Where to Ski And Snowboard - Kitzbühel begins Christmas fun

Kitzbühel begins Christmas fun

25th November 2017, by Abi Butcher

Kitzbühel transforms into a winter wonderland. Pic: Michael Werlberger

Although it has a big, beautiful and varied ski area, the USP of Kitzbühel is its old town, with its car-free central streets lined by gabled and arcaded stone houses, some dating from the middle ages. It’s a captivating place on any winter night, but at this time of year it is particularly special: on Thursday (30 November), the Austrian resort’s Christmas advent season begins.

The town is adorned with traditional decorations, and a regular Christmas market lends the core of the town a real winter wonderland feel, with stands selling everything from regional culinary delicacies and handicrafts to tasty seasonal treats such as roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and fruit punch. This creates the centrepiece of the Kitzbühel Advent (30 November to 26 December).

At the bottom of the famous Streif racecourse, the Hotel Rasmushof hosts “Heavenly Advent”, transforming its terrace into a forest of Christmas trees bright with red lights. There are carol singers to entertain, as well as punch, mulled wine and freshly baked biscuits.

Then at New Year, Kitzbühel hosts three firework spectaculars over three days — absolutely free of charge, on 30 and 31 December and a final event on new year’s day. The “Rasmusleiten”, on 1 January, draws tens of thousands of spectators every year to watch a torch-lit descent by the Red Devils and Element3 ski schools, fire jumping, music and the final firework display by pyrotechnic master Armin Lukasser.

Last year’s celebrations drew crowds of more than 30,000 people — and not surprisingly, when firework champion Lukasser has been performing his magic in Kitzbühel since 1997. What better way to see in the new year, and add a special touch to your ski holiday.

For more information about Christmas in Kitzbühel, visit kitzski.uk

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