Christmas markets are something Austria is definitely not lacking in, but when we heard that our regular summer beach spot, Lignano, was holding a Christmas market over December, we thought… why not? Something different. And definitely warmer than cold ol’ Austria. So, we packed ourselves and the in-laws up, and off we went to see what it was about.
The good
The weather
We really got lucky with the weather – it was an absolute dream. We literally went from -2 and foggy, to 15 degrees and sunshine. This was in a time that it had been a good week or two since sun had pierced the fog in the valley, and it did us all a lot of good to get some sun in our faces, and take our coats off now and again.
Visiting new places
Even though I’ve gone there every year (sometimes twice) since moving to Austria, apart from an occasional experiment, we tend to stick to our favourite locales. However, since not a lot was open, we had to try new places, and it was nice to go outside what we usually did.
The general vibe
It was festive but not overbearing. With red carpet all the way down the shopping street, and low-key Christmas songs tinkling in the background, the Christmas market was perfectly located around the large playground near the church. The main fountain had been transformed into a skating rink, with a Ferris Wheel overlooking everything. I mean, ice skating in Lignano seems ridiculous… but it was also kind of magical.
The not so good
The long drive
A 3-hour drive with a 3.5 year old, just for the weekend, is not ideal. Especially one who has decided he doesn’t care to sleep in the car any more, even with an early morning wake.
Eating outdoors
Now, I’m all for eating outdoors, even when it cools down a little and wearing a coat is necessary. But for me, the evening got to that point of cold where I didn’t want to do it any more. However, with most of the restaurants closed (a few of them did pop up stalls at the Christmas market which was cool), we sat down to eat outside the first night. Luckily it was quick, and there was a warm mulled wine or two to warm up. In any case, with a kid in tow you’re never in one place for too long, so it ended up being the right thing to do.
The packing drama
I’m no stranger to packing drama, but this challenged even me. The night before we left to Italy I had my work Christmas party, staying overnight in Graz. So, when I was packing, I had 3 bags to fill – my Italy bag, Sam’s Italy bag and my Christmas party bag.
The conclusion
While it would have been easier without a child in tow, it was absolutely do-able, and there was enough to keep us busy without being overwhelming. We landed back home, all of us exhausted, but two days of sunshine and a holiday vibe was worth the break in the fog. Would I go again? Sure, one day. But every year? Probably not, and definitely not the night after my work Christmas party!
an aussie in austria 