Advent & Silent Night in the Quellenviertel
Experience ‘Silent Night’ at the birthplace of the world’s most famous Christmas carol!
Experience the magic of ‘Silent Night’ right where its story began. Hardly any other Christmas carol touches people around the world quite so deeply. For more than 200 years, it has carried its message of peace and hope across borders. What makes it special is that its story begins right here in our region.
Follow in the footsteps of ‘Silent Night’ and discover the places where its story comes to life – all year round and in every season.
Franz Xaver Gruber was born in Hochburg-Ach in 1787. It was here that he spent his childhood and discovered his passion for music. He learnt to play the organ in nearby Burghausen. It was in Arnsdorf that Gruber and Joseph Mohr finally met. Together, in 1818, they composed the carol that continues to unite people all over the world to this day.
Ried im Innkreis is also closely linked to this story: at the Innviertler Volkskundehaus museum, you can see the original ‘Silent Night’ nativity scene – the very one in front of which the carol was first sung on 24 December 1818.
Discover the historic sites and experience the special magic of this world-famous carol for yourself.
Advent in the birthplace of ‘Silent Night’
Advent is a living tradition here.
Lovingly organised events invite you to experience the region at its most contemplative. Amidst the glow of lights, music and the scents of Christmas, special moments arise that make more than just children’s eyes light up.
The home of the composer Franz Xaver Gruber particularly attracts those visitors who, away from the big Advent events, are seeking the peace and tranquillity of the run-up to Christmas. Because at this time of year in particular, less is often more – and it’s often the unassuming things that touch our hearts the most.
The Quellenviertel district, full of festive spirit
When the lights illuminate the streets and the scent of Christmas is in the air, the whole region takes on a particularly festive atmosphere. Click on the picture and set off on a festive stroll through the Quellenviertel.
Top 10 most popular Christmas markets
You shouldn’t miss these Christmas markets.
From Burgweihnacht to Advent am See and Adventzauber im Schloss: the Quellenviertel has plenty of Advent and Christmas markets to offer that are a must-see. We’ve put together a list of some of the most beautiful markets for you here, listed in chronological order.
in Reichersberg am Inn
14 Nov – 15 Nov 2026
At the annual arts and crafts market in November, around 100 exhibitors showcase high-quality handcrafted products in the picturesque setting of the abbey.
Mattighofen, Voglpark
27 to 29 November 2026
The Mattighofen Christmas market , set in the beautiful surroundings of the Landesmusikschule park, offers an excellent opportunity to get into the Advent spirit.
in Attnang Puchheim
28 Nov – 29 Nov 2026
A diverse exhibition is on display in the beautiful setting of the castle:
Kunsthand live invites you to come and be amazed: woodturning, glassblowing, pottery and much more.
in Braunau
3 Dec – 20 Dec 2026, Thursdays to Sundays
Every year, right in the heart of Braunau , an Advent village springs up anew, featuring rustic wooden huts and enchanting stalls. Hundreds of lights illuminate the paths through Palmpark, bringing a sparkle not only to children’s eyes.
in Kirchdorf am Inn
4 to 6 December 2026
11 to 13 December 2026
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year at Katzenberg Castle over two Advent weekends! Over 100 stallholders will be offering a wide variety of handcrafted goods, as well as herbal and natural products, some of which they will be making right there on the spot.
in Neukirchen/Vöckla
5 December – 6 December 2026
At around 70 stalls, exhibitors showcase high-quality arts and crafts and offer them for sale. In the courtyard and throughout the grounds, music groups and choirs create a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere
5 and 6 December 2026
Saturday 1 pm–10 pm and Sunday 1 pm–7 pm
The Altheim Christmas Market, organised by MLZ Altheim, invites you once again in 2026 to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the atmosphere and linger a while. Over the course of two days, numerous stallholders will be presenting a diverse range of culinary delights, lovingly crafted handicrafts and unique gift ideas.
in Tittmoning
Saturday 5 December 2026 – Sunday 6 December 2026
The old town and castle of Tittmoning glow and sparkle romantically in the light of thousands of candles. Around a hundred stalls and attractions, including exquisite Christmas decorations and handcrafted nativity scenes, await visitors.
in Franking
11–13 December 2026
Situated right on the shores of Lake Holzöster, the Advent market offers an enchanting atmosphere with a varied programme to delight all the senses! Every hour, the musicians’ carols ring out, alternating with the choir to create a festive atmosphere.
in Burghausen
11–13 December 2026
The world’s longest castle is bathed in a festive atmosphere. Alongside traditional items such as Christmas tree decorations and nativity figures, the market also offers unique items made from wood, clay, leather, felt and lambskin, as well as jewellery.
Enjoying a quiet moment
It’s getting dark earlier outside, the first little candles are lit and the scent of pine needles and freshly baked biscuits hangs in the air – the festive season is here again.
A time to pause. To take a deep breath. To be together. A time for singing, baking and crafting together, admiring nativity scenes, cherishing lovely traditions and savouring very special moments.
Leave the daily grind behind for a while and enjoy what makes Advent so special: warm lights, cosy moments, good conversations and that lovely feeling that Christmas isn’t far off.
'The Christ Child is coming soon'
The excitement for Christmas is building – with atmospheric Advent moments at the zoo, choosing a Christmas tree together and listening to enchanting stories. Little experiences that make children’s eyes light up and remind us what the Christmas season is really all about: wonder, togetherness and the joy of the Christkindl, who’s on his way.
Angebote zur Weihnachtszeit im Quellenviertel
You might also be interested in:
The Quellenviertel is as colourful as life itself, so there’s always plenty to discover and experience – and not just during Advent. Here are a few suggestions for you.
