Christmas Markets in Austria
During the four weeks of Advent, Christmas street markets (called “Christkindlmarkt” in German, literally “Christ child market”) pop up all over Austria. These traditional markets sell food, drink, and seasonal items and gifts. They attract lots of people and are a popular place to meet up with friends and family to have some hot punch and mulled wine together. Usually, manufacturers set up their stands at the markets to sell their hand- and homemade products, from gingerbread, cheese, and cold cuts to wooden toys and pottery.
There are many different markets all over Austria during Advent. In Vienna you will find the fairytale-ish winter wonderland “Vienna Magic of Advent” at the Rathausplatz, as well as the cosier Christmas village in the Old AKH, which attracts a younger crowd since it is located in the middle of a university campus. In Anif, near Salzburg, is the renowned “Waldklang”, an idyllic Christmas market next to a beautiful lake in an evergreen coniferous forest.
If you want to immerse yourself in the ultimate winterly Christmas experience, Austria is definitely worth a visit and will get you into a proper holiday mood.