Leslie Massey
Christmas in Austria is a time for family, food, and tradition. But who is responsible for bringing the gifts? In predominantly Catholic Austria, the Christkind (Christ child) traditionally brings the gifts at Christmas. However, in recent years, Santa Claus has been making an appearance in marketing and advertising, causing a cultural debate about who should be pitched as the bringer of gifts. So, is there a Santa Claus in Austria?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 December |
| Figure | St. Nicholas, Krampus |
| Description | St. Nicholas is the special children's saint, dressed as a bishop with flowing robes and a miter. Krampus is a strange and frightening creature, an anti-St. Nicholas, who comes to warn and punish naughty children. |
| History | St. Nicholas is said to have been rewarded by God for his generosity, allowing him to return to earth each year to bring gifts to all the good children. Krampus, on the other hand, is thought to have originated from pre-Christian myths involving beasts from the forest and creatures such as satyrs. |
| Activities | St. Nicholas fills children's shoes with treats and gifts. Krampus parades take place in late November and early December, with young men dressed in fur costumes and devil masks. |
What You'll Learn
Santa Claus vs Christkind
In Austria, a predominantly Catholic country, the Christkind (or Christ child) traditionally brings gifts at Christmas. The Christkind is often portrayed as a young child dressed in white or gold, or as a young woman with long blonde hair, also clothed in white and gold.
However, in recent times, Santa Claus has been making inroads in Austria, thanks to his secular, flexible, and non-religious brand that is more amenable to commercialism and marketing. Companies have seized on this opportunity, using Santa Claus in their Christmas marketing materials, aided by non-religious or anti-religious groups. This has sparked a cultural debate in the country about who should be pitched as the bringer of gifts.
The Christkind has a strong traditional and religious association, which does not lend itself easily to modern commercialism or marketing. Santa Claus, on the other hand, is a secular figure with no religious affiliation, making him a more attractive option for companies looking to promote their products during the Christmas season.
The debate came to a head in 2004, with both sides arguing their case in the media. In recent years, an uneasy truce seems to have been reached, with marketers shifting to more neutral imagery, such as snowmen, reindeer, and bells. The famous Christkindlmarkt in Vienna, for example, has firmly sided with the traditionalists, electing the first "Wiener Christkind" in 2004, a concept that continues to this day.
While the Christkind and Santa Claus compete for the hearts and minds of Austrian children, another figure, St. Nicholas, is also celebrated in Austria. St. Nicholas, also known as the special children's saint, comes on his feast day, December 5 or 6, dressed as a bishop with flowing robes and a miter. He is accompanied by angels, who write children's good and bad deeds in a big book. St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with treats and is often accompanied by Krampus, a frightening creature who punishes naughty children.
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St. Nicholas, the Santa Claus equivalent
In Austria, the equivalent of Santa Claus is St. Nicholas, a special children's saint honoured throughout the country. St. Nicholas is said to have been so generous that God rewarded him by allowing him to return to Earth each year to bring gifts to all the good children.
St. Nicholas comes on his feast day, a holiday separate from Christmas. In some places, he arrives on St. Nicholas Eve (December 5), and in others on the day itself (December 6). He is dressed as a bishop, with flowing robes and a miter, and carries a big book and a bishop's crozier. During the year, angels write children's good and bad deeds in his book. When children promise to be good and study hard, St. Nicholas rewards them with treats. He may come alone, with angel helpers, or with a Krampus—a frightening creature and St. Nicholas's evil counterpart.
The Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure that accompanies St. Nicholas on visits to children. While St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, the Krampus punishes badly behaved ones with birch rods. The Krampus is believed to have originated from pre-Christian myths involving beasts from the forest, such as satyrs. In the Middle Ages, the Krampus became linked with St. Nicholas and was absorbed into the official Christian calendar.
The Krampus traditionally appears on the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas, wearing animal skins and carved wooden masks. They carry long sticks and sometimes chains, which are thought to symbolise the binding of the Devil by the Christian Church. They also carry sacks to take away very bad children. In the past, the Krampus was feared by smaller children, who were tossed into the sack and dragged through the snow. Today, many cities and towns have formal Krampus processions, which tend to be fairly orderly.
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Krampus, the anti-St. Nicholas
Krampus is said to arrive on the evening of December 5, known as Krampusnacht or "Krampus Night", along with St. Nicholas. While St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with presents, Krampus metes out punishments to those who have been naughty. This can include beating them with branches or sticks, or even taking them to hell.
The Krampus tradition is believed to have originated from pre-Christian myths involving beasts from the forest, such as satyrs. In the Middle Ages, the legend became linked with St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus), who had become associated with the pre-Christmas period of gift-giving. Krampus served as a helper to St. Nicholas, delivering punishments to naughty children.
The Krampus character is usually depicted as having horns, one human foot, and one foot of a goat. He is covered in black or brown hair and has a long, snake-like tongue. He also carries chains and a sack or basket to take away bad children.
The Krampus tradition was banned at various times by the Catholic Church and conservative political groups due to its resemblance to devil worship. However, these bans were difficult to enforce, and the tradition persisted. In recent times, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of Krampus, with the character appearing in movies, TV shows, and popular culture around the world.
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Christmas markets in Austria
Austria is known for its Christmas markets, which are held in cities and rural areas across the country. The markets are full of light and fragrance, with candles, festive treats, and wreaths creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. Here are some of the most notable Christmas markets in Austria:
Salzburg Cathedral
The Christmas Market at Salzburg Cathedral is located in the World Heritage-listed Old City, at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress. It is one of the most famous and best Christmas markets in Austria, with a fairy-tale-like setting in the snow-topped Alpine city. The market features traditional crafts, toys, and sweets, as well as choirs performing in the glow of the cathedral.
Schönbrunn Palace
The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is a grand affair, with imperial pomp and jazz concerts. Visitors can enjoy spiced weihnachtspunsch (a local twist on glühwein) and browse the 80 stalls under the Habsburgs' former summer retreat. The palace is adorned with Christmas lights, creating a magical spectacle.
Innsbruck's Old Town
The Christmas Market in Innsbruck's Old Town is nestled among medieval buildings and the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof). The scent of fried kiachl (sweet and savoury doughnuts) fills the air, and stalls offer old crafts and spiced biscuits. The nearby Hungerburg market provides a more contemplative option, with a funicular ride up to a market with stunning views and an annual 'Krampus run', where festive devils of Alpine folklore are let loose on the mountain slopes.
Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market in Vienna features boutique jewellery and ceramics stalls in the Baroque shadow of the palace. Visitors can indulge in warming mugs of mulled wine and enjoy daily carol performances.
Gmunden
The Advent Market in Gmunden offers a cosy and reflective celebration of Advent, with candles, festive treats, and wreaths.
Schloss Hof
The Christmas Market at Schloss Hof is another popular destination, known for its romantic atmosphere.
Graz
Graz, the country's second-largest city, boasts 14 different Christkindlesmarkts. The main market is located in the Franciscan Quarter, beneath the oldest monastery in Austria. It features traditional crafts, tin toys, and a big wheel and carousel. The nearby Färberplatz market is an arts and crafts market run by local craftspeople, offering a wide selection of unique gifts.
Volksgarten
The Volksgarten Christmas Market in Linz is a relatively new market that started in the 1950s. It features an ice-sculpture exhibition and live workshops demonstrating traditional gift-making, such as woodturning, carving, and pottery.
Krems
Krems, viewed from Göttweig Abbey, offers a beautiful sight during the Christmas season, with the abbey providing light and warmth in the cold winter months.
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Christmas traditions in Austria
Christmas in Austria is a time for family, tradition, and celebration. The season is filled with festive sights, sounds, and smells, including Christmas markets, carols, and delicious treats. Here are some unique Christmas traditions that Austrians hold dear:
Advent Season
Advent is a special time in Austria, marking the four Sundays before Christmas. Families create a cosy and reflective atmosphere by lighting candles and baking traditional cookies like Linzer Eyes and gingerbread. Christmas markets spring up in cities and towns, filling the air with the scent of Glühwein (sweet, warm mulled wine) and roasted almonds. Children eagerly open their Advent calendars, and families gather to make wreaths and other decorations. The Advent wreath, or Adventkranz, is a key part of the season. Made from fir or spruce, it is decorated with four candles that are lit successively each Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve.
Krampus and St. Nicholas
On December 5, Krampus Night, or Krampusnacht, takes over the streets of Austria. The Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure covered in black hair, with a long tongue, and sometimes a mix of human and goat features. This alarming creature is said to accompany St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, on the night before his feast day. While St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with treats, the Krampus punishes the naughty ones. Krampus Night is filled with chaos and fun, as young men dressed as Krampus run through the streets, banging cowbells and rattling chains to tease and frighten children in a playful manner.
Christmas Eve and Day
Christmas Eve ('Heilige Abend') is when the magic truly begins. Families gather around a decorated Christmas tree, adorned with candles, sparklers, and sweets. They sing carols, including the famous "Silent Night" ('Stille Nacht'), which originated in Austria in 1818. Presents are exchanged, believed to be brought by the Christkind, a golden-haired winged baby symbolising the newborn Christ. The main Christmas meal is often fried carp, though roast goose and turkey are also popular. On Christmas Day, some Austrians head to the mountains for skiing, embracing the winter wonderland.
New Year's Celebrations
As the new year approaches, Vienna, the capital of Austria, hosts a world-famous classical music concert, the 'NeuJahrsKonzert', featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra playing waltz music. On New Year's Day, skiing is a popular activity, and many towns hold ski jumping tournaments.
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Frequently asked questions
In predominantly Catholic Austria, the Christkind (Christ child) traditionally brings the gifts at Christmas. However, in recent times, Santa Claus has been used in marketing materials, leading to a cultural debate about who should be pitched as the bringer of gifts.
Portrayals of the Christkind commonly feature a young child dressed in brilliant white or gold. The Christkind character that often accompanies seasonal markets or Christmas events tends to be a young woman with long (blonde) hair and clothed in white and gold.
Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas, is honoured throughout Austria. He is said to come on his feast day, a holiday separate from Christmas, on either St. Nicholas Eve (December 5) or the day itself (December 6). St. Nicholas is dressed as a bishop with flowing robes and a miter, and carries a big book and a bishop's crozier.
