A small Christmas Market was located about 3 blocks from our Salzburg hotel, but the big market was across the river in Old Town, an easy 15-20 minute walk from our hotel. Even hiking in the rain, we managed to visit them a couple of times during the week we were there. The Old Town Christmas Market had almost 100 stalls running through the historic area and they were fabulous. Comparing the Prague and Salzburg markets, I’d say the Salzburg markets were definitely better, although in general they were also a bit more expensive.
We were fascinated by the authentic dress of this wayfarer couple (she is almost entirely hidden in front of him) who had stopped to chat with a coffee vendor.This tired little Santa with his pretzel looked particularly lifelike with his heaving chest and loud snoring.
This stall had an especially nice selection of local Mozart candies and pretzels.
Live pine trees, especially these mini ones that fit in small apartments, are popular sellers at the markets as well as wreaths like these fragrant ones made of fresh local herbs, pine cones and berries.
European Christmas decorations tend to favor natural materials, as seen above.
Beautiful Pichuberries are everywhere, Pam. Yum! These were used to garnish fruit bars at the Christmas Markets. We even saw them on the breakfast buffet in our hotel.
Beautiful miniature hand-made lighted houses and Austrian cow bells.
The market included an ice rink and it got a whole lot more use during the evening than during the day. Notice the companion bear giving confidence to a new skater.
A small round-up of cute snowmen . . .
. . . followed closely by an adorable herd of reindeer & friends.
Every market has a unique nativity scene hidden somewhere in its midst.
This stall had an amazing collection of yummy local sausages and cheeses.
Christmas Markets & More 
I liked the little wreaths and trees, apartment size. The pretzels looked yummy. I like the things like the lighthouses made from wood, so crafty.
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