I am in Vienna, Austria for a brief work trip and had a chance to stop by the Christmas Market in front of the Rathaus (City Hall). Even on a Monday afternoon, the market was crowded with shoppers. The market is noisy, busy, and a bit gaudy, but despite all of the commercialization, I could still feel the spirit of Christmas.
As the big sign in front of the market states in German, “Merry Christmas.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I miss the Christmas markets in Germany. Hot gluhwein and bratwurst with sauce were some of my favorites! It is kind of a carnival atmosphere at these markets, but they are only a seasonal event.