Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR’s international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world. This year, one contributor fulfilled a five-year promise to visit Christmas markets across Europe with her husband, experiencing the unique blend of culture and history these markets offer.
A Journey Through European Christmas Traditions
The couple embarked on a busy trip, walking approximately 10 miles daily through over two dozen Christmas markets in Hungary, Germany, and Austria. Each market offered a distinct experience.
Among the most striking was the market at Vienna’s 18th-century Schönbrunn Palace. The visitor described being “gasped” by the sight of a large, illuminated star archway welcoming visitors. The market itself featured attractions like an ice rink, ice stock games, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and numerous food and craft stalls.
The trip included sampling local cuisine, such as Käsespätzle (German macaroni and cheese) and Glühwein, or mulled wine. A common practice at these markets is serving Glühwein in collectible mugs, often adorned with the market’s logo or festive shapes, which visitors can either return for a deposit or keep as a souvenir.
Community and Tradition
The traveler noted the strong sense of community at the markets, despite the crowds. She described striking up conversations with strangers and receiving recommendations for other stalls to visit. At the Altwiener Christkindl Market in Vienna, she learned about the New Year’s tradition of Schwein gehabt, meaning “had a pig,” which symbolizes prosperity, stemming from the historical association of pig ownership with wealth in Germany and Austria.
The traveler purchased several pig-shaped charms as tokens of good fortune, participating in this local custom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries were visited during this trip?
The traveler and her husband visited Christmas markets in Hungary, Germany, and Austria.
What is Schwein gehabt?
Schwein gehabt means “had a pig” and is a New Year’s tradition in Germany and Austria symbolizing prosperity, as owning a pig historically signified wealth.
What types of attractions were found at the Schönbrunn Palace market?
The market at Schönbrunn Palace featured an ice rink, ice stock games, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and numerous food and craft booths.
What aspects of cultural experiences resonate most with you during the holiday season?
