Bregenzer Weihnacht

Bregenzer Weihnacht transforms Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg on the shores of Lake Constance, into a sprawling festive destination each winter. Spread across four distinct areas — Kornmarktplatz, Rathausstraße, Leutbühel, and the historic Oberstadt — the market offers a richly layered Christmas experience that goes well beyond a single square. The main market at Kornmarktplatz draws visitors with lovingly decorated stalls showcasing handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, and creative artisan work, while the scent of hot punch, roasted almonds, and gingerbread fills the crisp alpine air. A standout feature is the Rathausleuchten, a dramatic light animation projected onto the façade of Bregenz Town Hall, casting the entire area in a warm, magical glow after dark. Families will find plenty to enjoy: a synthetic ice skating rink, a nostalgic carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a living nativity scene at Leutbühel keep younger visitors enchanted throughout the season. On three weekends in December, the cobblestoned Oberstadt — Bregenz's medieval upper town — hosts a dedicated arts and crafts market where local artists present their works in an intimate historic setting, offering a quieter, more artisan-focused alternative to the main market. Live choral performances and concerts take place Friday through Sunday, adding a musical backdrop to the festive atmosphere. A unique regional bonus is the Vorarlberg Lines Christmas ship MS Austria, which sails between the Bregenz Christmas market and the Lindau harbor Christmas market on Lake Constance on Thursdays through Sundays. The market runs daily from November 15 to December 23, with trade stalls open 11 AM–8 PM and food and drink vendors until 9 PM.