If you haven’t heard of a Christmas market, then you are missing out. For my entire life, I’ve been missing out on this wonderful tradition because I had no idea that it existed! I bet somewhere in the USA there is a Christmas market, but I’ve never heard of this phenomenon until I moved to Austria.
Christmas markets are living, breathing Christmas cards. People bundle up in their winter gear, topped off with puff-spritzed hats and mittens. On the weekends and evenings, crowds meander through well-lit stalls showcasing sparkle-gilded ornaments, frosted cookies, and many other beautiful things. But the cheeriest moment is when a hot mug of punch of mulled wine is placed into your hands by a vendor. If you return the mug, money back; if not, a souvenir for your cabinets of this Christmas-crystalized memory.
Europeans are used to this Christmas tradition, but I clearly have stars in my eyes when it comes to these markets. But of course, they’re only wonderful until your toes are so cold that you can’t walk normally anymore!
I admire Austrians for their love of cold weather, and how they incorporate it into their lives and communities. Even my small little town on the outskirts of Vienna has its own tiny Christmas market where locals hang around with their mugs, children, and puff coats.
If you ever find yourself in Vienna in the month of December, be sure to visit the Karlskirche, Spittelberg, and Rathaus Christmas markets. Here’s a guide for December 2015.
But let me assure you that you’ll find a Christmas market no matter which direction you wander if you’re sightseeing in Vienna!
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