Christmas Cheer In Austria: A Month-Long Celebration

Christmas in Austria is a festive and tradition-filled time, celebrated not just on Christmas Eve but throughout the entire Advent period. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and lasts for four weeks, with each Sunday being called Advent Sunday. During this time, Austrians celebrate in different ways, including lighting candles, exchanging Christmas cookie recipes, and visiting Christmas markets. The Krampus tradition also takes place until mid-December, with additional nights called Rauhnaechte in mid-January.

Christmas in Austria is celebrated throughout the Advent period, which lasts four weeks

The Krampus tradition is another unique aspect of Christmas in Austria. On 6 December, Saint Nicholas brings gifts to the children, while Krampus, a scary figure with a mask and big bells on their back, traditionally scares the bad children who don't receive toys. In reality, the Krampus tradition is more light-hearted, with children going "Krampus-hunting" after dark to show their courage.

After Christmas, there is a mystical period called *Rauhnächte* or "raw nights" between Christmas and Epiphany (6 January). During this time, Austrians perform rituals and customs to ward off bad fortune and maintain a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. One such custom is the burning of incense in farmhouses and stables to protect animals, while another is the *Schluckbildchen* tradition, where people consume small notes depicting the Virgin Mary to ward off misfortune.

Austrians have Advent calendars to count down the days until Christmas Eve

Austrians celebrate Christmas not just on Christmas Eve but throughout the entire Advent period, which typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. Advent lasts for four weeks, with each Sunday during this time being called Advent Sunday (Adventsonntag). Many Austrians have an Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas Eve. From 1 December to 24 December, they open a new 'window' each day until Christmas Eve arrives.

Advent is celebrated in a cosy, reflective way: Christmas markets, festive treats, and wreaths bring warm anticipation for the most wonderful and tradition-filled time. Candles light up the evening, and the smell of Vanillekipferl fills the kitchen. Hot Glühwein from the Christmas markets warms cold hands and roasted almonds are savoured straight from the bag.

December 6th marks St. Nikolaus Day, and this is where the tradition of Nikolaus and Krampus comes in. Saint Nicholas brings gifts to the children, and Krampus traditionally scares the bad children who don’t get toys. The tradition goes until mid-December, with a few additional nights called “Rauhnaechte” in mid-January.

Rauhnächte is a mystical period between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6), during which Austrians perform rituals and customs to avert bad fortune. One such custom involves the burning of incense in farmhouses and stables to protect animals from any possible negative influence during this time.

St. Nikolaus Day is celebrated on 6 December, when Saint Nicholas brings gifts to children

Christmas in Austria is celebrated throughout the Advent period, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and lasts for four weeks. During this time, Austrians celebrate in different ways, including lighting candles, exchanging Christmas cookie recipes, and visiting Christmas markets.

The Rauhnächte is a mystical period between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6) when Austrians perform rituals to avert bad fortune

Christmas in Austria is celebrated throughout the Advent period, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and lasts for four weeks. During this time, Austrians celebrate in different ways, including lighting candles, exchanging Christmas cookie recipes, and drinking hot Glühwein from Christmas markets.

Christmas markets are a popular tradition in Austria, with festive treats like Linzer Eyes, gingerbread, Glühwein, and roasted almonds

Christmas in Austria is celebrated throughout the Advent period, which lasts for four weeks, and not just on Christmas Eve. The Advent period typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, and each Sunday is called Advent Sunday.

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