New Year's Market

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This is an old post I started working on over the winter break and never finished.

The Christmas Markets throughout Europe are well known and spectacular. Living here, we had planned to visit a few and enjoy the atmosphere. We were able to all see a couple in Zürich and I went with a group for a day to one in Konstanz, Germany. We got to Vienna on the 24th of December after the Markets had closed, so we missed them. However, Vienna is a winter wonderland and continues most markets into the new year as New Year's Markets. We were able to stroll through three: Rathausplaz, Schonbrunn Palace and the one in front of the Imperial Treasury.

We always love events near the Rathaus. In the summer, we spend evenings strolling through the Summerfest - whether it is to grab a bite to eat or to watch a concert on the big screen.

For the winter holidays, they set up a stage, market booths filled by artisans and food. Surrounding the area is a wonderful ice skating rink with side paths.

The one near Schloss Schönbrunn we really enjoyed and felt it had a more local vibe. We ended up buying some locally made items. OK - we count Gluhwien (hot spiced red wine) as part of the locally made items.