Ö3 Christmas Miracle 2025 Raises EUR5.56 Million for Families in Need in Austria

The 2025 Ö3 Christmas Miracle fundraising campaign in Salzburg has set a new record by collecting EUR5,562,382 to support families facing hardship across Austria. Over the course of five days, the campaign engaged thousands of participants nationwide, strengthening community ties while providing crucial financial assistance to those in need.

Broadcast live from the specially constructed glass studio at Salzburg's Kapitelplatz, the event was hosted by experienced Ö3 presenters. For 120 consecutive hours, the team fulfilled song requests from listeners in exchange for donations, creating a unique blend of entertainment and charitable giving. The initiative was organized in cooperation with the Licht ins Dunkel emergency relief fund, ensuring that the funds directly support families experiencing financial difficulties.

The campaign featured a diverse program including live music performances from a wide range of artists such as Pizzera & Jaus, Milky Chance, Anna-Sophie, Klangkarussell, and others. Special events like the annual Ö3 Advent Singing showcased popular Christmas songs, further enhancing the festive spirit of the fundraiser. The glass studio became a focal point for local and national figures, with guests from the world of politics, sports, entertainment, and digital media joining the broadcasts to show their support and help raise awareness.

The public's involvement went beyond financial contributions. Individuals, groups, and organizations across Austria participated by launching creative fundraising initiatives, from neighborhood collections to workplace campaigns. This collective effort demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility and solidarity throughout the country.

In addition to monetary donations, the Ö3 Wundertüte (Magic Bag) initiative encouraged people to donate old mobile phones for environmentally friendly recycling, with the proceeds also going to families in need. The 2025 Wundertüte campaign alone generated EUR430,000, contributing significantly to the overall fundraising total. This ongoing program has been instrumental in providing sustainable, non-cash support for over two decades.

The successful execution of the event was made possible through close collaboration among the city of Salzburg, the Altstadtverband Salzburg, tourism partners, and local sponsors. The high level of civic engagement was evident, with tens of thousands of people visiting the glass studio during the live broadcast period.

The conclusion of the 2025 Ö3 Christmas Miracle marks another milestone in the campaign's history, securing a combined total of approximately EUR6 million when including the proceeds from both the Christmas Miracle and Wundertüte initiatives. The organizers have already announced that the next edition of the event will be held in Steyr, continuing the tradition of nationwide support for families in crisis.

More information, including interviews and highlights from the event, is available on the official Ö3 website.