Preview of Christmas in Graz

Since we will be staying in Graz for Christmas {Weihnachten} this year, I looked up some pictures on Flickr of Graz during the season to get an idea of what's in store for us. Everyone has been telling me Graz is sehr schön {so pretty} during Christmas.

Starting at the end of November there are little markets set up in all towns in Austria {called "Christkindlmärkte"} selling gifts, food and Glühwein {red wine combined with spices and served warm}...and, of course, many Christmas lights adorn the village streets. They really focus on Advent here. {The Advent Calendar originated in Germany.} I used to love me up some Advent calendars with little treats in every window back in the day.

I don't want to show too much since of course we will be taking our own pictures during Christmas. Looking at

these at least make me feel better about my first Christmas away from home. We will try to hit up Vienna

{where the biggest markets are} and maybe even some Venice? And how do you say "Merry Christmas"

in German?

"Fröhliche Weihnachten!"

{all images found on Flickr}