A festival of Christmas fantasy – the annual romantic Advent market in front of the Maria Kirchental pilgrimage church will take place on the weekends of December 5/6 and 12/13, 2026 .
Stalls with handicrafts, culinary delicacies, an extensive children’s program and the atmospherically illuminated Maria Kirchental attract enthusiastic visitors to the Salzburger Saalachtal every year.
Arrival
The most beautiful journey to the Christmas market in Maria Kirchental is certainly the ascent on foot through the snow-covered landscape. The hike through the romantic winter forest is approx. 2 km long and can be easily completed in 45 minutes.
A shuttle service is also available at the parking lot in St. Martin bei Lofer (cab service for € 3,- per ride (children up to 14 years free)). Lovingly decorated Christmas trees await you at the entrance to the Advent market.
Program 2026
Advent market / Christmas market
In the torch-lit area in front of the pilgrimage church, you will find stallholders from the region offering homemade delicacies and handmade products. The local innkeepers cook for hungry visitors and provide warmth with homemade punch and mulled wine.
Children’s program
Children experience Christmas stories around the crackling campfire, told by an angel, bake gingerbread decorated with stardust in the bakery and grill stick bread over an open fire. The children can post their wish lists themselves at the angel post office.
