Local winter customs and Austrian Christmas traditions during Christmas time at the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl

Austrian Christmas tradition: Perchten parade in St. Wolfgang

The Krampuses and Perchten figures that come out on parade every year around 5 December are an absolute must-see in St. Wolfgang. Although the bells of the sinister Perchten figures make an unbelievable din, their elaborately carved masks and fur suits are a spectacle worth seeing. And who knows, maybe St. Nicholas will bestow you with presents? Your romantic stay at the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl will seem like a gift from St. Nicholas, too. After watching the hustle and bustle on the market square, take a swim in the lake; the Lake Pool, heated to 30°C all year round, is at its most spectacular in December. As you unwind in the warm water, steam rises around you. The view of the snow-covered winter landscape around the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl will stay with you for a long time!

Tradition, not tat: Christmas in Austria

The pre-Christmas period in Austria is punctuated by a wide variety of customs. For example one Austrian Christmas tradition, 'Barbara' branches are cut from fruit trees on 4 December and placed in a vase. If the branches blossom, it promises happiness in the New Year – and, for unmarried women, even the prospect of a wedding. Sounds like one for you? Then whisk your sweetheart away to the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl! Who knows, perhaps you'll return to the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl in May for your wedding?

Austrian Christmas tradition: Glöckler and Christmas nights

Another Austrian Christmas tradition is that every year on 4 January, figures dressed in white parade through the village. Artful, illuminated caps adorn their heads – our Glöckler. The Glöckler are good spirits of light who drive away the evil spirits of the night before Christmas, so the Glöckler parade takes place every year on 4 January, the last of the Twelve Wild Winter Nights.

Jot this date in your calendar and enjoy this traditional spectacle from your box seat on the lake – the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl.