In keeping with the onset of winter weather, the pre-Christmas period officially began in Vienna on Saturday. After dark, the mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and the governor of Styria, Christopher Drexler (ÖVP), switched on the lights on the Christmas tree on Rathausplatz together at the push of a button as part of a ceremony in the evening. This also marked the opening of the Christmas market.
In view of the energy crisis, it was emphasized that the 28 meter high Christmas tree from Styria was decorated with 1,650 economical LED lights. To save energy, the market will be illuminated for an hour less this year. According to the broadcast, Ludwig also referred to the difficult geopolitical situation in his speech at the festive illumination of the Christmas tree: This year it has a very special symbolic value: “Light is a sign of hope. A symbol of peace. And we need hope for peace this year more than ever.”
Drexler was proud that with the Christmas tree – a 130-year-old spruce – a piece of Styria on Vienna’s Rathausplatz was the focus. Since 1959, the federal states and South Tyrol have given the Viennese a tree for the Christmas season. This year it was Styria’s turn.
The Christmas market in front of the Vienna City Hall is open until December 26th and, according to the City of Vienna, is increasingly focusing on family-friendliness and sustainability this year. Most of the food and drinks are certified organic. Since around a third fewer stands were set up this time, there is also more open space for visitors. (apa)
