The cold weather in the Tirol has coincided with the opening of the central Christmas markets in Innsbruck, Austria. Both Innsbruck Old Town and Maria-Theresien Straße Christmas markets are now open, whilst in the next week, they will be joined by markets in Markt Platz, Hungerburg, St. Nikolaus, Wilten and Bergisel.
There are lots of places that try, but few will ever match the atmosphere of an Alpine Christmas market. They make great backdrops for corporate ski events, with festivities taking place from afternoons onwards, offering a wonderful spectacle and opportunity to host a company Christmas party.
Most villages across Austria offer Christmas markets, as do all the main ski resorts. Mayrhofen and Kitzbühel are 2 of the best around with wonderful atmosphere and charming settings. In the past, the Christmas markets would close on, or before the 24th December, but there has been a recent trend to peddle the Glühwein and festive spirit a little longer, with some markets now opening after Christmas. If you are in the Innsbruck valley, be sure to check out the Rattenberg Advent market, possibly the most charming one out there.