Karlskirche Christmas Arts Market in Vienna
straw playground in front of Karlskirche
One of the best and most ecclectic Christmas markets in Vienna can be found in front of the Karlskirche. The market specializes in handmade objects of art, including clothing, decorations, and household articles. The wool hats and toys, handcarved wooden bowls, and whimsical cutting boards are especially nice.
Bauernkrapfen
The food at the Karlskirche market is also fantastic. Favorites include the Farmer's Donuts (Baurnkrapfen), which are excellent when ordered with the native cranberry (Preiselbeeren) filling and powdered sugar. The stand serving Indian food (next to the Bauernkrapfen) is also highly recommended. The Indian Plate (Indischer Teller) comes heaped with rice and an assortment of vegetables, chicken, and spiced lentils. It is a delicious bargain at only €5. As for beverages, the hot spiced Schilcher wine (Gluhwein) at the Lukashof organic (bio) stand and the berry punch (Beeren Punsch) at the Zum Franz stand are quite tasty.
As an added family perk, there is a large straw playground in the empty fountain directly in front of the Karlskirche. Children can enjoy crawling through or building with the thick layer of straw on the ground. There is also a pen where children can pet sheep and goats and a small ring for riding ponies. To get to the Karlskirche Christmas Arts Market, take the U1, U2, or U4 metro line to Karlsplatz. For more information, visit www.divinaart.at.
