Kartause Advent Market: St. Nick, Krampus & Christkind

Today ended this year's Advent Market at the Kartause.  Last year was our family's first time experiencing Advent & Christmas Markets in Austria - filled with music, food, and crafts - we eagerly awaited the return of this year's market!

On most days, the Kartause is calm and peaceful...

For nine days, when the Kartause hosts an Advent Market, it becomes a popular destination from people around Austria!

Passing through the first archway, you come to an area where you can purchase Christmas trees...

During hours when the Market isn't open, Francis enjoyed taking in the sights and smells of the fresh-cut trees!

Booths with food and drink (especially mulled wine) are set up in the middle of the main courtyard...

We loved watching the big Christmas tree go up, and enjoyed warming ourselves by the fire-pits...

Many of the indoor rooms (where students normally have class -- their classes and final exams were moved to rooms off of the main corridor) are filled with traditional handicraft for purchase and there is a room set up with free crafts for the children...

On the final Saturday evening of the Market, St. Nicholas arrives at the center of the courtyard accompanied by the Christkind (traditional giver of gifts in Austria), riding in a sleigh pulled by two Krampus...

St. Nicholas and the Christkind (who is often pictured as a child with blonde locks, wings, and halo -- is represented at these events by a blonde, rather attractive female, with wings) pass out the traditional Austrian goodies (peanuts, mandarins, and chocolate) to all of the children.  The Krampus is burdened with the task of carrying the gifts on his back...

Look closely and you can see the Krampus (far left), St. Nicholas, the Christkind (standing behind St. Nick), and Ellie wearing her navy and pink lined coat with the reindeer hat (far right)...

After the goodies have been distributed, the main characters visit with the guests and pose for pictures...

Ellie didn't want her picture with the Christkind -- but here's this lady...

Nor did she want her picture with the Krampus -- but here's this kid (and many others waiting their turn)...

But Francis was all about St. Nicholas...

We did not stay for the final showdown performance that happens between St. Nicholas and the Krampus.  Apparently the performance ends with St. Nicholas defeating the Krampus -- good conquers evil!

We enjoyed a quieter, less scary, view of the Kartause from the front of our house :)

Happy Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday!!!