December feels like one of the shortest months. The almost four weeks until Christmas fly by and New Year's Eve quickly follows. The days off in the twelfth month are particularly rare, as family celebrations are not always a pleasure. We have put together a few tips to help you escape the stressful pre-Christmas routine.
Some people have been waiting for December since March - and not because of Christmas. Most of Tyrol's ski resorts open this month. If you don't want to rely on the sometimes moody Tyrolean weather, you can play it safe with a visit to the Hintertux Glacier in the Zillertal; the ski resort at an altitude of up to 3,250 metres is Austria's only year-round ski resort. Before the new ski season, it's not just a matter of getting your skis serviced. Your own body also needs a little overhaul before the first turns of the year: with our fitness exercises for the ski season, you can prepare yourself perfectly for the first runs of the year. If you don't like skiing, you can also take yourself out on the ice in December. The huge ice rink at Innsbruck's Olympiaworld has been open since November.
The beginning of December is traditionally the time of the Krampus, Peaschtl or Kleibeifen in Tyrol. The devils, who are mainly men who dress up as them, have many names. The symbolic companions of St Nicholas can be seen all over the country around 6 December. The masks in particular, which now cover a spectrum between traditionally carved specimens and the orcs from "Lord of the Rings", are both frightening and artistic. In East Tyrol, the so-called "Kleibeife" try to throw the parade spectators onto their backs. The Perchtenlauf in the Tyrolean lowlands is also a special procession: on 5 December, the spooky "Peaschtl" drum on petrol tanks as they parade through the small village of Kundl.
For many people, December primarily means Advent. However, Tyrol has more to offer than you might think, even for self-confessed Advent grouches, such as the art street in Imst or a bobsleigh ride in the ice channel in Igls. Food culture can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home in December.
There is plenty of evening entertainment in December - in every major town you will find Christmas markets where you can stroll around in the evening with a mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. And because the Christmas spirit is known to be quickly replaced by the joy of New Year's Eve, it's best to stay right here and watch the turn of the year - including a fitting reception - from the mountain. Of course, the very brave ones swam a lap in the ice-cold Achensee beforehand - after all, it's supposed to bring good luck!
