WHAT'S NEW?! #45 - VILLACH IN DECEMBER 2024

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In December, Villach celebrates the season with enchanting Advent festivities, cultural events, extended public transport hours, and community-focused initiatives like subsidized housing and enhanced cycling infrastructure.

• Villach Fights for Affordable Housing: To address rising rental costs, Villach is currently planning and constructing around 150 subsidized apartments in St. Magdalen, Völkendorf, and St. Martin. Additional units are also planned as part of major projects at the Westbahnhof and in the 'Nikolai Quarter' (between LKH Villach and the brewery). Furthermore, the city has already implemented measures to limit rent increases in municipal apartments to just 2.5% for 2023 and 2024, well below the inflation rate.
   
• Villach's Enchanting Advent: Villach's Advent season promises a delightful array of activities and attractions for the whole family, transforming the city into a festive wonderland. This year’s highlights include live craftsmanship demonstrations, a children’s cookie-decorating paradise at Nikolaiplatz, and a "Photopoint Rallye," where kids can explore the city and adults can win City vouchers. The magic culminates on December 22nd with the arrival of the Christkind, celebrated through a captivating parade from the Drau River to the Town Hall, as part of the charming Bauernadvent event.
   
• New Year, New Deposit Rules for Plastic Bottles: Starting January 2025, a new deposit system for plastic bottles and metal cans will be implemented in Villach, requiring consumers to return these items to designated collection points for a refund of 25 cents. This change aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce waste, as only non-deposit plastic items will continue to be collected in the yellow bag.
   
• Extended Hours For Villach’s Bus Services: Starting December 15th, 2024, Villach will enhance its public transport system with extended bus service hours. The BUS:SI lines will now operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, offering improved accessibility. Notably, lines 5A and 5B will feature more frequent routes and Sunday services, supporting sustainable mobility and making it easier for residents and visitors to get around. Please visit villach.at/stadtbus for more detailed information.

• Villach Hauptbahnhof Expands Bike&Ride Facilities: The Villach Hauptbahnhof has recently enhanced its Bike&Ride facilities, adding 150 new bicycle parking spaces to accommodate the growing number of cyclists. With a total of 300 bike parking spots now available, the station aims to promote sustainable transportation and improve accessibility for commuters.
   
• Financial Incentives for Public Transport Users: Starting January 7th, 2025, Villach will again offer the Feinstaubprämie, a financial incentive for residents who switch to public transport. Eligible users can apply online for refunds on monthly, annual, and student semester tickets valid for at least 15 days between December 2024 and February 2025.
   
• Villach Unveils Striking New Sculpture: A stunning new sculpture now graces the Italiener Straße roundabout, drawing inspiration from the Bruno-Gironcoli Award trophy. Standing six meters tall and crafted from steel, this impressive artwork was created by local apprentices, showcasing Villach’s dedication to art and education. The project was co-sponsored by KMF Maschinenfabriken as part of their 150th-anniversary celebrations.
   
• K3 Film Festival Returns: The K3 Film Festival will take place from December 4th to 8th, showcasing short films from Slovenia, Carinthia, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. With a focus on local talent, the festival will feature around 300 films, highlighting diverse cultural narratives. Attendees can participate in the "Audience Award," allowing them to vote for their favorite films, fostering community engagement and discussion.
   
• Events: This December, Villach offers a festive lineup of events! On December 7th, enjoy the Alpen Adria Choir's enchanting concert at the Church of St. Nikolai. Tobias Moretti and the ensemble "wood sounds" will captivate audiences on December 11th at the Congress Center with a blend of music and literature. For rock enthusiasts, Engel Mayr brings his new album Heavy Metal Blues to life on December 13th at Kulturhof:villach. Meanwhile, the "Kunst trifft Handwerk" exhibition at the Dinzlschloss runs through January 3rd, showcasing exceptional handcrafted art and offering a chance to meet the artists