Advent Season in the Land of Silent Night

Christmastime in SalzburgerLand

Advent in the Tennengau region opens the door to countless magical moments.

In the place where the beloved Christmas song “Silent Night! Holy Night!” was composed, the folk traditions associated with Christmas are still alive and well. For untold holiday guests and locals as well, a winter getaway to the Tennengau is indeed “the most wonderful time of the year”. With the year gradually drawing to a close, an extraordinarily special celebration begins: Advent.

Awaiting you in Tennengau during Advent

Advent, a time of reflection and peaceful holiday moments

The idyllic Christmas markets in the towns and villages of Tennengau are clear indication that Advent season in SalzburgerLand has well and truly begun. Lovingly made crafts, fruit bread and roasted chestnuts, punch and winter tea, knitted and crocheted items, beautiful objects from the lathes of woodturners, are all offered on the stands of our Advent markets. Always accompanied, of course, by the beloved folk traditions of the Tennengau region.

Winter is time for traditional Krampus and Perchten parades

From the first weekend in Advent until 6 December, Krampus parades take place throughout the Tennengau holiday region. Eerily beautiful Krampus figures together with Saint Nicholas pay visits to the markets in Lammertal and Salzachtal. The peaceful Advent program also includes the binding of Advent crowns, Advent Singing and exhibitions of Nativity scenes. On 5 and 6 January, it is then time for the Perchten to parade through the streets.

Silent Night Museum in Hallein

Everyone knows it – everyone sings it. The most famous Christmas song in the world. But virtually no one knows that the composer of the song, Franz Xaver Gruber, used to live in Hallein. Right across from the town parish church.

The exhibition provides insights into the composer’s life

Today that place houses the Silent Night Museum, documenting the creation and rapid spread around the world of this famous song. On display, in addition to original manuscripts, is also the guitar of Joseph Mohr, upon which he first presented the song at Christmas in the year 1818.

The exhibition also gives us glimpses into the second half of Xaver Gruber’s life. His grave lies directly in front of Silent Night Museum Hallein, his former home. Every year at 5 PM on 24 December, the public is invited to participate in an emotional event known as “Singing around the Gruber Grave”.

In 2018, the world’s most famous Christmas song celebrated its 200-year anniversary. Find more information to the history, the Silent night-towns and many more right here.

St. Nick & Krampus

From the first weekend of Advent until 6 December, Krampus parades take place throughout the Tennengau region and are definitely a must-see! On 5 and 6 December, St. Nick pays a visit to the local children in their homes and hands out his gifts. Ask your host where you are staying, whether your own children can also be included in this tradition!

Golling Perchten Play

Chanting “Glück hinein – Unglück heraus, die Percht kimmt ins Haus”, the Perchten Group of the “D’ Rabenstoana” heritage society in Golling calls upon farming families to come to the door and watch the dance of the Perchten right in front of their farmhouse, where the traditional “dispute” will take place between Summer and Winter. This spectacle takes places every year on January, 5th.

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Epiphany

The “Three Kings” make their way through our region until 6 January. As part of this ancient tradition, children dressed up as so-called “Star Singers” walk from house to house, bringing the Christmas message of Jesus’s birth to the people, along with a blessing of peace for the year ahead. At the same time, the Star Singers collect money to benefit people in developing countries.

“Ride of the Three Kings” in Annaberg

Every year, the Three Kings ride on 6 January from Lungötz to Annaberg. Mounted on horseback, they perform Christmas songs and wish good fortune for all during the coming year.

Discover our top excursion destinations

For families, couples, friends and sports lovers, the diverse Tennengau region has many surprises in store. Here you will find our most beautiful excursion destinations to enjoy nature, water, culture and local traditions!

Overview of all communities

In Tennengau, our 14 idyllic communities greet you with folk-costume events and traditional festivals, culinary highlights, countless excursion destinations and a colorful spectrum of sporting and recreational opportunities for the whole family.