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d e c e m b e r 18 | 20. - 26.
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 editorial
"Heya Girls!"
So ladies, we have arrived: Christmas, end of year, break, taking a deep breath. Next time we hear from each other, we will write the year 2019 already. By the way, I found the perfect symbol for the turn of the year a couple of days ago: both the Gartenbaukino and the Schauspielhaus sell bags and accessories that are made of used material. The Gartenbaukino transforms its old cinema screen (on which 1.7 million minutes of film were shown) by way of upcycling it into shopping bags, belt bags and mobile phone sleeves. And at the Schauspielhaus, used production tarps are pimped up into colourful backpacks, shoppers, and toilet bags. All these pieces are practical, super stable, and look pretty. I have decided to treat the next year exactly like that: take the nice parts of 2018 with me and make something interesting out of it. So for the end of the CitySpotterGirl-year, I send you this heartfelt appeal: let us pimp up the year 2019! That it may be practical, super stable, and pretty!
Wishing you a loving Christmas,
Your CitySpotterGirl
Gartenbaukino Kassa, 1010 Vienna. Web Schauspielhaus, 1090 Vienna. Web
P.S. The next edition of CitySpotterGirl will appear on 10 January!
Photo: Gartenbaukino
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| THURSDAY |
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| …concert |
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| Christina Horn |
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Paenda
Temperatures above zero and no snow around Christmas have one clear advantage: less freezing outside ;-) You could make use of that today and head to MuseumsQuartier, where a free courtyard concert by Paenda provides warming vibes. The music of the singer/ songwriter living in Vienna is as colourful and versatile as her hair. Often emotional, then full on advance, other times strange and rough, then soft and melodious. She skilfully mixes pop with future bass, hip-hop, trap and fat synths, and the live sound is supplied by an all-girl-band. Listen in here.
MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna. 20 December 19:00. Free entry. Web |
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| …woolly |
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| Berit Steffin |
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Winterschön-Market at FilzOase
A nice little Advent market, with a dash of melancholy: because Monika Tatrai will close her FilzOase at the end of this year. This weekend, there is a fine exhibition taking place there, with exceptional wool-, felt-, and textile art works by Berit Steffin, Hennriette Atwooki, Gini Neumüller, Petra Mühlberger and by Madame FilzOase herself. At the same time, the entire contents of the felt institution’s material storage are being sold off, meaning all kinds of fibres, books, silk, linen, wool, yarn, and fabrics – including good Christmas presents for DIY-aficionados!
FilzOase, Anastasius-Grün Gasse 11, 1180 Vienna. 20+21 December 11:00 to 19:00. Web |
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| …elegant |
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Palais Coburg Winter Days
As a Viennese, it’s not very likely that you will ever stay overnight at the elegant hotel Palais Coburg, but you may certainly allow yourself to unwind there. The Coburg offers Winter Days in the garden: roasting marshmallows at a fire, enjoying eggnog and punch, eating Hot Dogs (make them yourself-style) and potato pancakes as in-between snacks, and indulging in hot chocolate and small cinnamon-y donut balls. They have cosy blankets, an open fire and warming sounds against the cold – secluded up on the bastion, yet right in the city. Even though the snow’s missing, the lighting makes it wonderfully festive!
Palais Coburg, Coburgbastei 4, 1010 Vienna. Until 22 December Thu, Fri +Sat from 16:00. Web |
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| FRIDAY |
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| …insiderstip |
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| Nick Mangafas |
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Sam’s Bar at Hamakom
The Jewish theater Hamakom is always worth a visit, but a thousand times more so on the Advent weekends! Because then the cool theater location is transformed into a bar at night, radiating a unique, intimate off-Broadway feeling with its dim lighting and stand tables. Today they hunt the Dibbuk (a spirit of the dead in Jewish mysticism) during an exciting theater night between poetry and shamanism, Freud and Ginsberg, and tomorrow there is a concert by the magnificent musicians Tahereh Nourani and Jelena Poprzan.
Theater Nestroyhof Hamakom, Nestroyplatz 1, 1020 Vienna. Until 22 December from 19:00. Web |
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| susanne Jarausch |
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Winter Solstice – Ritual with Gong Bath
Today is a joyful day because the days are finally, finally getting longer again! At Shambhala, the winter solstice is celebrated in an appropriate manner with earth gong, drumming, and a beautiful ritual. First you say goodbye to the old during a review of the past year, then you empower the light and strength with a rattle ritual by Felicitas Goodman and welcome the new solar year (yes!). You’ll have to bring a little treat for the culinary feast at the end and a little gift for any person in the room – because everyone gives and receives!
Shambhala, Bennogasse 8A, 1080 Vienna. 21 December 18:00 to 21:00. 38 €. Web |
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| …auction |
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| Dorotheum |
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From Lusterweibchen to Whetstone quiver
Rural rustic stuff is looking for shelter today at Dorotheum Favoriten. Among the collector’s items and Alpine curiosities are pretty glasses, colourfully painted farmhouse wardrobes, and a wooden, stony-faced whetstone quiver. If you’re now wondering what that is: a head with a face with said whetstone integrated into the hollow ;-) Unusual are also engraved horn-spoons or “Lusterweibchen” – female figureheads for chandeliers. The opening prices start at 40 euros, the curious can check the things out on-site today before the online auction starts.
Dorotheum, Erlachgasse 90, 1100 Vienna. Viewing: 21 December von 9:00 to 15:00. Online auction from 15:00. Web |
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| SATURDAY |
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| …christmasshopping |
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Prosecco-Saturday at Pomp & Gloria
CitySpotterGirl loves the small kitsch & curiosity wonderland by congenial Pomp & Gloria couple Oskar and Christoph! You always find something here anyway, no matter if you are wild about original deco-knick-knack, pompous furniture, funny signs or bubbling bath bombs. And for Christmas, all glitter breaks loose so much that it will knock your socks off ;-) The shop practically overflows: original things for gift seeking folks, decorative things for the tree and glorious things for the festive table. Today, they serve prosecco for the calming of the shopping nerves.
Pomp & Gloria, Lerchenfelder Straße 92, 1080 Vienna. 22 December 11:00 to 15:00. Web |
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| …concert |
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| Pia Clodi Photography |
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Clara Blume
A charming concert highlight in 7*Stern’s living-room: this is where Clara Blume is a guest today. One year ago, the Austrian-Spanish songwriter moved to San Francisco to boost her career in the USA, today she is brightening up her home country with her avant-garde pop songs once again. In tow, she brings brand-new songs from her second album which is in the making right now. The versatile musician doesn’t like being reduced to one specific style, which is why she confidently called her debut album in 2015 “Here Comes Everything”. Listen in here.
Cafe 7*Stern, Siebensterngasse 31, 1070 Vienna. 22 December 20:00. Web |
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| ...lastminute |
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Panic shopping at violettsays
Once again, the Viennese label „for cheerful women and fearless men” is hosting a pre-Christmas last-minute shopping event this year. It’s well known by now that they have merry colourful dresses, shirts and skirts, but you might also make a quick find among the rings, bags and scarves. Some of them with sassy slogans (“you’re a wonderful person. but I don’t like you” – grin!). If you still find yourself without a present, you can go for it today until 19:00. And with a purchase of 50€ or more, they add a small free goodie. So, no reason to panic, ladies!
violettsays, Neustiftgasse 23, 1070 Vienna. 22 December 11:00 to 19:00. Web |
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| SUNDAY |
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| …romantic |
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| Dieter Lampl |
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Viennese Advent Ship
Ahoy in the winterwonderland! In Vienna, you cannot only cruise around the city in the warm season, but also in the pre-Christmas period. And real fans know: that almost has even more appeal! The slowness of a tranquil ship’s cruise is a relief and perfect for taking a break. Inside on board it’s cosy and warm, while you see the scenery of the Viennese waterfront pass by peacefully. The “MS Wien” is decorated festively for this afternoon’s cruise, a woodwind ensemble plays during boarding, plus they serve punch and chestnuts. A mini time-out on the water!
DDSG Blue Danube, Franz Josefs Kai 2, 1010 Vienna. 22+23 December 14:30 to 15:45. 29 €. Web
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| …eccentricpuppets |
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Muppets at the Film Museum
Between Christmas and the New Year, the Film Museum traditionally showcases Marx Brothers films plus the “Wizard of Oz”. This year, the program will be combined with cine-Muppet anarchy, a marvellous revival for Miss Piggy, Kermit & Gonzo fans! Today, they show “The Muppets Christmas Carol”, an adorable version of Charles Dicken’s classic Christmas tale – and less chaotic and crazy than other Muppet films by far. Another cinematic highlight will come to the big screen on 25 December: “The Muppets Take Manhattan”.
Filmmuseum, Augustinerstraße 1, 1010 Vienna. 23 December 20:30. 10,50 €. Web |
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| …nostalgic |
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| Schneekugelmuseum Wien |
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Christmas at Snow Globe Manufactory
As it’s often the case with inventions, the manufacturer of surgical instruments Erwin Perzy came across the decorative shaking glass globe with snowing effect by pure coincidence (he actually wanted to increase the light output of the carbon filament light). Since then, the nostalgic wonder globes with Christmas tree-, animal- or Ferris wheel content travel all around the world from Vienna. Many of the splendid kitsch-objects can be admired at the Schneekugel museum and the shop. Today’s the last day before Christmas, it’s very possible that you might find another favourite good mood souvenir ;-)
Schneekugelmanufaktur, Schumanngasse 87, 1170 Vienna. Until 23 Dec daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Web |
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| MONDAY |
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| …guidedtour |
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| Lachezara Tomova |
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PEACE. The world’s best youth photos
A fine program under the banner of a peaceful Christmas: you can participate in a “poetical tour” through the exhibition “Peace” at the Naturhistorisches Museum. Adolescents up to the age of 14 were invited to take a photo visualizing “peace” in the course of a photography award. 847 photos from 137 countries were submitted this year, a selection of 57 works is currently on display at the Naturhistorisches Museum. During today’s guided tour, poems and questions on the topic of peace emphasise the messages of the touching, colourful and imaginative pictures.
Naturhistorisches Museum, Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna. 24 Dec 13:00. 4 € + entry fee. Web |
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| …concert |
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| Antonia Renner |
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Christmas Special: Marina & The Kats
If the whole family-melancholy on the 24th is not really your thing or if you simply need a bit of space after, just head over to Porgy & Bess at 22:00! There, charismatic Viennese singer Marina Zettl plus her band appreciate some “addition to their family”. Accompanied by hot gypsy-guitar-sounds and upbeat melodies, you can cheerily swing through the silent night. An event so jolly it will make magical sparks fly here, too. The songs are from the current album “Wild” and sound like moony diva dreams and sunny palm beaches. You can listen in and get into the mood here!
Porgy & Bess, Riemergasse 11, 1010 Vienna. 24 December 22:00. 25 €. Web |
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| TUESDAY |
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| …gourmet |
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| Grand Ferdinand |
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Brunch at Grand Ferdinand & Unkai
Extremely chic, mind-blowing view – and only for club members: the rooftop venue “Grand Etage” on Ringstraßen hotel Grand Ferdinand is one of the most exclusive places in the entire city. On certain days it’s also possible to brunch there “publicly” in this stylish atmosphere. Like during the Christmas holidays, and even a bit more luxurious than usual. Only the finest of the best and not exactly cheap – but you gotta treat yourself every now and then ;-) Equally classy: the Sushi brunch at the restaurant “Unkai” on the 7th floor of the glamorous Grand Hotel. Japanese gourmandising at the highest level!
Grand Ferdinand, Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Vienna. 25+26 Dec 12:30. 75 €. Web Unkai, Kärntner Ring 9, 1010 Vienna. 25 Dec from 12:00. 45 €. Web |
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| …stroll |
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| Foto Fally |
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Christmas Market Schönbrunn
This year, CitySpotterGirl has not made it to a single Viennese Christmas Market. Too much stress, too many tourists, and somehow just not in the right mood when thinking about a tipsy mulled wine spree. But today it’s happening – the handing out of Christmas presents is over, the day is still young and fresh. A good opportunity to put on warm clothes and take a stroll through Schönbrunn in complete tranquillity, cast a last glance on the 18-meter-high fir tree and saunter across the beautiful market in front of the scenic Schönbrunn Palace. Perhaps even with a glass of punch ;-)
Christmas Market Schönbrunn, Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna. 25+26 December 10:00 to 18:00. Web |
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| …exhibition |
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| Volkskundemuseum Wien |
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Lucky Charms
Soon they will be given away in heaps again, the horseshoes, mushrooms, and pigs as lucky charms for the New Year. Celebrating the New Year with the exchange of gifts has an incredibly long history, which can uninterruptedly be traced back to pre-Christian times, namely the Roman period. The presents themselves, however, did change over time. A small exhibition in the passage of Volkskundemuseum now shows lucky charms of the past two centuries, from the antique chimney sweep to pink nodding-head pigs.
Volkskundemuseum, Laudongasse 15-19, 1080 Vienna. Until 17 February Tue to Sun 10:00 to 17:00, Thu until 20:00. Free entry. Web |
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| WEDNESDAY |
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| …magnificent |
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Christmas stars at Palmenhaus
Where can you stroll through a sea of blossoms in the middle of winter? In the historical Palmenhaus in the park Schönbrunn (the biggest glass house of its kind in Europe, btw)! Right now, it’s hosting the impressive Christmas Star collection from Bundesgärten with decades-old specimens from Schönbrunn garden, but also some new hybrids! Originally, the plants from the spurge family come from Mexico, where they were worshipped by the Aztecs as a purity symbol. Since 1950, they have been revered here as well. Simply because they have such a beautiful, festive sparkle!
Palmenhaus, Schlosspark Schönbrunn, Hietzinger Tor, 1130 Vienna. Until 6 Jan daily 9:30 to 16:30. 6 €. Web |
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| …citywalk |
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| wikicommons / Alberto-Fernandez, CC-BY-2.5 |
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Engelswege und Teufelspfade
There’s nothing like a bit of fresh air after all the celebrating and gluttony! Today, you can go on a heavenly guided tour though the inner city, lined with angels in stone, stucco or terracotta. And quite often the spiritual beings are much less gentle than we imagine. Archangel Michael even roughly threw the unruly Lucifer out of heaven, terrifying the people on earth. But during the tour, you will also meet friendly baroque angels as well as a magnificent secessionist guardian angel made of mosaic stones. And you will get to hear some devilishly good stories as well.
Meeting point: Michaelerplatz, in front of Raiffeisen Bank, 1010 Vienna. 26 December 14:00. 16 €. Web |
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| TALK OF TOWN |
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| Shop of the Week |
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| Ines Hofbaur |
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Siebentage
Remarkably pretty colours and selected styles: it’s not just fashionistas’ hearts that beat faster at Ania Ahsmann’s multi-brand store. The fashion expert has recently moved from Wiedner Hauptstraße to Schleifmühlgasse, where you can now delight in a mix of mostly Scandinavian fashion. Colourful cosy sweaters, silk gowns with beautiful patterns, unusual velvet coats and great pleated skirts. By the way, the interior furnishings are for sale as well, from pretty basket lamps to wooden sales tables where the cashmere hats lie. Plus jewellery and home accessories. Very tasteful!
Siebentage, Schleifmühlgasse 6-8, 1040 Vienna. Mon-Fri 11:00 to 14:00 + 15:00 to 18:00. Sat 10:00 to 15:00. Web |
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| Restaurant of the Week |
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| Philzep Photography |
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Propeller
What a pleasant surprise for CitySpotterGirl! Now she doesn’t have to fly to New York for a lot of money for her beloved Williamsburg flair. It’s now right around the corner of the office. Floor-to-ceiling windows, brick walls, a huge monstera, old wooden tables: all that’s missing at the Propeller is the view onto the East River. There’s a casual and easy atmosphere here and the cooking is pretty damn good. Porchetta with rosemary potatoes and the best gravy of last year, for instance. For now, they only serve breakfast and lunch menu but next year, they also want to offer dinner. And the icing on the cake: super-friendly service!
Propeller, Krongasse 22, 1050 Vienna. Tue-Thu 9:00 to 24:00, Fri 9:00 to 2:00, Sat 10:00 to 2:00, Sun 10:00 to 16:00. Web |
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ABOUT US
The StadtSpionin is an independent, weekly newsletter for women in the Vienna area.
It provides information on events, shops and restaurants, which the editorial staff singles out as recommend worthy.
Entries for payment are not possible. However, there is the possibility of placing an advertisement.
The StadtSpionin appears every Thursday and will be shipped for free.
More information can be found on www.diestadtspionin.at
Publisher and Editor in Chief:
Sabine Maier, Phorusgasse 7/1, 1040 Wien
Disclaimer: Despite careful editing and research, no liability can be retained for the accuracy of our content and its completeness.
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