Christmas Markets

Vienna does not mess around when it comes to Christmas.  People had told me this before, and I'm sure I just sort of nodded and smiled...but no seriously...they do Christmas right.  The city completely transforms starting about mid-November into this winter wonderland of lights and outdoor Christmas markets.  The week that the major ones opened was the week that Ryan and Teresa were still in town, so we spent a lot of time at the markets, especially in the evenings.  Also while they were here the weather was still a bit warmer than it is now, so standing outside for hours was a little less painful.  Now that it's colder though, the markets are still just as crowded with people eating, drinking, shopping and hanging out all over town.  There are I think about 11 major markets, and I've been to eight of them so far...here are just a few highlights from some to help give a general idea...

The big one in front of the Rathaus

All sorts of stands selling things

And of course food and drink stands...lots of warm drinks to help keep from freezing

Käsekrainer and baked potatoes

We also have markets in front of Palaces...like this one at Belvedere

And one at the Prater...this is the view coming around the top of the Riesenrad

and from the ground...

Another in front of Schönbrunn

Enjoying some glühwein (mulled wine).  You drink out of proper mugs, and are charged a deposit of generally 2-3 Euros that is returned to you when you return the mug...or you can take the mug home and just forfeit your deposit...the mugs are also unique to the market where you are, so you can pick your favorites and collect them. 

The market at Am Hof, which is just a large square in the first district

see...different mugs

The market in Karlsplatz.  

This one also has a giant petting zoo type thing in the middle, and they have little pony rides for children.

Christmas markets are also a great place to meet friends!  This is a group of people from school...we all met up and did sort of a Christmas market crawl through town...

Looking forward to making more rounds to the markets before Christmas with my family once they get here next week!