Christmas markets are a long-standing and typically Austrian tradition. In Vienna, for instance, the market is held on the large square in front of City Hall. This market can be traced back to the year 1298. Innsbruck hosts its romantic Christmas market on the narrow medieval square at the foot of the Golden Roof. In Salzburg, the Christmas market takes over the square in front of the Cathedral with its picturesque stalls, while the tree vendors occupy Residenzplatz to the side of the huge building. Christmas markets are in fact such an institution in Austria that almost every small town has its own one. Here are some of the most famous ones:
Tirol – Innsbruck
Majestic, snow-capped mountain peaks provide the perfect backdrop for the enchanting festive spirit in the Heart of the Alps. More
Old City (Altstadt)
The medieval square in front of Innsbruck?s well-known Golden Roof is transformed into a traditional Austrian Christmas market where you can sample Tirolean fare and buy Christmas presents. The picturesque and medieval old town with its pretty arcades and century-old houses is the perfect setting for this beautiful market with its dazzling Christmas trees, a carved manger with life-sized statues and numerous lovingly decorated stalls. The Christmas market in Innsbruck’s Old Town has been held for over 30 years now. The stunningly decorated stalls selling food, drinks, souvenirs, Tirolean handicrafts and Christmas decorations invite you to take a stroll and enjoy. Plus you can experience folk music and see authentic Tirolean costumes daily at 5.30pm.
When: 15 November – 23 December 2012
Where: Centre of the Old City, in front of the Golden Roof
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Styria ? Graz
You could argue, and rightly so, that Graz is the Advent capital of Austria. In no other city is the pre-Christmas cultural life and shopping scene so shaped by Advent. Christmas markets delight visitors in all the central squares of the old town. Instead of falling victim to pre-Christmas shopping stress, the residents of Graz apparently prefer to stroll through the markets, meet up with friends and enjoy time together in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course, a visit to the ice manger at the Landhaushof is a must for locals as well. Life-size figures, surrounded by a mighty manger, are skilfully carved out of ice. More
Christmas market in front of the City Hall
Each year before Christmas, a small village square springs up in front of Graz City Hall, offering something for every taste – from traditional handicrafts to wonderful treats for body and soul. The children?s carousel has become a much-loved tradition, as is the ?Feuerzangenbowle?, a firey punch!???
When: 23 November to 24 December 2012
Where: Main city square
Salzburg
The pealing of countless church bells reminds us the Christmas season is here ? the perfect time for a romantic walk across Salzburg?s hilltops, affording breathtaking views of the city’s snow-covered roofs, domes and towers. After descending back down to the city, the merry bustle of the Salzburg Christmas markets will fill the streets with a cosy, warm feeling. The festive scents of punch and toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts and freshly baked apples, and plenty of perfect stocking fillers – gingerbread hearts, nativity figures, tree ornaments, toys and also warm woollies are on display. More
The Salzburg Christmas market
There is a programme of events such as choral singing every Saturday in front of the Cathedral on Residenz Square, as well as nativity displays in the Residenz courtyard and much more.
When: 22 November to 26 December 2012
Where: On Cathedral and Residenz Square, in Salzburg’s historic city centre.
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Vienna
In Vienna, the weeks leading up to Christmas are romantic and idyllic. The city shimmers in a mild glow of candles, while the sweet aroma of gingerbread, mulled wine and Christmas baking wafts through the air. Streets and shops are festively decorated and Christmas markets enchant young and old alike. More
Spittelberg Christmas Market
At the Spittelberg Christmas Market, stall after stall form long rows in the narrow lanes of the Biedermeier 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 jewellery. Other options – the arts and crafts market in Heiligenkreuzerhof in front of the Karlskirche, the Christmas village on the university campus, or the traditional Christmas market at Freyung square. Here, festively decorated stalls are lined up in front of the magnificent palace fa?ades surrounding the famous Austria fountain.
When: 15 November – 23 December 2012
Where: In the alleys of the Spittelberg, directly behind the MuseumsQuarter
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For more information: Austrian National Tourist Office, Martina Jamnig, Tel: +44-20 74403840, email: [email protected]