New Years in Prague

New Years in Prague is definitely on my list of most unforgettable moments!  I would recommend going there at least once to experience it.  While I've never been to Times Square for New Years, I imagine it to be too crowded with strangers, never a good enough view of the performers, and too cold to stand in one spot for an endless amount hours.  But in Prague, fireworks are set off in the center of the city from 10 pm to 2 am nonstop, with people celebrating with food and drink in the streets with friends and lovers.  There are of course many events and parties to go to, such as boat parties on the river, but my friends and I were glad that committing to no plan was better than having one.  What was most memorable to us was just the pure shock factor of being literally in the fireworks; it was surreal and would have never have been allowed in the States.  The city squares and streets were one big party and I felt so happy and lucky to have had some of my American friends there to bring in the New Year.  While words and videos don't give the night justice, here are some clips that give a taste of the setting:

Christmas in Austria

December in Austria is always wonderful because of all the warmth and holiday cheer that the Christmas markets bring into the towns across the country.  It's filled with aromas of Wurst, Gluehwein (mulled wine), Chimney Cakes and other sweets.  The markets are only open up until Christmas day, and some into New Years in the bigger cities.

I really enjoyed seeing all of the different hand carved Nativity Sets in each city.  There are some that are enclosed in glass as mini-exhibits and some for sale of course, which range from 200-500 euro ($250-550), while the actual figures themselves individually cost from 25-75 euro.

Linz:

Oberndorf:

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht Cabella (Silent Night, Holy Night Chapel)

We went across the river to Germany to a few Christmas markets:

Salzburg:

Leopoldskron Mansion from the Sound of Music in Salzburg



Standing with the Krampuses
Krampus is a figure in German/Austrian folklore who comes at Christmas to beat the misbehaved children, in contrast to St. Nicholas who comes to reward the good children with gifts.  It's tradition to come in and parade into the Christmas markets on St. Nicholas day (December 5) with St. Nicholas and whip the evil out of people and children.  They come in with loud bells and fire.

Vienna: