lorijv

I and my daughters will be in Salzburg on the 24th and 25th of December. We are looking for dining recommendations for both nights, as well as some special evening programs, if any.

Also, will any of the Christmas markets still be open on Christmas Eve? I realize that many of the sights will be closed for the holidays, but any suggestions to optimize our stay are greatly appreciated.

aliced

St. Peter Stiftskeller is within the oldest abbey of the city and is said to be the oldest restaurant in Europe. Many years since we have been there, but their Salzburg Nockerl is this huge heavenly torte which is one of its specialties. This abbey is a must-do. We too were in Salzburg in the winter. You are lucky to be there for Christmas. Beautiful goods in the shoppes as I recall.

wanttogo

Many decades ago I attended the Mid-night Mass at the Cathedral. It was
Wonderful!

pixiedeb

Hi. This website has the dates and times for 2013. It looks like you are in luck with the Christmas market open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

http://www.christkindlmarkt.co.at/index.php?id=76

lorijv

Thanks everyone for your input!! Midnight mass at the cathedral sounds wonderful and I will make reservations for the Stiftskellar. I'm also glad we'll be able to experience the markets.

Is anyone familiar with a sleigh ride tour out of Salzburg? How about special music performances?

Thanks again!!

wanderfrau

You may want to consider visiting the "Silent Night" chapel in Oberndorf, about 1/2 hour from Salzburg. Every Christmas Eve at 5pm there is a special service honoring the song.

Friendship_Bay

We were there a few years ago. As I recall, the market was open on Christmas Eve day (but we had seen a few by that point in our travels, so I didn't pay much attention). And I cant help with meals, we had fantastic special menus at our hotel (although we did wander out and pick up a great herring sandwich at Nordsee). You will, of course, want to do cathedrals on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. In our experience, these were generally masses with music embedded. There may be events that are simply concerts if that is more to your liking. You will have choices, all of the churches do special services. We did a Mozart mass on Boxing Day am, then took the train to Vienna and did Mozart at the Statsoper that night. Pretty much perfect!

FYI, it poured rain on Christmas Eve and was still very damp Christmas day. So be prepared with lightweight waterproofs, and don't expect a snowy sleighride.