“Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh

Over the fields we go, laughing all the way

Bells on bob-tall ring, making spirits bright

What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.

Jingle bells, jingle bells…” ♫♫

December, that time of year where cities around Europe transform into a beautiful shining white wonderland. A wonderland where you can enjoy a walk through the decorated city and buy a warm cup of hot chocolate, punch or Glühwein to keep you warm while you enjoy the Christmas spirit.

It might be a hard decision to choose which Christmas wonderland to visit but I’ll try to make your choice somewhat easier as I will introduce you to one of my favorites:

Die Christkindlmärkte in Vienna

Last year, around this time of year, I went to Vienna to visit my cousins who were on exchange. This was going to be my 3^rd visit that year but I was really excited as I knew that this beautiful European city was turned into a magical Christmas wonderland.

The city offers over 20 official Advent Markets who sell a wide range of seasonal gifts and delicious treats. If you have ever been to Vienna you’ll know that the city is full of beautiful historical buildings, one of my favorite is the City Hall (in German: Rathaus). The place around the city hall turns into a shining fairytale with several sales stands offering the most delicious treats and views. Even the trees in the park in front of the city hall are all decorated which makes it even more cozy and romantic to walk around.

Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

Not far from the Rathaus you’ll find another beautiful market, the Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, located between the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. And if you’re not too tired take a walk through the decorated city center and enjoy the beautifully decorated stores. Just at the intersection near the Vienna Opera house you’ll see a jewelry store turned into a shining  Christmas gift – a lovely sight.

Open from mid November until Christmas (the opening hours depends on the different markets but usually they run until 9-10PM).

Merry Christmas!