Advent in Graz, the Capital of Delight

The time leading up to Christmas is the time for markets. The Advent and Christmas markets open in Graz on Friday, November 17th. All of them are arranged with loving attention and present their various special themes till December 24th. There’s also another outstanding feature of the Advent markets in Graz: the route from one to the next is easily covered on foot. We call it the “Advent of short strolls”.

• Just as popular is the market on Tummelplatz square which, for 20 years now, has drawn Bohemians, globetrotters and craftspeople from lands afar to Graz. This underlines the theme of “eclectic crafts from all over the world” – browse through cozy fabric items, brightly colored handicrafts in silver and wood, whilst reveling in the emotive aromas of frankincense, myrrh and incense sticks.
• Not so far away, the Charity Market at Eisernes Tor merges yuletide atmosphere with a charitable purpose. The proceeds from mulled wine, hot fruit punch and the like pass to a wide variety of aid projects.
• Just a few steps along the narrow alleys to the west of Hauptplatz square bring you to the Franziskanerviertel district, there to encounter the Altgrazer Christkindlmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in the city, bringing Styrian delights and rural traditions to the center.

• There’s a busy, modern and urban atmosphere right by the new Joanneumsviertel. Awaiting guests in this hotspot in the heart of the city are exciting architecture, inspiring design, and top-quality catering, providing a veritable feast for the senses. Anyone on the lookout for out-of-the-ordinary Christmas gifts is sure to find something at the “STIKH – Steirische Initiative Kunsthandwerk” market in Lesliehof and Lesehof courtyards.

• After a short stopover at Advent Paradies at Paradeishof Courtyard, continue on across the River Mur, where the market on Südtiroler Platz square awaits you. Experience the heartwarming cheer with Styrian treats and exquisite mulled wine set around the well-loved “Steirerhütte” [Styrian hut].
• Moving on from Südtiroler Platz along Mariahilferstrasse street to the heart of the suburb by the Mur: “WonderLend” promises a chill-out atmosphere in the city’s up-and-coming creative district, complete with unusual and individual designer products and gift ideas.
• “Aufsteirern” celebrates all that is Styrian in Graz not only in its September fair – leading up to Christmas too, the “Aufsteirern” Christmas market on Schlossberg hill delivers cheer way above the city’s roofs.

What would Advent be without children? For all the little guests, Advent in Graz has a lot to offer: the Children’s Advent market on Kleine Neutorgasse street lifts kids’ spirits sky-high – and not just on the nostalgic big wheel! Their eyes light up at the sight of the carousel, fairy tale train, “Schaumbecher” dessert treats and candy floss. It’s a similar reaction at the Children’s Winterworld on Karmeliterplatz square, where a 1000 m2 ice rink awaits skaters, both small and large. No chance of boredom in the kids’ tent thanks to the biscuit-baking studio, creative workshop, story-telling, playground and Advent nursery rhyme singing.

If that feels like enough walking, then the Adventzug train conveys both young and old through the historic centre – from one market to the next. Operating again this year is the Adventbim, a veteran tram festively decked out and inviting you to ride along through the Christmassy city.
The enchanted forest on Schlossbergplatz is a consumption-free zone, where passers-by can linger in a relaxed atmosphere. In the enchanted forest, alongside a big Advent crown, there’s furniture made of pallets, inviting you to sit down.

It’s the magical attraction during Advent: the ice nativity scene in the Landhaus courtyard. Ice sculptor Kimmo Frosti shapes 45 tonnes of ice into a unique work of art. Incidentally, the Graz ice nativity scene is the first on this scale in the world. It opens on December 1nd at 6pm.

The Graz Advent programme includes many more festive events brimful of the anticipation of Christmas. Christmas carols, gospel concerts, regional choirs and music groups, guided Advent tours and the mock-satanic “Krampus- und Perchtenlauf” parade on 2/12/2018 provide settings for contemplation, the perfect mood and that joy of looking forward to the festival of the year.For the first time an unprecedented spectacle of water, fire, laser and light will provide an overwhelming performance on the main square and will turn the New Year’s Eve into an unforgettable highlight.