Bregenzer Weihnacht
Visitors can stroll among festive stalls offering traditional handicrafts and regional food specialties across central Bregenz. Attractions include an artificial ice skating rink with Bavarian curling, a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views over the illuminated market, and a stage with live musical ensembles and puppet shows. Younger guests can explore a children's railway with a craft workshop, a nostalgic carousel, and Saint Nicholas's house.
What to Expect
Lakeside Christmas market featuring an ice rink, Ferris wheel, and live entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Bregenz Tourismus & Stadtmarketing GmbH
Food & Drink
The market offers Christmas culinary treats alongside traditional handicrafts.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Market shopping: daily 11–20; gastronomy: daily 11–21. Riesenrad: daily until 21:00. Christmas stage: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, children's program from 15:00 and music program from 18:00. Ice rink: Monday–Friday 11:30–16:30; Saturday 11:30–20:00; Sunday 11:30–17:00. Oberstadt market: Saturdays and Sundays 14:00–20:00.
- Parking: The page directs visitors to further information about parking in Bregenz and says the city center is accessible from all parking areas.
- Accessibility: Accessible with tactile paving, ramped stall access, barrier-free surfaces, accessible restrooms, Braille menus, and an on-site assistance service.
Tips & Advice
- Come on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for the Christmas stage, with children's shows first and the music program later in the evening.
- Skate earlier in the day on weekdays and Sundays, because the rink closes before the market does; on Saturdays it stays open into the evening.
- Book the Christmas ship MS Austria through Vorarlberg Lines to add Lindau's harbour Christmas market, sailing Thursday to Sunday across Lake Constance.
- Have the kids solve the 'Lost Present' Christmas riddle, then collect their small Christmas-helper gift at the information desk at Rathausstraße 35a.
- Ask for the on-site assistance service if you need help finding your way or reaching particular areas of the market.
Special Events & Promotions
- Christmas ship MS Austria between the Bregenz and Lindau markets, Thursday to Sunday from November 26 to December 20; book through Vorarlberg Lines.
- 9th Bregenz Nikololauf on December 16: a charity run in St. Nicholas costumes through the city centre, plus a kids' run; register at nikololauf.at.
- Night watchman tours on Fridays through December 18; tickets at Bregenz Tourismus, Rathausstraße 35a, or online.
- ADVENTZAUBER guided walks on Saturdays December 5, 12 and 19, about an hour, with a hot drink included; minimum three people.
- Crafts market in the historic Oberstadt on Saturdays and Sundays from December 5 to December 20.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for children?
There's an ice rink, a nostalgic carousel, a fairy-tale house with puppet shows, and the Haus vom Nikolaus. Kids can also ride the children's railway, which has a baking and craft room, and write letters to the Christkind. There's a Christmas riddle called 'The Lost Present', a viewing platform, the Ferris wheel and an Advent calendar at Leutbühel.
What's on the Christmas stage?
Everything from puppet theatre to jazz ensembles, brass band music and magic shows. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays a children's program runs first and a music program follows in the evening.
Is the market accessible?
Yes. The tactile guidance system has been expanded and ramps lead to the stalls. Ground surfaces avoid obstacles like wood chips, public toilets are accessible, menus are available in Braille, and an on-site assistance service helps with getting around.
Can I visit the Lindau Christmas market too?
Yes. The Christmas ship MS Austria links the Bregenz and Lindau markets across Lake Constance from Thursday to Sunday, between November 26 and December 20. You book through Vorarlberg Lines.
How can I join the Nikololauf?
The 9th Bregenz Nikololauf is on December 16. Runners wear St. Nicholas costumes and run for charity through the lit-up city centre, and there's also a kids' run. Register at nikololauf.at.
More Christmas Events Near Bregenz
More Christmas Events near Dornbirn
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.