Celebrating Christmas In Austria: Traditions And Customs

Christmas in Austria is a magical affair, with the country transforming into a winter wonderland. Austrians take a slow-paced approach to the festive season, embracing both time-honoured traditions and unique local customs. From the famous Christmas markets to the Krampus runs, there's no shortage of cheer and merriment to be found in this small Alpine nation. So, get ready to explore the whimsical world of Austrian Christmas, where the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air, and the glow of candles and twinkling lights warms the coldest of nights.

Christmas markets in Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and other cities

Christmas markets are a beloved tradition in Austria, offering visitors a chance to experience the festive atmosphere, buy unique crafts and gifts, and sample traditional Austrian treats. From Vienna to Salzburg, the Christmas markets in Austria are truly magical, with each offering its unique charm and picturesque setting. Here is a guide to some of the best Christmas markets in Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and other cities:

Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a popular destination for its Christmas markets, with more than 20 markets spread across the city. Here are some of the top markets to visit:

• Rathausplatz Market: Located in front of the grand City Hall, this market is widely considered the most famous in Austria. The enchanting lights and decorations, coupled with the sounds of carols and the aroma of roasted chestnuts, create a magical atmosphere.
• Viennese Dream Christmas Market: Held in front of the city hall, this market features over 150 stalls, an ice-skating rink, and free choir performances. It is the perfect family destination, offering activities like cookie-making and candle-making.
• Spittelberg Christmas Market: Nestled in the narrow, cobblestone streets of Spittelberg, this eco-conscious market offers artisan goods and a cosy atmosphere.
• Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market: With a royal backdrop, this refined market showcases exquisite crafts, gourmet food, and live classical music. Ice skating on the rink with the palace in view is a unique experience.
• Belvedere Palace Christmas Market: The entire palace is illuminated for the occasion, creating a magical atmosphere. Around 40 stalls offer handcrafted toys, trinkets, candles, and traditional Austrian treats.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, surrounded by the snowy Alps, provides a fairy-tale-like setting for its Christmas markets. The city boasts six markets and over 200 stalls, making it a colourful and magical destination. Here are the top markets to visit:

• Old Town Market: Nestled in the charming Old Town, this market exudes a traditional Tyrolean atmosphere. With the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, visitors can explore local handicrafts, fresh produce, and regional delicacies.
• Hall in Tirol Christmas Market: Located in the medieval town of Hall in Tirol, this intimate market is set among centuries-old buildings and narrow cobbled lanes. It offers unique local arts and crafts, along with traditional Austrian food and drinks.
• Seefeld Christmas Market: One of nine Christmas markets in Tyrol with a seal of approval for authenticity and product quality, this cosy market is located next to the village church in Seefeld. It features traditional food, drinks, and entertainment, including choir performances and visits from St. Nikolaus and Krampus.
• Maria-Theresien-Straße Christmas Market: Surrounded by sparkling lights and a towering illuminated mountain crystal, this market offers winter cuisine and gift ideas. It is easily accessible by public transportation.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, boasts several enchanting Christmas markets. Here are the top markets to visit:

• Christkindlmarkt: Set against the backdrop of the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress, this market is located in the heart of the city's historic centre. It offers handmade crafts, delicious food, and warm drinks, creating a traditional and magical experience.
• Salzburg's Christmas Market in the City Centre: Held in Cathedral and Residenz Square, this is the largest and most famous Christmas market in Salzburg. It features traditional huts, special lighting, and a daily events programme with readings, parades, concerts, and more.
• Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard Market: Held in the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress, this market is the highest in Salzburg. It offers local crafts, gifts, delicious treats, and live music. A supervised children's workshop adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.
• Christmas Market on Mirabell Square: Surrounded by iconic landmarks like Mirabell Palace and its gardens, this market exudes a fairytale-like quality. It offers a range of traditional crafts, unique gifts, and locally made products, along with entertainment and cultural events.

Other Cities

In addition to Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, there are charming Christmas markets in several other Austrian cities:

• Graz: The historic city of Graz hosts several markets, including the one on Hauptplatz, which is the largest. The market reflects the city's blend of Baroque architecture and modern flair, offering both traditional and contemporary goods.
• Hallstatt: This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its intimate and charming market set against the picturesque backdrop of the lake. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, fondue, and other classic Austrian treats, along with live music and a 3D nativity scene.
• St. Wolfgang: Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Wolfgang, this market transforms the village into a Nativity scene. Visitors can take boat rides between lakeside villages, each with its own unique Christmas market.
• Linz: Linz's artsy vibe is reflected in its Christmas markets, which feature a blend of modern and traditional crafts. The Hauptplatz Christmas Market, set in the main square, and the Wintermarkt Christmas Market, known for its nativity play, are highlights.

Advent wreaths and Advent calendars

The Advent calendar is another important tradition in Austria, helping to build anticipation for Christmas Eve. Each day from December 1 to December 24, a new window on the calendar is opened. The first Advent calendar is believed to have been created in 1851, with the first printed version appearing in 1902. Homemade Advent calendars are also popular, with endless possibilities for creative designs.

In Austrian homes, the Advent wreath and Advent calendar are often accompanied by the scent of freshly baked Christmas cookies, such as Linzer Eyes and Gingerbread, and the warm glow of candles. The Advent season in Austria is a time for family gatherings, Christmas markets, and festive treats, creating a cosy and reflective atmosphere as people eagerly await Christmas.

Advent calendars from Austria are also available for purchase online, offering a variety of treats such as chocolates, teas, and gourmet surprises. These calendars add to the excitement of the holiday season, providing a delightful countdown to Christmas for people of all ages.

Saint Nicholas and Krampus

Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, is honoured throughout Austria. He is said to have been rewarded by God for his generosity and allowed to return to earth each year to bring gifts to all the good children. Saint Nicholas wears a traditional flowing robe, a tall bishop's miter, and a shepherd's staff. He carries a thick book in which children's good and bad deeds are recorded. He rewards children who promise to be good and study hard with treats like nuts, mandarins, and chocolate.

Saint Nicholas is accompanied by Krampus, a beast-like creature who punishes naughty children with his rod. Krampus is an alarming-looking figure, often dressed in fur with a scary devil mask, horns, and a long red tongue. He carries a wooden stick or switches to threaten misbehaving children. Krampus parades have become popular on the evening of December 5, where people dress up as Krampus, roam the town, and make a lot of noise to scare spectators, especially children.

The Krampus tradition is believed to have originated from old pre-Christian myths involving beasts from the forest and creatures like satyrs. In the Middle Ages, the Krampus became linked with Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children, the Krampus acts as the "`stick' to encourage good behaviour. The pairing of Saint Nicholas and Krampus can be traced back to the 17th century when a helper was assigned to Saint Nicholas, as it was not deemed saintly for him to deliver punishments.

In recent times, Krampus celebrations have faced criticism and safety concerns due to rising violence and drunkenness. Some spectators have retaliated by attacking Krampus participants. However, many Austrian towns and cities continue to organise formal processions that are generally orderly and well-supervised.

Christkind and Christmas Eve

Christmas in Austria is steeped in customs and traditions, and the Christkind (or Christkindl) is a central figure. Unlike in other countries, Austrian children do not believe in Santa Claus but in the Christkind, or Christ Child, who delivers presents to children all over the world. The Christkind is often depicted as a blonde-haired child with wings and a halo.

On Christmas Eve, Austrian families gather for a quintessential family celebration. Multiple generations come together to spend time with one another, and the evening is seen as a time for love and reflection. Families typically gather around a decorated Christmas tree, adorned with candles and surrounded by gifts. The traditional Christmas carol, "Silent Night, Holy Night", is almost always present.

On the evening of December 24, some families open a window so that the Christkind can enter the room. Children waiting outside listen out for a bell, which is the signal for them to enter the room and discover their gifts. Over the years, each family has developed its own unique rituals for the evening, but the Christkind remains a central figure in Austrian Christmas celebrations.

The anticipation of Christmas is built throughout Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas. Families make or buy an Advent wreath, usually made of fir or spruce, decorated with four candles that are lit on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve. The wreath acts as a calendar, with one candle lit on each Sunday to indicate how long is left until Christmas Eve.

Christmas meals and desserts

Christmas in Austria is a time for family, traditions, and delicious food. In the lead-up to Christmas, Austrians spend time in the kitchen baking festive treats, including Christmas cookies.

Christmas Meals

On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, many Austrian families will eat some sort of roast. A traditional option is a roasted goose, served with red cabbage and dumplings. Other popular choices include pork belly, carp, or wild boar or venison game. Wiener Schnitzel is another classic Austrian dish that is often served during the holidays. This consists of thin slices of veal, turkey, or pork, covered in a crust made of breadcrumbs and fried in a pan.

Another famous Christmas food in Austria is Raclette. This is a small tabletop grill placed in the middle of the dinner table, with different meats, vegetables, and bread, and small pans filled with toppings such as mushrooms, potatoes, and ham, and Raclette cheese, which melts to cover everything in a blanket of warm, molten cheese.

The Austrian Fondue is another communal dish, with a small heated pot of soup, oil, or cheese (and sometimes even chocolate) placed in the middle of the table. Everyone gets long forks with a colour code, and chooses from a selection of meats, veggies, and fruit to cook in the pot.

Christmas Desserts

Austrians are big fans of cookies and pastries, and many families will spend the four weeks leading up to Christmas baking different types of cookies. The most popular varieties include:

• Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies)
• Spitzbuben (rascals)
• Gingerbread
• Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars)
• Nussecken (nut corners)
• Kokusbusserl (coconut kisses)

Another famous Austrian Christmas dessert is the baked apple, or "backapfel". This consists of an apple filled with cinnamon, hazelnuts, chocolate, and other spices, and baked in the oven. It is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Apple strudel is another delicious, festive dessert, consisting of spiced apples, cinnamon, and raisins in a flaky crust, covered in white powdered sugar and vanilla sauce.

The Sacher cake is another rich, famous Christmas dessert. This chocolate cake is glazed with chocolate frosting and filled with apricot jam. The original can only be bought in cafes and restaurants affiliated with the Sacher company, but many Austrian families have their own recipes, often serving the cake with a big pile of whipped cream.

Chocolate fondue is another beloved Christmas dessert in Austria. An assortment of fruit is cut up and presented on a platter, and everyone covers their favourite fruit in dark, white, or milk chocolate.

Frequently asked questions