Merry Christmas In Austria: Unique Ways To Celebrate And Greet

Christmas in Austria is celebrated with traditions such as Christmas markets, Christmas trees, and carols. If you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Austria, you say Frohe Weihnachten, which is a slight variation of a German phrase.

How to pronounce 'Frohe Weihnachten'

If you're planning a trip to Austria for Christmas, you might want to know how to say "Merry Christmas" in Austrian. "Frohe Weihnachten" is the phrase Austrians use to wish someone a Merry Christmas. This is a slight variation of a German phrase, as German is the primary language spoken in Austria.

• Make sure to not pronounce the "h" in either word. The "h" is silent, or at most, a very subtle breath. So, the correct pronunciation is "fro-uh wei-nahk-ten," with a slight breath after the "f" and "w" sounds.
• The "ch" in "Weihnachten" creates a gutteral sound, which is different from the English pronunciation of "ch." It might be easier to hear this sound from a native German speaker than to explain it in words.
• The stress in the phrase falls on "wei," and the "nachten" part is spoken with a softer voice.
• To help you get the pronunciation right, you can listen to audio guides online that break down the phrase word by word.

So, the next time someone asks you "How do you say Merry Christmas in Austria?" you can confidently reply, "Frohe Weihnachten!"

Christmas markets in Austria

Christmas markets are a big part of Austrian culture, with the country being credited, alongside Germany, as the birthplace of these festive events.

Austria's Christmas markets usually open in mid-to-late November and close in the week before Christmas. They are a great opportunity to sample traditional Austrian food and drink, buy handcrafted gifts, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Vienna

Vienna, the Austrian capital, hosts over seven Christmas markets each year, including the "Vienna Magic of Advent", which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. The market in front of the Belvedere Palace offers boutique jewellery and ceramics, while the Schönbrunn Palace market delights the senses with jazz concerts, gallons of spiced weihnachtspunsch (a local twist on glühwein), and around 80 stalls.

Salzburg

Salzburg's Christkindl market is set in the city's snow-topped Alpine setting and hilltop fortress. The market's choirs perform in the glow of the cathedral, while stalls of crafts, traditional toys, and sweets scatter the cinnamon-scented square. The Hellbrunn Christmas market, a 30-minute bus ride from the centre, offers a more Alpine experience with reindeer-pulled sleds and an advent calendar projected onto its 17th-century palace.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck's Old Town Square market takes place against the backdrop of the city's gilded copper shingles of the 16th-century Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof). Here, the scent of fried kiachl (sweet and savoury doughnuts) mixes with the smell of spiced biscuits. The Hungerburg Christmas market, located high up in the mountains and accessible by funicular, offers stunning views of the town and an annual 'Krampus run', where the festive devils of Alpine folklore are let loose on the mountain slopes.

Graz

Graz's Christmas markets offer a more traditional experience. The Franciscan Quarter hosts one of Austria's longest-running Christmas markets, where tin toys and local crafts compete with a big wheel and carousel. The nearby Färberplatz market, run by a collective of local craftspeople, offers unique gifts.

Linz

Linz might be more metropolitan than fairytale, but its Volksgarten market is a charming escape from the crowds, with an ice-sculpture exhibition and live workshops showcasing how traditional gifts are made.

Christmas traditions in Austria

Merry Christmas in Austria is "Frohe Weihnachten", which is a slight variation of a German phrase. Austrians take their Christmas traditions seriously, with many special customs of their own, as well as some shared traditions with neighbouring Germany.

Advent

Advent is a special time in Austria, with families coming together to celebrate. The four Sundays of Advent are marked by lighting candles on an evergreen wreath, adorned with ribbons. Carols are sung, and families might exchange recipes for Christmas cookies, like Linzer Eyes and Gingerbread. Christmas markets or 'Christkindlmarkt' are popular, with towns and cities across Austria hosting their own. The markets sell Christmas decorations, food, and Glühwein (sweet, warm mulled wine).

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is when the festivities really begin. At 4 pm, the tree is lit for the first time, and people gather to sing carols around it. The most famous carol is 'Silent Night' ('Stille Nacht'), written in Austria in 1818. The tree is decorated with candles and sparklers, as well as sweets and chocolates. Children believe that the ''Christkind', a golden-haired baby with wings, decorates the tree and brings presents, leaving them under the tree.

Christmas Day

The main Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve, often fried carp as it is considered a 'fasting' day by Catholics. However, roast goose and turkey are becoming more popular. For dessert, there is chocolate and apricot cake, as well as Austrian Christmas cookies. Some Austrians go skiing on Christmas Day, and it is also a tradition to go skiing on New Year's Day.

The story behind the song 'Silent Night'

Merry Christmas in Austria is "Frohe Weihnachten", which is a slight variation of the German phrase. Now, here is the story behind the song "Silent Night".

The Story Behind the Song "Silent Night"

"Silent Night" is one of the most famous Christmas carols. Its melodic, simplistic, and peaceful rendition of the Christmas tale stands as a testament to its popularity. Even in the modern era, the song is performed all over the world in different languages during Christmas celebrations.

The traditional origin of "Silent Night" can be traced back to the winter of 1818 in Oberndorf, a town in Austria. Joseph Mohr, a young musician and priest of the local church, found the church organ to be broken on Christmas Eve, with no way to fix it until spring. Determined to ensure that the Christmas mass would include music, he retrieved a poem he had written two years prior. He collaborated with Franz Gruber, the church organist, to find an alternative instrument and melody for the composition. Together, they performed the carol at the Christmas mass, with Mohr singing and Gruber playing the guitar. The last two lines of each verse were repeated by the choir, leaving a prolonged impact.

The original six-stanza poem written by Joseph Mohr was titled "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!". When Mohr asked Franz Gruber to create a guitar accompaniment for the piece, Gruber was startled and surprised by the quality of the poem. He composed a soothing lullaby to accompany the lyrics, creating a melody that would leave a mark in the history of festive music.

In 1859, John Freeman Young, an American Episcopal priest, translated "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" to "Silent Night" in English. Assigned to the Trinity Church in New York City, Young enjoyed translating European hymns into English. His work is now performed by millions around the world, especially in English-speaking countries.

The iconic status of this Christmas carol makes it hard to believe that it is not some ancient folk composition. However, its origin is a testament to the fact that it emerged from a turbulent period in Europe about 200 years ago. The continent was still reeling from the effects of the Napoleonic Wars, a time of insecurity and financial instability fuelled by famines, floods, and conflicts. Amidst this disarray, "Silent Night" spread its wings of compassion over a tiny Austrian town, offering a soothing effect that signified the end of conflict.

Initially, the song was a one-night wonder, but it gradually gained popularity when Karl Mauracher, the eminent organ repairman, took the music to Tyrol. His hometown was known for its choirs, and "Silent Night" was soon translated and spread across Europe. In 1839, the Rainer Family Singers brought it to the USA during their world tour, and by 1850, it had reached the pinnacle of its popularity in the States.

Over the years, the carol's mystique grew alongside its popularity. After the original manuscript was lost, it was speculated for decades that the music had been written by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven. However, in 1994 or 1995, an original manuscript was discovered in Mohr's handwriting, confirming Gruber as the composer.

Today, the Franz Xaver Gruber Museum in Hallein and the Joseph Mohr School in Wagrain, Austria, honour the creators of this classic carol. The Stille Nacht Gesellschaft (Silent Night Society) hosts a virtual Silent Night museum, tracks events, and promotes the use of all six verses, which encourage peace and demand responsibility for the globe.

Christmas food and drink in Austria

To say "Merry Christmas" in Austria, you say "Frohe Weihnachten", which is a slight variation of a German phrase. Now, let's dive into the delicious food and drinks Austrians enjoy during the festive season.

Austria's Christmas markets, snowy Alps, and cold temperatures set the perfect backdrop for indulging in hearty, warming dishes. The country's culinary traditions showcase fresh, locally grown ingredients and a strong sense of tradition. Here's a closer look at some of the mouth-watering Austrian Christmas foods and beverages:

• Weihnachtsgans (Christmas Goose): A beloved Christmas dish, the Christmas goose is often filled with apples, baked chestnuts, and cloves, seasoned with salt, pepper, marjoram, and shallots. It is typically served with potatoes, red cabbage, or dumplings.
• Weihnachtskarpfen (Christmas Carp): For those who opt out of the goose, the Weihnachtskarpfen is a popular alternative. The carp is seasoned with lemon juice, white wine, pepper, and salt and baked to perfection.
• Maroni (Hot Chestnuts): A staple of Austrian Christmas, maroni are sold at food stands throughout Vienna. They are a delicious and healthy winter snack, providing warmth and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas Punch): This hot alcoholic beverage is a must-have during the Austrian Christmas season. It typically combines tea, sugar, red wine, cinnamon, and strong liquor, sometimes with added fruits like apples, oranges, or berries.
• Backapfel (Baked Apple): A simple yet delightful dish, the Backapfel consists of an apple filled with a mix of chocolate, hazelnuts, cinnamon, and cardamom, baked in the oven. Austrians often enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Glühwein (Mulled Wine): Glühwein is a staple of Austrian Christmas markets and pop-up stands during the winter. It's made by simmering red wine with oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar, creating a warm and comforting drink.
• Schaumrollen (Foam Rolls): These crumbly pastries with a sweet, foamy cream filling are a favourite Christmas treat for many Austrians. While they can be complex to make, they are readily available at stores and Christmas markets.
• Christmas Cookies: Baking Christmas cookies is a cherished tradition in Austrian families. The entire family comes together to bake different types of cookies, often accompanied by Christmas music, storytelling, and mulled wine. The cookies are then stored until Christmas Eve, when they are enjoyed and shared with visiting friends.
• Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Croissants): These vanilla-flavoured cookies are famous for their distinctive half-moon shape. They require just five simple ingredients and are a delightful addition to any Christmas spread.
• Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars): Cinnamon Stars are cinnamon-flavoured cookies in the shape of stars. They are made with ground almonds, icing sugar, powdered cinnamon, egg whites, and almond liquor, and decorated with white icing.
• Raclette: Raclette is a popular Christmas dish in Austria, consisting of a small tabletop grill placed in the middle of the table. Various meats, vegetables, and bread are cooked on the grill, along with small pans filled with toppings like mushrooms, potatoes, and ham, all smothered in molten cheese.
• Wiener Schnitzel: Thin slices of veal, turkey, or pork, breaded and fried, is a classic Austrian dish that is often served during the holidays. It is typically accompanied by cranberries, potatoes, and salad, or sometimes rice or french fries.
• Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce: This famous Austrian dessert is a festive treat filled with spiced apples, cinnamon, and raisins in a flaky crust. It is generously dusted with powdered sugar and served with a generous helping of vanilla sauce.
• Sacher Cake: The original Sacher cake, a chocolate-glazed cake filled with apricot jam, is a traditional Viennese dessert. It can be enjoyed at cafes and restaurants affiliated with the Sacher company or sampled from family recipes passed down through generations.
• Gingerbread Houses: Decorating and eating gingerbread houses is a beloved Austrian Christmas tradition. The houses are often adorned with white sugar frosting, Smarties, gummy bears, and other sweets, adding a whimsical touch to the holiday season.
• Weihnachtsstollen (Christmas Stollen): This richly baked cake, filled with marzipan and fruit and laced with rum, is incredibly popular during the Christmas season, especially among the older generations.
• Kletzenbrot (Austrian Fruit Bread): Kletzenbrot is a traditional fruit bread filled with dried pears, figs, and raisins. The fruit is often soaked in rum, and the cake is spiced with lemon, aniseed, fennel, and cinnamon, making it a fragrant and flavourful treat.

These dishes and beverages represent just a fraction of the delightful Austrian Christmas cuisine. From savoury roasts and cheese delights to sweet cookies and cakes, Austrians know how to celebrate the festive season in style, warming the hearts and bellies of locals and visitors alike.

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