Christmas In Austria: Traditions And Celebrations Explored

Christmas is a time of celebration in Austria, with many traditions and customs that make it one of the most wonderful seasons of the year. Austrians start early, embracing the Advent period with wreaths, candles, carols, and Christmas markets. The country shares some traditions with its neighbour Germany, but also has its own unique celebrations. From the Krampus parades to the Christkindlmarkt, Austria's Christmas festivities are a sight to behold, offering a delightful mix of atmospheric markets, delicious treats, and heartwarming traditions.

Christmas markets

Vienna

The Christkindlmarkt in Vienna is widely considered the most famous in Austria. Located in front of the grand City Hall (Rathaus), the market is known for its enchanting lights and mesmerizing decorations. The stunning Rathaus building provides a magnificent backdrop to the bustling stalls selling a variety of traditional Austrian handicrafts and delicacies. Don't forget to sip on a warm mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) while enjoying the festive atmosphere!

Salzburg

The Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg is an enchanting winter wonderland nestled in the heart of the city's historic centre. The impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress provides a breathtaking backdrop to the market. Vendors sell handmade crafts, delicious food, and warm drinks that will keep you cozy on chilly days. Being in Mozart's birthplace adds an extra touch of magic to the experience.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck's Old Town Market is located near the iconic Golden Roof. This bustling marketplace exudes a traditional Tyrolean atmosphere. With a backdrop of breathtaking Alpine scenery, the market offers a wide range of local handicrafts, fresh produce, and regional delicacies. The vibrant colours, lively sounds, and inviting aromas will transport you to a world of old-world charm and rustic beauty.

Linz

Linz's Christkindlmarkt is located in the city's baroque main square. The market is filled with enchanting lights and the aroma of traditional delicacies. The most famous treat is the world-renowned Linzer Torte, a delicious almond pastry with a lattice crust named after the city itself. The twinkling lights, joyful carollers, and cheerful ambiance make the Linz Christmas market an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of the holiday season.

Hallstatt

The charming market town of Hallstatt is located in the Salzkammergut Region of the Austrian Alps. Its unique and picturesque setting is truly breathtaking. The town's market square is set against the serene backdrop of a lake and surrounded by towering alpine peaks. The tranquil and wondrous scenery makes it the perfect place to embrace the holiday spirit.

Advent traditions

Advent is a special time in Austria, marking the four Sundays before Christmas. It is celebrated with a cosy, reflective atmosphere, including Christmas markets, festive treats, and candles. Here are some of the unique Advent traditions observed in Austria:

Advent Wreaths

The Advent wreath, or Adventkranz, is a staple in almost every Austrian home during the Advent season. It is typically made from evergreen twigs, such as fir or spruce, and decorated with ribbons and four candles. On each of the four Sundays in Advent, families light a new candle, often accompanied by singing carols, to mark the passing of time until Christmas Eve.

Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are a popular tradition in Austria, especially for children. From the 1st of December until the 24th, children eagerly open a new window on their Advent calendars each day, counting down to Christmas Eve.

Christmas Markets

Austria is famous for its Christmas markets, known as Christkindlmarkt, which pop up in towns and cities across the country during Advent. These markets sell a variety of traditional crafts, Christmas decorations, and delicious food and drinks, including gingerbread, Glühwein (sweet mulled wine), and roasted almonds.

Baking Cookies

Baking cookies is a beloved Advent tradition in Austria. Popular cookie varieties include Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies), Spitzbuben (rascals), and gingerbread. Austrians also enjoy baking traditional fruit cakes, such as Zelten, which are made with chopped candied fruit, dried fruit, nuts, and spices.

Saint Barbara's Day

On the 4th of December, known as "Barbaratag", Austrians honour Saint Barbara. They cut small twigs from cherry or forsythia trees and place them in a vase in their homes. If the twigs blossom by Christmas Eve, it is considered a sign of good luck and health for the coming year.

Krampus Day

Krampus is a beast-like creature that accompanies Saint Nicholas in Austrian Christmas tradition. On the 5th of December, known as Krampus Day, people dress up as Krampus and parade through the streets, creating a fun and chaotic atmosphere to remind children to behave well in anticipation of Saint Nicholas's visit.

Christmas food and drink

Christmas in Austria is a time for families to gather and celebrate with food and drink. The main Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve, which is also when presents are exchanged.

The traditional Christmas Eve dish is 'Gebackener Karpfen' (fried carp). This is because Christmas Eve was long considered a 'fasting' day by Catholics, when no meat could be eaten. However, roast goose and turkey are becoming more popular.

Dessert is often chocolate and apricot cake, 'Sachertorte', and Austrian Christmas cookies, 'Weihnachtsbaeckerei', such as 'Lebkuchen' (honey) gingerbread and 'Vanillekipferl' (vanilla crescents).

In the lead-up to Christmas, Austrians indulge in festive treats at Christmas markets, including gingerbread, marzipan, roasted chestnuts, apple strudel, and mulled wine ('Glühwein').

At home, families bake Christmas cookies, including 'Vanillekipferl', 'Spitzbuben', 'Rumkugeln', and 'Kokosbusserl'.

Christmas carols

Christmas in Austria is a time full of customs and traditions. The country is known for its slow-paced, cosy approach to the festive season, with celebrations beginning in late November or early December.

On the first Sunday of Advent, an Advent wreath can be found in nearly every Austrian home. The wreath is decorated with four candles, which are lit on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The wreath is usually made from evergreen twigs, fir or spruce, and adorned with ribbons and pine cones.

Carols are often sung during the lighting of the Advent wreath, with the most famous Christmas carol in Austria being 'Silent Night' ('Stille Nacht'). 'Silent Night' was written in the country in 1818 and has become one of the world's most beloved Christmas songs.

On Christmas Eve, families gather around the Christmas tree, adorned with candles and sweets, to sing carols and exchange gifts. The Christkind (or Christmas Child) is said to bring presents to children in Austria, rather than Santa Claus.

In the lead-up to Christmas, Christmas markets (known as 'Christkindlmarkt') can be found in towns and villages across Austria. Here, you can drink mulled wine (Glühwein), eat gingerbread and other sweet treats, and buy handcrafted goods and decorations.

Christmas decorations

Christmas in Austria is a magical experience, with twinkling fairy lights, festive markets, and snow-covered landscapes creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. The country embraces this special time of year with a variety of decorations that capture the essence of the holiday season.

Advent Wreaths

Advent wreaths are a beloved tradition in Austria, symbolising the arrival of Jesus Christ. These wreaths are typically made from evergreen or fir branches, adorned with ribbons, Christmas tree cones, and four candles. Each Sunday during Advent, families gather to light a new candle, marking the passing of time until Christmas Eve. The wreaths are often placed in the kitchen or living room, adding a cosy and festive touch to the home.

Christmas Trees

The Christmas tree is a central part of Austrian Christmas celebrations. Families come together on Christmas Eve to decorate the tree with beautiful ornaments, sweets, and candles. The tree is illuminated for the first time, filling the room with warmth and cheer. The most important decoration is the star that sits atop the tree, representing the star of Bethlehem.

Nativity Scenes

Nativity scenes hold significant importance in Austrian Christmas traditions. Intricate and beautiful displays are set up in churches and homes, depicting the birth of Jesus. These scenes serve as a reminder of the religious significance of the holiday and reinforce the values of faith and devotion.

Christmas Markets

Austrian Christmas markets are a quintessential part of the holiday season. These markets offer a delightful array of local crafts, decorations, and delicious treats. From handcrafted ornaments to gingerbread and mulled wine, the markets embody the spirit of Christmas. The sights, sounds, and aromas create a festive ambiance that spreads joy and cheer.

Home Decorations

In addition to the Christmas tree and nativity scenes, Austrians also decorate their homes with various festive touches. This includes hanging mistletoe, creating advent wreaths, and displaying straw stars, a traditional Austrian Christmas symbol. The smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies fills the air, adding to the cosy and heartwarming atmosphere.

Public Spaces

Towns and cities across Austria transform into winter wonderlands, with twinkling lights and festive cheer. Every town square features a large Christmas tree, and public buildings are adorned with decorations. The historic buildings of Vienna, such as the Town Hall, are illuminated with thousands of glittering fairy lights, creating a magical backdrop for the season's celebrations.

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