Hellbrunner Adventzauber
An especially atmospheric Christmas market has been held at Schloss Hellbrunn for almost 20 years. Accompanied by a colorful events program, families, above all, are drawn to this idyllic Advent setting located in the south of the City of Mozart.
Beginning in mid-November, the inner courtyard of Schloss Hellbrunn is turned into the romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Advent markets in Salzburg: known as Hellbrunn Advent Magic. The ambience is truly impressive. Over 700 conifers are decorated with 10,000 red Christmas balls and strands of lights, immersing the entire area in a festive glow. Yet another highlight is the façade of the palace itself, whose 24 windows are transformed into an oversized Advent calendar.
Wintry Fountains and an Impressive Christmas Angel
Aside from countless small huts offering a wide selection of culinary treats as well as arts & crafts, since 2016 the grounds of the Trick Fountains have also been opened to the public during Advent. Bathed in atmospheric lighting, the path which leads past baroque grottos out to the Star Pond becomes an extraordinary experience. Also new since 2016: On the same grounds as the grottos and fountains, visitors can now marvel at an eight-meters-tall Christmas angel. The bright spotlights and a wind machine turn the angel into a dynamic sculpture with a wafting dress.
With a petting zoo, pony rides, children’s bakery and the opportunity to grill sausages over an open fire, Hellbrunn Advent Magic enchants kids of all ages. At the Christmas Post Office, children can also send off their personal wish list. The “Krampus Station”, designed by a Krampus society from the small village of Anif, introduces children to the history of this mystical tradition through original masks and costumes.
The Zoo is part of Advent Magic
The wintry zoo won’t only offer an exciting journey into the animal kingdom, it will also be part of the full Advent experience: Various stations located between the animal enclosures provide information about traditional folk figures and customs associated with Christmas in the countries where the animals come from.
Aside from wooden huts selling classic food & drink from the Alpine world as well as traditional arts & crafts, guest choirs and folk musicians do their own part to add to the Advent Magic. The former Orangery becomes an Advent café.
TIP: Every Wednesday from 3 p.m., small folk ensembles perform enchanting melodies in the Advent Café!
