Vienna's Rathaus Christmas Market Opens

One of the things that makes Vienna such a great place to live is the number of free—or nearly free—activities in front of the beautiful Rathaus (City Hall). This is the site of the largest of several Christmas markets in the city. Rows of decorated wooden huts offer an array of mainly handmade goodies–food, toys, art, soaps, candles and more to packed crowds. It's fun to go from hut to hut sampling different foods, enjoying the lights, the music, and yes, even the excitement of the crowds.

These blue banners hanging from the Rathaus arches serve as a giant advent calendar.

Gingerbread, anyone?

Most of the Austrian wreaths I've seen are made of natural materials.