Advent in the Graz region

The Advent season in the Graz region turns into a magical experience in anticipation of the Christmas holiday. From 21 November, Christmas lights envelop Graz and its surroundings, providing an atmosphere of joy and prenatal warmth. The city and its region shine with light during this time, making the eagerly awaited Christmas a unique time to experience. A festival that combines tradition, customs and regional cuisine as well as winter sports in the Grazer Winterwelt and in the small ski areas of the Land of the Lipizzaner Horses.

 

 

During Advent, the element that unites the entire region is light, which decorates both the traditional Christmas markets in Graz and the small villages surrounding the Styrian capital. Every corner of the city, from historical monuments to modern city spaces, is dressed in flashes reminiscent of the magic of winter, culminating in the beauty of the illuminated village of Frohnleiten or the Lumagica Park of Lights, where thousands of light installations guide visitors through a journey through time and space.

 

From 22 November to 23 or 24 December, Graz hosts no less than 16 Christmas markets, each with its own unique character and all within easy walking distance. From the Christmas market "Aufsteirern" on the Schlossberg in Graz with its traditional products to the market on the Town Hall Square with its classic decorations and local crafts, each market offers a combination of history, culture and culinary delights. Among the great novelties of this year is Christmas at Karmeliterplatz, the Carmel Square that looks like a Christmas farming village, with larch wood huts, bright works of art and gastronomic delights. Also not to be missed are the traditional Christmas market in the Franciscan Quarter, the Advent at the Iron Gate, with craft stalls and Styrian food and wine, or the Adventlounge Schmiedgasse which hosts the light installation "Love Graz" and, of course, the Christmas Tree in Graz's main square, the Hauptplatz, which houses a fir tree from the Altaussee region.

 

 

The ice nativity scene in the courtyard of the Landhaus Palace (historic palace of the region), is one of the focal points of Advent in Graz and is inaugurated on November 30. Made with 35 tons of ice, it is the largest Ice Nativity Scene in the world and attracts visitors from all over the world , who are enchanted by the beauty of this transparent sculpture, a unique work of art. This masterpiece is a symbol of the city and every year contributes to making Advent in Graz an unmissable event.

 

 

 

Even outside the capital, in the surrounding region, the Christmas atmosphere is felt. Christmas markets such as the one in Frohnleiten and the culinary Christkindlmarkt "Echt Steirische" are a unique opportunity to discover Styrian handicrafts and experience a traditional Advent.

In Pack, on the other hand, the Packer Bergadvent offers a re-enactment of Alpine Christmas traditions, with torchlight processions and theatrical performances that bring to light the peasant stories of Styrian Advent. While, at the Murhof Golf Club, near Frohnleiten, Lumimagica takes place - the Magioco Park of Lights full of light figures and light installations in a circular path that leads to an enchanting chapel among meadows, fields, small lakes and a grove. 

 

In addition, on the four Saturdays of Advent you can choose from various excursions and excursions to discover the region in the Christmas atmosphere, accompanied by the Grazguides, or take part in the Krampus and Perchten races that evoke ancient Alpine traditions or attend a circus show by the Cirque Noël Winter Circus at the Orpheum in Graz.  To learn more about how Advent was experienced in the past, just go to the Stübing open-air museum of rural houses with songs and performances of traditional crafts.

 

 

Another fascinating experience during the Advent season is to stroll while shopping in the old town of Graz, the charming heart of this city that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Instead, for a moment of relaxation and well-being, you can take refuge at the Terme Nova in Köflach with thermal water and a panoramic view from the Stubalm sauna.

 

 

While lovers of snow-covered slopes can indulge in the small and pretty winter sports areas in the home of the Lipizzaner Horses such as Salzstiegl or Gaberl. Salzstiegl, for example, is one of the most popular destinations for those looking for an active holiday, with ski slopes suitable for the whole family and ideal toboggan routes. Gaberl, located in the Lavanttal Alps, offers breathtaking landscapes and trails perfect for cross-country skiing and ice skating, with facilities suitable for families and beginners. Both areas, thanks to their small size, guarantee a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

 

 

At the end of the year, the centre of Graz offers an extraordinary spectacle with water, fire, lasers and light combining in an amazing way, creating an overwhelming performance in front of the enchanting scenery of the Graz City Hall. New Year's Eve in Graz also features fascinating video projections on a water screen for an unmissable highlight. For more information: www.regiongraz.at.

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