Time to get festive in Vienna
Anyone looking for a different Christmas Market experience should perhaps visit Austria and take their loved ones to the beautiful Vienna Christmas Market.
Taking place between 16th November and 24th December 2013, the Christmas Market is one of the main attractions during this festive season attracting visitors from across the world. Vienna is also playing host to variety of other festive events at the same time as the Christmas Market such as international carol singing in the City Hall or festive chamber music at St Stephen's Cathedral. Both of these provide much needed respite from the crowds descending upon the Christmas Market.
Visitors can also experience live music from local choirs and brass bands at the Christmas Markets in the Freyung District and in front of the stunning Schönbrunn Palace. Vienna's Magic of Advent takes place at the same time as the Christmas Market and features over 100 stalls selling hand-made gifts, sweets and homemade festive punch. Children can find entertainment in the Christmas Workshop.
Other festive events to consider when on holiday in Austria include:
Adventmarkt Am Hof (15th Nov to 23rd Dec 2013)
Where you will find a selection of festive decorations, home-made punch and other tempting local delicacies.
Winter Market at Riesenradplatz (17th Nov 2013 to 6th Jan 2014)
This event is focused on entertaining children with their voyages of discovery. You will also find entertainment on stage in addition to music by live bands.
Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz (20th Nov to 26th Dec 2013)
A great opportunity to find that elusive gift for someone who has everything as there is a great range of present ideas and traditional handicrafts.
Altweiner Christkindlemarkt (22nd Nov to 23rd Dec 2013)
A wonderful Christmas Fair where visitors can find handicrafts, decorations made from glass, cribs and other beautiful ceramics.
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace (22nd Nov to 23rd Dec 2013)
A wide variety of festive favourites can be found here from handicrafts to decorations, punch, mulled wine and local Austrian delicacies.