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.

A lunch filled with Advent spirit in the Stiftskeller – Salzburg Christmas

We were invited to the Stiftskeller St. Peter for this day – and rarely has an invitation felt so atmospheric. Salzburg in Advent has been a part of our lives for many years, but this evening was special: festive, musical, and full of enjoyment in one of the most historically significant places in Europe.

We take the opportunity to warm our hands and throats with a mug 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 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.

Tradition meets festive enjoyment

The Mozart Dinner in the Stiftskeller St. Peter is an exclusive Advent dinner with a musical program in one of Europe's oldest restaurants. Guests enjoy a festive menu of regional cuisine amidst historic stone walls, accompanied by classical music.

The evening is organized by the Stiftskeller team themselves – with great attention to detail and a keen sense of atmosphere. For us, it's definitely one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Salzburg at Christmastime.

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.

Table reservations for the Advent meal are recommended – even at lunchtime.

However, we have reserved a table for the Christmas dinner Around lunchtime. We recommend this, as the Stiftskeller is very busy, even late in the day. Despite the restaurant being packed, our food was served promptly. (You can make a reservation by calling +43 662 84 12 68-0, for more information: Stiftskulinarium St. Peter)

I order a boiled beef dish, 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 mound of couscous and several vegetable dips. Even our fellow bloggers, who only eat vegan food, easily find dishes to their liking. This is what makes Christmas in Salzburg so enjoyable.

The Stiftskeller St. Peter restaurant exceeded all our expectations. We can definitely recommend a visit to this restaurant during the Salzburg Christmas market. Just don't forget to reserve a table in advance! The event is often fully booked.

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

👉 We have collected more Advent experiences in Salzburg, for example here: Advent in Salzburg – our favorite places. Or take a look around the Salzburg tourism authority website..

About the authors

Monika and Petar Fuchs are travel journalists with a passion for delightful discoveries throughout Europe. For many years, they have regularly visited Salzburg during Advent and report on special Christmas experiences in Mozart's city. They share their impressions and travel tips on TravelWorldOnline.

Find out more about us

Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane, train and bus

Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and other airlines fly to SalzburgIt is also possible to travel to Salzburg by train. There are also long-distance buses to Salzburg.

rental car:

Cheap rental cars – book here!

Accommodations for Salzburg Christmas

Hotels in Salzburg * (advertisement) you can also book online via booking.com.

If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

Our travel tips for Salzburg

These travel tips we tested ourselves. Maybe there is something for you?

Do you know this?

• Where can you eat well in Salzburg restaurants?
• Our Christmas tree tells travel stories
• Christmas markets in Germany
• In Salzburg music is in the air
• Salzburg and Surroundings
• Largest monastery library in the world in Admont Abbey
• Comfortable winter boots
• Packing list winter vacation

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
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

Last updated on 18.11.2025