Mariazell Advent Celebrates 25-Year Anniversary

Since its inception 25 years ago, the Mariazell Advent Market has focused on local handicrafts and customs and quickly became a symbol of authentic Advent and Christmas atmosphere. Today, it is – and has been for many years – the largest traditional Advent market in Austria. A market where age-old traditions and festive spirit combine to create an unparalleled experience.

Mariazell Advent focuses on a balanced program mix

"The special thing about Mariazell Advent is its balance: it combines tradition with openness to new things," said organizer Andreas Schweiger. "In recent years, we have succeeded in creating places where people come together and share real experiences. This creates moments of reflection and emotion – through heartfelt encounters, discovering handicrafts, or enjoying the many musical, culinary, aesthetic, and spiritual impressions," said Schweiger. "I consider this balanced program variety to be an important part of our success." This year, the program at Mariazell Advent surprises again with some new features – including, for the first time, a New Year's Market from December 26 to January 4.

Mariazell Advent: Flagship of Styrian Advent

"Advent in the Green Heart is increasingly becoming a strong travel motive – and Styria impressively shows why: From the city of Graz, where 16 Advent markets offer a diverse atmosphere within walking distance, to the Styrian experience regions, there is a very varied offer," said Michael Feiertag, Managing Director of Styria Tourism. "Mariazell has been one of the absolute flagships of Styrian Advent for 25 years and attracts numerous guests from home and abroad," said Feiertag.

New at Mariazell Advent: Light Magic Bürgeralpe

With an innovative welcome gift, the new operators of the Mariazell Bürgeralpe present themselves to the public. "We transform the Bürgeralpe from November 20 to January 6 into a widely visible, magical winter world full of light, sound, and emotions," said Johann Kleinhofer, Managing Director of Bürgeralpe. A light magic will shine over the roofs of Mariazell from the local mountain. The Bürgeralpe Express transports visitors to the top of the mountain in just six minutes, where an impressive sound-to-light laser show can be experienced directly at the fairytale observation tower.

Numerous Advent Markets Delight Visitors in Styria

"Over 40 atmospheric Advent markets – from the Hunting Advent to the Mountain Advent at Stuhleck – invite you in Upper Styria to experience the most contemplative time of the year in a special connection of tradition and nature," says Nino Contini, chairman of the Upper Styria experience region, promoting the other Advent markets in the region. "There are also several Advent weekends," Contini continues, "and our most famous and largest, the Mariazell Advent, is not called 'A Gift from Heaven' for nothing."

Upper Styria managing director Ute Gurdet already refers to Advent as a new season due to its great significance for the region: "From November 20th, our fifth season begins, ceremoniously inaugurated by two concerts of the Vienna Boys' Choir, which take place in the Mariazell Basilica and at the main square in Bruck an der Mur." The unique combination of Advent atmosphere and nature experience is particularly popular – from sledding at Stuhleck to the Mariazell Bürgeralpe to ice skating, explained Gurdet. "My special tip: In Upper Styria, 15 charming communities are so close together that you can visit several Advent programs in one weekend and enjoy regional cuisine in between," recommends Gurdet.

Mariazell Advent in the Third Generation

The Arzberger family has been participating in the Mariazell Advent for three generations. A few years ago, Cajetan Arzberger took over the traditional Arzberger department store from his parents, which offers traditional costumes and fashion for ladies and gentlemen as well as produces the Mariazell stomach liqueur, and runs it in the fifth generation. "In this 25th year, our son is now experiencing the magic of this Advent consciously for the first time as a small child with wide eyes – when the wooden huts are set up again, the onion dome of our store lights up, and all of Mariazell will shine in festive splendor. He feels and shows us what makes this Advent so special: It connects generations, creates closeness, and passes on traditional values. These are strong moments that remain."

All information about the Mariazell Advent can be found here.

(Red)

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