Vienna Christmas market opens with 17 family stations

Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt Christmas market opened on Rathausplatz on Friday, with a redesigned Christmas area in Rathauspark featuring 17 oversized stations for children and families, ORF reported.

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig and Vorarlberg Governor Markus Wallner switched on the market’s 31-metre Christmas tree. The tree, which weighs about nine tonnes, comes from the municipality of Damüls in Vorarlberg and is decorated with around 1,000 red and gold baubles and 2,000 lights.

A heart-decorated tree in Rathauspark, adorned with about 200 hearts, was already lit. During the opening, a large illuminated heart travelled across Rathausplatz on a cable to the tree for the first time this season. The show is scheduled to run every half-hour from nightfall until 9 p.m.

The redesigned Christmas area, towards the university, invites children and families to explore its 17 festive displays and take part in a quiz. Quiz sheets and pencils are available at the official souvenir stand near the heart-decorated tree. Children can also send postcards with their wishes to Christkind.

The market is being run as an ÖkoEvent PLUS for the first time. The designation is Vienna’s highest award for sustainable and environmentally friendly events. Organisers say 75 percent of the products, food and drinks on offer come from organic and sustainable production. The 97 stalls also sell crafts, toys, jewellery and Christmas decorations.

The security plan includes staff and video surveillance. The permanent bollard system on Rathausplatz has been reinforced at entrances with mobile bollards and vehicle barriers.