Spittelberg Christmas Market, originally uploaded by scottpartee.

I’m converted. I used to think Vienna’s Christmas markets were a bit overrated and charmless. In the early 90s, they were basically flea markets for cheap stuff. But the city put the clamp down on them, re-focused them on Christmas and expanded their number.

Sure, one can find plenty of cheesy Christmas products and bad food. But the quality markets and stalls provide experiences that have been largely lost from everyday life including small-time producers of excellent meats, cheeses, breads, liqueurs and desserts. The general sense of community and good cheer is prevalent , and the finer versions of Punsch and Glühwein are heavenly.