Christmas market in Vienna

​One of the largest Christmas markets in Vienna is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, where a towering 30-meter spruce, glitters with lights against the neogothic Rathaus.
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Keeping up with Austrian traditions with a colossal advent calendar and wreath sets the festive scene. Grab a mug of punch or mulled wine before exploring the 150+ stalls offering artisan Christmas decorations, beeswax candles, and unique glass and tin creations. 

​You will find plenty of seasonal snacks like Hungarian langos, crispy and sprinkled with optional garlic sauce, or savor roasted chestnuts and Erdäpfelpuffer (hash browns). Don't miss the sweet treats, including regional Krapfen (donuts), chocolate-dipped fruit skewers, and fresh soft gingerbread.

Explore the new Nativity Scene Path in Rathauspark, featuring 10 to 15 hand-made scenes with contemporary themes. Enjoy live Advent music each evening, including gospel choirs and brass bands, creating a magical atmosphere beneath the towering Christmas tree.
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Experience this market and others when you sail on a Danube cruise between the end of Nov till Christmas Eve.
Christmas in Austria means one thing: Glühwein. This tasty mulled wine is the festive drink of choice in Innsbruck—and it's easy to see why. It's sweet, it's yummy and it's just what you need on a cold and frosty evening.

Gluwhein Recipe

​Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients

• 3 cups of white wine (Silvaner or Müller-Thurgau)
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup Franconian plum brandy (optional but recommended, as a little of the alcohol cooks out of the wine)
• 4 slices of orange
• 2 slices of lemon
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 1 star anise
• 5 allspice seeds
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 pinch of aniseed
• 1 tsp. honey (if you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more)

Extra slices of fruit for garnish, if desired

Preparation

1. In a medium-sized stock pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine all of the ingredients, except for the honey. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer, keeping the lid on, for 10 minutes. Be careful not to let it come to a boil again; if it boils too long all of the alcohol will be cooked out.
3. After 10 minutes, immediately remove from the heat. Strain the mixture with a fine mesh sieve; discard the aromatics. Return the mixture to the pot and taste-test. Stir in honey, tasting as you go until you reach your desired sweetness.
4. Ladle into desired serving glasses. Garnish with sliced fruit, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise pods, if desired. Serve immediately.

Makes about 4-6 servings