Advent in Puch near Salzburg: an overview of festivals, markets and customs

Advent magic in Puch: All dates, Advent markets & highlights 2025

When the first Christmas lights shine in Puch and St. Jakob am Thurn, the smell of waffles, farmhouse bread, chestnuts and warm punch wafts through the village and the community slowly transforms into an atmospheric Advent landscape, the most wonderful time of the year begins for many. The Advent weeks here are characterised by genuine encounters, regional crafts and living traditions – supported by clubs, the parish, committed individuals and the entire village community.

To give you a quick overview of what Advent 2025 in Puch has in store, we have once again put together our ‘Advent in Puch & St. Jakob Advent Market Flyer’ for you this year. We at the Puch Tourist Office would like to accompany you through the pre-Christmas period and show you how diverse, loving and traditional Advent in Puch near Salzburg is – between town and country, between customs and enjoyment, between tranquillity and festivity.

Programme available to download and take away:

For detailed information on the individual events, visit our calendar of events at: www.puch-salzburg.com/events or contact the parishes of Puch and St. Jakob. You can download an overview of all Advent events and Christmas markets in Puch as a PDF or pick up a printed version at the Infopoint (side entrance at the municipal office in Puch).

From Advent splendour to Christmas joy: the highlights of the pre-Christmas season in Puch

Every year, Advent in Puch shows itself from its most beautiful side: atmospheric markets, impressive visits from Krampus and St. Nicholas, musical moments, lovingly designed children's programmes and artistic nativity scenes create a special atmosphere. Between fragrant punch, regional crafts and cosy encounters, the pre-Christmas season here becomes an experience for the whole family. Discover for yourself what makes Advent in Puch near Salzburg so unique!

Read on to find out why a visit to Puch during Advent is particularly worthwhile. We hope you enjoy browsing, planning and savouring – perhaps we'll meet for a glass of mulled wine at the Advent market!

1. Advent markets in Puch: Christmas magic and festive traditions

Experience Puch's Christmas diversity at the Advent bazaar of the Puch parish, the popular Advent market in St. Jakob and the charity mulled wine stand at the FH Salzburg in Urstein! Each one is unique, but all are characterised by warmth, regional craftsmanship and living tradition. From nativity scene exhibitions and Advent wreaths to warming drinks, readings, music and handicrafts, there is something for everyone.

Advent bazaar of the Puch parish

The traditional Advent bazaar of the Puch parish opens its doors on the first weekend of Advent and invites you to an atmospheric start to the Advent season. Artfully handmade Advent wreaths, Christmas decorations and sweet treats are on offer here. In the parish centre, you can also linger over coffee and cake and admire the popular nativity scene exhibition, which is organised by master nativity scene builders Gabi and Hans Greiseder together with the Krippenbauverein Grödig. Tip: Stop by, buy a raffle ticket and win a Christmas nativity scene!

Advent market in St. Jakob am Thurn: the heart of the Puch Advent

The central attraction in the run-up to Christmas is undoubtedly our Advent market in St. Jakob am Thurn. Located on the church square, directly in front of the baroque pilgrimage church of St. Jakobus d. Ä., it is only about 9 kilometres from the city of Salzburg and is considered a real insider tip during the Salzburg Advent.

This market takes place every Advent weekend and on 8 December from 2 pm to 7 pm. What makes it so special is its exceptionally romantic and peaceful location – ideal for anyone looking for a tranquil alternative to the large Christmas markets. In front of the baroque pilgrimage church, you can enjoy regional delicacies such as hot chestnuts, crispy waffles, hearty Bosna sausages, fresh farmhouse bread and a large selection of hot drinks. Here, craftsmanship, gift ideas and culinary specialities meet a varied supporting programme.

The special thing about St Jakob's Advent market is also its history: originally founded as a project to finance a new organ, the proceeds have now been channelled into social projects and the preservation of the baroque church for over 20 years.

PROGRAMME ADVENT MARKET ST. JAKOB AM THURN 2025

• Sat, 29 November at 4 p.m. Advent wreath blessing in the pilgrimage church, tip: Advent wreaths on sale at the Advent market
• Sun, 30 November at 4 p.m. Caroline Koller reads contemplative passages, accompanied by Pucher Hausmusik & Trio KlariSax
• Sat, 6 Dec at 4 p.m. Brass ensemble of the Oberndorf town band
• Sun, 7 Dec at 4 p.m. Free Advent singing conducted by Jonathan Werner & Bernhard Teufl and at 6 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Torchlight walks with the Salzburgerland Alpakas from Adnet (tickets sold on site).
• Mon, 8 Dec at 5 p.m. Krampus run by the St. Jakober Weiherteufel with St. Nicholas & children's Krampus
• Sat, 13 Dec from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas tree sale at the clubhouse and at 4 p.m. Advent concert by Musikum Hallein
• Sun, 14 Dec from 2 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage rides until approx. 4 p.m. (tickets sold on site), at 3 p.m. Pre-Christmas performance by the St. Jakob primary school and at 4 p.m. Brass ensemble of the Puch band
• Sat, 20 Dec at 4 p.m. Pre-Christmas songs sung by Anna-Maria Schönauer & Johan Thorell
• Sun, 21 Dec at 4 p.m. Shepherds' play by the Catholic youth group and at 5 p.m. Salzachtal Christmas brass band

Further highlights:

• Until the end of the year, the Loreto Chapel will be exhibiting a weekly changing display of Christmas cribs by crib builders Agnes and Toni Höllbacher.
• A walk around the picturesque pond and a stop at the "Der Schützenwirt" inn round off the visit perfectly.
• Travel stress-free with the Tennengau Shuttle an: bookable via the Salzburg Verkehr shuttle app or by calling +43 662 265500

The exhibitors & Christmas stands 2025

The festively decorated Christmas huts offer smoked meats, hot chestnuts, bread and sausage specialities from the Löffelberg farm, Christmas cookies from the St. Jakoberinnen, sweet organ waffles from the parish, and delicious Bosna from the parents' association of the St. Jakob primary school. In addition to creative Christmas crafts made by schoolchildren, there are beautiful jewellery pieces from Good Karma Artistic Design, handmade children's fashion from Fadenkunst by Evelyn Moltinger, MARíAS® Organic Care from Salzburger Pieper Biokosmetik Manufaktur GmbH, and delicacies and homemade goods from the Salzburg Underwater Sports Club.

Don't miss the changing highlights! Advent wreaths and wooden lanterns from the HTL Salzburg social project at the fire brigade youth stand on the first weekend of Advent, the offerings from the Pucher Bäuerinnen (Puch farmers' wives) on the second weekend, sweet delicacies from Hell's Pie by Helene Pidlubnyj on the third weekend and handmade kitchen knives from KNIFEREI on the fourth weekend add extra variety to the Advent market in St. Jakob.

You can find more information about the market and the exhibitors at www.st-jakob-advent.at.

Charity mulled wine stand at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences

From 28 November to 19 December, you can enjoy mulled wine and other treats for a good cause at the charity mulled wine stand at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in Puch Urstein. The proceeds from the sale of hot snacks and drinks, as well as the raffle, will go to Kinderkrebshilfe (childhood cancer charity), Schmetterlingskinder (butterfly children) and the social account of the municipality of Puch. Here you can meet friends and family and enjoy the charitable Christmas spirit with a warm drink in a cosy atmosphere. Open: Mon-Fri from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and Sat from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

2. Advent wreaths: symbols of anticipation and contemplation

In Austria, Advent wreaths are a cherished part of the pre-Christmas season. Whether traditional, modern, made from natural materials or artistically decorated, lovingly crafted Advent wreaths can be purchased at our Advent markets in Puch and St. Jakob on the first weekend of Advent.

Advent wreaths from a florist or homemade?

Blumenwerk Helga in Puch offers a special selection of Advent wreaths in various styles, sizes and colours. You can also find festive decorative items and Christmas flower arrangements here. If you prefer to make your own Advent wreath, PUCH MAGAZINE has step-by-step instructions on how to make and decorate an Advent wreath - for a very personal touch during the Advent season.

3. Mystical Krampus and St Nicholas: living customs in Puch

Advent in Puch is not only about the magic of lights and festive markets – the ancient custom surrounding St. Nicholas and his fearsome companions, the Krampus, is as alive as ever. From the traditional Original Pucher Krampussen to the Pucher Auteufel and the Weiherteufeln in St. Jakob – these dark figures of Advent have been part of the local landscape for generations. Accompanied by music, torches, St. Nicholas, angels and children's Krampussen, you can experience this custom in its original form.

Krampus runs and a visit from St. Nicholas in Puch

Around 5 and 6 December, Puch is filled with the sound of Krampus bells and the flair of old traditions. The Krampus runs, during which the Krampus figures parade through the streets together with St. Nicholas, promise a spectacular experience for locals and visitors alike. The most important dates for Krampus and St. Nicholas fans are:

• Friday, 28 November at 9 p.m.: Visit by the Original Pucher Krampusse with St. Nicholas at the Vinisterium
• Saturday, 29 November at 6.30 p.m. Krampus run by the St. Jakober Weiherteufel at the pond with guest clubs and after-show party
• Thursday, 4 December at 5 p.m. Visit by the Rifer Acheteifen with St. Nicholas at Spar in Puch
• Friday, 5 December at 7 p.m. Traditional Krampus run by the Original Pucher Krampusse in Leitnerstraße with children's Krampusse and guest clubs
• Monday, 8 December at 5 p.m. Krampus run by the St. Jakober Weiher Teufel with children's Krampusse & St. Nicholas at the Advent market in St. Jakob am Thurn

Home visits by the Pucher Krampus and St Nicholas celebrations

To the delight of many families, the Puch Krampus groups, including the Original Puch Krampuses, the Puch Auteufel, the St. Jakober Weiherteufel and the Jakobi-Teufel, also make house visits during Advent. Accompanied by St Nicholas, they visit the good children and families directly at home and ensure exciting and atmospheric encounters. Traditional St. Nicholas celebrations in the churches take place on 5 December at 5.00 pm in the parish church of Puch and on 6 December at 5.00 pm together with the primary school in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob.

4. Advent sounds and stories in Puch

Melodies, words and moments of light characterise Advent in Puch. Readings, open Advent singing, brass bands, school performances and atmospheric window displays create special moments for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the musical and narrative diversity of Advent in Puch and let yourself be enchanted by the concerts and readings!

 Take a look at the atmospheric Advent programme in Puch and mark your highlights in your diary right away:

• Sunday, 30th November at 4 p.m. Caroline Koller reads contemplative pieces, accompanied by Pucher Hausmusik & Trio KlariSax and Chris Steger Live with band at the Centre for Visions.
• Saturday, 6th December at 4 p.m. Brass ensemble of the Oberndorf town band at the Advent market in St. Jakob.
• Sunday, 7 December at 4 p.m. Free Advent singing conducted by Jonathan Werner & Berhard Teufel (Josef from the Salzburg Advent Singing)
• Monday, 8 December at 7 a.m. Rorate with the Eberstein Musi in the parish church of Puch
• Friday, 12 December at 7 p.m. Advent window of the Historical Rifle Company Puch with reading & musical accompaniment at the Schützenheim in Leitnerstraße
• Saturday, 13 December at 4 p.m. Advent concert by Musikums Hallein in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob
• Sunday, 14 December at 4 p.m. musical performance by St. Jakob Primary School and at 5 p.m. brass ensemble of the Puch Music Band at the Advent Market in St. Jakob
• Saturday, 20 December at 4 p.m. pre-Christmas songs sung by Anna-Maria Schönauer and Johan Thorell
• Sunday, 21 December and Wednesday, 24 December at 4 p.m. Shepherds' play by the Catholic youth group in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob. 
• Sunday, 21 December at 5 p.m. Salzachtaler Weisenbläser brass band at the Advent market in St. Jakob.
• Tuesday, 23 December at 7 p.m. Advent window with Advent reading & musical accompaniment, Puchstein Castle
• Wednesday, 24 December at 7 a.m. Rorate with the Puchwieser singers in the parish church of Puch and at 7 a.m. Rorate with the Eberstein Musi in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob

5. Looking at the nativity scene during Advent

As every year, nativity scenes are among the quiet treasures of the Advent season. Lovingly crafted by hand, they tell the Christmas story in all its details.

Immerse yourself in the world of nativity scene art and discover the diverse representations of this festive tradition. Visit the nativity scene exhibitions and be enchanted by the dedication of the nativity scene builders.

Nativity scene in Puch:

• Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November: cot exhibition by master cot makers Gabi and Hans Greiseder & friends from the Grödig cot makers' association at the Puch parish Advent bazaar
• St. Jakob Advent market: weekly changing nativity scenes by master nativity scene makers Agenes and Toni Höllbacher in the Loretto Chapel at the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob
• Nativity scene in the Puch parish church at the side altar all day from 15 December to 2 February at Candlemas
• Christmas cot in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob can be viewed from 23 December to 2 February (Candlemas) before and after the festive masses at the right side altar
• Christmas cot at the Hotel Gasthof Kirchenwirt at reception

6. Online anticipation: the Puch Advent calendar

Advent in Puch near Salzburg is not only traditional, but also digital. We are shortening the wait for Father Christmas online – with interesting tips and the chance to win great prizes!

The Puch Advent calendar is opening for the fifth time at advent.puch-salzburg.com and on Instagram at @visitpuch! From 1 to 24 December, a new door will be opened every day, revealing special surprises. Behind each door are tips such as recipes, craft ideas and excursion tips, as well as a prize from Puch or the Tennengau region. From valuable vouchers, such as regional Tennengau gourmet vouchers and local PuchSCHEINEN vouchers, to the Carrea Hybrid Set worth €180 and fantastic experiences. Be inspired by the digital magic of the Pucher Advent calendar and discover festive surprises that will make the run-up to Christmas even more wonderful online!

Be inspired by the digital magic of the Puch Advent calendar and discover festive surprises that will make the pre-Christmas season even more beautiful online!

Carrera WORLD in Puch Urstein

In addition to the prize of the day, Carrera WORLD is offering a daily voucher worth €20 for 30 minutes of pure racing fun on a Carrera track, just like last year's PUCHER ADVENT CALENDAR – a perfect experience for a group of up to 6 people! 🚗💨

TIP: combine a peaceful visit to the market with an action-packed detour to Carrera WORLD in Puch-Urstein. Admission to the World, the shop and use of the Carrera FIRST racetrack are free of charge. It is best to reserve tickets for the racetracks directly online at Carrera.

7. New Year's Eve & carol singing

At the turn of the year, Puch once again puts on a special celebration. On 31 December 2025, the Kirchenwirt invites you to an atmospheric New Year's Eve ball – an evening with a gala dinner, music, dancing and a cosy finale, perfect for saying goodbye to the old year in style and starting the new year in good company.  

So that everyone can create their own personal sea of lights, BummBumm Hörhager is once again running its popular fireworks stand on Vollererhofstraße, open on 27, 29 and 30 December from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on 31 December from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is a large selection of rockets, firecrackers and effects from regional manufacturers – a meeting place for everyone who likes to buy their New Year's Eve fireworks locally.

At the same time, preparations are underway for the Sternsinger, who are an integral part of the townscape in Puch and St. Jakob. From 2 to 5 January 2026, the Three Kings will make their way through the communities, singing their traditional songs and bringing blessings for the new year to people's homes. Their celebrations will come to a close on 6 January with a festive mass at 8:30 a.m. in St. Jakob and 10:00 a.m. in Puch. 

8. Enjoyable celebrations in Puch's restaurants

Those who want to enjoy the Advent season from a culinary perspective will find a wide selection of pubs, cafès and restaurants, in Puch, which accompany the pre-Christmas period with a warm atmosphere and regional specialities. Many establishments offer their own Advent dishes, winter menus and atmospheric rooms for private celebrations, company Christmas parties or cosy get-togethers with friends. It is worth booking in advance, as many people want to experience the delights and warmth of Puch's restaurants during Advent.

Restaurants in Puch – contacts for your reservation

At the Pföss organic bakery (tel. +43 6245 71496, www.pfoess.com), you can enjoy delicious baked goods and a cosy café for winter breaks. The Urstein restaurant (tel. +43 676 8260 1063, www.dasurstein.at) serves regional and creative cuisine in a modern ambience. Traditional dishes and warm hospitality can be found atSchützenwirt (Tel. +43 662 63 30 00, www.der-schuetzenwirt.at), while Gasthof zum Kirchenwirt (Tel. +43 6245 83 134, www.kirchenwirt.at) scores with a varied lunch menu and a festive atmosphere. Those who love a family-friendly and down-to-earth atmosphere will feel right at home at Gasthof Pension David (Tel. +43 6245 84 082) upon request.

Süsserei by Theresa Jahoda (Tel. +43 664 5652662, www.theresajahoda.at), provides sweet moments, while Terra Mia Pizza & Cucina (Tel. +43 6245 20 675, www.terramia-restaurant.com) brings Italian culinary delights to Advent.  Ping Pong Poke (Tel. +43 660 130 1301, www.ping-pong-poke.at) serves fresh bowls in a modern style. Vinisterium – Enoteca & Weinhandel (Tel. +43 6245 90 808, www.vinisterium.at) invites you to enjoy and toast, and VOI.bio – Zentrum für Visionen (Tel. +43 6232 360 93 51, www.voi.bio) vcombines cuisine with space for special events.

9. Advent magic around Puch – centrally located between the most beautiful Christmas markets

Wer in Puch Adventstimmung sucht, hat nicht nur das eigene, liebevoll gestaltete Programm vor der Haustür, sondern auch eine ganze Reihe an Highlights in unmittelbarer Umgebung. Die zentrale Lage zwischen Salzburg, Tennengau und Berchtesgadener Land macht Puch zu einem idealen Ausgangspunkt, um die schönsten Adventmärkte der Region zu erleben.

• Just a few minutes north is the Salzburg Christmas Market on Residenzplatz (www.christkindlmarkt.co.at), one of the oldest Advent markets in Europe, known for its atmospheric old town backdrop, traditional stalls and festive glockenspiel until 1 January 2026.
• Also just a short drive away is the Hellbrunn Advent Magic (www.hellbrunneradventzauber.at), which delights thousands of visitors every year with romantic light trees, campfires, wildlife and the famous window façade of Hellbrunn Palace.
• South of Puch, it's worth taking a detour to Hallein, where the Alte Saline on Perner Island (www.hallein.com) offers an atmospheric, weather-protected indoor Christmas market – perfect for cold days or a cosy family outing.
• Close to the border, the Berchtesgaden Advent (www.berchtesgadener-advent.de) attracts visitors with lovingly decorated stalls, regional crafts and the historic flair of the royal Bavarian market.
• And if you love medieval atmospheres, travel a little further to Golling Castle (www.burg-golling.at), where the Advent market takes place in a very special setting with music, tradition and craftsmanship.

All these markets are just a few kilometres away from Puch and can be ideally combined with a visit to our own Advent events – an Advent full of possibilities, without having to travel far.

Experience the magic of Advent in Puch in the Salzburg region!

Advent in Puch near Salzburg combines everything that makes this time of year so special: living traditions, atmospheric markets, music, culinary delights and moments of tranquillity. Whether you want to enjoy the regional specialities at the St. Jakob Advent market, the concerts and readings, the Krampus runs, the nativity scene exhibitions or the warm encounters in the village – each of the nine points shows how diverse and heartfelt Advent in Puch is.

We wish you a peaceful, enjoyable and joyful Advent season. Perhaps we will see you over a glass of mulled wine, at a concert or at the Advent market in St. Jakob. Puch bei Salzburg looks forward to your visit – and to sharing a little bit of Advent magic with you. 

This way to Puch near Salzburg