Advent-Highlights in the Villach region
In the most atmospheric time of the year, the pre-Christmas Advent season, you can spend relaxing days in the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region and you will be getting into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy a wonderfully reflective and romantic time at the many different Christmas and Advent markets - in the city, on the mountain or by the lake.
Villach Advent
During the Advent season, the town of Villach in Carinthia enchants its guests in a blaze of light. With culinary delights, cultural highlights, shopping fun, Alps-Adriatic flair and the sun of the south. In short: a unique fusion of coziness and lifestyle.
With over 60 huts, many events and lots of art and culinary delights, our visitors will be in the mood for the upcoming Christmas festivities. There is a lot for younger visitors to experience: a children's train, a carousel, the popular children's biscuit paradise, pony rides and the ice rink in front of the town hall.
www.villacheradvent.at
Christmas Village SCHÖNLEITN
From 19 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, the Schönleitn hotel village above Lake Faaker See will be transformed into an atmospheric Christmas village for the first time. Discover the sparkling trail of lights winding its way between rustic farmhouses and enjoy regional delicacies in the village square. Music, traditional customs and a lovely children’s programme make the anticipation of the Christ Child palpable. Those wishing to stay longer can spend the night right in the Christmas village.
www,naturelhotels.com
'Abbey Christmas' by the Lake at Ossiach Abbey
The Baroque Ossiach Abbey will once again be aglow from 4 to 6 December 2026 as a festive world of magic filled with music, culture and delights. At the Advent market, visitors will find selected handicrafts, regional produce and culinary delicacies. In the abbey church and in the Alban Berg concert hall, choirs, brass ensembles and regional groups will provide contemplative music. In the Stiftshof, theatre and dance troupes bring Christmas stories to life, whilst a lovingly organised children’s programme helps pass the time whilst waiting for the Christ Child. This makes Ossiach Abbey, situated right by the lake, a special place to look forward to Christmas.
www.die-cma.at
Advent in Bad Bleiberg
The traditional St Barbara’s Market will take place on 5 December 2026 from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm at Barbaraplatz.
www.bad-bleiberg.at
Christmas tree diving
A quiet, moving Advent tradition: During the Christmas tree dip, the water rescue service pays tribute at several lakes around Villach – for example at Aichwaldsee, Faaker See, Silbersee and in Sattendorf on Lake Ossiacher See – in memory of all those who lost their lives in the water. In a festive atmosphere, a decorated tree is retrieved from the lake, accompanied by lights, mulled wine and moments of reflection on the shore. A moving tradition that has been bringing people together for many years.
Farmers’ Advent in Villach
A magical moment in the run-up to Christmas: every year, shortly before Christmas, the Christ Child, accompanied by his angels and the Three Wise Men, arrives in Villach by boat across the Drau. On the festively illuminated Drau terraces, it is welcomed by visitors young and old with lanterns, the ringing of bells and singing – an atmospheric experience that makes the anticipation of the festive season palpable in a very special way.
www.bauernadvent.at
