Vienna is an incredibly popular destination for a Christmas trip . In this wonderful time of year the lights, colors and sounds of the city celebrate one of the most loved traditions and by the local inhabitants. Events and activities, fantastic concerts, Christmas markets , skating rinks, these are just some of the surprises that this magical city reserves for visitors throughout the month of December. Christmas enhances even more the indisputable beauty of Vienna, with its palaces and churches, but above all the characteristic cafes. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Christmas in Vienna .
Covid-19 emergency: events, concerts and demonstrations could undergo last-minute changes due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We recommend that you inform yourself well about the situation of the destination you intend to visit before departure. If you are planning a trip, follow government guidelines and make sure you are in line with safety measures.
1 – Visit the Christmas markets in Vienna
The atmosphere of Vienna during the Christmas period is truly spectacular. The main shopping streets, as well as commercial activities and public places in general, flaunt sparkling Christmas lights. Get ready to immerse yourself in an incredible mix of smells, including scented candles and tasty culinary specialties. Let yourself be amazed by the play of light, by the shows of artists and chefs and by the folklore of the shopkeepers, perhaps by participating in a guided tour.
Here are some of the most important markets to visit in the city:
- Christmas Village Palazzo Belvedere :
Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-StraBe – Reachable by tram (line D) – Get directions
from the third week of November to the last week of December - Christmas Village Maria Theresien Square :
Maria Theresien Platz – Reachable by tram (line D) – Get directions
from the third week of November to the last week of December - Christkindlmarkt
Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna – Accessible by tram (1, 71 and D stop right outside) or by metro (u3 Volkstheater stop and U2 Rathaus stop – Get directions
approximately from the third week of November to the last week of December - Spittelberg
Spittelberggasse, 1070 Vienna – Reachable by Tram (49, Stiftgasse exit) or by metro (U3, Neubaugasse station) – Get directions
approximately from the second week of November to the last week of December - Schonbrunn Christmas Market
Schonbrunn – Reachable by metro (U4, Schonbrunn station) – Get directions
from the third week of November to the last week of December
2 – Dinner and concert at the Kursalon
Photo by Diego Delso. You would like to celebrate in an exceptional location enjoying an “aristocratic” atmosphere
If the answer is yes, then consider taking part in the concert in the historic environments of the Kursalon in Vienna , enjoying the sweet notes of timeless masters such as Strauss and Mozart. For info: Strauss and Mozart: Christmas concert at the Kursalon.
It is possible to combine the concert with a high quality dinner in the Das Johann restaurant. For more info: Christmas dinner and concert at the Kursalon.
3 – Concert in the Church of San Pietro and visit to the cribs
Photo of Bwag. There is another absolutely interesting location in which to enjoy an exciting classical concert. We are talking about the Church of San Pietro. The Vienna Classic Ensemble offers interpretations of the works of famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach . The concert is also repeated on New Year’s Eve. For info: Christmas and New Year’s concert in San Pietro.
Furthermore, the interiors of the Peterskirche are even more evocative during Advent thanks to the traditional nativity scene exhibition set up inside.
4 – Admiring the city lights
Photo by Tupungato. Vienna during the Christmas period is filled with magic … and this thanks to its lights. There are tons of topical places . For example theBelvedere Palace . In the evening, when the sky turns twilight blue and the lights reflect on the water of the pond in front of it, it is possible to take truly wonderful photos.
To admire other lights, we recommend taking a walk starting from the Wiener Staatsoper , passing through Karntner StraBe to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, then along the Graben and over Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg Palace.
Don’t forget to walk the Ringstrasse , the wide avenue that surrounds the old city, lined with parks, five-star hotels, luxury shops and at least two Christmas markets (you can walk or use the Hop-on Hop-off buses) .
Finally, also the Rathausparkworth an evening stroll, with its nativity scenes, illuminated trees and ice skating rinks.
5 – Taste the typical specialties
Photo of Silar. For Christmas dinner, the traditional dish is carp, generally fried in breadcrumbs. However, in recent years, thanks to Anglo-American cultural influences, the habit of eating roast meat specialties has become more and more common (chicken or pork are the most popular alternatives). The whole period of Advent is characterized by the preparation of cakes, biscuits and other traditional baked goods.
Among other seasonal delicacieswe point out the Lebkuchen (similar to gingerbread, sold in various shapes, sizes and flavors), the Stollen (a cross between bread and cake, often stuffed with fruit and also typical of German countries), the Weihnachtskekse (typical Christmas cookies) and Spekulatius (a particular spiced biscuit with cinnamon and cloves also typical in the Netherlands).
Finally, on the streets of Vienna in winter, you will also find small stalls where you can buy roasted chestnuts , to accompany the Weihnachtspunsch (typical hot alcoholic drink).
6 – Christmas concert at the Wiener Konzerthaus
Photo of Dozor. The beautiful Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna Concert House), with its gilded ceiling filled with hanging chandeliers and red and gold details, is a fantastic setting for any concert, but at Christmas it’s especially special. Each December, the concert hall attracts acclaimed opera singers for its Christmas concert in Vienna, which has been held since 1992. Past performers include Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.
7 – Ice skating at the Vienna Ice World
Photo by Olivier Bruchez. Ice skating is very popular in Vienna in the winter and there are skating rinks set up all over the city during the winter months. One of the most spectacular is in the gardens of the Wilhelminenberg Palace and opposite the Rathaus. There are approximately 3,000 square meters of skating rinks in the area, which means this is no ordinary outdoor pop-up rink. Preheated ice skates can be hired and there is a practice area that can be used free of charge until 4pm on weekdays.
8 – Listen to the choir of “The little singers of Vienna”
The choir of “The little singers of Vienna” is the oldest and most famous children’s choir in the world. Its birth dates back to 1498, when Maximilian I replaced the traditional castrati choir, with young boys whose voices had not yet changed due to puberty.
You can hear the choir singing at the Christmas morning mass held at the Wiener Hofburgkapelle (Hofburg Chapel) in the Imperial Palace in Vienna.
Mass starts at 9:15 but to attend the concert it is necessary to book tickets well in advance (prices starting from € 12.00, for more info visit this site).
Which museums and attractions remain open
Unlike many other European cities,Most of Vienna’s attractions are open on Christmas and Boxing Day , including the Kunsthistoriches Museum, Belvedere and Schloss Schonbrunn. Some places may have a weekly day off that falls on a Christmas date or may limit visiting hours. For example, the Albertina Museum and the Hundertwasser Museum in the past have anticipated closing on December 24th at 14: 00/15: 00. We therefore recommend that you visit the official sites of the attractions of your interest, for updated information on the times observed.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Vienna
What means of transport are available
As Vienna’s attractions are quite spread out, it is inevitable that you will have to use public transport. The good news is that they remain active even during the Christmas holidays , albeit with reduced frequency.
Public transport continues on 24, 25 and 26 December. It is possible to easily access the main Christmas markets on foot or by using buses, subways and trams. Tram line D for example includes four of the largest markets: Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz, Karlsplatz and Belvedere.
- Recommended solutions : the most efficient public transport are metro and tram. The single ride costs € 2.20, the day ticket € 7.70.
- Useful passes and cards : To save on travel and museum entrances, we recommend purchasing the Vienna Card.
Climate in Vienna at Christmas
The climate in Vienna in December is very cold and wintry. Snowfall is frequent and temperatures fluctuate between a minimum of -4 ° C and a maximum of 7 ° C. You will need warm clothing, scarves, gloves and hats to beat the cold, but with the right clothing it will be a lot of fun to explore the city as the Christmas markets and lights unfold around you.
Christmas offers in Vienna: Flight + 4 nights in Hotel
- Low cost flights: Return flight Rome – Vienna from € 19.98 – look at the offers
- Where to sleep: 4 nights in the hotel from € 248.00 per room – see the offers
- Flight + hotel package :
Round trip flight + 4 nights / 5 days in 3/4 star hotel from 23 to 27 December – from € 408.00 per person – see the offer
Tickets, tours and bookable activities
We offer you some activities and tours to do in Vienna . Click on the tour you are interested in for more information or to book.
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