what is the main course of christmas in vienna

by Vladimir McDermott 9 min read

It’s often ‘Gebackener Karpfen’ (fried carp) as the main course; this is because Christmas Eve was considered a ‘fasting’ day by many Catholics and no meat could be eaten. However ‘Weihnachtsgans’ (roast goose) and roast turkey are becoming more popular.

The classic Christmas dinner in Austria therefore consists of carp fried in butter, along with a variety of vegetables and potatoes. This is usually followed by Sachertorte, Vienna's most famous cake, or cookies such as vanillekipferl (crescent-shaped biscuits made with nuts).Dec 17, 2019

Full Answer

What is the traditional Christmas meal in Vienna?

The historical Christmas meal in Vienna is carp, often fried in breadcrumbs. This stems from the earlier Christian idea of the advent period being a time of fasting (hard to believe these days). In the absence of meat, fish represented the culinary highlight, especially for such an important mealtime as Heiligenabend.

What to do in Vienna during Advent season?

The popular Christkindlmarkt in front of the Town Hall is also known as the Vienna Christmas Dream. Together with the delightful Christmas illumination and the Ice Dream in the Rathauspark, this place is obligatory program for many visitors of Vienna during the Advent season.

What are the Easter traditions in Austria and Vienna?

No surprises, here. The main Easter traditions in Austria and Vienna revolve around eggs. Eating them is, of course, one Easter activity, but eggs also form the centrepiece of seasonal arts and crafts. Decorating eggshells remains a popular tradition that dates back centuries.

When does the Christkindlmarkt open in Vienna?

Open from Friday 12.11. to Sunday 26.12.2021. The popular Christkindlmarkt in front of the Town Hall is also known as the Vienna Christmas Dream. Together with the delightful Christmas illumination and the Ice Dream in the Rathauspark, this place is obligatory program for many visitors of Vienna during the Advent season.

What is the story of Christmas in Vienna?

A dispirited concert violinist travels to Vienna for a performance and finds the inspiration she has been missing.Christmas in Vienna / Film synopsis

How is Christmas celebrated in Vienna?

Most bars, restaurants, and night clubs are closed and traffic is almost non-existent. There are, however, some coffeehouses, bars, and restaurants that are open in Vienna. Around 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for the first time and the whole family gathers to sing Christmas carols.

What are some Christmas traditions in Austria?

We'll introduce you to our most common Austrian Christmas traditions.Advent wreath & Advent calendar. When the first Sunday of Advent comes around there's an Advent wreath in nearly every Austrian home. ... Barbara twigs. ... Saint Nicholas & Krampus. ... Christmas cookies. ... Smoking. ... Christmas Markets. ... Christkind & Christmas Eve.

What is the biggest Christmas market in Vienna?

Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn We begin our journey through Advent in Vienna in front of one of the city's most famous sights. The imposing Schönbrunn Palace provides the perfect setting for the Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn and its more than 80 booths.

What is a traditional Austrian Christmas dinner?

The classic Christmas dinner in Austria therefore consists of carp fried in butter, along with a variety of vegetables and potatoes. This is usually followed by Sachertorte, Vienna's most famous cake, or cookies such as vanillekipferl (crescent-shaped biscuits made with nuts).

What are the traditions in Austria?

Six unique traditions that Austrians love to loveEaster Egg battle ('Eierpecken')Autumn Cow train ('Almabtried')First day of school cone (Schultüte)Stealing the Bride ('Brautraub')Lead pouring, Molybdomancy ('Bleigießen')Scary mask processions ('Perchtenlaufen' or 'Krampuslauf')

What is the most important holiday in Austria?

Christmas is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Austria. As in other European nations, December 6th is the day Saint Nicholas, the giver of gifts, makes his rounds.

How does Austria say Merry Christmas?

Say "Merry Christmas" in German. If you're in Austria, you have less of a mouthful to say: it's simply "Frohe Weihnachten."

What is Santas name in Austria?

In Austria, the Santa Claus equivalent is St. Nicholas.

Where are the main Christmas markets in Vienna?

Christmas market at the historic Belvedere castle in Vienna. Austrian National Tourist Office / Popp & Hackner. ... Christmas market Vienna town hall. ... Christmas Market at Schoenbrunn Palace. ... Christmas market at Spittelberg. ... Christmas market at the historic Belvedere castle in Vienna.

What is the best Christmas market in Vienna?

VIENNESE DREAM CHRISTMAS MARKET – RATHAUSPLATZ Vienna's most famous Christmas market, the Viennese Christmas Dream is more of a Xmas village than simply a market. Located in front of the Rathaus City Hall, it's also one of the first Christmas markets in Vienna to open – typically in mid-November.

Where is the largest Christmas market in the world?

Vienna Christmas WorldThe largest Christmas market and one of the most well known is the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz, near the Rathaus, Vienna's historic city hall.

What is the tradition of Christmas in Vienna?

But gift-giving is a central part of the story of Christmas.

Why are Christmas markets important in Vienna?

The Viennese have been setting them up since the year 1296 when the Emperor decided that the markets were needed in order to guarantee sufficient supplies to the population during Christmas.

Where is Christmas celebrated?

BURT WOLF: Christmas is celebrated in cities throughout the world, but what takes place in the Austrian city of Vienna is unique. These are the darkest days of the year and the need to be reminded that the sun will return goes back to prehistoric times. The ancient Romans handled the problem with the Feast of the Unconquered Sun, which declared that sun filled days were just around the corner.

What is the Schweinsbraten?

The Viennese version has the pork roasting in a shallow vegetable broth most of the time (into which you also throw onions and carrots). The perfect Schweinsbraten develops a crusty crackling surface seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and cumin (and possibly paprika and mustard).

What is the closest translation of "knödel"?

So many Knödel, so little time. Dumplings is the nearest translation, if dumplings were turned into a culinary art form. Which is a way of saying there are numerous different types, ranging from sweet desserts to things you find in your soup.

What are some side dishes to serve with a steamed meat?

Traditional side dishes with the meat are sauerkraut and potato- or bread-based dumplings (see below).

What cheeses are used in Vienna?

The melted cheese adds the requisite flavour, so Viennese kitchens use stronger cheeses like Emmentaler, Bergkäse (mountain cheese), or even Cheddar. Käsespätzle tends to be associated with more mountainous regions that Vienna, but has become fairly universal in Austria.

What is the name of the fried escalope?

The Schnitzel. The famous Wiener Schnitzel even bears the city’s name (Wiener is German for Viennese). Though, to be fair, the dish likely originated elsewhere. Traditionally, a Schnitzel is fried escalope of veal coated in eggs, flour and breadcrumbs, but most restaurants and homes use pork or poultry instead.

What is Eierschwammerl used for?

The sauce makes a dish in its own right when served with, for example, pasta. Or it might be used as a simple complement to cuts of meat or heavy dumplings.

What is a spätzle?

Cheese (Käse) noodles (Spätzle) doesn’t really capture the hearty, traditional nature of the recipe. You make spätzle from flour, water and eggs to create small boiled gnocchi-like pieces. These are mixed with fried onions and grated cheese, then cooked (and often served) in a skillet or frying pan.

Where is the Christmas Dream in Vienna?

Close to: Town Hall Parliament Volksgarten. The popular Christkindlmarkt in front of the Town Hall is also known as the Vienna Christmas Dream. Together with the delightful Christmas illumination and the Ice Dream in the Rathauspark, this place is obligatory program for many visitors of Vienna during the Advent season.

What is the name of the museum in the center of the Christmas market?

The magnificent buildings of the Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum surround this well-attended Christmas market. In the center of the market you can see the huge Maria Theresa Monument among several stands which offer art work or punch in all variations.

What time is the Rathaus on public holidays?

public holidays from 15:30 to 19:00 o'clock, on 24.12. from 15:30 to 16:30 o'clock, Metro U2 U-Bahn station Rathaus. International and Austrian choirs perform in the impressive ballroom at the Viennese town hall which you can reach by the entrance at the Lichtenfelsgasse.

What time is the Praterstern market?

24.12. from 10:00 to 17:00 o'clock, 31.12 from 12:00 to 2:00 o'clock in the morning. Metro U1 and U2 station Praterstern. This market gives you every day the chance to drink your Punch with a view at the romantic illuminated Giant Ferris Wheel.

Is Vienna a tourist destination for Advent 2021?

Advent Tips Vienna 2021. As Vienna is, especially in the last years, a more and more liked tourist destination during the advent season the municipal tries to support this by making the city more attractive with an outstanding Christmas illumination.

When does Vienna Ice World open?

The huge Vienna Ice World complex doesn’t normally open until January. But that’s not the only famous open-air ice rink in Vienna. For example: The Eislaufverein holds a special place in the history of the city (and of ice skating) and the rink normally opens throughout December.

When do Christmas markets open in Vienna?

The Christmas markets dominate the Viennese December. They open in the second half of November and stay open until at least December 23rd (and often later). These are not gimmicks to keep visitors amused, but long-established traditional markets popular with locals, too.

When is the best time to visit the stock market?

The markets are usually incredibly popular, particularly the nearer you get to December 24th. So consider visiting earlier in the month or at least going midweek in the late afternoon, when you probably get the best tradeoff between atmosphere and crowds. Here are some more tips for visiting the markets.

Where is Josef Hoffman's exhibition?

The start of the much-anticipated Josef Hoffman exhibition at the MAK museum (from December 15th) Treasures from China’s Forbidden City at the Weltmuseum. Belvedere’s look at the early Renaissance and its connection to Austria, as seen through the works of Dürer and contemporaries.

Does Vienna have a thermal spa?

And, if you want to make a day of staying warm, Vienna has its own thermal spa. You can reach Therme Wien easily on the subway and it also lives next door to one of the more famous Viennese patisseries: Kurkonditorei Oberlaa.

Can you watch the Wiener Philharmoniker concert in December?

Yes, you read that right. Should you wish to catch the prestigious and globally-recognised January 1st New Year’s Concert from the Wiener Philharmoniker orchestra, you can do so in December. The orchestra plays the full programme on December 30th and December 31st, too.

Do you need to pack a sandwich for Christmas?

You don’t need to pack sandwiches, either: numerous food and drink stalls line the route. The days leading up to the big night also feature the natural successor to the Christmas market. Several New Year markets spring up (often in the same locations as their predecessors).

Where is Hellbrun Market?

The Hellbrun Market is a quick bus ride away. Outside Hellbrun Palace , it's located on a plateau surrounded by mountains, and you feel as if you’re in a small Christmas village. The neatest thing about this market is the windows of the palace; watch as they turn into a massive Advent Calendar.

What is the main market in Graz?

The main market in Graz comes with a large Christmas tree to admire and lots of food options to keep you going. As well as the stalls in the market itself, the surrounding area is full of shops to get all your gifts checked off your list.

Where is the Christmas market in Salzburg?

The Christmas Market outside Salzburg Cathedral looks like a scene from the North Pole and is especially amazing at dusk as the mountains fade into the night and the carollers begin singing. The number of Mozart-themed goods here is also out of this world: it's a very musical market! It's right next to the Residenzplatz market making it is easy to walk between the two.

What to buy at Christmas markets?

The most unique things you can find are handmade crafts; wooden toys, nutcrackers, a huge variety of ornaments (glass baubles, potpourri and wood ornaments, fabric animals, for example), beeswax angels, carved wooden candle holders, lanterns and knitted clothes, just to name a few.

Where is the Old Town Christmas Market?

Old Town Christmas Market. This market is tucked away in the Austrian Alps and surrounded by medieval buildings including the famous Golden Roof. Where the buildings of Vienna are large and impressive, in Innsbruck the architecture is a well-preserved step back in time, making the market here seem otherworldly.

Where is the art advent market?

Art Advent. The Art Advent market is located in front of the Karlskirche. The crafts here are spectacular, and there are even fashion shows and busker events on weekends. All the food here comes with an organic certificate.

Who painted the Kiss?

One thing you’ll notice all over Vienna are paintings by Gustav Klimt, a painter best known for The Kiss. Many of the markets will carry Christmas items with Klimt motifs and what better place to see Klimt than Belvedere Palace, where many of his most famous paintings are housed.

What are the Easter traditions in Vienna?

Easter traditions in Vienna. No surprises, here. The main Easter traditions in Austria and Vienna revolve around eggs. Eating them is, of course, one Easter activity, but eggs also form the centrepiece of seasonal arts and crafts. For example:

What is the tradition of decorating Easter eggs?

Decorating eggshells remains a popular tradition that dates back centuries. The egg’s contents are blown out, then the outside painted or otherwise coloured using beads, fabrics or whatever material catches your imagination.

The cakes

If you put all the cakes on sale in Vienna on top of each other, the pile would reach to the moon. And back again.

Apfelstrudel

Ah, right up the top of your list of desserts associated with Austria and Vienna is likely Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). I don’t really need to describe it, since the dish has conquered the world.

Kaiserschmarren

They love their pancakes (Palatschinken) in Vienna, usually filled with apricot jam and served with icing sugar and a chocolate sauce. But pancakes hardly count as a regional dish. A pancake variation – Kasierschmarren – does, however.

Marillenknödel and Germknödel

Knödel translates roughly as dumpling and the Viennese eat numerous varieties, both sweet and not-so-sweet.

Krapfen

Basically the Austrian doughnut. Not, however, the ring version, but the solid, flattened ball version.

Buchtel

The Buchtel shares much in common with the Krapfen. Also a yeast-based dough. Also fried. Also filled with jam (and any number of alteratives, but often served with no filling or with a vanilla sauce).

Salzburger Nockerl

Nockerl is a term designed to confuse, since it may refer simply to a Gnocchi-like shape of a food item, but also to a form of dough made of eggs, flour and (usually) butter.

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The Christmas Markets

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(Karlsplatz Christmas market) Our first stop is the Christmas markets. These attract numerous visitors for one good reason: they’re simply fantastic. Forget for a moment the bustle and stress of modern life. Instead, travel back to a simpler age (albeit with smartphones). Breathe in the aroma of fried sausagesand goulash so…
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Christmas Lights

  • (Christmas lights on the Graben) All the main shopping streets put on a Christmas display and, of course, many large stores and hotels do so, too. In terms of colours, Vienna tends not to do gaudy and garish. So expect plenty of classic whites, reds and greens, often with a touch of “alternative” thrown in. The lights usually go on sometime in the second half of November without too much …
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Events and Activities

  • Most museums, palaces and other attractions stay openthroughout the Christmas period, but some bonus seasonal sights and sounds appear, too:
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Local Traditions

  • (The traditional tree and real candles) As Vienna becomes more multicultural and multifaith, it’s tricky to talk about Christmas traditions. But the big moment of celebration is traditionally Christmas Eve (Heiligenabend) and not Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag) itself. Sometime in the afternoon of the 24th, a handy relative (grandparents are most useful here) distracts the kids wh…
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Christmas Weather

  • (Um…snow) The chances of it actually snowing on Christmas Day are revealed here. Don’t get your hopes up though. And pack those thermal socks you got last Christmas, but never dared wear. Here are the stats for December 2020, for example: 1. Average air temperature: 3.3°C (37.9°F) 2. Highest air temperature: 12.9°C (55.2°F) 3. Lowest air temperature: -4.1°C (24.6°F)
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Shopping Tips

  • (Jams for sale) The 25th and 26th of December are public holidays, so nearly all stores close on those days. Even those that normally open on Sundays and holidays may be closed (see herefor general info on opening times in Vienna). The 24th is not a public holiday, but many (most) shops close early to give staff a chance to get away for Heiligenabendpreparations and travel. The sup…
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Public Transport

  • Trains, buses and trams run normally across the Christmas period, but with slightly reduced timetables on selected days. For full details, see the Christmas travelarticle.
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Location Map

  • All the key Christmas locations mentioned above appear on this map: And just to finish off this little guide to Christmas in Vienna…
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Useful German Phrases

  1. Frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas)
  2. Alles Gute im neuen Jahr (Happy New Year)
  3. Mein Bauch wird gleich platzen wenn ich noch ein Weihnachtskeks esse (if I eat another Christmas biscuit, my stomach will explode)
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