How is Christmas celebrated in Austria? How does the approach of Christmas affect office work? Traditional treats at the Christmas market
Christmas in Austria
Christmas is one of the most significant holidays for Austria. Happy this holiday locals many customs are connected, for example, every native of this country will tell you that it is not Santa Claus who brings gifts to children, but the baby Christ.
advent time
American customs also reached Austria. Already in October, it seems that Christmas is just around the corner: they did not have time to disappear from the shelves easter bunnies, as the Nikolaus have already appeared. At the end of November, it's time to weave Advent wreaths from real fir branches, which are usually decorated with candles and bows. On the first Sunday of four Advent, the first candle of four is lit on the wreath. Children receive calendars as a gift. With their help, kids spend their days waiting for the baby Christ, opening a window in the calendar, behind which a chocolate bar is hidden.
December 4 is the feast of Saint Barbara. On this day, Australians cut cherry branches and put them in vases filled with water. According to popular belief, if the cherry blossoms by Christmas, then wait in next year weddings.
Harbinger of the Christ Child
On the evening of December 5, Saint Nicholas knocks at the door, accompanied by Krampus. Kids recite poems to an old man with a staff, for which they receive gifts. And Krampus, looking like a devil, with chains and a broom, comes to obedient children to punish the miscreants. 
Often before and after December 5, festivities with a procession of mummers - Perchten. Perchts can be good, beautiful and evil.
Bright Christmas holiday
Christmas begins to be celebrated on December 24, it is also called "Holy Evening". What happens during the day before the distribution of gifts begins?
On December 24, the traditional action “Light into the Darkness” takes place, which originated in 1973. As part of the campaign, donations are collected for socially unprotected families and the disabled.
At this time, most residents decorate a Christmas tree, most often a real one. By tradition, the Christmas tree is decorated with candles, colorful balls, straw stars, sweets and sparklers. Children spend this time near the TV, or in the all-night church. Some tomboys peep through the keyhole at the work of the "Christ child", as they believe that the beautiful Christmas tree is his work.
When the “child of Christ” finishes decorating the Christmas tree, he notifies everyone with the sound of a bell. And here not only the Christmas tree shines, but also the eyes of the kids!
In the process of distributing gifts, the most famous song “Silent Night, Holy Night” sounds.
At this moment, a festive dinner flaunts on the table: baked carp or turkey. After the distribution of gifts is over, it is customary to visit the church. Guests are received the next day. 
When does Christmas end?
Christmas time in Austria ends on January 6 on the feast of the Holy Three Kings. BEFORE this holiday, young people dress up in costumes and go from house to house, writing with chalk on them. They write a blessing - C + M + B (Christus Mansionem Benedicat - Christ, bless this house), which should protect the family of this house from all evil spirits.
Most of the residents by this time had already got rid of the Christmas trees. There are units that leave Christmas trees until February 2 - the Day of Mary Lichtmess, the real end of Christmas time. However, even these persistent units have to say goodbye to Christmas by February, because this is the time of Easter bunnies!
Approximations catholic christmas in Austria (December 25th) it is simply impossible not to notice. You will see the first chocolate Nikolaus and Christmas merchandise in stores almost immediately after the autumn assortment appears on sale. But the real preparation and, believe me, the most enchanting time in Austria comes about four weeks before Christmas. It was then that the time of Advent began - the period of the Advent fast, for the arrival of which the Austrians carefully prepare.
Advent is a truly magical time.
The first day of Advent is defined as the fourth Sunday before Christmas and falls in late November/early December. By that time, a symbolic Advent wreath appears in Austrian families, and a Christmas market is built in cities and towns. advent wreath four candles are decorated, on each of the four Sundays one more candle is lit.
Austrians sometimes decorate the front door with a Christmas wreath, but this tradition is not very common. From flowers for Christmas they buy a "Christmas star" (Weihnachtsstern). The bright green and bright red leaves of this flower will decorate any room, bring color and a Christmas feeling to the house.
Before the arrival of Advent, children are given advent calendar with 24 "doors". Every day, one “door” opens with a gift - for example, with chocolate candy. Calendars come in all sorts of variations, from a cardboard box of Milka chocolates to an entire wooden house with drawers, or even red socks adorning the railings leading to the upper floors of the house.
Christmas markets
What Advent would be complete without Christmas markets, traditional mulled wine, punch and church singing? Almost everyone likes to meet at the Christmas market - students after classes at the university, work colleagues or families with children. In some cities, skating rinks are installed in the market area, so that children do not have to be bored while adults enjoy mulled wine or punch. The beauty of Austrian Christmas markets is their originality. In each city you will find unique products, typical for this region. Here you can also choose an Advent wreath, Christmas decorations or Christmas sculptures made of wood. Among Catholic believers, Christmas mangers carved from wood are very popular. You will not meet Santa Claus in such markets; in Austria he has cute "deputies" - friendly angels.
The bakery at the Vienna City Hall is bustling with activity. Every year, more than 10,000 children bake their favorite cookies here.
The Vienna Christmas market is a fabulous place. There are even angels here!
Christmas market in front of the Schönbrunn castle in Vienna.
What is the Christmas tree like in Austria?
In Germany, I call the Christmas tree Weihnachtsbaum, in Austria it is customary to use a different term - Christbaum the tree of Christ. Don't believe the stories about the Austrian Christmas tree being decorated 
only in certain colors. Probably, how many trees there are in Austria, there are so many options for decorating it. AT the move is on almost everything - from the usual multi-colored balls, bows, garlands to more typical Austrian decorations - edible gingerbread and dried fruits, wooden angels, Nutcrackers, straw figurines and even real candles. One of the favorite symbols of the holiday in Catholic Austria is christmas manger- a small copy of the birthplace of Christ. Most often, the figurines of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men and animals are carved from wood. Such nurseries can be seen both in Christmas markets and under the Christmas tree in Austrian homes.
Holy Christmas Eve December 24th
On the evening of December 24, the long-awaited Holy Evening comes - der Heilige Abend. By tradition, this evening is spent in the circle of his family. Children are waiting for the arrival of the baby Christ with gifts, and after the ringing of the bell from the living room, the whole family gathers around the Christmas tree. Names on packages or small postcards indicate to whom exactly this or that gift belongs. On Holy Evening, both children and adults sing traditional Christmas songs, such as Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht("Silent Night") or O du frohliche. A wonderful version of the song "Silent Night" performed by Vienna Boys Choir you can hear in this video:
Christmas dinner in Austria is extremely modest - after all, the life of Mary and Joseph on the night of the birth of Christ was poor. Regardless of the region, it is safe to say that on December 24, the Austrians cook their modest dinner at home. According to official surveys, only 0.1 percent of Austrian families celebrate this evening in restaurants. So what can be seen on Christmas tables on the evening of December 24th? Let's take a little peek into the windows of Austrian houses this evening!
In Vienna and Styria, various fish dishes, most often cooked carp. In second place - all kinds of sausages and sausages. So, in Salzburg, the Christmas table is served sausage and potato soup. In Carinthia, it is considered preferable smoked sausage, sauerkraut and smoked meat, while in Upper Austria on the Holy Evening you will most likely be treated to fried sausages.
But in the extreme western region of Austria, Vorarlberg, culinary Christmas traditions are very different. The inhabitants of this land appreciate excellent local cheeses and prefer fondue and raclette.
Hello Dedushka Moroz…
Stop! Is there Santa Claus in Austria, and who brings gifts to children? It turns out that the Austrian kids are not waiting for a visit from a well-fed old man, making his way through the chimney of the fireplace - Santa Claus. The Austrian legend is more mysterious and, of course, is closely connected with religion. On the evening of December 24 (der Heilige Abend) everyone is waiting for the arrival baby christ(Christkind), descending from heaven with gifts. Oddly enough, he manages to take advantage of even the shortest absence of the kids in the living room in order to leave gifts under the tree. A thin ringing of a bell is heard and ... you can run to the Christmas tree and look for gifts with your name under it. What will be in gift boxes sometimes coincides with wish list» (Wunschzettel), written by children before Christmas.
In Austria, there is another cute tradition: children can send their letter to the baby christ by mail. And it's not a joke. The small town of Steyer in Upper Austria has become famous throughout the world for its Christkindl city quarter and the post office of the same name, which receives Christmas mail at Postamt A-4411 Christkindl in Oberösterreich. The essence of the service is that small senders who sent a letter to the mail address will definitely receive a response postcard to their message. Today there are many post offices in Austria and Germany accepting Christmas wishes from children. According to the postal staff, the children not only ask for gifts, but also say hello to relatives “living in heaven” in this way.
There is another popular service at the post office: when sending a letter to friends or relatives through the Christkindl post office, a unique Christmas stamp will appear on envelopes and postcards. Thus, the recipient can to please with a letter "from heaven". The Christmas stamp is considered rare and looks completely different every Christmas. It is needless to say that letters with such stamps and stamps are of particular value to collectors. In total, the Austrian post office in the town of Steyer annually sends out more than 2 million (!) Postcards and letters with a Christmas stamp.
It would be wrong to say that the Austrians cherish their traditions so much that no one has even heard of Santa Claus here. You will see the so-called Weihnachtsmann (Christmas grandfather, very similar to the American Santa) in shopping centers and on postcards not only in Germany, but also in Austria. By the way, you can also send a letter to Christmas grandfather. Only the post office is not in Steyer, but in German cities.
Who are they - St. Nicholas and the Krampus?
These characters also play an important role in Austrian traditions. In no case should you consider Nikolaus Santa Claus. He has a completely different story. December 6 Austria celebrates Saint Nicholas Day 
(St.Nikolaus) - Nicholas the Wonderworker, Bishop of the city of Mura (modern Turkey). He became famous for his miraculous deeds, love and generosity towards children and the needy. On the morning of December 6, St. Nicholas presents obedient children in Austria with sweets - in socks, bags or even shoes.
The feast of St. Nicholas in Austria is closely connected with the arrival of winter and evil spirits. And according to the tradition of this high thin old man in chasuble and miter accompany evil Krampus. In early December, young people put on terrifying costumes and masks, thus turning into Krampus - peculiar devils. In many Austrian towns, a whole Krampus parade is arranged. Do not underestimate the danger of such marches. Disguised guys with whips in their hands are often drunk and get used to the role of "devils" too well. Their blows are not harmless, and bruises “as a gift” are real. Therefore, it is better to avoid meeting with the Krampus on the street and move away in time.
The video of the Krampus parade in the Austrian city of Graz makes it clear that the Krampus are not to be trifled with:
What do they give for Christmas in Austria?
In this matter, I decided to rely not only on my own long-term observations, but also to draw on data from official sources in Austria.
More Austrians are avoiding crowded Christmas time shopping centers and are looking for gifts in online stores. The eBay trading platform shared some interesting data: it turned out that 78% of Tyroleans buy Christmas gifts online!
On average, Austrians buy about six gifts worth between 50 and 70 euros. Men, according to the News portal, spend even more on gifts than women.
What do they buy most often? One of the most popular gifts books turned out to be not too expensive a gift, besides, it can be picked up for every taste. Jewelry they also often add to the list of Christmas gifts: rings, earrings, bracelets - all this can please an Austrian woman (all women in the world are the same, probably :)). Men, on the other hand, prefer to receive entertainment equipment and gadgets as a gift - mobile phones, tablets, computers. Traditionally in high demand Gift certificates and relaxation in spa hotels.
The Austrians are not poor people, but nevertheless they really appreciate the time devoted to them by relatives and friends. great joy bring gifts made by hand, especially children's crafts.
Well, what kind of gifts do Austrians not want to see under the Christmas tree? The situation here is perhaps the same as in many other countries. It is definitely not worth spending money on socks, the tenth pajama and men's underwear!
How does the approach of Christmas affect office work?
At work, there is a lot to be done by Christmas - in addition to the tasks that arise in companies in connection with the approach to the end of the working year, it is important to have time to send Greeting Cards or e-mails to clients and partners, as well as attend corporate Christmas parties. Some offices are decorated for the Advent period, but there is usually too little time left for this. After all, do not forget that in December, most employees of Austrian companies are not at work at all in their thoughts - they are thinking about finding their average six gifts for relatives and friends. If the company is not too big, and colleagues are friends outside of work, it is possible that before the Christmas holiday they will exchange small gifts. Austrian companies, as a rule, are very generous with their employees, transferring them the so-called thirteenth salary or "Christmas money" - Weihnachtsgeld (which often corresponds to a monthly wages). In addition, a corporate Christmas party - Weihnachtsfeier - is arranged. Planning an intricate program or ordering the services of animators in Austria is not particularly common, most often the Austrians go together to a restaurant or arrange a holiday in the office - with hot mulled wine, buffet and in a relaxed atmosphere.
At the Christmas market in Salzburg
Great winter gift!
In Austrian cities during the Advent period, you can hear enchanting Christmas singing.
The city breathes Christmas!
Traditional treats at the Christmas market
"Hot dogs" have long been "fit" into the traditional Austrian Christmas markets.
You can decorate the Christmas tree with wood products!
Entertainment for children at fairs - abound!
Santa Claus has not bypassed even the most traditional Austrian Christmas markets.
Every country celebrates Christmas in its own way. Austria is no different. It has preserved its own special traditions, which differ from holidays even in neighboring countries that were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Echoes of these customs can be seen in almost all states and regions that previously made up the empire - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Western Ukraine. But in Austria they are the brightest and most original.
Advent in Austria
The name of this period, characteristic of most Catholic countries, comes from the Latin adventus (coming). It lasts four weeks and ends on December 24, the night before Christmas. Advent always starts on a Sunday. The external paraphernalia of Advent are wreaths (Adventkranz) that adorn every home. They are woven from branches coniferous trees and are decorated with four candles, which are lit in a special order - one on the first Sunday, two on the second, then three, and only on Christmas all four are lit, bringing a solemn feeling of celebration to the house.
Advent (Adventzeit) is especially attractive for children. Waiting for the arrival of Christkindl (baby Christ) on Christmas night becomes less tedious thanks to special calendars (Adventskalender). Behind each number there is a special cell in which you can find various sweets. The calendars are sold as candy boxes, toy trains, toy houses with 24 windows.
Undoubtedly, the most important date for children, their parents and grandparents is the arrival of Nikolo and his indispensable companion Krampus (St. Nicholas and the devil Krampus) on the night of December 5th. He certainly comes to obedient children with gifts, to tomboys - with rods, which then also turn into gifts, mostly sweets.
The main gifts await children and all households under the Christmas tree (Christbaum), which is installed in every home. It is decorated like any other Christmas tree in the world. various toys, candies and sweets. But Austria has its own tradition - only “warm” and “hot” colors are used - red, gold. There is no usual abundance of decorations for us - their number is always reasonable and allows you to admire the natural beauty of the tree. An indispensable attribute of Christbaum, both in houses and on city squares, are real candles, which are lit according to a special ritual and represent an unforgettable sight.
In Austria, on December 24, the baby Christ (Christkindl) leaves gifts under the tree.
On Christmas Eve, children write a list of gifts they would like to receive (Wunschzettel) and leave them on the windowsill. The next morning, Christkindl takes the list and leaves it under the tree instead. desired gifts. They appear under a tree on Holy Evening, December 24th. This time of gifts also has its own name - Bescherung. A Christmas bell announces the appearance of gifts.
Unlike the New Year (Sylvester), Christmas is a family and quiet holiday. Festive dinner not without traditional carp and famous Austrian pastries. The "highlight of the program" is invariably vanilla bagels, which are no longer found all over the world. AT recent times fried goose began to appear on the tables, which is confidently turning into a traditional dish.
It is an indispensable duty of every Austrian to attend the All-Night Mass on Christmas Eve. This ritual takes place especially colorfully in countryside- with torches and sleighs, but in Vienna and large cities it is no less colorful. Even atheists attend this action, which is not devoid of religious meaning, of course, but has long turned into an unshakable tradition, like the singing of a kind of Christmas hymn, the song “Silent Night. Holy Night ”(Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht) by the Vienna Boys Choir, picked up by all Austrians.
The best Christmas markets in Vienna
Advent in Austria is sedate and calm, in contrast to the nervous anticipation of the holidays in other countries. Even fairs and sales here are devoid of a commercial spirit and are more reminiscent of a ritual action. For the most part, handicrafts are sold at fairs, each of which is original handmade and deserves attention.
Christmas market near Schönbrunn Palace.
Fairs in the regions of Austria are distinguished by their originality and goods characteristic only for them. Numerous fairs of the Austrian capital are distinguished by special solemnity. Below you will find the best Christmas markets in Vienna.
Christmas market of the Christ Child on the Town Hall Square(Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz)
This market is traditionally considered the main Christmas market in Vienna. This year it will have more than 150 stalls with Christmas decorations, sweets, handicrafts, warming drinks. Trees are adorned along the Ringstrasse. Near the town hall, the largest skating rink in Vienna opens -.
The tradition of Christmas markets dates back several centuries - they have been known since 1242, when the first fair was organized near the Town Hall.
Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien.
Open from 17 November to 26 December.
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10.00 - 21.30; Friday-Saturday: 10.00 - 22.00; exception on December 24: 10.00 - 18.00.
Christmas Village on Maria Theresa Square(Weihnachtsdorf Maria Theresienplatz)
On Maria Theresa Square, between the Museums of Art and Natural History, there is a Christmas Village with 70 tents and pavilions. Here you can hear performances from various musical groups and choirs.
Address: Burgring, 1010 Wien.
Open from 21 November to 26 December.
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11.00 - 21.00; Friday and Saturday: 11.00 - 22.00; December 24: 11.00 - 16.00; December 25 and 26: 11.00 - 19.00.
Christmas village in an old hospital complex(Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH)
The Christmas Village in the old hospital complex enjoys constant popularity, especially attractive for children - a children's railway and carousels await them here. Except, of course, stalls with a traditional set of goods for Christmas.
Address: Altes AKH, Universitätscampus - Alserstraße/Spitalgasse, 1090 Wien.
Open from 17 November to 23 December.
Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday: 14.00 - 22.00; Wednesday: 11.00 - 22.00; Thursday and Friday: 14.00-23.00; Saturday: 11.00 - 23.00; Sunday: 11.00 - 21.00.
Old Viennese Christmas market in front of Freyung(Altwiener Christkindlmarkt vor der Freyung)
In the center of Vienna lies the Old Vienna Bazaar (Freyung Street), the first mention of which dates back to 1772. As in the nearby Am Hof bazaar, the emphasis here is on art products glass and ceramics. Among them it happens to find real masterpieces. self made from professional artists. Festive atmosphere supported by skillful illumination and music.
Address: Freyung, 1010 Wien.
Open from 17 November to 23 December.
Opening hours: daily 10.00 - 21.00.
The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and the Schönbrunn Palace New Year's Market are cultural(Kultur- und Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn & Neujahrsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn)
Venue of the Cultural Christmas Market. The historical background is complemented sounding music working handmade workshops, where adults and children can try their hand. This fair, like many others, gradually develops into a New Year's fair, and its action lasts more than a month.
Christkindl (baby Christ) stays in front of the Schönbrunn Palace from November 18 to December 26, this is one of the most notable Christmas markets in Vienna.
Address: Schloss Schönbrunn, 1130 Wien.
Open from 24 November to 6 January.
Opening hours: daily 10.00 - 21.00; December 24: 10.00 - 16.00, from December 25 to January 6: 10.00 - 18.00.
Belvedere Palace Christmas Village(Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere)
There is another indescribably colorful Christmas market, filled with romance and the spirit of past historical eras. The main direction is objects of art and art craft, but there are many gourmets interesting offers. This is one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Vienna.
Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien.
Open from 23 November to 26 December.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 11.00 - 21.00; Saturday/Sunday and December 8: 10.00 - 21.00; December 24: 11.00 - 16.00; December 25-26: 11.00 - 19.00.
Bio Christmas market in front of the Karlskirche, Karlsplatz - Artistic Advent(Bio Adventmarkt vor der Karlskirche, Karlsplatz – Art Advent)
In the same direction, the Art Advent works on Karlsplatz opposite. It is livelier with live musicians and an extensive children's entertainment program. It is interesting to see with your own eyes the work of artisans in the workshops and to take part in the creation of masterpieces yourself. Also here, children can ride a small train, ride a pony and walk with a llama.
Address: Karlsplatz, 1040 Wien.
Open from 23 November to 23 December.
Opening hours: daily 12.00 - 20.00.
Spittelberg Christmas Market(Adventmarkt Spittelberg)
Narrow streets, old, atmospheric houses, centuries-old facades, the soft light of lanterns, cobbled streets and a lot of interesting things can be seen at the Spittelberg Christmas market. This bazaar is more inclined towards trade in culinary masterpieces, but souvenirs and decorations are also amazing here. It is especially attractive because of the opportunity to buy Christmas postage stamps, which are interesting not only for philatelists, but also as a memory of visiting Vienna at Christmas.
Address: Spittelbergviertel, 1070 Wien.
Open from 15 November to 23 December.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 14.00 - 21.00; Friday 14.00 - 21.30; Saturday 10.00 - 21.30; Sunday and holidays: 10.00 - 21.00.
Winter Market at Riesenradplatz(Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz)
This Christmas market at Riesenradplatz is notable for its varied program, which is no coincidence dubbed the "Explosion of fun on the Pratter". The fair runs until January 6 and offers adults and children shows of all kinds.
Address: Riesenradplatz, 1020 Wien.
Open from 17 November to 6 January.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 12.00 - 22.00; Saturday/Sunday/holidays: 11.00 - 22.00.
Exceptions: December 24 10.00 - 17.00, December 31 - January 1 12.00 - 02.00.
Christmas market on stephansplatz(Christkindlmarkt am Stephansplatz)
The quietest Christmas market in Vienna is located on the Stephansplatz square nearby for adherents of the traditions of celebrating the arrival of the baby Christ. In addition to the traditional set of goods typical for Christmas, here you can buy products highest quality from all over Austria. There are about 30 tents.
Address: Stephansplatz, 1010 Wien.
Open from 16 November to 26 December.
Opening hours: daily 11.00 - 21.00.
Exceptions: December 24 11.00 - 16.00; 25 and 26 December 11.00 - 19.00.
Christmas market am Hof(Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof)
The Christmas market is enchanting with its romantic atmosphere and many extraordinary handicrafts.
Location: between Graben and Freyung, 1st district of Vienna.
Open from 16 November to 23 December.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 11.00 - 21.00; Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10.00 - 21.00.
Christmas market near Mariahilf church(Weihnachtsmarkt bei der Kirche Mariahilf)
Craving a hot punch while shopping? Mariahilfer Strasse has a small but elegant Christmas market.
Address: Mariahilferstraße 55, 1060 Wien.
Open from 16 November to 24 December.
Opening hours: daily 09.00 - 20.00; exception 24 December 09.00 - 17.00.
Winter in the MuseumsQuartier(Winter im MQ)
The great atmosphere and long opening hours will also draw crowds to Vienna's seventh district this year.
Address: Museumsquartier, 1070 Wien.
Open from 8 November to 23 December.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 16.00 - 23.00; Saturday/Sunday 14.00 - 23.00.
Christmas Market at Wilhelminenberg Castle(Adventmarkt beim Schloss Wilhelminenberg)
This Christmas market captivates with its special atmosphere and beautiful view to the city. Children will be able to do crafts here, play different games take a ride on the nursery railway. Pleasant music will help you relax and have a good time.
Address: Wilhelminenberg, Savoyenstraße 2, 1160 Wien.
Closed this year.
Christmas market in the Hirschstetten flower gardens(Weihnachtsmarkt in den Blumengärten Hirschstetten)
In addition to the traditional Christmas assortment, you can also buy a special kind of goodies at the Christmas market in clean products and regional delicacies from cider to raspberry vinegar, organic cheese, soups in bread. In addition, an exclusive range of pumpkin seed products, regional spirits, organic honey, South Tyrol delicacies and much more are on offer. In cooperation with the cultural association Donaustadt, a daily music program is offered. Children can craft, bake cookies and ride ponies here.
South entrance: Quadenstrasse 15, 1220 Wien.
North entrance: Oberfeldgasse opposite sports ground WFV-Hirschstetten.
Open from 22 November to 23 December.
Opening hours: Thursday-Sunday 10.00 - 20.00.
Christmas market in Turkenschanz park(Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark)
In addition to the artistic handicrafts of artisans, the Christmas market in Türkenschanzpark attracts with a special pre-Christmas atmosphere. Children won't be disappointed either, they will have a playground and a carousel at their disposal.
Address: Hasenauerstraße/Max Emanuel Straße, 1180 Wien.
Open from 15 November to 24 December.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 15.00 - 22.00, Saturday / Sunday / holidays 12.00 - 22.00.
Exception: 24 December 12.00 - 15.00.
Christmas in Austria without attending fairs may not be considered a holiday. And for lovers of traditional shopping - the services of shops and shopping centers, which during Advent work on an extended schedule so that no one is left without a gift.
Austria in winter holidays? Congratulations, you have taste. The whole country in December sparkles with luxuriously decorated Christmas trees - a real Christmas fairy tale for children and romantics. Well, for risky pragmatists - ski slopes, and also not without New Year's tinsel.
baby fair
But in any case, Vienna is waiting for you before diaries and ski slopes, and in December it is a miracle how good it is! We flew in, settled in - and immediately to the town hall, with our heads in the Christmas spirit, to the Kriskindlmarkt (as they call Christmas markets in the squares in Austria). Christkindlmarkt translates as "fair of the baby Christ" - it is he, and not Santa Claus at all, who is responsible in Austria for giving gifts to children at Christmas.
The Vienna Christmas Market dates back to the Middle Ages and is the oldest in the German-speaking countries. The right to hold it was granted to the townspeople by Duke Albrecht in 1298. After visiting the fair, take a look at the town hall at the same time: from November 25 to December 24, free Christmas concerts are held here, where the best choirs from Europe and the USA perform. Concerts are held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; for children on the same days, but free puppet shows are shown a couple of hours earlier. A wonderful fair on holidays also opens near the palace in Schönbrunn.
intoxicating yaga
Fairs are beautiful: dozens of wooden houses with nutcrackers, candles and Christmas decorations; frying pans with roasted chestnuts; an incredible kind of sweetness from nougat and chocolate; dishes from the cuisines of the peoples of almost the whole world - and mulled wine, mulled wine, mulled wine. Whatever you want: cherry, apple, strawberry.
A portion is poured into a beautiful ceramic mug with the image of exactly the fair at which you decided to try the drink. If you can resist leaving the mug as a souvenir, you will get a few euros back for it (which is why the prices for mulled wine at first seem far from divine: the mug is included). A purely Austrian version of mulled wine is Jaga-tee, tea with spices, schnapps and red wine.
Next to the Christmas markets there are stalls selling Christmas trees. Oh, what emasculated green beauties are offered for sale here, and how little they look like our usual bald and crooked cuttlefish. True, the prices differ from Ukrainian ones at times - a Christmas tree can cost up to 100 euros. A budget option- a pair of pine twigs with naively painted in bright colors cones. Such a sentimental ikebana will cost only a few euros.
In paws to hell
If you are lucky enough to be in Austria from December 5th to 8th, you have a chance to see the Krampus Races that take place all over the country. Adult men dress up as devils (Krampus in Alpine countries is unclean) and run around the streets with rattles and other loud and disgusting-sounding objects. Their task is to scare passers-by, and even better - naughty children. In vain did the parents scare whole year Krampus capricious child? St. Nicholas disperses the devils, he also distributes sweets to children.
If you want not the bustle of the capital, but the Austrian village flavor, you can find a gasthof (an inn, always wooden or carved) in one of the tiny villages of the Waldviertel and enjoy hearty Austrian cuisine. Wiener schnitzels, creamy soups, Sacher cake, strudel – portions are generous in Austria and the cuisine is delicious.
Culinary exposure
As in most European countries, in Austria you should not expect any public festivities on December 25th. Christmas is traditional here family celebration. During Advent (as the four weeks before Christmas are called), many homes hang an evergreen wreath with four candlesticks. On the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle is lit, on the second Sunday the second, and so on. The last candle is lit on the eve of Christmas.
Housewives bake holiday sweets in advance, but it is unlikely that anyone will be able to taste the baked before December 25. All pastries are packaged in iron boxes and hidden away from the eyes: the recipe is such that the taste of cookies is fully revealed within a few weeks.
On Christmas Eve, carp, goose and sausages are on the table. Sometimes fondue. Gifts to relatives and friends are obligatory, the Austrians are often surprisingly wasteful in this matter. All Saturdays of Advent, Austrian shops are open longer than usual: the excitement and pre-holiday hysteria does not pass by anyone. Among the most standard Christmas gifts is good chocolate.
Christmas Mozart
In Salzburg, even on ordinary days, you can’t get away from marzipan Mozartkugelns (“Mozart Balls”), and on Christmas, a portrait of a brilliant composer will haunt you everywhere in bright red boxes. On Mozartplatz there is a mandatory skating rink that works even if the air temperature is +10 degrees. The fair here is worth looking for on the square in front of the cathedral, and on weekends - in the courtyard of the Hohensalzburg castle.
If your trip to Salzburg during the winter holidays is not included in your plans, but you want to join the traditions of this city, take a look at the Viennese shop Christmas in Salzburg on Judengasse street. It is open all year round, constantly maintaining the Christmas atmosphere: three floors of winter happiness are waiting for you.
Horseradish with peas
New Year in Austria, as in some neighboring countries, they call the day (or rather, the evening) of St. Sylvester. This saint is welcomed with a punch of red wine and cinnamon, and there is often a suckling pig on the table, and if not a milk pig, then at least marzipan.
In general, pig figurines are found everywhere at this time, including on holiday cards: the pig here symbolizes happiness. Horseradish is also a frequent visitor - he is responsible for health. And green peas - for wealth. On New Year's Eve, the carnival season starts, lasting until Lent. And at the Vienna Opera on December 31 and January 1, Johann Strauss's Die Fledermaus is staged - this tradition has been going on for many decades.
Knowing how to create beauty, the Austrians turn streets and squares into a fairyland a few weeks before the holiday, so Christmas in Austria – a luxurious and unforgettable event. The cities look like they are cut out of velvet paper, and the lights on the Christmas trees create romantic mood.
Drive away evil spirits
Celebrations begin with traditional Christmas markets. The largest and most significant are held in Vienna and Salzburg. The address of the Viennese bazaars is the square near the Town Hall, and the Salzburg bazaars are Mirabell and Cathedral squares. Here you can walk in the motley crowd, have a glass of burning grog and buy a lot of cute souvenirs. Such bazaars sell Augarten porcelain, which is famous all over the world, and embroideries using the petit point technique.
Christmas in Austria is also a costume procession, the main purpose of which is to drive away evil spirits, and at the same time the old year. Youth in colorful masks and carnival costumes walks through the streets and squares, singing Christmas carols.
For soul and health
Lovers of classical music and balls have excellent opportunity visit unique events that take place only in the capital of Austria and only on New Year's holidays. One of them is the Viennese balls at the Hofburg Palace. And the concerts of the Philharmonic Orchestra on December 31 and on the first day of the new year are unique events also because tickets for them are sold only one day a year - January 2. So being in Austria for Christmas ,
worth taking care of cultural program for the next New Year's Eve.
After the last sounds of the Viennese waltz have died down, it's a good idea to take a walk along the New Year's Path in the streets of the old center of Vienna. Two kilometers of coffee houses and shops, souvenir shops and restaurants are considered the largest event in the Old World during the Christmas holidays.
Athletic and energetic
If the sparkle of lights in Vienna or Salzburg is a little tired, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to eat holiday gifts, you can move to any of the ski resorts - Christmas in Austria is famous for the fact that it is easy to change the holiday program depending on your mood.
This Alpine country can offer its guests the most various options active rest. There are about a thousand ski centers here and they are mostly traditional alpine villages.
Winter holidays in Austria are like a trip to a fairy tale. The magical sounds of music and the illumination of festive cities, delicious chocolate cakes and punch, the recipe of which was passed on to people by gnomes, the frosty breeze of the ski track and a hot bathhouse for beauty and health - what can you think of better to spend your winter holidays with pleasure?
