The Wiener Hofburg illuminates Christmas tree from Burgenland!

The Wiener Hofburg illuminates Christmas tree from Burgenland!

Sieggraben, Österreich - December 12, 2024 will go into the history of the Vienna Christmas tree, because the traditionally festive lighting of the tree on Rathausplatz is once again an outstanding event for the city. The magnificent spruce, which adorns Rathausplatz this year, comes from Lower Austria and reaches an impressive 34 meter height. This distinctive tradition, which has existed since 1959, shows a tree from a changing federal state. Before the official handover, the tree shone after a festive ceremony, in which children sang the popular Christmas carol "O fir tree" in several languages, which underlines the international and various nature of the celebrations. This beautiful tradition is estimated by many as part of the Viennese customs, next to the Christmas market that makes this place a symbol of festive joy.

The Christmas tree in the Hofburg

But not only the Rathausplatz has reason to celebrate: the Federal President's Christmas tree is also handed over every year with a large pomp. This year the 4.5 meter high tree came from Sieggraben and was ceremoniously handed over to Federal President Alexander van der Bellen. Mayor Andreas Growohl and Protocol boss Rainer Winter celebrated this moment, which reflects the festive atmosphere of the Advent in the Hofburg. The ceremonial illumination was framed by the students of bilingual primary schools, which gives the event a special cultural shine, as ORF Burgenland reported.

The annual tradition of the Christmas trees that come from different federal states has not only a festive character, but also a deeper cultural meaning. The tree of origin, such as the one in front of the Vienna City Hall, is sustainably used after Christmas, for example as a material for insect hotels, which indicates the environmentally conscious implementation of these centuries -old customs, as Regiowiki holds.