Pflasterspektakel: more than 500 street artists from countries throughout Europe take to the streets of Linz for this spectacle of acrobatics, juggling, magic and mime. There are more than three dozen performance areas set up for the three days of events, in three different parts of the city centre. Performances are staged three times each day, offering plenty of opportunity to see a wide range of entertainment. From its humble beginnings in 1986, the Pflasterspektakel has become a mainstay in Europe’s street art scene, and attracts more than 170,000 visitors annually.

International Ski Countdown: Obertauern is one of the country’s most popular ski resorts, and during the Countdown it’s jammed with winter sports enthusiasts who launch the yearly season with skiing and snowboarding by day and partying at night. Highlights include a gigantic snow bar, an open-air festival and a colourful fireworks display. There’s also a disco that’s sponsored by a leading Austrian radio station.

Christmas Markets: the Christkindlmarkte are found throughout the country in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The markets are the perfect place to find unique items for Christmas gifts or ornaments to take back home for Christmas decorating in years to come. The main Christmas markets are found at the Rathausplatz, Spittelberg and at Vienna’s famed Schoenbrunn Castle. The markets are a must for anyone visiting Austria during the festive holiday period.