Großgmain Revives a Cherished Tradition: Advent Windows Bring Warmth, Community and Christmas Spirit Back to the Village

This year, the Tourism Board of Großgmain once again invites locals and visitors to experience the Advent season in a particularly atmospheric and heartfelt way – with the Großgmain Advent Windows.
Revived successfully last year, the tradition has quickly regained popularity: it brings people together, creates meaningful encounters, and restores cherished Christmas customs to where they belong – at the heart of village life.

The aim of this event series is to offer small moments of retreat on the Advent weekends: cosy gatherings, musical and traditional elements, and a warm, festive atmosphere. The Advent Windows provide an inviting alternative to large commercial markets and are open to everyone – residents, families, friends and guests alike.

The four Advent Windows of 2025 are created in collaboration with various groups, associations, institutions and private individuals. Each participating organisation designs its own window, while the Tourism Board of Großgmain coordinates the series and handles all promotional activities.

30 November – Advent Window by the Lions Club Großgmain

Lantern walk, star lighting and musical opening
The first Advent window opens the series in a very festive way:
At 4:15 pm, a lantern walk starts from the Plainburg car park up to the historic castle ruins.

Together with the Großgmain Christmas Marksmen, the traditional star above the Plainburg will be illuminated and ceremonially “shot in”.
The children of Großgmain Kindergarten will sing Advent songs, a brass quartet will provide musical accompaniment, and there will be punch, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts – a wonderfully atmospheric start to the Advent season.

7 December – Advent Window at the Crib Exhibition

Traditional craftsmanship and community at the parish hall
The Großgmain Nativity Scene Association once again invites all guests to its annual exhibition. Lovingly crafted nativity scenes created over the past months under the guidance of experienced crib masters – including works by several children’s groups – will be on display. The Häfei-Musi will accompany the afternoon with live music (3–6 pm).
A specially decorated Advent window, warm drinks and a cosy get-together make this date a highlight for everyone who loves traditional craftsmanship.

14 December – Advent Window at the Caritas Assisted Living Facility

Residents’ Advent Market & Community Gathering
The residents of the assisted living home create their Advent window with great attention to detail. At a small Advent market, they offer homemade treats, baked goods and handcrafted items.
Proceeds support joint activities such as excursions or materials for the community rooms, which are increasingly open to all interested visitors.
Punch, cookies and friendly conversations turn this event into a place of connection across generations.

21 December – Advent Window at “Reiter Christer” Farm

Farm atmosphere, local products & Christmas reading
The final Advent window takes place at the Ammerer family farm (Salzburgerstraße 3).
Known for award-winning spirits and a diverse selection of homemade products, the farm shop invites you to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts such as jams, decorations and much more.
Father Alfonso will read a Christmas story from 6 pm, offering a peaceful and heart-warming finale to the series.

An Advent for Everyone – in the Heart of Großgmain

The Großgmain Advent Windows are open and accessible events that invite people to come together. They can easily be combined with a winter walk, a visit with friends, or simply a short moment to pause and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Thanks to the many dedicated people, associations and initiatives involved, Großgmain offers a calm, heartfelt and truly local alternative to the large commercial markets – bringing community spirit back to the centre of Christmas time.