As soon as the days start getting noticeably shorter and the first Christmas decorations appear in shop windows, a special enchantment settles over the streets. The Advent market fills the air with the scent of cinnamon cookies, evergreen boughs and honey-laden beeswax candles which drifts through streets twinkling with Christmas lights. Welcoming cafés tempt you to stop, perhaps for some kouglof and a whipped cream topped coffee, or one of the forty other varieties of coffee or countless pastries that are offered.

In every Austrian Christmas market as well as in the humblest kitchen you will find traditional little cakes called "Kekse," without which Christmas wouldn't be complete on this side of the Alps. They are made with butter and flavoured with cinnamon, vanilla or jam, shaped like stars, Christmas trees or crescents.

Liptauer Cheese
This great spread is served in typical Heurigen wine taverns throughout Austria's wine growing regions and is served best on pumpernickel or rye bread. Impress your guests with this traditional Austrian spread at your next party.

Make your own Gluehwein
There is one drink Austrians treasure during the Christmas season: Gluehwein. The scent of this spiced mulled wine lingers throughout Austria. Surprise your x-mas party guests with this great warming and typically Austrian drink...