Salzburg Christmas in the Stiftskeller

Salzburg Christmas in the Stiftskeller St. Peter

We went to the St. Peter's Abbey Cellar for Christmas in Salzburg. As is usually the case before Christmas: once we have started visiting Christmas markets, we want to see more and more. The Christmas spirit is contagious. Salzburg at Christmas is ideal for this. Then we can't get enough of it. So we go to the end of November the first Krampus runs in the Mozart city.

The Christmas season is long for us, and we have time to discover new Christmas insider tips. We also found something in Salzburg this Christmas: the Christmas Wonderland in the courtyard of the Stiftskeller St. Peter in Salzburg is a real gem, but from the outside, you wouldn't know what's hidden behind Europe's oldest restaurant.

And yes, you read that right: the Stiftskeller next to St. Peter's Church was first mentioned in historical sources in 803, making it the oldest restaurant in Europe.

Tip:: You can stay in Salzburg in these hotels.

The building has hosted guests since that time and has had a good reputation throughout its long history. Michael Haydn, the brother of the famous composer, once stayed above the guest rooms in the inn. From the early 18th century, the Stiftskeller was a popular meeting place for the nobility, the bourgeoisie and the clergy, the Haute-Volée of Salzburg, so to speak. Salzburg at Christmas is a great experience.

Lunch in the Stiftskeller - Salzburg Christmas

We are invited to lunch in the restaurant, but before that we have some time to enjoy the Christmas-decorated courtyard of the “Christmas Wonderland”. We take the opportunity to warm our hands and throats with a cup of orange punch after our Stroll over the Christmas market of Salzburg. And it's worth it!

Is this courtyard, hidden behind the garland-decorated entrance to the Stiftskeller, really something like a Christmas wonderland? Festive Christmas trees stand beneath ancient vaults. Scattered between them are seating areas where weary Christmas market visitors can relax. Mulled wine relish.

Coat of arms hang on the walls. And from the ceilings dangle decorated with antlers Advent wreaths, on which provide electric lights for Christmas spirit. Rudolf, the reindeer, must not be missing in this ensemble. Put on a sled, in which plush reindeer, Santa dolls and other tand spread Christmas atmosphere. This may not please everyone, but the visitors who are here with us seem to like it. On the roof above the entrance to the restaurant hang big wooden stars.

The most beautiful Christmas tree - Salzburg Christmas

If you follow our advice and have lunch at a visit to Salzburg in the Stiftskeller St. Peter, then you should not miss a glimpse of Salzburg's most beautiful Christmas tree on the first floor of the restaurant. He stands in the baroque hall of the Stiftskeller. You can have a look at the tree, which is not only nicely decorated, but also stands in one of the most beautiful rooms of the restaurant.

Table reservation is advised

We reserved a table for you Christmas dinnerWe recommend it, too, because the Stiftskeller is always busy, even late at lunchtime. Considering the restaurant is packed to capacity, our food is served promptly. Hats off to this gastronomic masterpiece.

I order a Tafelspitz (roast beef), and Petar orders an appetizer platter called "Surprise from the Monastery Kitchen." What he gets is a potpourri of fish and cheese specialties with a pile of couscous and several vegetable dips. Even our blogger colleagues, who only eat vegan food, easily find dishes that suit their tastes. This is what makes Salzburg Christmas fun.

The most beautiful Christmas tree for Salzburg Christmas

This Christmas tree is undoubtedly the most beautiful Christmas tree in Salzburg, with its silver baubles and long strips of tinsel, but above all because of its location in the Baroque hall of the oldest restaurant in Europe.

Despite its name, the Baroque Hall was not built until 1903. It impresses with its crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, a vaulted ceiling, and an ambience that transports guests back to the time when Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in the city.

If the tables are covered in white, as was the case during our visit, the Christmas tree really comes into its own. Salzburg Christmas is especially beautiful here.

The Mozart Dinner Concert takes place in the Stiftskeller for Salzburg Christmas

Every evening, the hall becomes the venue for a musical and culinary event that has been held here for years: the Mozart Dinner Concert. Experiencing Salzburg Christmas is a very special experience, especially at the Mozart Dinner Concert, as guests dine to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This music is performed by musicians who revive the Baroque era with their music and costumes.

The restaurant is located in the district of the same name in Salzburg, right next to St. Peter's Church below Hohensalzburg Castle. The Baroque Hall is on the first floor of the restaurant and is frequented by groups during lunchtime. However, the hall is open to the public, so you can admire the magnificent Christmas tree even if you're not traveling with a group.

The Stiftskeller St. Peter restaurant met all our expectations. We definitely recommend a visit to this restaurant during Salzburg Christmas. Just don't forget to reserve a table!

Advent market in the Stiftskeller

From mid-November 2025

You can find the exact opening hours here.

St. Peter's district 1 / 4
5020 Salzburg • Austria
Tel + 43 662 84 12 68 0
Fax +43 662 84 12 68–75

Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane, train and bus

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Accommodations for Salzburg Christmas

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Travel Tips for Slow Travelers here.

Source: Salzburg Christmas: On-site research. We would like to thank Salzburg Tourism for the invitation on this trip. However, our opinions remain our own.

Text Salzburg Christmas: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline