Austrian Winter Festivals: Christmas Markets, Snowy Days, and New Year's CelebrationsIn this episode of the Better German podcast, Susi Blümel explores the varied festivals and holidays celebrated in Austria, specifically Vienna, from autumn through to New Year. She paints a vivid picture of the beloved Christmas markets in Vienna, filled with arts, traditional items, and a variety of food and drinks. Susi provides insight into the weather during this time, from the rarity of snow to the typical temperatures experienced, as well as sharing a personal experience of a romantic snowy day at a renowned Christmas market. 

She delves into the cultural and religious significance of the four Sundays before Christmas, known as Advent, discussing the traditional customs such as lighting candles on a wreath. Additionally, Susi offers an overview of other holidays and special days celebrated during this time, such as Niccolo and the significance of December 21st. The episode culminates with a delightful list of words in both German and English related to these traditions and holidays, encouraging listeners to join in and practice. So, let's get into the festive spirit and explore the enchanting traditions of autumn and winter in Austria with Susi Blumel.
Key Topics Explored 🔎Primary Topic: Festivals and Holidays in Austria

• Christmas Markets in Vienna
• Locations and number of Christmas markets
• Offerings and attractions at the markets
• Traditional beverages and food
• Weather and ambiance at the markets
• Advent and Pre-Christmas Traditions
• Advent wreaths and candles
• Observance of the 4 Sundays before Christmas
• Fasting and preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ
• Non-religious aspects of Advent: reflection on values and traditions
• December Holidays and Celebrations
• Saint Nicholas Day (Niccolo)
• Traditional gift-giving and treats
• Public holiday on 8th December and its significance
• Winter solstice and its cultural relevance
• Christmas and New Year's Eve
• Celebration of Christmas in Austria on the 24th and 25th December
• Family gatherings and traditions
• Typical Christmas meal traditions
• New Year's Eve celebrations and traditions, also known as Silvesta
• Significance of Days and Months
• December as the darkest month and the beginning of winter
• The transition from December to spring
• Traditional customs associated with the coldest months
• Language and Learning 
• German language words and their English translations
• Suggested learning methods for language learners
• Podcast and Upcoming Episodes
• Promotional content for other podcast episodes
• Encouragement for audience engagement and feedback  

The podcast episode covers a range of topics related to festivals and holidays in Austria, focusing on the traditions, cultural practices, and celebrations during autumn and winter in Vienna. It provides insights into the ambiance of Christmas markets, pre-Christmas preparations, specific holiday observances, cultural significance of days and months, language learning opportunities, and promotion of the podcast and its episodes.
Related EpisodesEpisode 5: Introduction to German articles Episode 14: Introduction to Watching Movies in German!Episode 15: Introduction to Capitalization (Big Letters) in GermanEpisode 17: Why Pay for a German Course?
Other Resources📚

• Get the PDF of many of the words used in this double-episode about holidays and events at the end of the year in Austria (and Germany). You will find the words with translation and translated example sentences, as well as the dates of the special days.
• Missed some of the podcast episodes? Catch up on All Episodes Published So Far

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