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The Graz Christmas Market (Adventmärkte) is held in the largest pedestrianized historic center of Austria, not one but five are the markets located in the most beautiful squares of the historic center of this Austrian city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also worth seeing is the ice nativity scene and the largest advent calendar in Europe projected onto the historic town hall.
The Stempfergasse in Graz will be transformed into the street of the cribs (or path of the cribs), the merchants will exhibit suggestive cribs in their windows. The path starts from the ice crib in the Landhaushof, crosses the Stempfergasse – with very beautiful lights – and ends at the Regner crib exhibition in Bischofsplatz.
GRAZ CHRISTMAS MARKETS
1) Market of the Child Jesus on Town Hall Square (Christkindlmarkt am Hauptplatz). In the pre-Christmas period, a small village usually appears in front of the Graz town hall offering original ideas and solutions for Christmas shopping: traditional artistic handicrafts and delicacies of all kinds to the delight of the public. As tradition dictates, neither the children’s carousel nor the large pot of rum mulled wine will be missing.
2) Old market of the Child Jesus in the Franciscan quarter (Altgrazer Christkindlmarkt im Franziskanerviertel). The oldest Christmas market in Graz gathers around the Franciscan church. Styrian handicrafts, farm products, punch and mulled wine warm the hearts and curiosity of every visitor. Children know that near the entrance to the church awaits them the amusement of the carousel, toys and the nativity scene with living sheep.
3) Artistic craft market on Färberplatz (Kunsthandwerksmarkt am Färberplatz). The Styrian arts and crafts companies have been running this market for more than 25 years, which is also known beyond the borders. In this square during Advent, Austrian and non-Austrian artisans and artists meet, with the sole purpose of offering high-quality goods of fabric, clay, wood, metal, paper, wax and glass.
4) Artistic craft market at Glockenspielplatz and Mehlplatz (Kunsthandwerk am Glockenspielplatz und Mehlplatz). The heart of the historic center of Graz hosts the arts and crafts market. The squares are transformed for the occasion into a walkable show, where you can find high quality handicrafts and delicacies directly from local producers and gastronomes. The handicraft demonstrations are an attraction in themselves and invite young and old to try them out.
5) Gift ideas from all over the world at Tummelplatz (“Buntes aus aller Welt” am Tummelplatz). A colorful set of artisans and wanderers who have been meeting here for over 15 years to present their glass and silver creations, waxes, clay works, fabrics, incense. The stalls are set up anew every day, consequently changing their appearance from time to time. It’s worth going there, even just to admire the artists.
6) Advent meeting at Eisernen Tor (Advent-treff am Eisernen Tor). This market is managed exclusively by local charitable institutions whose proceeds will be donated to humanitarian projects. Therefore drink without scruples a mulled wine or a hot must or a punch with berries.
7) Children’s Advent Market (Kinder-Adventmarkt Kleinen Neutorgasse). Market entirely dedicated to children, there are a Ferris wheel and a carousel, and many toys.
8) Wonderlend at Mariahilferplatz (Wonderlend at Mariahilferplatz).
9) Schlossberg Christmas Market (“Aufsteirern” – Weihnachtsmarkt am Schlossberg). Christmas market on the Castle hill, located in the center of the city, a few steps from the main square, easily reachable by cogwheel train.
10) Children’s winter world (Kinder-Winterwelt am Karmeliterplatz). Space entirely dedicated to children, who will find Santa Claus’ Post Office here, craft workshops, children’s songs, Christmas carols, ice games, an ice skating rink, and a playground for children.
11) Market in the Joanneum district (Fest der Sinne im Joanneumsviertel).