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:
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