Christmas Markets in Vienna: Quick 2009 Review

Ok, the last two weeks I have toured several Christmas marekts in Vienna and here comes my verdict: Pretty good, actually! Some notes on individual Christmas markets:

1.) Rathaus: The one in front of the city hall is the main one, big and pompous as every year, a tad too touristy for my taste, but still authentic in terms of goods on offer and general atmosphere. I even liked the lanterns and lights in the trees better than last year. Must be getting old.

2.) Spittelberg: Tries hard to be anti-mainstream as every year, but from year to year, I am growing increasingly tired of this one. C'mon, this is Vienna and not Berlin! Stop being so f*ing bobo, nobody believes you anyway. Still a nice Christmas market, but gentrified and not anti-mainstream at all. Just Green-mainstream and crowded due to the high popularity the Spittelberg enjoys among locals.

3.) Schönbrunn: Touristy, not too big, but in impressive scenery. Good for a combination with a walk in the winterly gardens of Schönbrunn. As every year, no big change.

4.) Karlsplatz: The Christmas market in front of the Karlskirche is my personal favourite of 2009. It seems to be the new Spittelberg-Christmas-market in terms of being different from the others: Local crafts and simple goods, a bit off-mainstream, but without trying so damn hard to be different. Relaxing atmosphere, mostly local people, relatively few junkies for the Karlsplatz.

5.) Altes AKH: Clearly my least favourite for 2009. Similar to the Spittelberg, the Altes AKH tries hard to be the "it x-mas market" and fails miserably. Crowded, noisy and ways too commercial for being genuinely alternative. The Indian foods are nice, but don't save the experience. Save the Altes AKH for the summer season. Loads of students think its cool, though, because it normally is their campus.