Austria Events and Festivals

11/01/2009 - 12/31/2009Vienna Christmas Market

In 1296 Emporer Albrecht I granted the privilege of organising a 'Dezembermarkt' (December market) to ensure the supply of basic goods to Vienna's population. Eventually renamed 'Christkindlmarkt' (Christmas Market), its popularity grew and the goods on sale shifted from practical items such as cloth and basic cooking ingredients to specialist products and fine pastries. Today, it attracts shoppers from across Europe for a weekend break to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. There are well over 100 stalls with many offering food and drink including candied fruit, candyfloss, roasted chestnuts and the traditional Austrian winter warmer, gluhwein (hot mulled wine). Indoor activities are organised for children in the Assembly Hall including a popular Christmas cookie-baking workshop. An exhibition shows the different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world. Each Sunday during Advent, choirs perform traditional Christmas carols at the town hall. Completing the festive picture are traditional fairground rides.