MAIN Christmas Europe Christmas in Austria

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright ...
Silent Night

It was in the little village of Oberndorf near Salzburg where Austrian priest Joseph Mohr first composed and sang the Christmas classic, Stille Nacht or Silent Night in 1818.

Today, Austria continues to mark the holidays with reverence and religious devotion mixed with traditional seasonal fun and excitement.

World famous for local Austrian Christmas markets, Austria is a sight to behold during the holidays where both Austrians and holiday travelers rub elbows in a festive atmosphere major cities during the holidays.

The feast of St. Nicholas on December 6 heralds the arrival of Christmas in Austria. That's when families begin to hurriedly prepare for the celebrating and feasting to come on December 25 -- and yet again on New Year's Eve! -- as another year ends with partying in the streets, at house parties and public concert halls.

"Frohe Weihnachten!"

More information about Christmas in Austria around the Web:

Vienna Christmas Markets - Here's a mini-directory of where to locate and what to look for at top Christmas markets throughout the city.

Advent and Christmas in Salzburg - Find listings and related links to major Christmas markets, entertainment venus, and chorale services throughout town during the holidays.

Christmas in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland - Find colorful comparison of German, Austrian and Swiss Christmas traditions & customs, with related resources.

also see in Travel -> Austria Tourist Attractions

German Christmas Markets