Christmastime in ViennaA few of my favorite Things

Christmas Tree at Dusk
Always a joy to behold,
the Christmas tree in the square
in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral

Even though there are days when it looks as if the whole world
wants to visit the cathedral all at once, it is still possible to
find a bench for quiet contemplation because the center nave
is reserved for worshippers during mass and for prayer.

If you plan to attend one of the special Christmastime concerts,
make sure to get a reservation ahead of time.

Celebrating Christmas Eve midnight mass
in the cathedral is a special treat, but requires stamina:
arrive an hour early or it's standing room only, at best!

Peal of the Pummerin
Listening to the deep prolonged sound of the great Pummerin bell
from high in the north tower of the cathedral
is something not to be missed either.
You'll hear her ring out over the city on only a few occasions,
two of them are midnight of Christmas Eve and of New Year's Eve

Links:
-> Rectory of St. Stephen's Cathedral: Mass Schedule for December:
-> St. Stephen's Cathedral - Concerts in December
-> Hours of Bell Ringing at St. Stephen's Cathedral
Images and Text © by Merisi