La Carinzia è un posto magico, soprattutto nel corso del periodo delle festività “per eccellenza”: quelle natalizie. Tutta la regione infatti gode della splendida cornice naturale che – assieme alla sapiente mano di chi allestisce casette e decorazioni – regala ore di grande piacere passeggiando tra stand natalizi.
Senza spostarsi eccessivamente dall’Italia, è possibile visitare meravigliosi mercatini di Natale: a Villach, in Austria, questo periodo dell’anno è particolarmente consigliato per scoprire la città avvolta in splendide luci e in un’atmosfera fiabesca.
In particolare i mercatini di Natale a Villach resteranno aperti da 16 al 24 dicembre, con più di 50 stand allestiti di tutto punto, in stile natalizio naturalmente.
Orientarsi in città alla ricerca delle bancarelle di proprio interesse non sarà difficile: si è infatti deciso di suddividere il posizionamento delle piccole baite secondo aree di interesse.
Villach Christmas Markets
Villach, the charming city on the Drava River, will be adorned with the presence of the Christmas market, large decorations, garlands, colorful lights, and the nativity scene from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, while on Friday and Saturday until 20:00. In the historic center, among the various stalls, visitors can indulge in local culinary delights and classic Christmas sweets from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 22:00, while on Friday and Saturday until 23:00. Shopping lovers will have the opportunity to discover various artisanal creations characteristic of the area such as candles, decorations, crafts, sculptures, household items, and knitwear.
Dedicated entirely to craftsmanship, the “Kunst Advent” market will be set up in Oberer Kirchenplatz Square and will be open on Thursdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 19:00, while on Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00. This year, the ice skating rink on Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall, will also be available, an unmissable appointment for both young and old. The evocative parade of the Perchten, demons of pagan tradition very characteristic for the use of Krampus masks and noisy bells, is also confirmed and will take place on December 2nd in the center of Villach starting at 18:30, during which it is said that evil spirits are driven out of the city. On Sunday, December 18th, the “Bauernadvent”, the farmer’s advent, will begin at 17:00 in Hans-Gasser-Platz square, during which the “Christkind”, Baby Jesus, accompanied by angels and the Wise Men, is warmly welcomed with songs, the sound of bells, and luminous lanterns.
In addition to all this, it will be possible to visit the magical forest “Winter Wunder Wald”, now in its third edition this year, from November 18, 2022, to February 19, 2023, always in the garden of the Parkhotel. The creator of this installation, Thomas Brezina, a well-known writer of children’s and youth books, will again gift the city of Villach a fairytale atmosphere, bringing visitors back to their childhood memories. The magical garden will amaze both adults and children with its luminous installations, including hearts, doves of peace, and teddy bears floating among the trees, and with the gingerbread house, allowing visitors to capture every warm Christmas moment at the various dedicated stations with a simple photo.
City Tour on the “Christkindl-Express”
Another recommended experience for the whole family is the city tour on the magical “Christkindl-Express,” the Christmas train departing from the central square and arriving at the station, or using a horse-drawn carriage. The experience of pony rides, the carousel ride, or the special train ride is dedicated to the little ones, with these attractions located in Villach’s main square.
For shopping enthusiasts, Villach boasts the ATRIO Shopping Center, the largest shopping mall in Carinthia, offering a variety of over 90 shops where you can indulge in Christmas shopping, even at the last minute. Decorated with Christmas balls, lights, and a majestic Christmas tree, the ATRIO Shopping Center will also host Christmas markets from November 14 to December 24, full of gift ideas, and from December 27 to 31 those dedicated to New Year’s Eve, where you can purchase lucky charms and various small gifts. All activities and initiatives planned by the Villacher Advent 2022 program will of course be organized in full compliance with current regulations to ensure safety and maximum attention towards visitors.
Villacher Advent
The Villacher Advent offers the opportunity to discover, beyond the city in its full Christmas spirit, various tourist and sporting activities in the area. The slopes of the Gerlitzen Alps, open from December 2, 2022, to April 9, 2023, are the ideal destination for all lovers of winter sports and skiing, as well as those on Mount Dreiländereck, open from December 17, 2022, to March 12, 2023, which are particularly suitable for beginners and families, while the Dobratsch Nature Park is full of interesting and snowy trails perfect for trekking enthusiasts.
Villach does not disappoint those seeking peace and relaxation in the winter season and prefer to immerse themselves in the warm water of a thermal center like the KärntenTherme in Warmbad-Villach, which offers a large SPA area with sauna and Turkish bath, as well as a FUN area where even the little ones can enjoy water slides and pools to dive into.
Ski & Spa
The combined Ski & Spa ticket includes access for 2, 3, or 4 days to the Gerlitzen Alps and the FUN area at KärntenTherme, open daily from 9:00 to 22:00. Also ideal for visitors is the winter Erlebnis CARD, valid from November 27, 2022, to April 2, 2023, which allows unforgettable experiences such as guided snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing courses, yoga sessions, and free entrance for two hours to the KärntenTherme after 16:00, also offering free use of transport means, such as regional trains in Carinthia, buses to reach the Gerlitzen Alps & Dreiländereck, and Dobratsch Nature Park in Villach.
This winter, to support tourists by increasing services and reducing waiting times, the Gerlitzen Alps is preparing in advance to offer efficient ski facilities, investing in the construction of a new 4-seat chairlift, an escalator in Annenheim, and efficient snowmaking, demonstrating a real sensitivity and great commitment to energy savings, improved by 10-20% over recent decades.
Villach
During the Advent period, Villach is a city full of light, wonder, surprises, and conviviality. Here you will find everything the heart desires for the sweet Christmas atmosphere: music and singing performances, handmade decorations and ornaments, exquisite mulled wine.
16.11. – 24.12.2018
www.villacheradvent.at
Artistic Advent in the Parkhotel park
16.11. – 24.12.2018, from Thursday to Sunday
www.weihnachtenimpark.at
Farmer’s Advent “Bauernadvent” in Villach
Villach prepares to become the capital of Christmas: Baby Jesus will arrive by boat on the Drava, enter the city with a solemn procession, and distribute his gifts to the little ones.
23.12.2018
www.bauernadvent.at/
