View from city hall Rathaus to Christmas market Christkindlmarkt on main square with landmark Uhrturm in Graz, Styria, Austria(Image: Getty Images)
As summer draws to a close, many of us will enjoy a quiet autumn before the frenzied run-up to Christmas.
And getting ready for St Nick is as much a part of the joy of Christmas as the big day on December 25. That’s why millions of Britons turn their eyes to the continent for some cosy mulled inspiration before they create their own winter wonderland.
The Christmas markets of Munich, Cologne, Salzburg and Budapest are famously well-trodden, but another European city boasts an equally sparkling festive experience, and is fast making a name for itself with a Christmas buzz like no other.
People in Landhausof Courtyard admire the ice nativity scene, a traditional feature of Christmas in Graz(Image: Flavio Vallenari / Getty Images)
Graz is Austria’s second-biggest city after the capital Vienna. As the historic centre of the Stygia region, it has two world heritage sites; the old town, said to be the biggest medieval district in Europe, and Eggenberg Palace.
The oldest Christmas market in Graz can be found nestled in the Old Town, just outside the Franciscan Church. Running from November 18 to December 24, it invites visitors to browse authentic, farm-produced specialties or warm up with a comforting cup of “Punsch” or traditional Austrian “Glühwein” (mulled wine). Right at the entrance to the church, children will delight in a charming nativity scene complete with live sheep, a carousel, and festive toys.
A third much-loved festive hub is held in the square beneath the city’s magical Glockenspiel. Here, alongside a beautiful array of local arts and crafts, regional producers and caterers serve up delicious delicacies from Styria.
Beautiful Christmas decorations at Hauptplatz (main square), at night, in the city center of Graz, Styria region, Austria(Image: Getty Images)
For those looking to get involved, a wide range of live handicraft demonstrations encourage visitors of all ages to join in the fun. This market also runs from November 18 to December 24.
Meanwhile, a fourth market at Mariahilferplatz sees the square transformed into WonderLEND . This alternative festive fair offers a completely different vibe, featuring a big wheel, a curling rink, and market stalls you can browse to the upbeat rhythm of indie music. WonderLEND welcomes visitors from November 18 to December 23.
And it seems visitors also love Graz. One traveller on Facebook wrote: “I love Graz during Christmas time. In the last years we often spent a weekend there. I like the little markets around the town and up on the ‘Schlossberg’. This year we’ll be there again.”
Another wrote: “It’s wonderful in Graz. Especially during the weekends as there is also a market at the Schlossberg, nearby the Grazer highlight, the special clock. Graz is underrated.”
Carriers including Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines operate flights from London Heathrow to Graz.
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