Swarovski Crystal Tree lights up Advent in Tirol
On Thursday 15th November, Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol, unveiled one of the most magical Christmas Markets in Europe with a spectacular new attraction. The sparkle of 90,000 Swarovski crystals gleamed from the new Swarovski Crystal Tree at the Christmas Market on Marktplatz.
Innsbruck now joins the select list of famous cities such as Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Sydney and Paris, whose Christmas trees are decorated with Swarovski crystals. This crystal work of art is set to become an iconic landmark of Innsbruck's Alpine Christmas.
Innsbruck’s unique Christmas Market offering doesn’t end there. The city stages a total of five Christmas Markets in different locations across the city, opening in stages between 15th November to 6th January, each with its own individual appeal.
With over 60 stalls, one of the largest takes place at the Marktplatz, right next to the River Inn and this year the setting for the spectacular Swarovski Crystal Tree. Featuring a giant carousel, an animal petting area, a puppet theatre, story corner and a nativity scene this Christmas market is a real favourite with families. Every day at the puppet theatre will perform fairy tales to the delight of the little ones. (Opens 15th November – 23rd December).
Beneath the iconic Golden Roof in the Altstadt (Old Town) is possibly the most authentic Christmas Market in the city. Weave your way through the stalls to find unique Christmas tree decorations, traditional wooden toys, beautiful hand-carved nativity scenes and figures and many other lovingly made examples of Tirolean handicraft. Inspired by the stories of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson, you will find figures of well-known fairy tales hanging in the surrounding alleyways, such as Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty. Every evening at 5.30pm, from the balcony of the Golden Roof the ‚Turmbläser‘ or trumpeters delight the crowds with atmospheric Christmas songs. Swarovski‘s flagship store in the Old Town is also worth a visit for its Christmas decorations. (Opens 15th November – 23rd December)
As the Old Town pays homage to tradition, the Christmas Market on Innsbruck’s main shopping street offers a more contemporary and modern take. The Maria-Theresien Strasse will dazzle visitors with festive lights, glass and crystal and over 30 stalls offering a range of international Christmas products. (Opens 25th November – 6th January)
The Christmas Market on the Hungerburg takes place in one of the more unusual locations and getting there is an experience in itself. From the city centre take the Hungerburg funicular, one of Innsbruck’s landmarks designed by Zaha Hadid, up the mountain to Innsbruck‘s highest market and enjoy the most amazing panoramic views over the city. After taking a look round the stalls, why not continue further up to the Seegrube and even further up to the Hafelekar at 2256m for breath-taking views into the Karwendel Mountains. (Open weekends from Fri-Sun 23rd November – 23rd December)
The most recent addition is the Christmas Market at Wiltener Platzl and is known as the artistic market, with a display of hand-made crafts and festive delicacies from Grandma’s receipe book, whilst the air is heavy with the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. (Open 26th November – 26th December)
For more information on the Christmas Markets in Innsbruck visit www.christkindlmarkt.cc
For more information on the Tirol region www.visittirol.co.uk or keep updated at www.facebook.com/visittirol
ENDS
For further information and images contact:
Becky Horton, Horton PR
becky.horton@hortonpr.co.uk; 020 8330 2143; 07766 738020
Patricia Mexiner, Marketing UK, Tirol Tourist Board
Patricia.Meixner@tirolwerbung.at, Tel. +43 512 5320 643
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