Graz Airport is once again offering a popular and established tradition for families this year: the "Waiting for Santa" event. On December 24, 2025, the airport's departure hall will open its doors from 9:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. to help children and their families pass the time during the often long wait for Christmas presents in a creative and entertaining way.
The event combines Christmas-themed creative activities with the fascination of aviation and has become a cherished part of the pre-Christmas festivities for many families in Styria. In addition to the free entertainment program, the initiative is dedicated to charity: voluntary donations are collected for the benefit of the HELP4KIDS Austria association and generously matched by the airport.
A varied program in the departure hall
The concept of "Waiting for the Christ Child" aims to channel anticipation and allow children to actively shape their morning. The departure hall of Graz Airport is transformed into a temporary place of festivity and entertainment.
The program is diverse and offers something for different interests:
- Creative stations: A craft station invites young guests to create their own Christmas lanterns. These lanterns are meant to symbolically light the way for the Christ Child, stimulating the children's imagination and creating a direct connection to the Christmas story.
- Children's bakery: In the bakery, children can bake cookies that the Christ Child will enjoy for sustenance during his long journey. This hands-on activity is a particular highlight for many children.
- Contemplative entertainment: Christmas stories and lively Christmas music create the right festive atmosphere and offer an opportunity for relaxation and distraction.
- Gastronomy: A Christmas stall provides visitors with punch and snacks, ensuring the well-being of the guests.
Wolfgang Grimus and Jürgen Löschnig, the managing directors of Graz Airport, emphasized the importance of the event for the community: "'Waiting for the Christ Child' has become a real tradition for many. The airport team is pleased to organize this popular event again this year to bring joy to children's eyes and get everyone in the Christmas spirit." The continuation of this tradition demonstrates the airport's deep roots in the regional community.
The Fascination of Aviation: A Look Behind the Scenes
A unique feature of the event is the opportunity to experience the world of aviation up close. As part of "Waiting for Christmas," airport tours are offered several times throughout the morning. These tours, which take place at 9:00, 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00 a.m., allow visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of flight operations.
During an airport tour, participants have the opportunity to observe aircraft and their associated logistics firsthand. For children, the program also offers an exciting, playful element: the chance to possibly see Santa Claus landing. The tours are not only entertaining but also provide insights into the complex processes of a modern commercial airport. This contributes to a positive perception of the airport as an exciting and accessible place.
The fascination with aviation plays a particularly important role on Christmas Eve, as children often focus their attention on the sky. Airport tours on this day are therefore a very popular offering, as other airports have demonstrated in the past by offering similar events to make their operational areas accessible to the public. Participation in the tours usually requires specific attention to the information found on the airport's website.
Charity in focus: Support for HELP4KIDS
Although participation in the entire event is free of charge, social responsibility is paramount. Graz Airport is using the event to raise funds for the charity HELP4KIDS Austria.
HELP4KIDS is an association distinguished by the dedication of its volunteers. Its central goal is to fund respite care for families with children with disabilities. Specifically, the association facilitates family vacations where families are supported by professionals. Such programs are often invaluable for affected families, providing much-needed relief and the opportunity to relax in a safe and supportive environment.
Graz Airport underscores its commitment by announcing that it will generously round up the donations collected after the event. This sign of regional ties and social responsibility not only increases the amount of donations but also helps to raise public awareness of the important work of HELP4KIDS Austria. Combining entertainment and charity is a common and successful concept for motivating visitors to support social projects.
Graz Airport as a regional communication hub
Hosting major events like "Waiting for the Christ Child" positions Graz Airport not only as a transport hub, but also as an important social and cultural meeting point in Styria. Using the departure hall for a non-profit and family-oriented event signals an openness and accessibility that extends beyond mere flight operations.
Especially on Christmas Eve morning, a traditionally quieter time for air traffic, the airport provides a welcome boost and offers added value to the local community. The successful establishment of this Christmas tradition over the years demonstrates the concept's acceptance and popularity in the region. The combination of entertainment, the fascination with technology, and social engagement makes "Waiting for Santa" a shining example of the role of airports as active members of the regional community.