Bregenz Christmas Market | Opening Hours & Program 2025

Between the shores of Lake Constance and the old town, the Bregenz Christmas Market unfolds its special Advent atmosphere: String lights reflect in the lake, the Kornmarktplatz becomes a stage for crafts, scents, and music, and visitors can easily switch between cultural venues, market stalls, and cozy enjoyment spots within a few minutes of walking. The location is central – around the Kornmarktplatz, Rathausstraße, and Leutbühel – yet close to the water and the train stations Bregenz and Bregenz Hafen. In 2025, the market opens daily from November 15 to December 23; the trade stalls are open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and gastronomy until 9:00 PM. A characteristic highlight is the Ferris wheel at Kornmarktplatz, from which the sparkle of lights can be wonderfully surveyed. The experience is complemented by an ice rink with a festive backdrop, a varied Christmas stage for young and old, and the light installation on the town hall facade. Thanks to a free VVV ticket from Thursdays to Sundays, traveling to and from the market by bus and train within Vorarlberg – even from border train stations like Lindau and St. Margrethen – is uncomplicated and relaxed. Those who want to combine crafts, culinary delights, and lakeside atmosphere will find a charming setting that is easily accessible.

Opening Hours, Duration, and Location: All Important Information at a Glance

The Bregenz Christmas Market 2025 extends over the entire Advent season and begins on November 15. Until December 23, the market areas are open daily. Important for planning: The trade stalls – those providers where handicrafts, gift ideas, and selected products can be found – open at 11:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. Those who want to wind down the evening can enjoy hot drinks and winter dishes at the gastronomy stalls until 9:00 PM. These clear time slots not only facilitate scheduling for day and weekend visitors but are also useful for families and groups who wish to combine several program points.

Spatially, the market is located around Kornmarktplatz in 6900 Bregenz. This includes market areas in Rathausstraße and Leutbühel, creating a circular walk through several squares in the city center. The paths in between are short and barrier-free, and orientation is aided by the city's signage. The Kornmarktplatz itself serves as a prominent focal point: Here, alongside numerous stalls, are the Ferris wheel and, depending on the time of day, the strongest visitor flows. In close proximity are the Vorarlberg Museum at Kornmarktplatz and, a few minutes' walk away, the harbor and the train stations Bregenz and Bregenz Hafen. This compact location allows for flexible visits combined with culture, lakeside walks, or a ride on the Christmas ship.

Many guests ask "how long" the market is open daily and until what date it runs – and here the combination of daily opening and clear times is a plus. Those seeking the special evening atmosphere have a comfortable window with gastronomy until 9:00 PM. Those who arrive early will find a wide selection of craft and enjoyment stalls starting at 11:00 AM. For 2026, a period from mid-November to just before Christmas is expected again; the exact dates are usually published in the fall. Thus, the Bregenz Christmas Market remains a reliable address for Advent planning at Lake Constance.

Program, Highlights, and Special Experiences: Stage, Ferris Wheel, Ice Rink, and Town Hall Lighting

Characteristic of the Bregenz Christmas Market is its experience-oriented program, which combines family-friendliness and urban culture. On the Christmas stage in the market area, a varied program is offered from Fridays to Sundays: From around 3:00 PM, formats for children are the focus – from puppet theater to interactive participation offers – and in the early evening hours, musical contributions follow. This structure allows for the market visit to be rhythmized according to target group and time of day: Those traveling with children plan for the afternoon window; in the evening, music lovers get their money's worth. The advantage lies in the spatial proximity: Between the stage, stalls, and gastronomy, the distances are short, allowing for a program change without haste.

The widely visible Ferris wheel at Kornmarktplatz is another highlight. It operates daily and allows rides over the square until 9:00 PM – thus, the closing time of the gastronomy coincides with the end of the Ferris wheel rides. Especially at dusk and after dark, an impressive view of the sea of lights from the stalls, the silhouette of the city center, and – in clear weather – the shores of Lake Constance opens up from above. For those interested in photography, this perspective is a popular moment, as the movement of the Ferris wheel and the sparkling square create atmospheric motifs.

A unique accent is set by the ice rink, which is open daily and thus complements the market visit as a winter activity. It caters to beginners as well as experienced skaters. The seasonal times are staggered – weekdays in the afternoon, extended on Saturdays, and ending earlier on Sundays – allowing for good planning if one wants to combine ice skating with the stage or Ferris wheel. Additionally, variations of curling on artificial ice have established themselves in Bregenz, which can be booked as a team-building activity for groups, clubs, or companies. Thus, the market becomes not only a place for strolling but also a space for play and movement in a festive setting.

A city-defining highlight is the town hall lighting: A specially designed light show plays on the facade of the Bregenz town hall, accompanied by a sound track coordinated with the projection. This connects historical architecture with modern light art and makes the town hall facade itself a program point. In addition to the visual attractions, the market is dedicated to accessibility: In collaboration with experts, measures have been taken to ensure barrier-free access to make the offerings accessible to as many people as possible – from path guidance to information. This orientation is particularly valuable during the Advent season, as it benefits families with strollers, people with mobility impairments, and older guests alike.

A special regional experience is also offered by the Christmas ship of Vorarlberg Lines, which connects Bregenz with the Lindau harbor Christmas market. On weekends, trips are offered throughout Advent, allowing two Christmas markets to be combined within one excursion. The schedules usually include several departures from the Bregenz harbor in the early afternoon and into the evening, with return trips from Lindau. The ticket includes travel to and from the market using the regional public transport. Thus, those who want to enrich their stay with a Lake Constance boat trip will find a harmonious connection of lake, city, and Advent atmosphere.

Arrival by Train and Bus, Free Public Transport Tickets, and Short Distances on Site

The transport situation is one of the major advantages of the Bregenz Christmas Market. Two train stations are within walking distance: From Bregenz main station, it is about a ten-minute walk, from Bregenz Hafen station about a five-minute walk to Kornmarktplatz. This makes arrival from the regional and national rail network uncomplicated – with direct connections and few transfers from Innsbruck/Arlberg, Feldkirch/Bludenz, St. Margrethen/St. Gallen, Lindau/Munich, or Zurich. The central bus hub at the main station is also just a few minutes away; several lines serve the stops Inselstraße/Kornmarkt and Rathaus/Kornmarkt in immediate proximity to the market activities.

An additional advantage of the 2025 season is the free travel to and from Vorarlberg from Thursdays to Sundays within the Vorarlberg transport association (VVV). The corresponding free ticket can be digitally retrieved for the chosen period and is also valid from border train stations such as Lindau (D), St. Margrethen (CH), and St. Anton am Arlberg (AT). This not only reduces travel costs but also eliminates the need to search for parking, and the paths from the train to the market are short and barrier-free. Those using the Christmas ship between Bregenz and Lindau also benefit from a public transport regulation, where the ship ticket includes travel to and from the market by bus and train for the day of the experience. In total, this creates a dense and easily usable mobility offer, which provides relief, especially on weekends.

On site, clear path guidance facilitates orientation: The market area is compactly located between Kornmarktplatz, Rathausstraße, and Leutbühel. Important cultural venues – such as museums, theaters, and the harbor – serve as significant reference points and help with spatial orientation. For families with strollers or visitors with mobility impairments, the short, level paths and the concentrated location are a crucial comfort factor. Those coming from the surrounding area can time their arrival by S-Bahn or regional train so that arrival and event times for the Christmas stage or ice rink fit together optimally.

It is also practical that the train stations are close to the market areas: Depending on the route taken, arriving at the Bregenz or Bregenz Hafen stations is advisable. From both, one can reach the center of the action without changing trains and without long distances. For travelers with luggage, lockers are available in nearby museums or cultural sites; bicycles can be parked at Kornmarktplatz – useful for guests arriving by bike. Thanks to this infrastructure, the market visit can be flexibly combined with other activities, such as a detour to the lakeside or a visit to a theater or museum before the lights in the evening bathe the square in festive atmosphere.

Parking at the Christmas Market: Parking Guidance System, Large Parking Lots East/West, and Rates

Those arriving by car benefit from a city parking guidance system in Bregenz. Electronic displays distribute traffic to suitable parking areas and show available capacities. Numerous parking spaces of different tariff zones are available in the city center; in total, several thousand spaces are available in the core zone, which are staggered according to short or longer parking durations. Particularly relevant for events near the lake are the large parking lots East and West around the Festival Hall and Seebühne. From there, a footpath leads a moderate distance toward the city center and Kornmarktplatz – practical for visitors who want to combine the market with a lakeside stroll.

For a rough cost orientation, two regulations can be distinguished: On the one hand, the daily flat rate at the large parking lots East/West – here a day ticket is available at a fixed price – and on the other hand, the tariff zones applicable in the city center. In Zone A, a daily fee applies from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with an hourly rate and a long-term option for up to twelve hours. This regulation also applies on Sundays and public holidays, which is relevant for Advent visits. Thus, guests can choose between a continuous daily flat rate at the large parking lots or hourly-based parking in the city center, depending on their length of stay. The parking guidance system helps to avoid congestion and direct to the appropriate area.

Those requiring barrier-free access should consider the central location of Kornmarktplatz: Short-term parking zones and stopping options nearby facilitate getting in and out, and the paths on the square itself are level. However, during peak times, arriving by public transport is recommended – not only because of the free ticket from Thursdays to Sundays but also because the market area itself is designed to be very pedestrian-friendly. Bus parking spaces for tour groups are designated in the city; organized trips can use the stops near the harbor or in the vicinity of the large parking lots. For all who want to expand the Christmas experience on the lake, the harbor is within walking distance to the market and parking areas, allowing for flexible combinations of arrival, walking, and market browsing.

Outside of Advent, the city arranges the market operation at Kornmarkt so that other markets and events can also take place. During the Christmas season, tactile guidance systems and pathways are adapted to ensure that the temporary structures remain usable. These organizational measures contribute to the safe and clear use of the area – a detail that makes a difference, especially during the busy Advent season. Those who still want to use their car should plan ahead and follow the digital displays of the parking guidance system already at the city entrances.

Christmas in the Upper Town: Arts and Crafts, Dates, and Atmosphere around the Martinsturm

The historic Upper Town of Bregenz, characterized by alleys, the Martinsturm, and a special old town flair, will become a festive setting for an arts and crafts market on three Advent weekends. In 2025, "Christmas in the Upper Town" will take place on Saturdays and Sundays on December 6/7, 13/14, and 20/21 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The offerings are curated and emphasize regional quality: Arts and crafts, small manufacturers, and musical contributions create a conscious contrast to the hustle and bustle of the shopping streets. Admission to the events is free, making the Upper Town an ideal complement to the main tour at Kornmarktplatz.

Due to its location on the slope, the Upper Town offers a wide view over Bregenz in places, and the alleys create intimate spaces where one can experience handicrafts up close. Afternoons are suitable for families when concerts and small formats condense the program. Those looking for special gifts often find unique and regional products that lie outside standardized assortments. Due to the compact opening hours, a combination with the day's program at Kornmarktplatz is sensible: first a visit to the Upper Town in the early afternoon, then a return to the city center, where gastronomy is still open until 9:00 PM in the evening.

Logistically, the Upper Town is accessible on foot from the market area in the city center; the paths are somewhat steeper but well signposted. Integration into day trips is uncomplicated: Those arriving by train can first visit the main market and then switch to the Upper Town for two or three hours. In total, a Bregenz Advent offering emerges on two levels: the lively, central market area at Kornmarktplatz and the tranquil, arts and crafts-oriented format in the Upper Town. This combination is a hallmark of the city during the Advent season and adds to the charm of the location by Lake Constance.

Stalls, Food, and Atmosphere: Arts and Crafts, Culinary Delights, and Enjoyment Times

The mix of arts and crafts and enjoyment shapes the character of the Bregenz Christmas Market. In the stall area, traditional crafts and design offerings alternate with Christmas accessories, decorations, and gift ideas. The spatial arrangement is designed so that visitors can stroll in loops over the square and quickly return to the center from any entry or exit point. The culinary offerings are open until 9:00 PM, creating the evening window in which the market atmosphere intensifies: Hot drinks, wintertypical dishes, and regional specialties are offered at several enjoyment stalls. Those who want to browse after 8:00 PM will find no more trade goods, but the gastronomic offerings provide atmospheric endings – ideal for gathering after a ride on the Ferris wheel or a round on the ice rink.

The atmosphere thrives on contrasts: proximity to the water and historical backdrop, stage program and quiet alleys, ice rink and Ferris wheel. Photography enthusiasts discover the market area from various angles – from the square level, from the view in the Ferris wheel, or with the town hall facade as a background motif. The paths are short, transitions fluid: Leaving the stage, one is almost already at the next stall, and within a few minutes, one reaches Leutbühel or Rathausstraße. By incorporating the Upper Town, the spectrum expands to include more craft-oriented, quieter impressions – a counterpoint to the bustling activity of the central square.

For daily planning, it is advisable to set time windows with regard to the program: In the afternoon, the children's focus on the Christmas stage, in the early evening music – and in between culinary breaks. Those seeking the light atmosphere and the view from above should plan a ride on the Ferris wheel during the blue hour. The ice rink offers daily opportunities for winter activities; the seasonal times are arranged so that families with children can skate stress-free. Groups looking for a more active component will find a sociable addition in the ice stock offerings. All this is located in close proximity – an advantage that makes the Bregenz Christmas Market an uncomplicated meeting point for friend groups, families, and colleagues.

An additional tip for enjoyment and slowing down: Those using the Christmas ship can plan their market visit before or after the trip. The departures in the early afternoon and early evening can be well combined with the market times. After returning from Lindau, for example, a stroll through Rathausstraße is advisable before concluding with another visit to the square with the Ferris wheel. This creates a varied Advent day that combines lake experience, city stroll, and market flair – without long distances and with clear time windows.

Sources:

• Bregenz Tourism – Bregenz Christmas 2025 (Dates, Opening Hours, Highlights)
• Visit Bregenz – Christmas Market in Bregenz (Program, Ferris Wheel, Ice Rink)
• City of Bregenz – Bregenz Christmas 2025 (Period, Notes, Relocation of Weekly Market)
• City of Bregenz – Christmas in the Upper Town (Dates, Program Overview)
• Visit Bregenz – Parking in Bregenz (Parking Guidance System, Parking Areas)
• Vorarlberg State Theater – Arrival (Walking Times from Station, Parking Rates Zone A)
• Vorarlberg Lines – Christmas Ship (Connection Bregenz–Lindau, Schedule, Public Transport Inclusion)