Tanja Konrad

Christmas tree decorations, festive décor & nativity scenes · from Kematen in Tyrol

Right in the thick of it

In Tanja Konrad's hut you'll find traditional and modern Christmas tree decorations, Christmas décor, straw stars, and nativity scenes and nativity figures. Tanja comes from Kematen in Tyrol, and this year is her fourth at Mirabellplatz. Her hut stands right by the big Christmas tree in front of Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Palace), where the brass players perform during Advent and the Krampus run starts – Krampus being a horned, fur-clad figure from Alpine folklore who accompanies St. Nicholas. “Right in the thick of it, not just along for the ride,” says Tanja.

What she particularly likes about the market is that it's small and charming, and you can still move around easily.

Tanja Konrad in her hut with Christmas tree decorations at the Christmas market at Mirabellplatz in Salzburg

What you’ll find here

Traditional and modern Christmas tree decorations
Christmas décor, nutcrackers and tealights
Little guardian angels for every occasion
Typically Austrian straw stars
Nativity scenes and nativity figures

Every piece is lovingly chosen. Each year, Tanja buys in new Christmas tree decorations and new décor.

“Last year I ventured out briefly to film a video, and before I knew it, a Krampus had pulled the hat off my head and I had to go and get it back first. […] But afterwards I got sweets from St. Nicholas to make up for it!”

— Tanja Konrad on the Krampus run at Mirabellplatz

New this year

Tree toppers for smaller trees, silver stars, bells and fun festive animal ornaments for the Christmas tree. “A must-have for animal lovers!”

Tanja's tip

“I love my little mini nativity scenes for the windowsill! I really love giving them as gifts myself, and everyone has that much space at home! That way, a bit of tradition moves into your home.”

Who’s behind the counter

The Christmas market runs in the family: Tanja took over the hut from her dad, who retired after 30 years at the Christmas market. Her big sister has also been here with two huts for many years. “So I've almost only ever known Christmas WITH a Christmas market!”

Tanja's parents still help with buying stock, with the preparations and with setting up and taking down, and her mother also spends a few hours in the hut during the market. On top of that, there are one or two helpers from among family and friends who step in whenever an extra pair of hands is needed.

Christmas with Tanja

Tanja's family does Secret Santa: everyone buys just one present. “That way, the whole shopping frenzy goes out the window … since we started doing it like this, it's been really relaxed.”