Living out the anticipation | © Thermen- & Vulkanland | Barbara Majcan Living out the anticipation | © Thermen- & Vulkanland | Barbara Majcan
    Your “land of longing”

    Advent in the Styrian Thermen- & Vulkanland region

    Are you eagerly anticipating the pre-Christmas season? A getaway to the Thermen- & Vulkanland region will surely put you in a festive mood.

    You can stroll through the Christmas markets and Advent exhibitions in castles or towns. Local artisans proudly showcase their handcrafted masterpieces at various Advent exhibitions, while traditional market stalls offer delectable regional delicacies for you to taste.

    If you’re yearning for relaxation, the region’s six thermal spas invite you to kick back and unwind in the warm thermal waters – after all, wintertime is wellness time.

    © Thermen- & Vulkanland | Michael Königshofer

    Spend the pre-Christmas season in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region

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    Too beautiful not to be there

    Christmas markets in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region in Styria

    From carefully crafted handmade goods to delicious regional treats – and from horse-drawn carriage rides to atmospheric Christmas concerts: A fairytale ambience awaits you at the Advent markets in southeast Styria.

    Christmas market on the main square in Bad Gleichenberg

    Immerse yourself in the charm of “Advent as it used to be” in Bad Gleichenberg. Christmas melodies, together with the soft glow of candles, torches and fire bowls, create a traditional and inviting atmosphere. The Christmas market on the main square is a hidden gem for those who value traditional craftsmanship. What’s more, the remarkable nativity scene at the Kurpark, featuring intricately hand-carved, larger-than-lifesize wooden figures, is a true eye-catcher.

    Advent village on the main square in Bad Radkersburg

    Culinary delights and handcrafted works of art invite you to savour and admire them in the charmingly illuminated market stalls. Highly recommended: romantic horse-drawn carriage rides with your loved ones, as well as leisurely strolls along the Advent Adventure Trail or the enchanting Angel and Star Trail. There’s also a dedicated children’s programme, captivating readings, concerts and an ice skating rink to complete the options for a wonderful Christmas season.

    Fürstenfeld Christmas market

    At the largest Christmas market in southeast Styria, 50 stalls add a delightful touch to the anticipation of the Christ Child’s arrival (or Santa’s big day). On site, you can admire regional arts and crafts and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of atmospheric music. Younger visitors enjoy an engaging children’s programme. After exploring the market, you can top off the experience by indulging in a variety of tempting savoury and sweet delicacies.

    Feldbach Advent market

    Under the theme “Living Advent together,” the town of Feldbach extends a warm invitation to revel in the pre-Christmas season. Regional artisans proudly showcase their work on the beautifully adorned Rathausplatz. The nativity scene, crafted from lime wood, stands as a central focal point at the market. A daily highlight is the opening of the Advent calendar, adding to the festive spirit.

    Advent market in Fehring

    The Advent market in Fehring is an annual event taking place one week before Christmas. On site, lifesize nativity figures, fine arts and crafts, a children’s merry-go-round and musical entertainment are waiting for you. Your palate will delight in a delectable array of waffles, chestnuts, hot punch and mulled wine. If you’re looking to infuse the Christmas atmosphere with music, be sure to attend one of the town’s pre-Christmas concerts.

    Mureck Christmas market

    For an Advent filled with music and atmospheric charm, the Christmas market in Mureck is the perfect destination. As you walk from one market stall to another, indulging in local delicacies and shopping for handmade crafts, you’ll be serenaded by the enchanting sounds of music. It’s a truly magical experience.

    advent market in bad loipersdorf

    At the Advent market for a good cause, you can drink mulled wine, eat cookies and do good in the forecourt of the Loipersdorf thermal spa resort. The proceeds are donated to a good cause. Particularly magical: the nativity scene comes to life with real sheep and llamas and at the "Engerlpostamt", young visitors can write their wishes to the Christ Child.

    CHRISTMAS MARKET IN BAD WALTERSDORF

    The "Advent pleasure trip" takes you to the glamorously illuminated Bad Waltersdorf spa gardens, where culinary specialties, regional arts and crafts and many attractions await you. From the "Advent sound cloud" to the Secret Santa trail and a visit from alpacas, there is something for young and old. You can also look out for the perfect Christmas tree for Christmas.

    Advent exhibitions in the Thermen- & Vulkanland

    The Thermen- & Vulkanland region boasts a wealth of popular excursion destinations, and some of these charming places are transformed into fairy-tale settings in the time leading up to Christmas:

    • From the start of November, Burgau Castle becomes a true winter wonderland with lavishly adorned Christmas trees.
    • The Advent exhibition at the Renaissance castle Kornberg offers a tranquil escape from the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle.
    • If you’re looking for meticulously crafted handiwork, the Advent exhibition on the upper floor of the Ottersbach Mill is a must-visit.
    • Stepping into the idyllic Christmas world at Altstadtladen in Feldbach, you get the feeling that this is Santa’s very own home.

    Amazingly varied

    Festive Advent activities

    Alongside an array of Christmas markets and festive exhibitions, the Thermen- & Vulkanland also hosts numerous other events where the Christmas spirit is celebrated. Whether it’s the Gossendorf Nativity Scene Trail, the enchanting Magic Lights” at Styrassic Park", the Feldbach Advent Walk, or the “Advent heiter & besinnlich” (“Advent cheerful & contemplative) guided tour of the town in Bad Radkersburg: You’re guaranteed to experience magical moments of joy and happiness.

    Gifts from the heart

    Craft ideas for the Advent season

    The best way to get into the Christmas spirit is by making something beautiful with your own hands. In the Thermen- & Vulkanland, you have the opportunity to unleash your creativity and discover your hidden talents. Whether it’s making Christmas door wreaths, baking festive biscuits, making soaps or even crafting nativity scenes: Our short and enjoyable workshops will teach you how to create charming handmade gifts.

    gift idea

    For those looking to give the gift of a truly relaxing experience, we recommend a Thermenland voucher – the perfect present for wellness enthusiasts!

    Order Thermenland voucher

    Goodbye Christmas stress

    Spa visits in Advent

    Have I completed my gift shopping? Did I forget anything? What’s on the Christmas menu this year? Are there enough Christmas biscuits? Sometimes, the days leading up to Christmas can be quite exhausting. That’s why, once you’ve ticked off all the items on your to-do list, a trip to the thermal spa is precisely what you need. Stress seems to “evaporate” in the soothing thermal waters, and the festive spirit returns.

    In the Thermen- & Vulkanland, the oldest thermal spa region in Austria, you have the choice of six wellness retreats. At these wonderfully serene spas, you can enjoy a relaxing getaway that caters to all your senses. As your worries dissolve in the thermal waters, massages release any lingering tension. Or how about a soothing sauna session to revitalise your body and mind?

    Savour moments of pleasure

    Culinary delights in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region

    In the Thermen- & Vulkanland, you can immerse yourself in the culinary spirit of a delightful Christmas. Gourmet manufactories along the Vulkanland Route 66 and charming restaurants invite you to savour an array of regional delicacies – a truly memorable experience.

    Wine tasting at the Thaller wine castle | © GenussCard | Harald Eisenberger

    Gentle outdoor exercise

    Enjoy nature in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region

    How about a leisurely stroll in the crisp, refreshing air to rejuvenate both your body and mind? Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? You can just take a deep breath and allow the serene landscape to work its magic on you along the multitude of winter hiking trails in the Thermen- & Vulkanland.

    Winter hiking and walking in the south-east of Styria | © Thermen- & Vulkanland | Pixelmaker
    Cycling in Thermen- & Vulkanland Steiermark | © Thermen- & Vulkanland | Pixelmaker

    New Year’s Eve in the Thermen- & Vulkanland

    Happy New Year!

    Thermen- & Vulkanland offers a diverse array of options to ring in the New Year in style and set the stage for a successful start to 2024. The choices span from celebrating New Year’s Eve in your bathrobe to taking part in torch-lit hikes.

    Discover our New Year’s Eve offers

    Magical moments in winter

    Plan your winter holiday in the Thermen- & Vulkanland