Things to do in Vienna
Christmas market
The Christmas Market on Vienna's City Hall Square is an unforgettable highlight for visitors eager to get into the Christmas spirit. The unique backdrop of the Burgtheater and Vienna City Hall gives this Christmas market a charm all of its own. The delicious aroma of punch, traditional gingerbread, roasted almonds and honey puts everyone in the Christmas mood.
HISTORY
The beginnings of the Viennese Christmas Market date back to more than 7 centuries! Since then the market strongly appeals to the Viennese citiziens as much as to the visitors of our loveable city. From then on, it was already the small traders with their stalls who formed the appearence of the market. 1296, the emporer Albrecht I granted the privilege of organizing a "Dezembermarkt" (December Market) in order to ensure the supply for the urban population. In the 16th century, today's "Christkindlmarkt" was named "Thomasmarkt" and took place around Christmas time and New Year's Eve. Beside the supply of the standard range of goods (like textiles and groceries) it offered for the first time the goods from pastry cooks which already then were high fashion. About 200 years later, we are in the 18th century, the market went under the name of "Nikolo- und Weihnachtsmarkt" resp. "Krippenmarkt" (crib market), again reserved for the small trade.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Rathauspark
During Advent, Vienna’s most attractive squares make way for romantic Christmas markets where the aroma of yuletide baking and hot punch fills the air. Each year a traditional Christmas Market transforms City Hall Square into a magical Advent wonderland. A giant 12-meter Advent wreath takes pride of place on the square, while 150 Advent stands offer Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks. Meanwhile, the trees in the neighboring Rathauspark twinkle with festive decorations.
Maria-Theresien-Platz
Just a few steps on is the Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz , which is nestled between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Museum of Natural History. During Advent more than 60 stands offer traditional, handcrafted wares and original gift ideas. Musical accompaniment is provided by brass bands and gospel choirs. Tradition is the order of the day at the Old Viennese Christmas Market at Freyung. There has been a Christmas market here ever since 1772. Nowadays the stands offer attractive handcrafted pieces, glass decorations, cribs and ceramics. Festive Advent music rings out on the square from 4 pm.
Schönbrunn Palace
The Culture and Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace is held on the cour d’honneur of this former Habsburg summer residence. The romantic market stocks a rich selection of traditional handicrafts, handmade jewelry and rustic decorations for the Christmas tree. In addition to a packed kids’ program there is an exhibition devoted to Christmas customs. The Christmas market in front of the Belvedere Palace – once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy – has an imperial background. Visitors will marvel at the Baroque architecture and formal gardens.
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