50. Garstner Advent

Crafts and customs in a pre-Christmas atmosphere

The Garsten Advent is one of the most beautiful events in the country and has maintained its atmospheric pre-Christmas "tradition since 1977". This year it will take place on November 29 and 30 and December 6, 7 and 8.

The market with around 50 stalls is known for its cozy and inviting atmosphere and is a meeting place for young and old. Farmers, bakers, beekeepers, hunters and chocolatiers offer delicacies and mulled cider, punch and herbal tea are made according to old recipes. At the Platzl, carvers, artisans and nail smiths demonstrate their "living crafts", and carpenters work with logs using traditional chopping techniques.

In the event hall (VAS) of the municipality of Garsten, over 45 artisans such as glass painters, potters, wood turners, broom makers, basket weavers, embroiderers, knifemakers and goldsmiths offer their products. The special exhibition "Gagat, Kohle und Bauxit - Bergbau in der Unterlaussa" (Gagat, Kohle und Bauxit - Mining in Unterlaussa) will be on display in the secondary school and the Steyr Photo Club will be exhibiting its best photographs.

In the Lederhilgerhaus, the Garsten Goldhauben and Hammerherren group presents an exhibition on the theme of"Art meets tradition" with paintings by Michael Maderthaner and the miniature Advent market. Home-baked cakes, pastries and delicious cookies are offered in the Goldhaubencafé. The Catholic Women's Movement organizes its handicraft market in the parish hall. The parish team offers guided tours of the magnificent collegiate church and museum throughout the day. The popular special post office opens in the foyer of the VAS on Friday, November 28. The special mail transportation will take place with the vintage bus to Christkindl.

In the exhibition "Fascination Crib", precious crib art from private collections as well as typical Garstner Nagelschmied cribs and movable cribs (Elfi and Karl Mayer) will be on display. The crib school (Simone Rossacher) presents the most beautiful course work. Artistically painted wooden figures are set up in the village. They point the way to the crib. The "boxwood crib" by Marian Rittinger (1705) can be viewed in the Abbey Museum.

A musical program with alpine and hunting horn players, choirs, bands and real Christmas folk music is offered on the Platzlbühne stage. St. Nicholas comes to visit on 6. 12. at 4 pm without Krampus and Perchten.

The Christmas Oratorio by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) will be performed by the Camerata Garstina under the direction of Klaus Oberleitner in the collegiate church on 7 December at 18:00.

Historic post and retro buses will be running again between Steyr, Christkindl and Garsten.
Opening hours: November 29 + 30 and December 6, 7 + 8, 2025: (stall market 10 am to 7 pm, exhibitions 10 am to 6 pm)
Admission: Visitors are asked to make a donation of 3 euros per person per day for the Garsten Advent! Exhibitions and parking free.
Travel by ÖBB: The S-Bahn (S1) takes you comfortably, inexpensively and environmentally friendly to Garsten station. From there it is only a 3-minute walk to the Garsten Advent.

You can find the detailed program at
www.garstner-advent.at