Top 5 in December
December is when winter truly begins to work its magic around Hall and Innsbruck. The historic old towns sparkle with festive lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the air, and with a little luck, the surrounding mountains are already covered in snow.
I especially love this wonderful combination of cosy Advent atmosphere and the first proper winter days. A morning on the ski slopes or a peaceful walk through a snowy landscape, followed by an afternoon exploring a charming Christmas market – that's exactly what a perfect December day in Tyrol looks like to me!
And of course, I've put together five of my favourite tips for December to share with you. From our local mountain, the Glungezer, and the most beautiful Christmas markets to some truly special Tyrolean traditions, there's plenty to discover and enjoy this festive season!
Ski Season at Glungezer – Finally Back on the Slopes!
December marks the start of the winter season on our local mountain, Glungezer, and for many of us here in Tyrol, that means one of the most wonderful times of the year has finally arrived!
What I particularly love about Glungezer is its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Things tend to be a little more laid-back here than at the larger ski resorts. Instead of endless queues and busy après-ski crowds, you'll find a lovely variety of slopes, cosy mountain huts serving traditional Tyrolean food, and breathtaking views across the Inn Valley and the Karwendel mountains.
It's also a wonderful choice for families and those who prefer skiing at a more leisurely pace. And even if skiing isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful winter scenery on a peaceful mountain walk or simply take the gondola up and soak in the views – provided the walking trails are open and safe to use.
I'm also really looking forward to the ski touring and tobogganing evenings, which are expected to return towards the end of December.
Our tip: Make sure to stop for a cosy break at Halsmarter. After a few hours in the fresh mountain air, a delicious, warming Tyrolean speciality tastes even better! Just remember to check which slopes are open and the latest snow conditions before heading up.
Planned season opening: 4 December 2026, depending on snow conditions.
Innsbruck Christmas Markets – Seven Markets, Seven Unique Atmospheres
If you're spending your December holiday in Tyrol, a visit to the Innsbruck Christmas markets is an absolute must! What I particularly love is that each of the seven markets has its own special character and festive charm.
My personal classic is, of course, the Christmas Market in Innsbruck's Old Town. Right in front of the famous Golden Roof, historic buildings, beautifully decorated stalls and traditional Christmas music create a truly magical atmosphere.
At the Marktplatz (Market Square), things are a little more family-oriented. Here, you'll find a magnificent crystal Christmas tree, a carousel and plenty of lovely activities for children.
The Maria-Theresien-Straße Christmas Market offers a completely different experience. With its modern light installations and beautifully illuminated building façades, it's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a little Christmas gift shopping.
If you'd love to see Innsbruck from above, make sure to visit the Panorama Christmas Market on the Hungerburg. The views over the city are especially beautiful in the evening, when thousands of lights begin to sparkle below.
For a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, head to the charming little Christmas markets in St. Nikolaus and at Wiltener Platzl. And if you'd like to combine festive magic with spectacular views, the Kaiserweihnacht at Bergisel is another wonderful choice.
Our tip: Why not combine two or three Christmas markets in one afternoon? Start in the Old Town, wander over to the Marktplatz and finish your evening with a stroll along Maria-Theresien-Straße. And the best part? From our BADL, you can take bus number 504 to Innsbruck free of charge with your Hall-Wattens Guest Card!
Key Dates for the Innsbruck Christmas Markets
Old Town and Marktplatz: Until 23 December 2026
Maria-Theresien-Straße: Until 6 January 2027
Hungerburg: Until 6 January 2027
St. Nikolaus and Wiltener Platzl: Until 23 December 2026
Kaiserweihnacht at Bergisel: Until 20 December 2026, mainly on weekends
Rattenberg Advent – Christmas as It Used to Be
A truly special Advent experience awaits you in Rattenberg, Austria's smallest town.
The Rattenberg Advent Market is quite different from the traditional Christmas markets you might be used to. Instead of countless market stalls and colourful fairy lights, the focus here is on candlelight, torches and glowing open fires.
As soon as darkness falls, the historic Old Town is bathed in a beautiful, warm glow. Traditional Christmas music fills the narrow streets, and the charming little shops invite you to browse for unique gifts. After all, Rattenberg is also famous for its beautiful glass craftsmanship!
What I particularly love about this Christmas market is how much importance is placed on traditional Tyrolean customs. Throughout the Advent weekends, you can enjoy musical performances, traditional celebrations and a lovingly arranged festive programme.
And if you'd like to try something truly local, make sure to taste the famous Rattenberg Advent wine, a delicious festive wine with a hint of elderberry.
Our tip: Visit Rattenberg on an Advent Saturday. There's a lovely variety of activities and performances from the afternoon onwards, and as dusk begins to fall, the little town reveals its very special Christmas magic. I'd recommend setting aside a few hours to truly soak up the atmosphere.
Dates: Until 20 December 2026, every Friday to Sunday, as well as 8 December.
Hall-Wattens Winter Activity Programme – Discover Our Region from a Different Perspective
Not everyone wants to spend their entire winter holiday on the ski slopes. Luckily, there are plenty of wonderful ways to enjoy winter in and around Hall, even without skis!
One thing I'd particularly recommend is the Hall-Wattens Winter Activity Programme. It offers a variety of guided activities that allow you to discover our beautiful region from a completely different perspective.
How about a snowshoe hike through snow-covered forests? Or perhaps a guided winter walk where you can learn more about the local nature and wildlife?
The programme also includes guided town tours and themed walks through Hall. I especially love taking a little extra time in winter to explore the fascinating stories hidden behind the historic buildings and charming narrow streets of our Old Town.
And the best part? You don't have to organise everything yourself! Simply join one of the experienced local guides and enjoy the experience. With your Hall-Wattens Guest Card, you can also benefit from special discounted guest rates on selected activities.
Our tip: Just ask us at the BADL about the current winter activity programme. We're always happy to help you find an experience that suits you! For guided hikes in particular, I'd recommend booking a little in advance, as places can sometimes be limited.
Tyrolean Christmas Traditions and the Magical Rauhnächte
December in Tyrol isn't just about Christmas markets and presents. It's also a time when many of our old customs and traditions come to life.
One tradition I find particularly fascinating is the Rauhnächte, the mysterious nights around the turn of the year, which are surrounded by countless legends, stories and ancient rituals.
In the past, people believed that during these special nights, the boundary between the visible and invisible worlds became especially thin. To protect their homes and bring good fortune for the coming year, they would burn herbs and incense, allowing the fragrant smoke to cleanse their houses and farms.
If you'd like to discover more about these fascinating traditions, you can join a special Rauhnächte guided tour in Hall. Along the way, you'll learn about the meaning behind these ancient customs and why they are still an important part of Tyrolean culture today.
There are also plenty of lovely opportunities for families to experience traditional Tyrolean Christmas customs in December. From guided nativity scene tours and children's walks to special Advent activities, the Hall-Wattens region offers a wonderful variety of festive experiences.
Our tip: The guided tour "Magical Rauhnächte" is offered on several dates from 18 December onwards. Advance registration is required. If you'd like to experience a different side of Christmas in Tyrol, away from the traditional markets, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover some of our region's most fascinating traditions.