AUSTRIA’S
TOP TEN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Winter Holiday Fairs Austrian Style
Christmas markets are a very typically Austrian holiday custom of long
standing and ever more popular with each passing season. A return to
the mood and feel of times past, in the warm glow of twinkling Christmas
lights and decorations against the coming crisp snap of the winter cold
make for a special time. Almost every small town from the Tyrol Alps
to the Salzburgerland, and even Imperial Palaces has its own Christmas
market, so wherever you are in Austria you can find a little holiday
magic. The Christmas Markets (Weinachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt) offer
handmade toys and seasonal craft items, a variety of delightful Christmas
ornamental displays, along with the aromas and treats of pastries, cookies
and other special holiday traditional delicacies. Here are 10 of the
top festivities.
Vienna – “The
Magic of Advent”
November 13 to December 24
The
Christmas Market held in front of the City Hall with its elegant towers
can be
traced back to the year 1298. Today, up to 140 stalls fill the square
offering a wide variety of seasonal
food
and traditional drink as well as handicrafts and Christmas decorations.
For children, there is even a Christmas workshop, where they can make
trinkets
and
bake cookies to heart's content. Vienna
Christkindlmarkt
Vienna – Schönbrunn
Christmas Market
November 13 to December 24
Vienna’s most scenic and cozy Christmas Market is held in the courtyard
directly in front of the grand Imperial Schönbrunn Palace (see Schonnbrunn
- Maria Theresa's Palace). With daily concerts, the scent
of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air surrounding and the beautiful
massive
Christmas
tree, you
can’t help but feel the festive mood. Schonbrunn
Weihnachtsmarkt
Vienna - Spittelberg Christmas Market
November 14 to December 24
At the Spittelberg Christmas Market, stall after stall form long rows in the narrow lanes of the Biedermeier shopping district near the MuseumsQuarter. Choose from fine arts and crafts, ceramics, hand-blown glass, rugs, batik and silk paintings, or even find a piece of silver or brass jewelry. Spittelberg
Christmas in Salzburg
November 18 to December 26
The romantic Christmas Market on Cathedral Square right in the heart of Salzburg dates as far back as the 15th century and runs for a few days after Christmas in case you come late. The tree vendors occupy the Residenzplatz on the side of the huge Baroque building. Several folk groups perform traditional Salzburg Christmas carols, all designed to conjure the true Christmas spirit. Then go and enjoy the Toy Museum or the Marionettes at the castle or theater (see Marionettes Salzburg). Salzburg Christkindlmarkt
Hellbrunner Advent Magic - Salzburg
November 18 to December 24
One of the most perfect
locations for a traditional Christmas Market is the charming Hellbrunn
Castle near Salzburg. This ‘summer palace” famous
for its trick water fountains (see Hellbrunn
Trick Fountains) turns to
winter wonderland for the holidays. Come to soak up the fairy-tale atmosphere,
shop for local handicrafts, and listen to traditional music while sipping
a cup of special Christmas coffee. Hellbrunneradventzauber
Innsbruck Christmas Markets
November 15 to January 6
One of the longest lasting markets in Austria, remaining into the New
Year. The medieval square in front of the Golden Roof is transformed
into a traditional Austrian Christmas Market, where you can sample Tyrolean
food fare and buy Christmas presents. In fact, the entire town center
is so beautifully decorated, it seems like one big Christmas Market.
The snow-capped mountains in the background provide the perfect seasonal
atmosphere with an easy trip to the snows for skiing up the new funicular
tram (see Ski
Tyrol). Innsbruck
Christkindlmarkt
Graz Advent Markets
November 19 to December 24
A romantic tour is the best way to experience the magical atmosphere
of the several Christmas Markets in Graz. Nestled between medieval buildings
or spread out right in front of the festively adorned City Hall, the
various stalls beckon with glittering trinkets, local handicrafts, and
delicious foods. www.graztourismus.at
Linz
Christmas Markets
November 20 to December 24
The Christmas
Markets in Linz are held on the Baroque main square and in the Volksgarten.
In this university town, filled with young people,
the Linz City Express takes you from one market to the next, so you can
enjoy typical arts and crafts, hot punch, and performances by brass orchestras
and choirs without having to walk far. Linz also features a special Christmas
and crèche exhibition and workshops, where you can create your
own Christmas presents. Then go down to the river where Ars Electronica
building will put on its changing Christmas colors. Linz
Rattenberger Advent
Fridays and Saturdays from November 26 to December 18
This delightful medieval town of only 439 permanent inhabitants, Rattenberg is the perfect backdrop for an authentic Advent experience. But don’t wait to the last minute, Austria’s smallest city holds its lovely Christmas Market only on certain weekends in December! www.rattenberg.at
Mariazell – Advent
Austria
Fridays and Saturdays from November 26 to December 19
For centuries,
Mariazell has been a spiritual center and favorite destination of pilgrims
and vacationers from all over the world. Against the picturesque
backdrop of the glorious basilica, in the midst of the wintry mountains
of the Mariazell region, it is the magic and tranquility of Advent that
rise to the occasion for weekends in December with authentic Christmas
customs and regional delicacies to delight adults and children alike. www.advent-austria.at
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Travel Europe
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These articles are copyrighted and the sole property of Bargain Travel Europe and WLPV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission. Courtesy Austria Tourism.
SEE ALSO:
TRADITIONAL
VIENNA CAFÉS
VIENNA'S IMPERIAL BUTTERFLY HOUSE
INNSBRUCK
HOTEL GOLDENER ADLER
MONTREUX NOEL CHRISTMAS MARKET
EUROPE CHRISTMAS MARKETS TOUR BY TRAIN
