Ah, Christmas shopping. The lights, the crowds, the out-of-stock games consoles. Some people adore Christmas shopping, others would rather hunker indoors over their laptop and do it all online. For those for whom the festive season isn’t complete without donning a woolly hat and venturing out into the throng, a traditional Christmas market can’t be beaten. And Vienna’s are some of the best.
The Christkindlesmarkt in front of City Hall, has been going for over 700 years and, as well as the usual shopping opportunities, provides pony rides, a merry-go-round and fairytale readings. OK, you won’t be able to pick up the latest Lost DVD box set but you can lay your hands on all manner of a traditional goodies plus a mug of gluvine to ward off the cold. Plus, being Vienna, a tempting slice of strudel is never more than a short walk away if you need something a little more substantial to keep you going. At weekends, choirs from across the world perform Christmas songs in the city's Festival Halls, adding to the festive atmosphere.