Christmas market at Belvedere in Vienna, Austria

Reflecting on Christmas. Christmas market at Belvedere in Vienna

Christmas markets win the holiday trifecta: You can buy interesting, often hand-crafted gifts, they are set in picturesque, romantic towns and villages in Europe, and they tempt you with mulled wine and local delicacies. What's not to like? Christmas markets, or 'Weihnachtsdorf,' are one of Europe's oldest Advent events.

Our photo shows the Belevedere Christmas market from across the Danube River, outside Upper Belvedere, one of two palaces on the property. If you visit a Christmas market, make the time to stroll, taking in all the sights and smells of the season. In Vienna, the architecturally impressive city goes all out for the holidays, with lights, decorations, and music, and the Belvedere Palace is a suitably dramatic backdrop.