The consecration of the Advent wreath marks the beginning of Advent. This takes place on the last Saturday before December 1st. Other Advent customs cultivated in the Salzkammergut include the Advent calendar, Rorate singing, the search for a hostel, Advent blowing, visiting Krampus and Nikolaus as well as Advent and Christmas markets. There are also numerous special customs that are typical of the region. The Christkindl post office in Steyr, the custom of Christmas tree diving in Gmunden, the nativity scene in Bad Ischl and the Friedenslicht, a more recent custom that quickly spread far beyond the country's borders, deserve special mention at this point.
The first Sunday in Advent is also known as Bratwürstlsonntag. On this day, family members like to eat sausages. It is no longer known where this custom originates from.