Our Experience: Bludenz Christmas Market
The Bludenzer Christkindlmarkt was a lot smaller than we were expecting, but it’s obvious they take great pride in their craft here. There is one row of stalls selling a few Christmas goods and some food. It was perfect for our family who needed a break from the big crazy Christmas Markets. The people made us feel welcome and we were able to slow down and really look at the goods being sold.
Bludenz is just the cutest town surrounded by snow capped mountains. Picture perfect Austria. Walking into the Christkindlmarkt felt like stepping into a snow globe—quaint, magical, and perfectly serene. It was quiet, but there was a good amount of people.
At all of the other Christmas Markets we’ve been to, we are constantly dodging people with hot drinks or plates of food. Here, people left a walkway between the stalls and where they stood to eat. It was so great, and I don’t understand why people don’t do this everywhere?!
Though small, the market had a few standout treats. We ordered the raclette, hot and melty cheese over a thick piece of bread. There were various toppings set out for you to choose. I topped mine with walnuts, which paired perfectly with the cheese. Walking around with a mug of warm Gluhwein is the perfect way to explore the market.
There are a few restaurants around town, and it was hard to find an open table! Great sign. We finally found ourselves a spot in a busy Italian restaurant, and it was absolutely delicious.
While there were no kids rides or areas here (on the day we visited), our daughter still loved it.
She was thrilled by the twinkling lights, decorated buildings, and the freedom to explore without us having to navigate thick crowds. Running around the streets and seeing locals greet each other with hugs and laughter kept her entertained and curious. The people were all friendly and genuinely happy to be there.
This market felt more like a gathering of friends rather than a tourist attraction. Locals hugged, laughed, and exchanged holiday greetings as if they hadn’t seen each other in years. The warmth and authenticity here gave us a beautiful, intimate look at Austrian holiday traditions.
Bludenz and its market reminded us why we love traveling during the holiday season. The festive yet laid-back atmosphere gave us a chance to slow down, savor simple pleasures, and feel genuinely welcomed. While we love a big, bustling Christmas Market, this quieter experience gave us a deeper appreciation for small-town holiday traditions. For all the specific details, check out our Guide to Bludenz Christmas Market
Which one should we visit next?
