A Very Merry Christkindlmarkt in Vienna

If you are seeking a little holiday cheer, look no further than Vienna, Austria during Christmastime. The tradition of the Vienna Christmas market (“Christkindlmarkt”) dates back centuries, with the city transforming into a winter wonderland each year from mid-November up until Christmas Eve. It was such a treat to be in Austria at this time of year. Whatever holiday you might celebrate this season, you can't help but enjoy the delicious food, beautiful decorations, and the warm feelings of a Christkindlmarkt.

Opening night festivities outside of Rathaus (City Hall)

With over three million visitors and twenty different markets spread throughout the city, you are sure to find one that caters to your taste (literally.) The main draw is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathauspark, the area surrounding City Hall, but it becomes a welcome challenge to visit as markets many as you can. Larger markets have as many as 150 stalls selling locally made art, crafts, ornaments, home goods, and toys for kids of all ages. There are so many activities for children and adults alike. You can take in a choir performance of Christmas carols, a round of ice-skating, and you can even get creative with some cookie decorating. Cruise through the quaint, narrow winding lanes of the Weihnachtsmarkt Am Spittelberg, or admire the opulence of Christmastime at the Schönbrunn Palace, a quick underground train ride from city center. The Divina Art Christmas Market on Karlsplatz offers local artisan products, petting zoos, and a fantastic line-up of local musicians. While walking through Vienna’s city center, you will most likely come across the smaller market housed outside St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Their massive 100-year old spruce tree was brought in from the province of Styria, standing at almost 100 feet high and strewn with stunning white lights from top to bottom.

If not for the shopping, you must come for the food. With the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting through the air, it is hard to ignore the rumbling in your stomach. My particular favorite is Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread Hungarian specialty served piping hot. Food stalls offer up several different variations of sausages, some filled with warm cheese. Not to mention the Krapfen (donuts with filling), Fladenbrot (flatbreads) and multitudes of dessert waffle stands. Needless to say, diets do not fare well in Vienna during the holiday season.

Of course, you will need to wash all of this down with the Christmas markets’ unending supply of Glühwein (mulled wine) or Punsch (pronounced POONSH!) a mix of wine, brandy, or schnapps with any variety of fruity flavors your heart desires. Each market serves up beverages in their own signature holiday mug, and for a small fee it can be kept as a souvenir.

Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt was recently ranked at the top of Europe’s best Christmas markets; however it is just one of many cities throughout Europe hosting this festive tradition. Just a sample of some other renowned markets throughout this corner of the world:

• Salzburg, Austria
• Bruges, Belgium
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• London, England
• Lille, France
• Strasbourg, France
• Dresden, Germany
• Munich, Germany
• Nuremburg, Germany
• Budapest, Hungary

If you do not have plans to visit one of these winter wonderland destinations for the holidays, be sure to enjoy the traditional German Christkindlmarket Chicago and start thinking about where next year’s celebration might take you...perhaps while treating yourself to some delicious homemade Glühwein.

Warm wishes for a happy holiday season and a happy new year!

--Jennie Reed, Travel 100 Group