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29. 11. 11. - 14:00

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29. 11. 11. - 14:00

Tova and the Stadt- Christmas in Vienna

Vienna was just recently named most liveable city by the Mercer report. I would like to believe that the good folks of Mercer stopped by a Christkindl market as they were doing their evaluation. The city at Christmas is spectacular and although I often would describe Halloween as my favourite annual event, Christmas, especially Christmas in Vienna, is a close second. A couple of weeks ago, the Christmas markets opened up all over the city and I am at one with the world. Every market has its own charm and most people have their favourite one. I am an equal opportunist as long as I am able to drink punsch (a warm alcoholic concoction) and look at lights.

And so here is a list of Christmas markets in Vienna I believe are definitely worth visiting. I have already been to three this year and it isn’t quite December.

Rathausplatz - This is often considered too touristy but I truly love it. It is best not to visit on the weekends as the crowds are out and about. This rather large market has a selection of baubles and tchotchkes and a few stands selling plastic toys. I do believe I even spied a Christmas Gremlin. But what I like so much about this market is the heart tree off to the left. It is a tree covered in red heart lights and I think it is kitsch at its finest.

Spittelberg - A very popular market for its handicrafts and beautiful Baroque surroundings. It spans two parallel streets and has a great choice of punsches and glühweins. Also not a place to visit on the weekends if you abhor lots of people in one place at one time like I do.

Karlsplatz - One of my favourite Christmas markets in Vienna. It is located across from the Karlskirche and has a fairly wide layout so I don’t feel like I will be trampled to death by tall Europeans. But the real highlight is the fuzzy pigs found in the centre of the market. The pigs are friendly and a great attraction for my husband who finds pigs to be an amazing invention. This Christkindl market is probably one of the most child friendly of markets in Vienna and one stand even sells chilli punsch.

Am Hof - This is centrally located in the first district and is slightly pricey. They sell art and crafts and is located in a beautiful square. The back part of the market is often overlooked and is worth a visit as there is an often empty punsch stand there. A big thank you to a friend who discovered it last year.

Belevedere - Located in front of the palace near the old Südbahnhof, this is a wonderful, somewhat small Christmas market. There is something quite decadent about sipping hot wine next to a palace. And if you are too cold, you can always check out the Klimt exhibit, if you are so inclined. I don’t think you can take your punsch in with you, however.

Altes AKH - A bit of a student hangout, this market is situated on the grounds of the old hospital. It is definitely nicer to visit at night and make sure to catch the brass band playing Christmas music.

Schönbrunn - The Belvedere, in comparison to this palace, is a bit of a garden house so if you are looking for imperial decadence then you should definitely head to this market. I personally haven’t been in about 15 years but I have heard that it is still wonderful.

There are more markets in the city but the ones above are truly worth a visit. A punsch crawl in one night would be deadly and perhaps expensive so I would recommend you pace yourself. If you need a quick and free Christmas mood enhancer, then head to the Graben to look at the illuminated oversized chandeliers hanging high above. You’ll probably spy me there measuring one of the lights to see if one will fit into our apartment.

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