5 Things You Must Do in December
For me, December is one of the most beautiful months—when the mountains are white, the air is crisp, and the towns slowly begin to glow with festive lights. Here are five experiences and destinations that I particularly love in December—perfect for combining winter, tradition, and nature.
Hall Advent Market – Christmas in the Historic Old Town
The medieval old town of Hall in Tirol transforms into a heartwarming dream of lights during Advent. In 2025, the Advent market starts on November 21st and runs until December 27th.
As you stroll through the narrow alleys, you can truly feel the pre-Christmas spirit: festively decorated wooden huts, traditional crafts—ranging from ceramics and wooden toys to regional specialties—and the scent of "Kiachl" (traditional fried dough), mulled wine, and roasted almonds. In the evening, atmospheric lighting ensures the old town shines, featuring an oversized Advent calendar projected onto the facades.
For me: The perfect place to wander through the alleys with a hot cup of punch, discover small gifts, and get into the Christmas spirit.
Snow Fun & Tobogganing at Glungezer
When winter arrives, the Glungezer is simply a must for me. The Hall-Wattens region offers winter sports at their finest: skiing, tobogganing, or simply enjoying the snow-covered mountain world.
For those not planning a massive tour, the Glungezer is ideal—cozy, close by, and family-friendly. After a round in the snow, stopping at one of the huts for a hot chocolate or a piece of cake feels especially wonderful. To me, it’s one of the most beautiful combinations of nature, activity, and coziness.
Winter Walk & Christmas Market in Seefeld in Tirol
If you’re looking for a slightly different Advent atmosphere, a trip to Seefeld is a top choice. The Christmas market there opens its gates at the end of November and accompanies you right through into January.
Imagine strolling through a snow-covered pedestrian zone, lined with twinkling fairy lights and wooden huts; browsing through handicrafts and enjoying a warm punch—all set within the quiet winter landscape of the high plateau. For me, it's an ideal place to escape the pre-Christmas hustle and immerse yourself in winter at a relaxed pace.
Regional Christmas Program – Hall-Wattens Winter Magic
What makes the region around Hall-Wattens particularly special in December is the thoughtful winter and Christmas program. The tourism board offers a diverse range of activities: from romantic horse-drawn carriage rides, nativity scene tours, and "Rauhnacht" (Twelve Nights) walks to star-lit Advent hikes and Christmas tours for children.
For me: This is the perfect mix of tradition, activity, and tranquility—ideal for families, couples, or anyone who wants to experience Christmas with heart and atmosphere. It’s a chance to discover the contemplative side of Tyrol.
Christmas Markets in Innsbruck
In addition to the classic Christmas markets, Innsbruck offers modern winter flair and magical impressions during Advent—perfect for cozy evenings and atmospheric winter moments. ?✨
A special highlight is LUMAGICA Innsbruck in the Imperial Gardens (Hofgarten). Since 2025, the park transforms every December into a glowing world of experience with fantastic light installations, interactive sculptures, and atmospheric scenes.
So: Whether you are strolling through the festively decorated streets, enjoying a mulled wine, or walking through a sparkling world of light with warm thoughts—LUMAGICA adds a very special touch to the winter magic in Innsbruck.
December combines the best of two worlds: wintery nature with snow and mountains, and the warm, festive atmosphere of the Advent season. Whether you’re looking for action in the snow, atmospheric markets, quiet winter walks, or Tyrolean traditions—this month offers it all.
For me, it’s the time of year when I prefer to consciously slow down, enjoy the moment, and reflect on what matters most. I know one thing for sure: those who plan now will experience an unforgettable winter in my home—complete with punch, lights, and mountains.