VIENNA, Austria \u2014 For the winter traveler who\u2019s not trying to escape the cold, Vienna is the perfect destination. It is a city whose rich interior life is expressed in inviting cafes, museums and musical interludes, but the Viennese don\u2019t mind being outside, especially during the holiday season.<\/p>\n
Its many pedestrian-only thoroughfares such as the main Karnter Strasse are lined with shops and restaurants and strung with seasonal lights, creating a festive atmosphere in November, December and into January. The Christmas markets have stands serving beer, spiced wine, food and trinkets galore.<\/p>\n
One Austrian-made item that you can\u2019t buy in the Christmas markets is the traditional wool loden jacket or cape. They are beautifully made and stylish with exceptional attention paid to details such as horn buttons and embroidery.<\/p>\n