With dazzling light illuminations and humming Christmas markets, it’s a magical time of year in Europe. (Here’s our round-up of some of our favorite Christmas markets.) Case in point: The Austrian town of Innsbruck is going all out to celebrate the yuletide season. The capital of the Tirol region officially opened its famous Marktplatz Christmas market with the unveiling of the Swarovski Crystal Tree, a cone-shaped structure decorated with 90,000 Swarovski crystals.
Innsbruck follows in the footsteps of international cities New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney and Paris in showcasing a Swarovski Christmas tree, and it’s only fitting because the famous crystal company hails from Austria. (The glam winter destination of Megève in the French Alps is also known for its dazzling Swarovksi tree.)
The Swarovski flagship store, located in Innsbruck’s Old Town, has gorgeous Christmas decorations, too. Open until December 23, 2012, the Marktplatz Christmas market also has a carousel, an animal petting area, a puppet theatre, and a nativity scene.