Salzburg Christmas Tours: Our 9 Picks for December

1.Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 183 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72Our pick

In a small cave-style cooking school near Salzburg’s Old Town, an English-speaking chef guides you through apple strudel and Vanilla Kipferl. You stretch pastry, season apples, bake, eat goulash and dessert, then take extra cookies home. Instructors have included Leonardo, Johan, Nonna, and Ishmail.

“This was such a fun activity to do. It was great to learn how to make the strudel and cookies. Nonna and Ishmail were helpful and made the experience enjoyable. Would highly recommend this activity.”

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2.Salzburg: Christmas/Advent Concert & Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 154 reviews · from $93

Ride Salzburg’s funicular to Fortress Hohensalzburg for a festive dinner and classical concert. Expect Mozart, Bach, Haydn, and Vivaldi performed by the Salzburger Advent Ensemble and internationally renowned soloists. Dinner begins at 6 pm, followed by the 8 pm concert on most dates. VIP seating and vegetarian meals are available by request.

“Such a magical experience! The perfect way to spend Christmas Eve on a beautiful date with my husband. The music was incredible with such a stunning location. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal as well.”

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3.Christmas Horse-Drawn Sleigh/Carriage Ride from Salzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $151

Leave Salzburg at 9 a.m. for Ramsau am Dachstein, riding a coach beside the Salzach River before a horse-drawn sleigh journey through the Alps. Expect blankets, mountain views, photo stops, and time for lunch at your own cost. Guides have included Walter, Daniel, Leo, and Lisa, and the ride may last about one to two hours depending on conditions.

“Wonderful trip. Amazing weather. Would highly recommend this trip!”

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4.Salzburg: Christmas/Advent Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 54 reviews · from $49Best value

Ride the funicular up Salzburg’s Festung Hohensalzburg for a 1.5-hour Advent concert featuring Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and traditional Salzburg music. The concert begins at 8 pm, with extra 5 pm performances on December 25 and January 1. Your ticket includes the funicular ride, but not dinner or drinks.

“Easy to get to as the funicular ride was included. Having booked it online 24 hours earlier, my tickets were waiting at the door on arrival. The castle was warm, atmosphere was beautiful with Christmas decorations up.”

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5.Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 36 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102

At Salzburg’s Hohensalzburg Fortress, you ride the funicular to a Panorama Restaurant dinner, then hear Mozart and seasonal music in historic rooms. Choose Classic, VIP, or Golden VIP dining. The evening begins at 6 pm, lasts about three and a half hours, and includes the return funicular.

“Dinner is delicious and concert is great. Just a reminder that the ticket offer you to visit the castle which will be closed at 5pm. The restaurant opens at 5:30pm which end up half an hour waiting time.”

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6.Salzburg Christmas Eve Tour to the Silent Night Chapel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 35 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $90

Leave central Salzburg at 3 pm with a guide such as Naomi, Thomas, Kylie, or Hacky, and ride by coach to Oberndorf. Walk through the Christmas market, visit sites linked to Silent Night, then attend the outdoor Christmas Eve ceremony at the tiny chapel. Expect cold weather, crowds, standing, and a moving final carol.

“It was fun to celebrate Christmas where Silent Night was made. Highly recommended. Thanks for the nice experience.”

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7.Silent Night Oberndorf Christmas Eve Tour from Salzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 32 reviews · 4 hours · from $88

Travel from Salzburg to Oberndorf on a four-hour Christmas Eve outing with an English or German-speaking guide. Walk beside the Salzach through snowy Alpine foothills, then join candlelit festivities at the tiny Silent Night Chapel, where the carol was first performed. Dress warmly, since the chapel holds only 12 to 15 people and the service takes place outdoors.

“Great communication, our tour guide Kylie was awesome. She had such a great and fun energy. Not too much to see once the service got going and as predicted it was super cold but such a lovely thing to do on Christmas Eve. Really enjoyed it.”

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8.Salzburg Christmas Market & City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $348

Walk Salzburg’s Christmas markets and old town with an English-speaking guide, including Residenzplatz, the cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey, Getreidegasse, and Alter Markt. You’ll hear local stories, taste gingerbread, try regional foods, and receive a Salzburg Christmas mug. Guide Ursula has led the route, though guide assignment may vary.

“So much more than learning about the Christmas Market. Wonderful opportunity to hear about local culture and history. Our guide was amazing. Highly recommend.”

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9.Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concerts at the Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

At 8 pm, take the included Fortress Railway up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for a 90-minute concert of Mozart, his contemporaries, and Salzburg Advent music. You’ll have time to enjoy the illuminated old town and fortress views, but no hotel transfer or meal is included. Dress smart casual, and take the funicular rather than walking.

“Magical to be at the fortress at night. Beautiful views. Music transported us to another time. Talented musicians.”

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