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AUSTRIA |
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Location:
Christmas Markets in Graz
23 Nov - 24 Dec 2012
Actually you could argue, rightly so, that Graz is also the Advent capital of Austria. In no other city is the pre-Christmas cultural life and shopping scene so shaped by Advent. Advent or Christmas markets delight their visitors here in all the central squares in the old town. The competition not only drums up business, but the ingenuity of the merchants as well.
Between Christmas tree decorations, handicrafts and gift ideas the smell of Christmas cookies, regional products and hot drinks such as mulled wine, hot cider and punch wafts through the air. Instead of falling victim to pre-Christmas shopping stress, the residents of Graz apparently prefer to stroll through the markets, meet up with friends and enjoy the time together in a relaxed atmosphere.
Of course, a visit to the ice manger in the Landhaushof is a must for locals as well. Life-size figures, surrounded by a mighty manger, are skillfully carved out of ice. Since 1996 this work of art has been recreated every year – for the most part, even more often, because if December is too mild, individual parts have to be replaced time and again.
From a cultural aspect, Advent in Graz is marked by a number of concerts which, during this season, are performed not only in concert halls throughout the city, but in churches as well. Time and again, the markets themselves also serve as stages for choirs and folk music groups that bring the Christmas traditions of the country to the city. And to keep the Christmas traditions alive in the privacy of your home, the residents of Graz set up their very own “Office for Christmas Songs” years ago which is always open during Advent. Here everyone can get texts to Christmas songs and stories – of course without any red tape – that they vaguely remember from their childhood and can, thus, be revived.
Graz Information
T+43 316 8075-0
F +43 316 8075-15
E info@graztourismus.at
www.graztourismus.at |
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THE HIGHLIGHTS:
Advent Calendar
Every evening the Graz City Hall is transformed into a giant Advent calendar. From December 1st, Advent motifs projected onto the façade prepare the way for Christmas.
Nov. 23 – Dec. 24 2012
4.30p.m. to 12a.m
Christmas Markets
The Graz Christmas markets in the picturesque Old Town (Franziskanerviertel, Faerberplatz, Mariahilferplatz, Mehlplatz, Glockenspielplatz and Hauptplatz) all lie within comfortable walking distance of each other.
Christmas Market in front of the City Hall
Atmospheric Christmas market on the Hauptplatz
In front of the Graz city hall each year before Christmas a small village square is conjured up, offering something for every taste:from traditional handicrafts to wonderful treats for body and soul. The children’s carousel has become a much-loved tradition, as is the “Feuerzangenbowle”, a fire tongs punch bowl.
Nov 23 – Dec 24 2012
Traditional Christmas Market in the Franciscan Quarter
The oldest Christmas market in Graz is to be found around the Franciscan church. Styrian handicrafts, farm-produced specialities and punch and mulled wine provide heart-warming cheer. At the entrance to the church a little paradise with carousel, toys and nativity scene, complete with real sheep, makes children’s eyes light up.
Nov 23 – Dec 24 2012
Arts and Crafts Market on Faerberplatz
The Styrian Arts and Crafts Initiative has been running this market for over 25 years. The Arts and Crafts Market on Faerberplatz is no longer a secret rendezvous for lovers of genuine handicrafts. Here you will find only top-quality wares made from cloth, clay, wood, metal, paper, wax and glass. A great tip for connoisseurs.
Nov 23 – Dec 24 2012
Advent Stands at the Eiserne Tor (in the centre of the pedestrian zone)
All together for a good cause! The glühwein stands at the Eiserne Tor have in recent years become THE place to meet during Advent. A great place for visitors and locals to go before, during or after shopping for a relaxed drink! Proceeds go to a good cause, since the Advent-Treff stands are all run by charitable organisations.
Nov 23 – Dec 24 2012
Crafts from all over the World on Tummelplatz
For over 15 years now, Tummelplatz has attracted a colourful gathering of artisans, bohemians and globetrotters selling an equally colourful selection of glassware, silver, candles and wax, pottery, joss-sticks, cloth and much more. Their stands are set up on a daily basis and so the market changes constantly.
Nov 23 – Dec 24 2012
Advent Market on Glockenspielplatz and Mehlplatz
The square under the magical Glockenspiel, year round much loved by visitors to Graz, becomes a hub of conviviality during the festive season. Alongside the exquisite arts and crafts for sale, local direct marketers and caterers offer delicacies from Styria. A wide range of handicraft demonstrations encourage young and old to join in.
Nov 23 – Dec 24 2012
Lend Advent on Mariahilferplatz
Advent in Lend, the new creative hub of Graz, adopts art and creativity as its theme for the first time this year. A forest of Christmas trees designed by young artists and lights angels are set to create a relaxed atmosphere. Young and young-at-heart locals and tourists will enjoy the DJ line-ups serving up a chilled-out scene on Mariahilferplatz. The pavilion at the heart of the Christmas tree forest will provide punch, alcohol-free hot drinks and also beer and the Graz lemonade “Makava”.
Nov 23 – Dec 24 2012
Ice Nativity Scene in the Landhaus Courtyard
In the past few years the monumental ice sculptures in Graz have become a draw for both visitors and local residents. As in past years, the well-known ice sculptor Gert J. Hoedl and his international ice-sculpting team will create a magical Christmas nativity scene out of ice in the Landhaus courtyard. Made with about 50 tons of crystal-clear ice, the crib is sure to be an amazing – if short-lived – work of art again this year.
Start of work: Thu 25th Nov / Completion: Sat 27th Nov 2011
Subject to alterations! |
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Ice sculpture in the Landhaushof |
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Advent Package
The gleam of Christmas lights, the atmospheric Advent markets, the huge ice nativity scene, the illuminated Advent calendar on the city hall and so much more – Graz in the festive season. Enjoy a whole weekend of these magical Christmas scenes and book your hotel in good time. Special offers and “Stay three nights, pay two” can be found on www.weekend.graz.at
Or write and request an offer to: package@graztourismus.at |
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The Office for Christmas Carols...
... is a unique service point run by the Styrian Center for Folk Music in Graz, offering information on Christmas songs, texts and tunes. Their motto is “really singing again”, because “everyone can sing!” and with this aim they provide a free range of around ten thousand songs, texts, poems, tunes and sayings that are just waiting to be sung, read, listened to and enjoyed by family and friends.
Since 1991, the number of enquiries received by the Office for Christmas Carols has been steadily rising: over 1,100 visitors come in person not to mention countless requests by phone and email from Austria and abroad. And if you want to find out how it should really sound you can even have it sung to you, so that you get it just right on Christmas eve!
1st – 23rd Dec 2011
Mon-Sat 10a.m. to 6p.m., Sporgasse 23
More detailed information: Steirisches Volksliedwerk
Tel. 0316-838099
www.steirisches-volksliedwerk.at
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Advent Train
Travel through the Graz Old Town in the comfort and warmth of the little Advent train! The ‘track’ runs from the Hauptplatz through the city centre at the family-friendly price of € 1 per person.
Nov 19th – 24th Dec 2011
daily 11a.m. –7 p.m
Further information:
Citymanagement Graz
Messeplatz 1/Messeturm
8010 Graz
Tel.: 0043/316-8075-69
Fax: 0043/316-8075-35
e-mail: info@graztourismus.at
Website: www.adventingraz.at/en
Subject to alterations!
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Additional services provided:
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