Gmunden Downtown Advent: Second Weekend of Advent, Dec. 4–6, 2026

Free admission—a charming Advent market in downtown Gmunden

Schedule for the Second Weekend of Advent (December 4–6, 2026)

Alpaca Hikes
Fluffy companions on festive trails: The alpaca hikes take you through the sparkling downtown area of Gmunden.
Meeting point: Town Hall Square, during the Advent market, until around 6 p.m.

Sparks and Iron at Town Hall Square
At Town Hall Square, you can watch a traditional blacksmith at work—sparks fly, the iron glows, and with powerful hammer blows, unique pieces take shape. Here you can buy handmade good-luck charms and small gifts—each one one-of-a-kind and a piece of living craftsmanship.

Free rides
on the entire Traunseetram route and Citybus lines 511, 512, and 513, including extended operating hours on Advent shopping Saturdays and on December 8 in Gmunden.

Creative Ceramics Workshop
Creative events. Advent in Gmunden
Things are getting especially cozy this Advent at the open ceramics studio & café Clay Project (Kammerhofgasse 7/2). Discover this little city hideaway with its cozy courtyard and create your own ceramics.
Artists of all ages can paint ceramics, throw pottery on the wheel, or get creative at the workbench—whether it’s Christmas tree ornaments, cocoa mugs, or cookie plates. Everything handmade by you. As a Christmas gift. Or just to get into the festive mood.
Details, dates & booking: www.clayproject.at/advent-gmunden

A small, charming market at Rathausplatz and Rinnholzplatz
Culinary delights, fine punch variations, regional handicrafts, and the diverse shops in Gmunden’s downtown during the pre-Christmas season invite you to take a leisurely stroll.

Advent Market Hours:
Friday: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Candle Making at Rinnholzplatz
With a little patience and creativity, you can create unique candles to decorate your Advent wreath, brighten up your home, or bring joy as a heartfelt Christmas gift. Candle-making together invites young and old alike to consciously experience the anticipation of Christmas and share special moments with one another. Every candle you make yourself is a one-of-a-kind creation and brings a touch of festive warmth to the Christmas season.

Nativity Scene Exhibition at the K-Hof Museum
The Kammerhof Museum in Gmunden houses one of Upper Austria’s most valuable nativity scene collections. Highlights include the artistically carved Baroque nativity figures by the Schwanthaler family of sculptors. A special experience that brings the nativity scene tradition of the Salzkammergut to life.

St. Nicholas Rides on the Traunsee Tram
A special Advent experience awaits Christmas lovers of all ages: On December 5 and 6, St. Nicholas will be riding the Nostalgietram! During the cozy ride, he’ll tell exciting Christmas stories, spread festive cheer, and even have a sweet surprise in store for the little passengers.

More info here: St. Nicholas Rides

Playground of Possibilities Advent Program
PLAY WITH FOOD: TIRAMISU 2.0
Friday, Dec. 4, 6:00 p.m.
Tiramisu reimagined: layer, combine, plate, and taste together. A creative food workshop with Anna, featuring tips on food styling—and of course, we’ll get to eat it at the end.
HOW TO COFFEE: CHRISTMAS EDITION WITH NUSSBAUMER COFFEE
Saturday, December 5, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Marlene Drack, a fourth-generation roaster, shows us how to make truly amazing, festive coffee.
HANDLETTERING: CHRISTMAS CARD EDITION
Saturday, December 5, 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
This year, you’ll write your own Christmas card.
All events, registration, and details at www.playgroundofpossibilities.at

Winter Wonderland
At Rathausplatz, next to the town hall entrance (on the right), a magical Winter Wonderland awaits the little ones. Playing, making small Christmas gifts, marveling, dreaming—all of this enchants and makes children’s eyes sparkle. Discover the pre-Christmas playroom in the heart of Gmunden and bring your friends along to make the wait for the Christ Child go by faster.
Fri.: 3–6 p.m. and Sat.: 2–6 p.m.

Christmas mailbox at the market square & Christmas window displays on Kirchengasse
Do you dream of glittering snowflakes, twinkling lights, and a Christmas full of wonders? Or does your very own Christmas fairy tale look completely different?
Let your imagination run wild and paint your dream of Christmas! Drop your artwork into the Christmas mailbox at the market square, and with a little Christmas luck, your picture will become part of something truly magical: Maybe your friends and family will discover your little masterpiece in the big Christmas window display on Kirchengasse.
Who knows—maybe your drawing will make not only children’s eyes but also many adults’ hearts shine a little brighter.