Charley1965

I'm aware that the Christmas markets start on the 12th November but I'm wondering when the actual Christmas lights and street decorations go up in Vienna?

We arrive on the 7th December and I'm hoping they are all up by the time we get there. Thanks!

molker

The city is now in the process of erecting lights and decorations.
All decorations will be complete by the end of this month, thus you will see everything.
Be certain to walk along Graben and look at then large Advent wreath.
Also interesting are the parks on each side of the Rathaus ( city hall )near to the Christmas Market.

Charley1965

Thanks Molker. We are staying on the Graben so will see the wreath.

Please keep us informed which punsch stalls are the best this year!!

molker

I assume that you must be staying at Pension Nossek. The same Punsch stalls return yearly to the same locations.

My preference
the one on Michaelerplatz across the street from the Hofburg.
In past years , they have also had one on Freyung ( along with about 4-5 others of various quality.)

On Graben are two Punsch stands that face each other. One is run by the Lions Club the other by the Kiwanis.
Pünsch to me not that great but this is a social meeting point usually filled with people, especially after 18:00 ( 6 PM.) A fun people watching place.

Some other places will sell you a Christmas mug ( example Rathaus or Schonbrunn) with the Punsch or Gluhwein.
You can keep the mug or return it and get a deposit back.

Now the weather begins to get colder- the prognosis shows 0 grad celcius( 32 F) by the weekend.Starts to put you in the mood for Christmas.

Charley1965

That's correct, we are staying at Pension Nossek.

That's great, thanks for the information about the punsch stalls. I will no doubt be trying it at some point. It would be rude not to!

I must admit, it has started to get colder this week in London and I had a Christmas feeling whilst shopping yesterday lunchtime, as most shops have their decorations and displays out already.

Thanks again.

molker

Charley 1956

I was on Graben today.
They have just begun to erect Christmas decorations. These are new this year. Look good even unlighted.

The Punsch Kiosks ( Lions Club and Kiwanis ) are almost completed and I suppose that they will open this weekend.
You can not miss them. They are just in front of your Pension.

It is now getting colder.
Some snow is predicted in mountains in next several days.

Charley1965

Brilliant! Thanks Molker. We're looking forward to seeing the beautiful decorations (and punsch stalls).

It must be getting cold to mention snow! It was very cold here today also.