Old charms in the new world

Vibrant cafes, grand architecture, imperial palaces from the Austro-Hungarian empire, beautiful gardens, ostentatious facades of palatial residences along the dark twisted cobble-stoned picturesque streets - full of ancient relics, Vienna had already marveled me immensely. 

I am continuously entertained and amused by Vienna’s relentless thrive ranging from celebration of centuries-old traditions to holding unconventional forward looking alternatives for the society and the world!

This time, it is the centuries old tradition- the “Christmas Market”!

Despite this cold, cloudy, drizzly weather, the Viennese are happy, their regular cold autumn has finally arrived in time for their old-time traditional celebration - the Christmas Markets!

I suddenly noticed how cleverly the 2015 Christmas markets are popping up all around me.  They are occupying town squares in the backdrop of the magnificent architecture, where idyllic palaces and the centuries-old statues of historical figures stand tall piercing the sky above. There are more such markets in the back-alleys and cobblestone lanes of the city neighborhoods below the picturesque row houses.

Since medieval times, these Christmas markets have been held in Vienna. They used to be called the “December Markets”. Traders and retailers would be given the privilege to bring their products for the winter provisions of the city dwellers. It was common among German speaking parts of Europe and in the main parts of the Holy Roman Empire. Beside the regular groceries the stall-holders would have spreads of delicious ginger breads and pastries.

To this day, during this time of the year these age-old Christmas markets keep cloaking 21st century Vienna, taking us back to the ambience of the old days with their rustic styled crafty stalls. Talking to some of these decorated stall holders I learn that most of these crafts are produced by artists of the same family for generations. The local artisans make all these nostalgic toys - carved wooden angels, Christmas decorations, ceramics, warm jumpers, jewelries, beautiful handmade candles. Beside all these art works, the markets have several simple gastronomic regional offerings.

The noise of sporadic horse-drawn carriages bringing the market visitors, the whiffs of fresh fried chestnuts, and the aroma of Glühwein (mulled wine) in the air transforms the city to a unique wintery village of old times. In the evening special colorful illuminations turn this wintry old time villages into a fairyland.

I walk around feeling the seasonal warmth in cold Vienna - looking at the handicrafts and watching the Christmas market visitors as they hold their punsch mugs ......talking, eating, strolling through their real world Wonderland. This organic sight tells me that the centuries-old tradition - “Christmas Markets” - will have its enchanting spell over the Viennese who will remain under the spell of this wintery Wonderland for many more centuries to come! 

I am continuously entertained and amused by Vienna’s relentless thrive ranging from celebration of centuries-old traditions to holding unconventional forward looking alternatives for the society and the world!

This time, it is the centuries old tradition- the “Christmas Market”!

Despite this cold, cloudy, drizzly weather, the Viennese are happy, their regular cold autumn has finally arrived in time for their old-time traditional celebration - the Christmas Markets!

I suddenly noticed how cleverly the 2015 Christmas markets are popping up all around me.  They are occupying town squares in the backdrop of the magnificent architecture, where idyllic palaces and the centuries-old statues of historical figures stand tall piercing the sky above. There are more such markets in the back-alleys and cobblestone lanes of the city neighborhoods below the picturesque row houses.

Since medieval times, these Christmas markets have been held in Vienna. They used to be called the “December Markets”. Traders and retailers would be given the privilege to bring their products for the winter provisions of the city dwellers. It was common among German speaking parts of Europe and in the main parts of the Holy Roman Empire. Beside the regular groceries the stall-holders would have spreads of delicious ginger breads and pastries.

To this day, during this time of the year these age-old Christmas markets keep cloaking 21st century Vienna, taking us back to the ambience of the old days with their rustic styled crafty stalls. Talking to some of these decorated stall holders I learn that most of these crafts are produced by artists of the same family for generations. The local artisans make all these nostalgic toys - carved wooden angels, Christmas decorations, ceramics, warm jumpers, jewelries, beautiful handmade candles. Beside all these art works, the markets have several simple gastronomic regional offerings.

The noise of sporadic horse-drawn carriages bringing the market visitors, the whiffs of fresh fried chestnuts, and the aroma of Glühwein (mulled wine) in the air transforms the city to a unique wintery village of old times. In the evening special colorful illuminations turn this wintry old time villages into a fairyland.

I walk around feeling the seasonal warmth in cold Vienna - looking at the handicrafts and watching the Christmas market visitors as they hold their punsch mugs ......talking, eating, strolling through their real world Wonderland. This organic sight tells me that the centuries-old tradition - “Christmas Markets” - will have its enchanting spell over the Viennese who will remain under the spell of this wintery Wonderland for many more centuries to come!