Christmas in Vienna starts on December 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas. On this day, St. Nicholas goes out and rewards children with toys, candies, fruits and nuts. At the same time, Krampus, a devil goes around with Santa Claus and punish the bad children.
While Krampus is a creature that is found in many other European countries such as Croatia and Hungary, it is only in Austria where people dress up as Krampus and roam the streets on December 5. To read more about other weird and unusual Christmas traditions observed around the world, click here.
Christmas trees play a significant role in Austrian Christmases. Typically set up on Christmas eve, these trees are not lit until the coming of the Christ Child who gives gifts to the children. Here we see a fundamental difference in Austrian Christmases. Whereas other countries perpetuate the belief that it is Santa Claus that brings gifts, Austrian youngsters believe that it is Christkind or the Christ Child who brings the gifts to them. The Christkind is also credited with decorating the Christmas tree.
Most people stay at home to spend Christmas eve with their families, and the ligthing of the Christmas tree is one important highlight. They also sing “Silent Night, Holy Night” among other Christmas carols.
How about a Christmas in Austria trivia? Did you know that the Christmas song “Silent Night” was first heard in an Austrian village named Oberndorf. It is said that in 1818, the parish priest of Oberndorf realized that the organ was not working, so he consulted an organist named Franz Bauer the newly written Silent Night. Bauer was able to come up with a melody for it using the guitar as an accompaniment.
Baked carp is the traditional staple for Christmas feasts.
Christmas in Austria is also marked by the opening of the Christmas markets. It is said that the Christmas market in Vienna traces its roots back to the year 1298. These Christmas markets are found in every town, often very near to the churches. It is considered to be one of the longest standing Christmas traditions in Austria.
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