Before leaving Europe for the year we had one last fling in Vienna, albeit a much colder one than last time. One experience I knew I had to have was to visit the famous Christmas markets held around the city during the six weeks before the holiday. Vienna's oldest winter market has been on the Freyung since 1764, and today around 20 different markets can be found around town.
The famous Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the largest in Vienna.
Delicious cookies and other sweet treats are served.
The temperatures were freezing but hot Glühwein (mulled wine) kept us warm.
Another hot treat are the various punsches, like this sweet berry (beeren) one.
The trees around the Rathausplatz are decorated with festive lights and fun animated displays.
It's a shame that I'm a bit too old for a pony ride.
Aside from all the holiday decorations on sale, visitors can buy all kinds of food, from hot Bratwurst and Waffeln to cold meats.
I love whimsical ornaments - such a great place to do Christmas shopping!
We also checked out the night market at Spittelberg, which has a focus on crafts. The narrow streets and little bars and cafes here provide a unique and wonderful atmosphere.
We enjoyed delicious hot soup and a chat with this friendly young woman.
Hot roasted chestnuts and potatoes taste delicious on a cold winter's night.
Wishing everyone a fun, fabulous festive season ahead! What's your favourite way to celebrate the holidays?
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Thanks for the tips! We read your blog and then headed off to Vienna last weekend. It was just as magical as you described! I’m now adding a story to my own blog – I hope it can be as good as yours someday!
That is so sweet, thank you!! =) So happy you enjoyed the Christmas market
John looks so cold! The food looks great though. I’d love to see the Vienna Christmas markets someday.
Our feet were like ice blocks at the end of the night but it was so worth it!!
Oh how fun!! You look as cold as I felt at the markets last Christmas. 🙂 Mmm, that hot soup looks SO good on such a frosty night. 🙂 Hmm, I really like driving around looking at Christmas lights while sipping hot cider and singing along to cheesy Christmas music. 🙂
I love those things too, Krista! I haven’t seen such holiday cheer since I lived in the States =)
Great post to get into the spirit of the holiday season with a trip to the Weihnachtsmarkt!  Lovely photos setting the scene, too, because I now would like a Glühwein!
Thanks, Henry – it certainly is tasty! =)
Fantastic post! Sadly, we missed Vienna’s Christmas Market by a few weeks (they were just breaking out the big bells to be hung when we left), but it’s nice to see it in all its glory.
Aw, what a shame! I was worried the same would happen to us but we lucked out. You’ll just have to go back =)