Advent magic in Puch: markets, traditions and festive highlights

With the start of the Advent season, a festive glow pervades the Salzburg region - and in the municipality of Puch near Hallein, surrounded by idyllic nature, the Christmas spirit also returns. The streets and squares will soon shine again in their special glow of lights and invite everyone to experience and enjoy the festive season together. This article gives you an insight into the pre-Christmas atmosphere in Puch, St. Jakob am Thurn, Hinterwiestal and Urstein and shows why the Advent season is so unique here with us.

For detailed information on the individual events, visit our calendar of events at: www.puch-salzburg.com/events or contact the parishes of Puch and St. Jakob. You can download an overview of all Advent events and Christmas markets in Puch as a PDF or pick up a printed version at the Infopoint (side entrance at the municipal office in Puch).

From the magic of Advent to the joy of Christmas: an Advent programme full of highlights in Puch

Experience the multifaceted Advent programme in Puch, ranging from traditional Advent markets to thrilling encounters with Krampus and St. Nicholas to atmospheric concerts and lovingly designed children's activities. Whether artfully arranged nativity scenes, the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread or the opportunity to admire regional handicrafts - in Puch, the pre-Christmas period is an experience for young and old. Be inspired by the festive variety and discover what makes Advent in Puch near Salzburg so unique.

Read on and find out the eight best reasons why a visit to Puch during Advent is worthwhile. We hope you enjoy planning and dreaming and wish you a peaceful Advent season! Perhaps we'll see you at one of the festive events - or over a mulled wine at the Advent market!

1. Advent markets in Puch: Christmas magic and festive traditions

Experience Puch's Christmas variety at the Advent bazaar of the Puch parish, the popular Advent market in St. Jakob and the charity mulled wine stall at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in Urstein! There is something for every taste, from traditional crafts and delicious treats to mulled wine for a good cause. Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of these markets and enjoy the pre-Christmas season to the full.

Advent bazaar of the Puch parish

The traditional Advent bazaar of the Puch parish opens its doors on the first weekend of Advent and invites you to an atmospheric start to the Advent season. Artfully handmade Advent wreaths, Christmas decorations and sweet treats are on offer here. In the parish centre, you can also linger over coffee and cake and admire the popular nativity scene exhibition, which is organised by master nativity scene builders Gabi and Hans Greiseder together with the Krippenbauverein Grödig

Advent market in St. Jakob am Thurn

Every weekend in Advent and on 8 December, the atmospheric Advent market invites you to the church square in St. Jakob from 2 pm to 7 pm. Regional delicacies such as hot chestnuts, crispy waffles, savoury Bosna and a large selection of hot drinks await you in front of the baroque pilgrimage church. Craftsmanship, gift ideas and culinary specialities meet a varied supporting programme.

The special thing about St Jakob's Advent market is also its history: originally founded as a project to finance a new organ, the proceeds have now been channelled into social projects and the preservation of the baroque church for over 20 years.

PROGRAMME ADVENT MARKET ST. JAKOB AM THURN 2024

• Sat, 30.11 at 16.00 Advent wreath consecration, tip: Advent wreath sale at the Advent market
• Sun, 1.12 at 16.00 Wind ensemble from St. Veit im Pongau
• Sat, 7.12 at 17.00 Krampus run of the St. Jakober Weiherteufel and from 13.00 to 16.00 Christmas tree sale at the clubhouse
• Sun, 8.12 from 14.00 creative workshop in the Paracelsus School and at 16.00 Caroline Koller reads contemplative stories, accompanied by the Pucher Hausmusik & SaxTrio M3
• Sa, 14.12 at 16.00 Advent concert of the Musikum Hallein
• Sun, 15.12 from 14.00 horse-drawn carriage ride and at 16.00 brass ensemble of the Puch music band
• Sat, 21.12 at 16.00 h Salzachtaler Weisenbläser
• Sun, 24.12 at 4.00 pm Shepherd's play by the Catholic youth group

Further highlights:

-In the Loretto Chapel, changing nativity scenes by master nativity scene makers Agnes and Toni Höllbacher are exhibited every week until the end of the year.
-Alpaca hikes with the Salzburgland alpacas from Adnet every Sunday from 3.00 to 5.00 pm

The exhibitors & Christmas stands 2024

The festively decorated Christmas huts offer smoked meats, bread and sausage specialities from Löffelberggut and delicious biscuits from St. Jakoberinnen as well as delicious Bosna from the parents' association. Changing highlights such as Advent wreaths and wooden lanterns from the HTL Salzburg social project on the first weekend of Advent, the Pucher Bäuerinnen offer on the second weekend and the sweet delicacies from Hell's Pie by Helene Pidlubnyj on the third weekend provide additional variety.

In addition to creative Christmas crafts by schoolchildren, there are beautiful pieces of jewellery from Zoe&Grace Jewelry by Laura Seidl and good Karma Artistic design, handmade children's fashion from Fadenkunst by Evleyn Moltinger, sustainable organic cosmetics from Salzburg's Manufaktur Pieper and exclusive wool products from SalzburgLand Alpaca from Adnet.

You can find more information about the market and the exhibitors at www.st-jakob-advent.at.

Charity mulled wine stand at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences

From Monday to Saturday, from 2 pm to 10 pm, you can enjoy mulled wine for a good cause at the charity mulled wine stand at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in Puch Urstein from 29 November to 20 December. The proceeds from sales and the raffle will go to the children's cancer charity, the butterfly children and the social account of the municipality of Puch. Here you can meet friends and family and experience the charitable Christmas spirit with a warm drink in a cosy atmosphere.

2. Mystical Krampus and St Nicholas: living customs in Puch

Advent in Puch is not just about the magic of lights and festive markets - the age-old tradition of St Nicholas and his terrifying companions, the Krampuses, is as alive as ever. With imposing masks, fur costumes and loud ringing bells, the Krampuses parade through the streets and bring back to life a time long past, when the mysticism and excitement of wintertime accompanied the anticipation of Christmas. From a mask exhibition to the first runs and visits from St Nicholas, there are numerous opportunities to experience this custom in Puch.

Maske & Brauch – Exhibition on tradition

To kick things off, the local history association D'Tennengauer invites you to the ‘Mask & Customs’ exhibition at the Kirchenwirt in Puch on 16 and 17 November. From 10 am to 7 pm, visitors can marvel at masks and handicrafts that represent the St Nicholas and Krampus customs as well as Raunachtsgehen in the Tennengau Salzach Valley. To mark the 15th anniversary of the association, the exhibition shows masks from its foundation to the present day, complemented by works by the three association carvers. The exhibition is accompanied by explanations of the customs, allowing children in particular to immerse themselves in the world of Krampus customs in a family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is free and the members of the association look forward to your visit!

Krampus runs and a visit from St Nicholas in Puch

In the days around 5 and 6 December, Puch is filled with the sound of Krampus bells and the flair of old traditions. The Krampus runs, where the Krampus parade through the streets together with St Nicholas, promise a spectacular experience for locals and guests alike. The most important dates for Krampus and St Nicholas fans are:

• 16 - 17 November (10 am - 7 pm): Mask & Customs: Krampus and Perchten exhibition to mark the 15th anniversary of the D`Tennengauer local history association, Kirchenwirt banqueting hall
• Friday, 29 November at 21:00: Visit of the original Pucher Krampus with St. Nicholas in the Vinisterium
• Saturday, 30 November at 19.00 Krampus run of the St. Jakober Weiherteufel at the pond with after-show party at the Stockhütte St. Jakob
• Wednesday, 4 December at 5.00 pm Visit to the Rifer Acheteifen with St. Nicholas at Spar in Puch
• Thursday, 5 December at 7.00 pm traditional Krampus run by the Original Pucher Krampusse in Leitnerstraße
• Saturday, 7 December at 5.00 pm Krampus run by the St. Jakober Weiher Teufel at the Advent market in St. Jakob am Thurn

Home visits by the Pucher Krampus and St Nicholas celebrations

To the delight of many families, the Puch Krampus groups, including the Original Puch Krampuses, the Puch Auteufel, the St. Jakober Weiherteufel and the Jakobi-Teufel, also make house visits during Advent. Accompanied by St Nicholas, they visit the good children and families directly at home and ensure exciting and atmospheric encounters. Traditional St. Nicholas celebrations in the churches take place on 5 December at 5.00 pm in the parish church of Puch and on 6 December at 5.00 pm together with the primary school in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob.

3. Advent sounds and stories in Puch

The Advent season in Puch is accompanied by atmospheric concerts and touching readings that bring the pre-Christmas spirit to life. One highlight is the festive church concert by the Puch music band, which fills the Puch parish church with enchanting melodies and opens the Advent season musically with its unique sounds. The atmospheric reading by Caroline Koller in the pilgrimage church of St Jakob also transports the audience into a world of words and emotions, perfectly suited to the contemplation of this time of year. In addition, the Musikum Hallein brings a symphonic note to Advent in Puch with its enchanting concert in the pilgrimage church. With their shepherds' play, the youth group provides a lively insight into the Christmas story and makes the message of Christmas tangible.

The atmospheric Rorate services in the churches of Puch and St. Jakob, festively framed and full of contemplation, also invite visitors to reflect and lead them on the way to the cot. The Advent market concludes with the wind ensembles, whose Christmas sounds harmoniously combine with the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread to create a festive atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in the musical and narrative diversity of Advent in Puch and be enchanted by the concerts and readings!

• Saturday, 23 November at 7.30 pm Church concert by the Puch band
• Sunday, 1 December at 4.00 pm Wind ensemble from St. Veit im Pongau at the Advent market in St. Jakob
• Wednesday, 4 December at 7.00 pm St. Barbara's Day celebration with music and blessing of St. Barbara's branches in Puch parish church
• Sunday, 8 December at 7.00 a.m. Rorate with the Eberstoa Musi in the parish church of Puch and at 4.00 p.m. Caroline Koller reads contemplative readings, accompanied by the Pucher Hausmusik & the SaxTrio M3 in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob
• Saturday, 14 December at 16.00 Advent concert by Musikum Hallein in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob
• Sunday, 15 December at 16:00 Wind ensemble of the Puch music band at the Advent market in St. Jakob
• Saturday, 21 December at 5.00 pm Salzachtaler Weisenbläser at the Advent market in St. Jakob
• Sunday, 22nd December and Sunday, 24th December at 4.00 pm in the pilgrimage church in St. Jakob
• Sunday, 24 December at 7.00 a.m. Rorate with the Puchwieser Sänger in the parish church of Puch and at 7.00 a.m. Rorate with the Eberstoa Musi in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob

4th Advent for children and families: magical experiences for the little ones

In Puch near Salzburg, Advent is a special time for the whole family, with lots of highlights especially for children. Every Sunday in Advent, the little ones can take part in an alpaca hike at the Advent market in St. Jakob, offered by SalzburgLand Alpacas from Adnet, or experience the wintry village on a magical horse-drawn carriage ride on Sunday, 15 December.

In der Paracelsusschule in St. Jakob wartet eine Kreativwerkstatt, wo Kinder ihre künstlerische Seite beim Kerzenziehen und weiteren weihnachtlichen Aktivitäten entdecken können. Ein besonderer Programmpunkt ist dieses Jahr die Ausstellung „Maske & Brauch“ vom Heimatverein D'Tennengauer am 16. und 17. November beim Kirchenwirt – ein spannender, familienfreundlicher Einblick in die Geschichte und Traditionen der Krampuszeit.

From the light of peace to the shepherds' play

A creative workshop awaits at the Paracelsus School in St. Jakob, where children can discover their artistic side with candle making and other Christmas activities. A special programme item this year is the ‘Mask & Customs’ exhibition by the D'Tennengauer local history association on 16 and 17 November at the Kirchenwirt - an exciting, family-friendly insight into the history and traditions of the Krampus period.

Dates especially for children and families during Advent:

• Sundays in Advent from 3-5 pm alpaca walks with Salzburgland alpacas from Adnet at the St. Jakob Advent market
• Thursday, 5 December at 5.00 pm St. Nicholas' Day celebration in the Puch parish church and at 7.00 pm children's Krampus run by the Original Pucher Krampuse in Leitnerstraße
• Sunday, 8 December from 14.00 Creative workshop at the Paracelusus School St. Jakob (at the Schützenwirt)
• Sunday, 15 December from 2.00 pm Horse-drawn carriage rides at the St. Jakob Advent market
• Sunday, 22nd and Tuesday, 24th December at 4.00 pm Shepherd's play by the Catholic youth group in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob
• Sunday, 24 December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christkindlwarten with fun play stations at the Puch fire station
• Sunday, 24 December at 16:00 Crib celebration for children in the parish church of Puch

5. Looking at the nativity scene during Advent

The nativity scene is a central symbol of the Advent season, conveying the message of love and hope. In the artistically designed scenes from the birth of Christ, we find moments of contemplation and tradition. For children in particular, the nativity scene is a living place where they can experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Immerse yourself in the world of nativity scene art and discover the diverse representations of this festive tradition. Visit the nativity scene exhibitions and be enchanted by the dedication of the nativity scene makers.

Nativity scene in Puch:

• Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November: cot exhibition by master cot makers Gabi and Hans Greiseder & friends from the Grödig cot makers' association at the Puch parish Advent bazaar
• St. Jakob Advent market: weekly changing nativity scenes by master nativity scene makers Agenes and Toni Höllbacher in the Loretto Chapel at the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob
• Nativity scene in the Puch parish church at the side altar all day from 15 December to 2 February at Candlemas
• Christmas cot in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob can be viewed from 23 December to 2 February (Candlemas) before and after the festive masses at the right side altar
• Christmas cot at the Hotel Gasthof Kirchenwirt at reception

6. Advent wreaths: symbols of anticipation and contemplation

The Advent wreath marks the start of the festive season and the weekly lighting of candles brings with it a growing anticipation of Christmas. Each candle stands for a piece of approaching light in the darkness and lends the home an atmosphere of contemplation and anticipation. In addition to their decorative value, Advent wreaths in Puch are deeply interwoven with traditions that are kept alive by the local parishes.

Sale and blessing of Advent wreaths in Puch

Lovingly designed Advent wreaths can be purchased at the Advent markets and flower shops, and the blessing of these wreaths provides a spiritual prelude to the Advent season:

• Advent wreath sale in St. Jakob on Saturday, 30.11 and Sunday, 1.12 at the St. Jakob Advent market
• Advent wreath sale of the Puch parish on Friday, 29.11 and Saturday, 30.11 at the Advent bazaar
• The Advent wreath blessings will take place on Saturday in the pilgrimage church of St. Jakob at 4.00 pm and in the parish church of Puch on Sunday at 10 am

Advent wreaths from a florist or homemade?

Blumenwerk Helga in Puch offers a special selection of Advent wreaths in various styles, sizes and colours. You can also find festive decorative items and Christmas flower arrangements here. If you prefer to make your own Advent wreath, PUCH MAGAZINE has step-by-step instructions on how to make and decorate an Advent wreath - for a very personal touch during the Advent season.

7. fragrant traditions: Incense burning during Advent and the magic of the Raunächte

Incense burning is one of the oldest customs in the Alpine region and brings a contemplative atmosphere into your own four walls, especially during Advent. The subtle scent of resins, herbs and woods accompanies contemplation, supports meditation and creates a special connection to nature. In Advent and during the Raunächte, the mystical nights around the turn of the year, incense burning also has a deep symbolic meaning: it stands for purification, protection and preparation for the new year.

At the Arnika Apotheke in Puch, you have two opportunities to familiarise yourself with incense and its various facets:

• Lecture ‘Smoking in the cold season’ on Tuesday, 19 November at Arnika Apotheke, offers an informative introduction to the effect and use of incense herbs.
• The ‘Incense’ workshop on Sunday, 10 December at the Arnika Apotheke invites interested parties to learn the ideal use of incense for the winter months.

If you would like to delve deeper into the tradition of smoking, you can find the article ‘Smoking during Advent: recipe ideas for Raunächte & customs in Salzburgerland’ by Silja Parke (certified herbalist and spice specialist) in Puch Magazine. The article explains the importance of smoking during Advent and the traditional customs of the Raunächte.

Experience the effect of fragrance and smoke and let yourself be enchanted by the sensual world of herbs - an Advent season full of fragrance and tranquillity awaits you.

8. Online anticipation: the Puch Advent calendar

The anticipation of Christmas in Puch can also be felt digitally: the Puch Advent calendar opens a new door every day from 1 to 24 December at advent.puch-salzburg.com and on Instagram at @visitpuch and brings special surprises. With Christmas impressions and tips about Puch that will make the Advent season even more atmospheric. The Advent calendar also offers the chance to win great prizes, such as 150 Eur Puch VOUCHERS!

Be inspired by the digital magic of the Puch Advent calendar and discover festive surprises that will make the pre-Christmas season even more beautiful online!

Experience the magic of Advent in Puch in Salzburgerland!

Advent in Puch offers a unique blend of tradition, festivity and winter magic. With its contemplative concerts, atmospheric Christmas markets and living customs, Puch invites you to experience the Advent season in its most beautiful form. Whether you're looking at nativity scenes, hiking with alpacas at the Advent market or attending one of the atmospheric readings - a variety of experiences await you here, making the anticipation of Christmas palpable.

To experience this special time digitally, the Puch Advent calendar opens its doors every day - with great tips and inspiring impressions of the Advent season in Puch and the chance to win great prizes. Take a look at our Instagram account @visitpuch, where we not only open a door every day in December, but also publish the latest event tips and share unique photos from Advent. Feel free to link us with your pictures and videos or send us your impressions by email to info@puch-salzburg.com. So visit us on site and online and discover what makes Puch so special at Christmas time!

Hier geht´s nach Puch bei Salzburg