Program at the Salzburg Mountain Advent
atmospheric – varied – traditional
When the first snowflakes fall in Grossarltal and the valley is enveloped in winter silence, a very special time begins: the Salzburg Mountain Advent. Far away from the hustle and bustle and shopping stress, visitors can experience the pre-Christmas season as it used to be – contemplative and traditional.
The lovingly decorated Advent market in the centre of Grossarl, with its 30 small ‘alpine huts’ offering arts and crafts and specialities from the region, delights visitors with authentic customs, regional crafts, musical performances and culinary specialities.
A varied programme ensures plenty of variety – from atmospheric brass bands and traditional shepherd plays to Krampus runs and the unique nativity scene exhibition by the Grossarltal Nativity Scene Association.
Advent in Grossarltal is also an experience for children: the colourful family program at the Salzburg Mountain Advent with cookie baking, crafts in the Christkindl workshop, at the Engerl post office or a visit to the petting zoo will make children's eyes light up.
Highlights at the Advent market
Every year, the Salzburg Mountain Advent is officially opened on the first day of the market. The atmospheric and varied programme is organised in collaboration with the tourism association and the Grossarltal restaurant association. The priest of Grossarl symbolically opens the Advent market by lighting the candle.
Grand opening
Friday, 21 November 2025 at 6 p.m.
With dedication and a great deal of passion, the pupils from Grossarltal present a delightful play at the bandstand. The children rehearse their roles for weeks to make the story of Christ's birth something very special. One is loud and cheeky, the other perhaps a little reserved, and this is how the Shepherds' play, which is well worth seeing and has already elicited a smile or two from visitors, comes about.
Shepherds' play at the music pavilion
Friday, 2nd - 5th weekend
Sunday, 23 November 2025
at 6.30 p.m. each day
A very special event during the Salzburg Mountain Advent is the traditional search for shelter, which takes place in the market square. In an atmospheric setting, Mary and Joseph set out in search of shelter. They are accompanied by Advent music and shepherds. The search for shelter is not only a representation of the biblical story, but also a sign of the living tradition in the Grossarltal, which is organised by the locals with a lot of heart.
Search for shelter at the market square
Sunday, 2nd - 5th weekend
at 6.30 p.m. each day
Traditional and authentic – these are the qualities we value most when selecting our brass bands and choirs. From Friday to Sunday, our brass ensembles and choirs from Grossarltal and surrounding area will enchant you with festive sounds and old Christmas carols.
Brass bands and choirs
every Friday from 3.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 3 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
The Grossarler angel sings ‘Silent Night’, ‘Come, Little Children’, ‘Softly Falls the Snow’ and many more atmospheric Christmas carols at the Salzburg Mountain Advent.
Grossarler angel
every Saturday at 6.30 p.m.
Experience contemplative sounds in the parish church of Grossarl and get in the mood for Christmas with us. Chamber music, brass instruments, choirs and Christmas stories will enchant you at the unique Advent singing event. The nativity trail up to the church is romantically lit with torches, putting you in the mood for a wonderful evening on your way to the Advent concert.
Advent singing in the parish church of Grossarl
Saturday, 29 November 2025: Heiligenblut singers
Saturday, 6 December 2025: Großarl singing group
Saturday, 13 December 2025: Großarl church choir
Each event starts at 8 p.m.
Admission: €14.50 (free for children under 14), the parish church in Grossarl can accommodate up to 800 people, so it is not necessary to reserve a seat.
The visit from St. Nicholas is particularly exciting for our younger guests. He warmly welcomes the children at the Salzburg Mountain Advent, distributes small gifts and talks about the importance of helping and sharing. St. Nicholas is accompanied by his Krampus companions, who always obey him, so no child needs to be afraid of them.
Visit from St. Nicholas
Sunday, 30 November 2025
from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pure nostalgia and romance – the quiet snorting of the horses and the ringing of the little bells accompany you on the horse-drawn carriage rides. Snuggled up in thick blankets, you can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Grossarl during the Salzburg Mountain Advent and enjoy the unique magic that fills the air in the run-up to Christmas.
Horse-drawn carriage rides
every Saturday and Sunday (except 29 November 2025)
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
