IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS IN CARINTHIA

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS IN VILLACH

The Villach Christmas Market was the first to open this year in Carinthia, with their lights twinkling from November 15th through the end of the year. Come drink a cozy cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Open from Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and holidays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

 
This year Villach also has the honor of hosting another important event: the Ö3-Weinachtswunder, a charity event held in a different city each year to raise money for the Licht ins Dunkel aid organization, which helps families in need. From December 19th - 24th well-known radio personalities from the Austrian radio station Ö3 will work from a glass studio on the Hans-Gasser-Platz, playing music and broadcasting for 120 hours straight. Donate and get your favorite songs played - you can help bring a Christmas miracle to people who need it, and you’ll have fun at the same time!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS THE KLAGENFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET

If you have already experienced the Villach Christmas Market and you want to see something new, be sure to check out the Klagenfurt Christmas Market, open through December 24th. This festive event includes live music, handmade arts and crafts, delicious food - and of course mulled wine and punch! ().

And on December 30th definitely come out for the “Bauernsilvester” celebration in Klagenfurt, when all the farmers gather to celebrate with Carinthian New Year’s customs, regional delicacies, schnaps to keep you warm, live music, fun games, and even a soothsayer! Begins at 6 p.m. at the Neuer Platz in Klagenfurt - absolutely not to be missed.

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND: WÖRTHERSEE

Do you want to feel like you’re in “A Christmas Carol”? You must go to the Christmas markets around Lake Wörthersee, where a huge Christmas wreath with four giant candles is set up on the lake. You can see this wonderful creation from the market in Velden beginning November 22nd; the markets in Pörtschach, Maria Wörth and at the Pyramidenkogel open the same day. In Velden the sparkling lights of the little wooden market stalls are reflected in the Wörthersee and create a magical atmosphere. The Christmas markets around the lake will be open Fridays from 3 - 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. until December 22nd. A special program for children runs Fridays from 3 - 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 7 p.m. 

If you’d like to see the region in a different and incomparable way, be sure to take a cruise around Lake Wörthersee to fully experience the beauty of this holiday season. 

Is that not quite enough? Then check out the scenery from 920 meters above sea level, where visitors can take in a unique panoramic view of the wintry Carinthian lake landscape from the Pyramidenkogel. The viewing platform can easily be reached with the panoramic lift or by braving the 441 stairs! At the foot of the observation tower guests can expect a cheery Advent market with beautiful handicrafts and live music. This market, including a special program and space for kids, is open until December 22nd on Fridays from 2 - 7 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.