photogenic, St. Wolfgang the most romantic.
Are any markets open after Christmas?
Salzburg runs until January 1, 2027; Innsbruck's Maria-Theresien-Straße, Hungerburg, and Seefeld continue into early January.
What should I eat and drink?
Glühwein or Punsch, Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Vanillekipferl, Kaiserschmarrn, and regional stars like Kiachl or Linzer Torte.
How many days do I need?
Three days covers Vienna and Salzburg; five adds the lakes; seven to ten does the full circuit.
Can I visit by train?
Yes — ÖBB connects all major market cities and most markets sit within walking distance of the main station.
More Christmas Inspiration
Also see the best things to do at Christmas in Vienna, Vienna's Christmas market foods and stalls, and the best Christmas markets in Germany.
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