What do Christmas Markets offer? Small booths beautifully decorated with lights and garlands to create a Christmas vibe that is so very hard to resist. Entertainment on outdoor stages.
- To Eat: bratwurst, sausages, spätzle, chocolates, cookies, gingerbread, pretzels, donuts, fudge, cheese, meats, soup, crepes, waffles, etc.
- To Drink: glühwein (hot, spiced wine) in souvenir mugs. [You can keep the mug or return it for a refund of 2-4 €], beer, punch, hot chocolate, coffee.
- To Buy: All kinds of Christmas ornaments and decorations; handmade children’s toys, jewelry, cold winter clothing: scarves, gloves, mittens, hats, even sweaters and jackets.
- To Enjoy: rides for the children, Ferris Wheels or carousels, play areas. Entertainment for the adults, live music, sometimes on stage or just playing in the market.
Although Christmas Markets offer many of the same products, each city, and each market within the city, creates its own unique character. We visited several markets, both large and small, in Vienna, but these are the ones that stand out in our memories.
Stephansdom: Right at the center of Vienna is St. Stephan’s Cathedral, known locally as “Stephansdom” and the large square surrounding it: Stephansplatz. Christmas Market booths encircle three sides of the cathedral in a pedestrian area always buzzing with activity.
Schönbrunn Palace: Schloss Schönbrunn was the summer residence for the Hapsburgs who ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire until its demise in 1918. It’s a short distance from the center of Vienna, outside “The Ring.” One morning we enjoyed touring the Schönbrunn and visiting its Christmas Markets.
Belvedere Palace: Built by Austrian military hero, Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Belvedere Palace is today a lovely art museum. At Christmas, it too features a lively Christmas Market.
Rathaus: The Rathaus is Vienna’s City Hall sitting behind a large “Rathausplatz,” or park. The park was transformed into a great Christmas Market: the largest, busiest, and for us the best of Vienna’s great Weihnachtmarkts. Favorite #1.
Karlsplatz: St. Charles Square sits in front of Karlskirsche (St. Charles Church), and the Christmas Market here was very special. Many booths here featured more authentic and unique, artistic works and craftsmanship. It was also the most family friendly, with playgrounds included for the kids, and unique rides, like the carousel powered by bicycle riders and small train cars on a track, also dependent on riders pushing pedals. Favorite #2.
As we wrap up this Christmas season, we have really enjoyed visiting lovely Christmas Markets in Zagreb, Cologne, Frankfurt, and in Vienna. We love just strolling through the markets, looking over the many beautiful offerings that we will never buy (for lack of room in our backpacks or a home in which to keep them). We love stopping for a treat, perhaps a waffle with strawberries and cream, a bratwurst sandwich, potato pancake. We frequently enjoyed the glühwein and kept a couple of Sara’s favorite mugs along the way. Sara also bought a new knit hat to keep her head warm. Thank you, Weihnachtsmarkts, for another year.
PS: Honorable Mention also goes to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Even without any Christmas Markets due to the Bavarian Covid restrictions, you are still the most beautiful and “Christmassy” destination we’ve ever seen.
