"The market at Vienna's 18th century Schonbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was among the most special. When I first saw this huge lit-up star archway with its message of welcome, I gasped. The market, in the palace's grand courtyard, was full of attractions including an ice rink, ice stock games (like curling), a Ferris wheel, carousel and tons of food and craft booths."
"We walked about 10 miles a day in a packed schedule through a couple dozen Christmas markets in Hungary, Germany and Austria. We made a point to try local specialties like Kasespatzle (a German macaroni and cheese) and Gluhwein, or mulled wine. Most Christmas markets across Europe serve Gluhwein in collectible mugs with the market's logo or shaped like Santa's boot. You can pay a deposit and return the mug or keep it as a memento."
"What I loved most was the sense of community at these markets. They can get crowded, but everyone's there to enjoy the food, wine and fun. You often end up chatting with strangers or hearing about another stall to check out. At the Altwiener Christkindl Market, also in Vienna, we talked with an artisan about a New Year's tradition, Schwein gehabt, which means "had a pig" and symbolizes prosperity."
European Christmas markets in Hungary, Germany and Austria offer varied festive experiences blending culture, history and culinary specialties. Visitors walked long days, visiting dozens of markets and noting that no two were alike. Vienna's 18th-century Schonbrunn Palace market featured a lit-up star archway, an ice rink, ice stock games, a Ferris wheel, a carousel and many food and craft booths. Local specialties included Kasespatzle and Gluhwein served in collectible mugs that can be returned for a deposit or kept as mementos. The markets foster a communal atmosphere where strangers chat and share recommendations. A Viennese New Year's tradition, Schwein gehabt, involves pig-shaped charms symbolizing prosperity.
Read at www.npr.org
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