How do Austrians celebrate Christmas and New Year's?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
Christmas and New Year's time in Austria brings with it a lot of traditional customs, tasty treats, and merrymaking! Find out how Austrians celebrate these two holidays and get some tips to usher in the festive period with a unique Austrian flair.

As you prepare for your journey, familiarize yourself with the specific entry requirements, including any necessary visas or documentation.
How Austrians celebrate Christmas and New Year's

1. Advent season:

Leading up to Christmas, Austrians typically celebrate the Advent season, starting four Sundays before Christmas Day. They light Advent wreaths, decorate their homes and Christmas trees, and often have an Advent calendar with small surprises behind each door.

2. Christmas Eve:

Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration in Austria. Families gather together for a festive meal, often featuring traditional dishes like roast goose, carp, or turkey. Many Austrians attend a midnight Mass at a local church to mark the birth of Jesus.

3. Christkind or Weihnachtsmann:

In Austria, children believe that the Christkind, a golden-haired angelic figure, brings gifts on Christmas Eve. Some regions also have the Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus) who is believed to bring gifts for children.

4. Christmas markets:

Christmas markets are an essential part of Austrian Christmas traditions. These markets are set up in various towns and cities, selling handicrafts, decorations, and delicious treats like mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread.

5. Gift-giving:

On Christmas Eve, after the festive meal, families gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts. The presents are usually placed under the tree and opened together.

6. New Year's Eve:

Just like in many other countries, Austrians celebrate New Year's Eve with parties, fireworks, and gatherings. Many people enjoy watching the televised broadcast of the Vienna New Year's Concert, which features classical music performances.

7. Silvesterpfad:

In Vienna, a popular New Year's Eve tradition is the Silvesterpfad, which is a street festival with food stalls, live music, and entertainment. People come together to celebrate, dance, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

8. New Year's Day:

New Year's Day is a public holiday in Austria, and it is often spent with family and friends, enjoying leisurely meals and engaging in outdoor activities such as skiing or ice skating.

9. Neujahrskonzert:

Another renowned Austrian New Year's Day tradition is the Neujahrskonzert (New Year's Concert). The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs a concert of classical music, which is broadcasted internationally and watched by millions of people.

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