SalzburgerLand Christmas Markets 2012
Christmas in Austria is always magical and nowhere more so than in Salzburg and the surrounding SalzburgerLand villages. Krampus - weird and wonderful imps, gouls and sprites - roam the streets, Advent song and seasonal music ring out from every corner, and Christmas Markets spring up all over the place. Salzburg’s original Christmas Market dates back to the 15th Century and this year’s edition is among the first to open, on Thursday November 22.
On Salzburg’s historic Cathedral & Residenzplatz Squares, the Salzburg Christmas Market will present 95 artisans exhibiting and selling home-made gifts, Christmas decorations, glühwein, festive snacks and mementos. The market opens daily at 10 am (earlier at the weekend), with highlights including the blessing of the Advent Crown and local Turmblasen (horn-blowing) on Saturdays.
Also opening in the city on November 22 are the Hellbrunn Christmas Market at Hellbrunn Palace by the city gates and the Christmas Market on Mirabellplatz Square in front of the picturesque Mirabell Palace. Waldbad Anif Christmas Market, in the south of Salzburg, opens on November 23, combining the attractions of the seasonal market and cuisine with an arts festival in a delightful forest setting. And the Hohensalzburg Fortress Christmas Market begins on November 30 - worth the funicular ride for its stunning views overlooking the city. Other markets appear throughout the city during December: worth a look are Stern’s at the Sternbrau Brewery in Sterngarten and St Leonhard’s outside the pilgrimage church of the same name.
The surrounding SalzburgerLand countryside is full of classic Alpine villages, every one with its own distinct charm, character and Christmas market.
For full information about the choice of Christmas Markets in SalzburgLand and Salzburg City, visit: salzburgerland.com and salzburg.info respectively. For a one-week package try Crystal Ski’s twin-centre holiday, departing December 15, priced from £676 pp. The package includes flights, transfers, accommodation for 2 sharing and combines 3 nights in Salzburg for Christmas Markets and a classic festive ambience with 4 days skiing in Zell am See where the Christmas Market is one of the best. To book, visit crystalski.co.uk.
