Christmas in Seefeld: A Fairytale Family Itinerary in the Heart of Tyrol

Christmas in Seefeld, Tyrol, Austria, is one of those places that enters your heart and stays there (for more alpine winter inspiration, check out my complete collection of Winter in the Alps travel stories). I had already visited Seefeld in the summer during the 1000 Miglia Warm Up Austria 2025, spending three days driving vintage cars along Tyrolean roads, discovering hidden gems.

Returning to Seefeld just before Christmas—this time with the whole family—felt like reuniting with an old friend… but one dressed up for a party. Lights, snow, markets, the scent of cinnamon, and plenty of activities designed for children: everything was perfect for a pre-Christmas weekend.

Here is our complete guide to experiencing the magic of Seefeld.

Getting to Seefeld at Christmas

By Car

One thing I always appreciate when traveling to Austria is how easy and fast it is to reach from Italy. From the north, you simply follow the A22 towards the Brenner Pass. The roads are always well-maintained, even in winter — just like in other Austrian destinations such as St. Anton am Arlberg, where winter access and logistics are equally smooth and scenic.

Important Note for Drivers:

If you are driving from the south (Italy) via the Brenner Pass, remember two things:

1. The Vignette: You need the Austrian motorway tax sticker (Vignette). You can buy a 10-day digital vignette online for €11.50 (price subject to change, approx. €12.80). The digital version is linked to your license plate, so no physical sticker is needed.
2. The Europa Bridge Toll: There is an additional toll for the “Europabrücke” (approx. €12 each way), payable at the toll booth shortly after the border.
   • Tip: To avoid the bridge toll, you can exit at Schönberg and take the scenic state road to Innsbruck South, then rejoin the highway towards Seefeld.

Drive Times:

• From Verona: ~3.5 to 4 hours.
• From Milan: ~5 to 6 hours.
• From Munich (Germany): ~2 hours.

Winter Driving Tip: In Austria, winter tires (or carrying snow chains) are mandatory when conditions require them. Also, bring cash (coins) for parking meters, as many do not accept cards.

By Train or Plane

• Train: Seefeld has a fantastic train station. It is just a 35-minute scenic ride from Innsbruck.
• Plane: The closest airport is Innsbruck (INN), just 20 minutes away by taxi or bus (Line 4176). Munich (MUC) is a great alternative with more international flights; from there, you can take a direct train or rent a car.

1. The Magic Begins: St. Nicholas Parade

We arrived in the afternoon, just as the sky turned a deep blue and the holiday lights began to twinkle. The girls were already trembling with excitement: it was the evening of the traditional St. Nicholas Parade.

Unlike commercial events, this is a deeply felt local tradition. St. Nicholas parades through the village, handing out sweets and small gifts to children amidst the Christmas markets.

The Krampus: Accompanying the Saint are the Krampus—fearsome, hairy figures from Alpine folklore with bells and scary masks. Tradition says they represent the “naughty” side, sometimes leaving a smudge of coal on faces as a playful warning. It’s the perfect mix of folklore, education, and fun. Seeing the community come together for this—not just for tourists—made us feel truly welcome.

2. A Night to Remember: Torchlight Walk in Mösern

After dinner, we drove 5 minutes up to Mösern for the Shimmering Torchlit Walk di Mösern.. Our guide, Fabian, led us along the snow-covered “Peace Trail” (Friedensweg). Walking through the dark forest lit only by our torches was enchanting.

We passed an old farmhouse turned museum and the Gföllkapelle chapel until we reached the Möserer See. In winter, the lake is frozen solid. Standing there in the silence, with the snow crunching under our boots and the torches reflecting on the ice, was indescribable.

The walk ends at the Peace Bell, a massive bell that rings every day at 5:00 PM to symbolize peace across the Alps. The view over the Inn Valley from here is breathtaking.

• Practical Tip: Dress warmly (layers, gloves, hats)!
• Cost: If you stay in Seefeld, ask for the PlateauCard. It often allows you to book experiences like this for free or at a discount.

3. Winter Wonderland: Lake Wildsee & Pony Walk

The next morning, we woke up to a postcard view: rooftops covered in fresh snow and crisp, clear air.

The W5 Winter Circular Hike

We started with a gentle walk around Lake Wildsee. This 3km loop is flat, well-maintained, and stroller-friendly. It starts near the St. Oswald Parish Church and takes you through the forest and along the lake.

• Highlights: We spotted squirrels coming down from the trees and ducks swimming in the only unfrozen patch of the lake.
• The Seekirchl: The trail leads to the iconic baroque “Seekirchl” church. Surrounded by white snow, it is the ultimate photo spot.

More info and maps > W5 Winter Circular Hike and Lake Wildsee

Pony Walk to Wildmoosalm

Later, we tried an activity the kids loved: a Pony Walk. We rented ponies from a local riding stable and walked them ourselves along the snowy path to the Wildmoosalm hut. The ponies were calm and easy to handle. Once at the hut, we warmed up with hot drinks before heading back. It was a safe, active, and memorable experience for the girls.

More info > Pony Walk to the Wildmoosalm

4. The Seefeld Christmas Market

The Seefeld Christmas Market isn’t huge, but it is incredibly authentic. The wooden huts smell of pine, cinnamon, and mulled wine (Glühwein).

We bought a handmade wooden angel ornament—a new treasure for our tree back home—and the girls had their first Kinderpunsch (a warm, non-alcoholic fruit punch). Make sure to try a Kiachl, a traditional Tyrolean fried dough pastry served with sauerkraut or cranberry jam.

More info > Christmas Market

5. The Path of 100,000 Lights

Just after the market, we explored the Path of 100,000 Lights. This is a short (30-40 min) walk through the woods illuminated by lanterns and light installations.

It felt like walking into a fairy tale. The girls ran from one light to the next, amazed by the glowing bridges and decorations hanging in the trees.

Tip: Bring a small flashlight for the kids to play with shadows, and wear waterproof shoes as the path can be snowy.

More info > 100.000 Lights Path

6. Sledding Adventure at Hämmermoosalm

On our third day, we dedicated ourselves to pure snow fun: Sledding (Tobogganing) in the Leutasch Valley.

• The Hike: We parked at the Salzbach parking lot in Leutasch (€5/day) and hiked up to the Hämmermoosalm hut. It’s an easy 30-minute uphill walk through a silent, snowy forest.
• The Lunch: The hut is cozy and serves massive portions of Schnitzel and traditional onion soup.
• The Descent: We rented sleds directly at the hut (€5-€10 approx). The track is wide, not too steep, and perfect for families. The best part? The ride ends right back at the parking lot where you leave the sleds. No hauling them back up!

More info > Sledding Trail Hämmermoosalm

7. Relaxing at Alpenbad Leutasch

To thaw out, we visited the ErlebnisWelt Alpenbad Leutasch. It’s a favorite among locals and surprisingly uncrowded even on weekends.

• Pool Area: Great for families with indoor/outdoor heated pools and slides.
• Sauna Area (Adults Only): A textile-free zone (as per Austrian tradition) featuring various saunas and a stunning heated outdoor pool with mountain views.
• Cost: A family ticket for 4 hours is around €40. Sauna access is an extra €11 per adult.

Where to Stay: Hotel Eden

We stayed at Hotel Eden, and I highly recommend it. It is centrally located (2 minutes from the markets and train station), has a great spa with a heated outdoor pool, and offers excellent food. We ate at the hotel restaurant every night, which was a huge convenience after tiring days in the snow.

Other Destinations to Explore After Seefeld

If you’re considering extending your winter trip, our guide to Kitzbühel in winter offers another classic Tyrolean experience with Christmas markets, slopes, and cozy town charm. And for a festive Swiss twist, check out Davos Klosters in winter for more snowy mountain magic.

Conclusion: Why Christmas in Seefeld?

I have visited many Christmas destinations—from Swiss villages to German cities. They are all beautiful, but Seefeld has something extra.

Maybe it’s the slow pace, the genuine traditions like the peace bell, or the fact that nature wraps around the village so completely. It is a place that transforms into an enchanted world, leaving you with one thought as you drive away: “When can we come back?”

Marco

Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.