12 minute read
Christmas in Austria
The festive period is a truly magical time in Austria Romantic lights, seasonal treats, festive carols, and snowcovered roofs and treetops as far as the eye can see: Millions of visitors from around the world travel to Austria's cities and small towns from mid-November every year to join in the celebrations leading up to Christmas Eve. But what is it that makes the festive season so special in Austria - and what are the must-dos and must-sees?
Christmas Traditions in Austria
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The Advent wreath and the Advent calendar are both used to count down the days to Christmas Eve. Every Sunday, a new candle on the wreath (there are four in total) is lit while the doors on the calendar are opened daily from 1 December, just like in the UK. Self-made calendars are especially popular. During the festive period, Austrians love to bake Christmas cookies and gingerbread and prepare punch and mulled wine - or buy them at the Christmas markets.
If you are in Austria on 5 or 6 December, friendly Saint Nicholas and his sinister companion Krampus might knock on your door. According to tradition, well-behaved children are rewarded with sweets, peanuts and tangerines, while the naughty ones might get a little word of warning. St. Nicholas is officially celebrated on 6 December and Krampus the day before. However, the two often show up as a pair. In traditional villages, people dress up in scary costumes made of sheepskin and wear carved masks with goat horns to mark Krampus Day.
Unlike in other countries, in Austria it's not Santa Clause or Father Christmas who brings the Christmas presents but the Christkind ("Christ Child", "Baby Jesus"), an angel-like figure with white feathery wings, a halo above its head, and blond curls. Children toss their Christmas letters into the fireplace or put them on the window sill to make sure the Christkind gets it right. The presents are traditionally opened on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. "Silent Night", written and performed for the first time on 24 December 1818 by Josef Mohr and Franz Gruber in Oberndorf, SalzburgerLand, is still the most popular carol to sing under and around the Christmas tree.
Christmas Markets in Austria
A stroll through one of the traditional Christmas markets is the highlight for many travelling to Austria during the festive period. Let us introduce you to some classics – and some lesser-known markets that are just as charming.
Christmas Markets in the City
Every major town has at least one Christmas market and it goes without saying that Vienna has the most. In fact, Austria's capital has more than 20, the most popular ones being in front of the town hall, at Schönbrunn Palace, and in the Spittelberg district. However, it's well worth looking into other cities, too!
Tirol's Innsbruck has markets right under the famous Golden Roof, on the main square and the shopping street Maria Theresien Straße, as well as at Hungerburg Castle, where you will sip your punch while enjoying spectacular views over the town. Bonus: You can hop on a ski lift right in the heart of town before or after the markets! An annual highlight is Innsbruck's Christkind Parade (18 December 2022), featuring the Christkind riding down MariaTheresien-Straße and the historic lanes in a splendid carriage, accompanied by a marching band, shepherds, angels, sheep, and some 600 local children.
Then there's Salzburg. Its Christmas Market at Residenzplatz was first mentioned in the 15th century, and
is perfect to sample all the local festive delights. Just outside the city, the romantic Advent Magic at Hellbrunn Palace awaits. Its over 700 conifers in the inner courtyard are decorated with 10,000 red Christmas balls and strands of lights every year, while the palace's windows are turned into an XXL advent calendar.
Christmas Markets at the Lake
Romantics and lovebirds will surely enjoy Austria's Christmas markets at the water. Salzkammergut's Lake Wolfgangsee and its villages St. Wolfgang, Strobl and St. Gilgen turn into a Christmas wonderland every year, with markets, open fires, and musical events. The 16 m high, floating “Peace Lantern” on the lake, just off St. Wolfgang's shore, is the official symbol of the region. The best way to enjoy all the festive decorations and markets is an advent-themed boat tour.
Another great region for markets at the lake is Austria's southernmost province Carinthia. Head to Klagenfurt, then further on to Lake Wörthersee and check out all the stalls and festive lights in Pörtschach and the famous floating Advent wreath in Velden.
Christmas Markets in the Mountains
It almost goes without saying that Austria's ski and Alpine regions, too, top up their game to get their guests into the festive spirit.
Besides Innsbruck, Tyrolean resorts such as Kitzbühel, Seefeld, St. Johann, and Kufstein all have their own Christmas markets. Zell am See – Kaprun in SalzburgerLand has several of them, with a handful right in the heart of the skiing towns and one at Kaprun castle, featuring more than 30 stalls, processions, and lots of regional delights. Obertauern and Bad Hofgastein are also well worth considering for a mix of skiing and Christmas magic.
In Austria's westernmost province Vorarlberg, Kleinwalsertal and Schwarzenberg in Bregenzer Forest are the go-to places for festive celebrations and markets amidst the Alps, while Montafon holds several Christmas-themed concerts throughout the Advent period.
SISTERS ARE BACK
This sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.
Deloris Van Cartier is an aspiring singer in Philadelphia, where she is auditioning to perform at her gangster boyfriends nightclub. Deloris believes that Curtis is going to introduce her to a big producer, but is upset when he tells her she is not ready. Hurt and rejected, Deloris decides to break up with him, but when she goes to find him she accidentally sees him kill one of his cronies. Deloris runs to the police, who place her in hiding at a convent until Curtis is brought to trial.
At first, Deloris feels as though it will be the worst thing in the world, chafing against the constraints of convent life and an immovable Reverend Mother, but once she is introduced to the struggling choir at the convent, everything changes. She finds that many of the nuns at the convent are not that different from her, and that they are quite fun to be around.
They help give her a bigger purpose in her life, showing her a genuine love and affection that was missing prior to her arrival at the convent. Sister Act is a joyous show that uses music to bring different communities, and lifestyles, together.
With songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this joyous and hilarious musical is one nostalgia-filled trip back to the 70s that you will never forget.
Sister Act is appearing at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 21st – Saturday 26th November 2022. Tickets are available from
www.atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes
STARS
Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) This is a good time to go for a raise as a stronger focus on professional goals will develop. Your comfort zone matters, and now is the time to take care of your own needs without eclipsing the needs of others. Flashes of insight from your dreams can assist you in innovative ways. You will see some shift in your attitude towards pleasing a significant other, more sociability, and the desire to bring balance to your life. Favourable Dates: November 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours: White & Green
Sagittarius (22 November -21 December)
This is a strong time for de-stressing through creative expression or immersing yourself in a hobby, the arts, or other forms of dramatic entertainment, Your personal appeal jumps up a few notches. Ideally, you would adopt a more mature attitude towards adventure and facing the unknown. You would enjoy the breeze of happiness it brings to your love life and try to make the most of the best opportunities to improve your love life.
Favourable Dates: November 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Green
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)
It’s a fine time for thinking of ways to make small changes in your life so that you feel more engaged and connected. There can be a nice feeling of joy and comfort in thinking about the bigger picture, long-term goals, and far-off plans. There can be an opportunity to enjoy yourself, and a very pleasant, playful mood now and inhibitions and defensiveness tend to drop.
Favourable Dates: November 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
You may receive a cosmic push towards expressing yourself more creatively and experience an increased drive to take charge of your life. This can be a fine time for getting your point across, as well as for networking activities or socialising. You can be especially witty or insightful, and others appreciate you for your ideas and gestures. You might see a friend or romantic partner in an entirely different light, which can be exciting.
Favourable Dates: November 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
This can be a good time for progress or idea-generating when it comes to creative matters or a romance. You are more able to express yourself in subtle ways, to feel in touch with what’s inside, and to convey your inner world or message easily. Words may not be quite as effective as body language and actions now.It should be a relaxing month and you can expect to spend much of your leisure time with friends and family.
Favourable Dates: November 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Red
Aries (21 March – 19 April)
The month begins with a real burst of energy, confidence and power. There would be trend towards greater flow of personal income but be aware that the flow can just as easily come in and go out if you’re not careful. Your mind often will run along money making ideas. You would get more attracted to unusual plans, fields and concepts. Exposure to new ideas open up new world to you.
Favourable Dates: November 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Grey
Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
You are due to gain recognition in your professional life and sexual and romantic satisfaction will follow close behind. Your public image and professional affairs will demand extra time and responsibilities but the rewards that follow will be worth it. You would be emotional, sensual and very alluring to members of the both opposite and same sex in general at this time. People who like to play with fire will be instantly attracted to you.
Gemini (21 May – 20 June)
This is a time when you are working hard, taking on your fair share of duties and responsibilities and either reaping some of the rewards of your hard work or facing the consequences of poor choices. You are now treated to a realistic look at what you have built and achieved. Take a new class, upgrade your skills and keep moving. These little things will make huge differences in both your personal and professional life.
Favourable Dates: November 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
A spunky period for your love life occurs this month, when your charm is super and romance fairly sizzles. It is a fabulous opportunity period for scheduling a romantic getaway. You are destined to meet someone who will jump at the chance to take you out of a lonely situation. There will be an excess of romantic energy. You are likely to make changes in your life that break you out of your usual routines.
Favourable Dates: November 3, 5, 10, 13, 21, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & White
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
You will be one step closer to knowing where you are headed and you will have re-built faith in yourself. Ideally, you may adopt a more mature attitude towards adventure and facing the unknown. You let go of self-defeating attitudes that have been holding you back. You could visit a foreign country, experience new culture, learn a new language or suddenly want to relocate. There can be surprising developments in love where people from other places are involved.
Favourable Dates: November 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & White
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
You are likely to feel more confident and enthusiastic about your ability to earn a living and you may choose to develop your talents in order to boost your earning power. This month has the potential to bring truly exciting insights into how you can better manage your domestic life and work, When it comes to life path and career goals these days, you’re more strategic and concerned with what’s best for you in the long term.
Favourable Dates: November 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Brown
Libra (23 September – 22 October)
Your income is likely to increase and there may be an opportunity to improve your future financial situation. It may be time to settle some of your debts, financial or otherwise. Synchronicity is thick when you embrace your adventurous side. Trust your inner voice when tackling a difficult project. You will have the mental stamina to realize a long range goal. Putting one foot in front of the other is often the best way to start.
