Austria

The alpine towns and villages in Austria, invariably host markets, which although are not that large are oozing character and atmosphere, but the capital Vienna with its 25 markets, ranging from the large to the small, is unraveled in the festive atmosphere that all the seasonal decoration and lights create around the city. No wonder that three million visitors flock here each year for beeswax candles, wooden toys, and glass ornaments. Shoppers snack on cream-filled pastries, candied fruit, roasted chestnuts, and Weihnachtspunsch (a spiced "Christmas punch" of wine, brandy, or schnapps sweetened with warm fruit juices).Get into a Christmas mood with the delicious aroma of punch, traditional gingerbread, roasted almonds and honey.