Grödiger Advent traditions

The Advent season in Grödig is truly something special –
Christmas markets, traditional events, and Advent concerts fill this festive time with warmth, charm, and a deep sense of tradition.

Advent Markets in Grödig

St. Leonhard Advent Market
Since 1973, the St. Leonhard Advent Market has offered refined artisan crafts from Austria, Bavaria, and South Tyrol. Alongside tasteful handmade gifts created by school groups, women’s associations, and people with disabilities, visitors will find a wide variety of treasures: candles and wax products, woodcarvings (especially nativity figures), Christmas decorations made from glass and straw, ceramics, incense, and regional Austrian cookbooks. A carefully curated musical program completes the festive atmosphere, making this market a true highlight of the Advent season.

The entire proceeds from the St. Leonhard Advent Market go to Lebenshilfe, supporting people with disabilities. Each year, more than €90,000 is raised, helping to co-finance housing and workshop facilities throughout the province of Salzburg. To date, over €3 million has been donated through this market.

Opening Dates (2025):
🗓 November 29 to December 21, 2025
Every Saturday: 14:00 – 19:00
Every Sunday: 11:00 – 19:00
December 8 (public holiday): 11:00 – 19:00
Advent events in the church begin at 17:00
More details at www.adventmarktsanktleonhard.at

Nativity Scene Exhibition
Will be announced in due time
Location: Heimathaus Grödig, Nativity Workshop of the Grödig Nativity Association (Krippenbauverein Grödig)

Bauernadvent Glanegg

The Bauernadvent Glanegg has been held for over 25 years at the Mayr-Melnhof Castle Glanegg Estate. This charming market stands out for its unique artisan crafts, wild game meat, traditional farm delicacies, and its enchanting atmosphere, making it a beloved event in the region.

Opening Hours 2024:
November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2024
From 14:00 to 18:00

Special Sales:

• Wild game meat available on the dates listed above.

• Christmas tree sales on December 9, 10, 16, and 17, 2024.

There is much to experience and admire in Grödig at the Untersberg, as well as in Salzburg and the many surrounding villages.

A typical tradition in the Salzburg region are the Krampus runs "Krampusläufe" during the Advent season.

Young men, wearing intricately carved masks, parade through the towns, usually accompanied by St. Nicholas. Visitors from all over the world are always surprised and fascinated by the Krampus figures. In the market town of Grödig, there are several Krampus groups actively preserving this tradition.

The Grödig Krampuses

The Grödig Krampuses have been around since 1982, and the group has 40 members. Before Christmas, these fearsome figures march through Grödig. With their large, heavy bells, they announce their arrival from afar, and their handmade masks both frighten and captivate onlookers.

2025 Dates:
Will be announced in due time.

The St. Leonhard Krampuses

The St. Leonhard Krampuses have been active since 1995. According to rumors, these Krampuses all reside in the forest surrounding the Untersberg mountain.

2025 Dates:
Will be announced in due time.

The Krampus Group DORCHA PASS

Founded in 2002, the Dorcha Pass Krampus Group is dedicated solely to the Krampus tradition (not to be confused with Perchten). They perform only during the Krampus season.

One of these nights, the unique "Wilde Jagd" (Wild Hunt) takes place in Grödig, where twelve eerie figures roam the streets, driving misfortune away from homes. A more pleasant tradition is that of St. Nicholas: According to legend, he was a kind-hearted bishop. Even today, St. Nicholas distributes small gifts to well-behaved children – and he is usually accompanied by the terrifying Krampuses, who are there to admonish the not-so-well-behaved ones. The traditional Christmas markets and nativity plays offer a more peaceful atmosphere. It’s not just in Grödig near Untersberg, but also in many small villages and in the city of Salzburg where there's much to experience and admire during the Advent season.

Many legends are told about the pre-Christmas period. During the "Raunächte", it is said that demons roam freely... which is why people traditionally burn incense in their homes during this time. This custom is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the household from harm, creating a peaceful and safe environment for the festive season.

Enjoy the traditions in Grödig and Salzburg during Advent!