Christmas-Fever floods Innsbruck...

As we head into perhaps the PRETTIEST time of year in Tyrol, it seems appropriate that I post about just how beautiful it is here.

For the past two weeks or so, small wooden buildings began popping up around the altstadt, and various "platz" areas around town. We immediately knew what was coming - with the end of November, come the Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets)! This past weekend (on the 17th - 18th of November) the Christkindlmarkts finally opened! Streets which had been fairly open and slow-paced only a week ago are buzzing with activity...booths line the streets selling everything from roasted chestnuts to Gluehwein (mulled wine) to hand-made slippers to manger-scene figurines. The first night, there was even live music to entertain the shoppers.

I didn't even think it was possible, but Innsbruck has become even more enchanting than it was when I first arrived. The altstadt is COVERED with lights and dolls (um...HUGE ones) of fairytale characters, such as Snow White, etc. As if we weren't anxious enough for Christmas already!

The fact that it snowed not that long ago makes it that much prettier...the snow is still pretty much covering a good part of the mountains, and some areas around town still have a bit of snow that hasn't melted away just yet.

Entrance to the Christkindlmarkt in Marktplatz...the mountains make the perfect backdrop!

The first "real" snow of the year!

The mountains!


The Inn River...the altstadt is to the right

View from the Hofburg

The altstadt!!! Notice the chandelier lights!

The Christmas tree in front of the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof)

Goldenes Dachl, Christmas tree, the alps...what else can anyone want???

Maria Theresien Strasse with ornament lights!

One of the creepy fairytale dolls...don't know who this guy was supposed to be. But his eyes moved...

My first taste of Gluehwein! LOVED IT!

Christkindlmarkt in front of the Goldenes Dachl

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves...tyrol style!

Other than the Christkindlmarkts, we've been keeping ourselves busy getting ready for Thanksgiving on Thursday, semi-preparing ourselves for midterms, sharing Christmas music, and planning travel for February...on the docket (hopefully): Paris, Edinburgh, Florence, Rome, and Venice.

However, as for right now, I'm just excited to make it back to the States for Christmas! :)