Xmas market Graz
As summer draws to a close, many of us will enjoy a quiet autumn before the chaos begins in the run-up to Christmas. Like so many things, the enjoyment of Christmas is as much in the preparation as on the big day of December 25, and Europe once again draws millions of Britons over to enjoy the warm, fuzzy glow of Christmas markets, towering trees and sparkling handmade ornaments... and, of course, beer.
Besides the well-trodden Christmas markets Munich, Cologne, Salzburg and Budapest, another European city offers an enticing festive experience. Graz is Austria's second-largest city after the capital Vienna, and boasts a Christmas buzz like no other for those who venture there. As the historic centre of the Stygia region, it has two world heritage sites; the old town, said to be the biggest medieval district in Europe, and Eggenberg Palace. But before we delve into six of the city's magical Christmas markets, how do festive-feeling Brits make their way to Graz?
Carriers including Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines operate flights from London Heathrow to Graz. A roundtrip from London Heathrow Airport to Graz, from Thursday, December 5, to Sunday, December 8, is priced at £181 with Austrian Airlines. The exact same trip can also be booked on Lufthansa for £180.49. A return flight with Swiss International Airlines over the same period will cost from £273.89.
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A stay in the city is also a steal. Three nights for two people at the city-centre Grazora Living Apartments, rated 9.3 out of 10 on Booking.com, comes in at £203 from December 5 to 8. Another central residence, the Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel, costs £224 over the same period. Another highly-rated hotel, the Plaza Inn, is priced at £196 over the three days.
The first of Graz's wonderful Christmas fayres is the Advent Market in front of the City Hall, Hauptplaz, held from November 18 to December 24. Here, visitors will find a welcoming village of stalls, offering traditional arts and crafts as well as delicious treats. The local Christmas delicacy is "Feuerzangenbowle" - a blend of wine and rum set on fire. A traditional carousel will keep children entertained.
The oldest Christmas market in Graz is to be found in Old Town, outside the Franciscan church, again from November 18 to December 24. Tourists can marvel at farm-produced specialties, and enjoy Punsch and traditional Austrian Glühwein - a form of mulled wine - for a heart-warming pick-me-up. At the entrance to the church, children can delight in a nativity scene complete with real sheep, a carousel, and toys.
A third Christmas market in Graz much-loved by visitors is held in the square under the magical Glockenspiel. Besides a series of arts and crafts, local direct marketers and caterers offer delicacies from Styria. A wide range of handicraft demonstrations encourage people of all ages to participate. The market runs from November 18 to December 24.
A fourth Christmas market at the Mariahilferplatz sees the square transformed into WonderLEND, an alternative festive fayre with a big wheel and curling rink, while tourists can browse through the market stalls to the beat of Indie music, running from November 18 to December 23.
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For a stunning visual feast, visitors to Graz can enjoy an Ice Nativity in the Landhaushof Courtyard in Herrengasse - featuring life-sized figures lit up in LED glory. Since 1996, the unique nativity scene carved out of crystal-clear ice has been displayed each year in the Landhaushof, a beautiful renaissance yard in Graz. The courtyard is open to the public from November 25 to January 6.
A sixth Christmas market, the Arts and Crafts Market on Färberplatz Square, is held from November 24 to December 23, with handmade goods from cloth, clay, wood, metal, paper, wax, and glass.
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