Advent fare MariazellAbout Advent

Advent represents the four weeks before the birth of Jesus Christ, the 25th of December. It always starts with a Sunday which s always between the 27th of November and the 3rd of December. Advent is the period of waiting, celebration, contrition and preparation for Christmas.

Intimate Christmas atmosphere

Sometimes the December Christmas season can be a stress fill, loud and over commercialized time of the year. If you would like to feel and see something different, come to a place where you feel like you are once again young at heart and see a Christmas event that brings back the tradition of latter times, than you must come to the Mariazell Advent and rediscover a magic you may have thought lost forever.

Sights, programs

In front of the Basilica at the center of the advent fare, wooden made little bungalows sell their traditional Styrian goods, foods and drinks. One can always feel the atmospheric odor of hot wine (glü wein) and sausages in the air. Friend and family can take a break and come to a winter playground of fun.

The attractions include the world's largest suspended Advent wreath, a five-meter tall gingerbread house made of real honey gingerbread, the house-high Mariazell Advent calendar, plus the Mariazell Railroad... to name just a few.

Advent in Mariazell

An extensive program of activities is lined up for each day and weekend in Advent period. The offerings range from concerts and readings, special creche paths, tours of the gingerbread bakery and liqueur manufactory, morning mass, Advent crafts studio for children and much more. This is truly one of Europe's must see winter pilgrimage events.


Other winter activities >>