The scenic city of Vienna is an excellent travel destination any time of the year. Still, it transcends into a magical experience that can forever etch itself on your heart in the wintertime. Picture the gorgeous and heartwarming festive decorations, the Christmas markets offering unique arts, crafts and delectable dishes, the ethereal concerts, the breathtaking scenery illuminated with Christmas lights, and the most exciting activities. Elevate your Christmas holiday with a trip to Vienna, Austria. If you’re still in doubt, join us as we reveal everything that will make your holiday truly memorable. You might like to also explore our range of Austria Holidays to help inspire your trip. If you are planning a holiday in Austria, read more:
Photo credit: Burben
The Best Christmas Markets to Visit
The perfect Christmas experience in Vienna isn’t complete without exploring the city’s best Christmas markets. Here are some you should visit.
Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market
The Schonbrunn Palace's courtyard transforms into a winter wonderland from November to January. A bustling market featuring about 80 gorgeously adorned stalls springs up, offering everything your coins can buy, from delightful dishes like roasted chestnuts to unique arts and crafts. Also, if it's a family trip, there are activities such as cookie decoration to keep your kids busy. The atmosphere feels otherworldly, with the palace as a stunning backdrop and a live music performance.
Spittelberg Christmas Market
The Spittelberg Christmas Market opens from November 16th to December 23rd every year. This Christmas market has an intimate and romantic atmosphere because it is smaller than other markets, occupying about three narrow cobblestone streets. At the Spittelberg Christmas market, you'll find top-quality handmade crafts, including ceramics and candles, local dishes, and drinks, accompanied by melodic live music.
Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square
The Christmas Village on Maria Theresien is just between the Natural History and Art History Museums. It is adorned with stunning Christmas decorations and the right music to create the perfect atmosphere. 70 stalls offer unique handmade items and local specialities, including delectable potato dishes. The market also provides many ways for visitors to be entertained, including live music performances and, on some occasions, ice skating.
Christmas Village Campus, University of Vienna
The Christmas Village Campus, University of Vienna, is situated at the picturesque park of the Altes Allgemeines Krankenhaus (Old General Hospital). At least 50 stalls are usually decorated with ornaments to match the festive period and offer a variety of items, including delicately designed crafts and traditional Austrian products. You can also find stalls that sell tasty Austrian dishes and mulled wine. If you're not satisfied with that, the Christmas village's location makes it easy to access several restaurants.
Photo credit: Krzysztof Kowalik
Other Fun Things to Do in Vienna During Christmas
Mark Attendance at Advent Concerts
A visit to Vienna, the concert capital of classical music, is only complete with enjoying a few concerts. Several concerts, including classical works, traditional carols, and orchestral performances, take place in different venues in the city. You can savour classical music at the Musikverein, one of the most reputable classical music venues, or orchestral presentations at the St. Stephen Cathedral.
Go Ice Skating
There are several ice rinks for your skating adventure in Vienna during Christmas. The most famous rink at this time is the Wiener Eistraum, just outside city hall—the illumination and the rolling trails appear as an otherworldly scene. You can enjoy ice skating here, regardless of your skills, and bask in stunning views of the lit city hall. You can also find another rink near Stadtpark or explore the smaller ones present in some Christmas markets.
Visit a Spa
Visiting a spa during winter in Vienna is highly recommended because you'll need all the warmth and rejuvenation you can get. After a long day of strolling markets and indulging in all the fun activities you can find, a visit to the spa will do a lot of wonders. Vienna has several high-quality spas, including Therme Wien Spa and the Grand Ferdinand Spa (located in the Grand Ferdinand Hotel), offering excellent treatments and breathtaking views.
Practical Tips for the Season
Book Early
Ensure you book early, from accommodation to tickets to events you'd like to attend. December is a busy period in Vienna, so make sure you decide on attractions you'd like to visit and places you'd prefer to stay during your trip and do what's necessary!
Dress Warmly and Comfortably
Christmas time is winter time, so before going out to explore, ensure that you're all layered up and wearing comfortable shoes (because there might be a lot of walking involved).
Use Public Transportation
Vienna is the sixth-largest city in Europe. While some of the famed markets are not far from each other, you may have to leave the city centre to visit at some point, and it could take a while to go from one place to another, which is why you should take advantage of public transportation. Vienna has an effective public transportation system with subways and buses.
Have Enough Cash
Many vendors at the various Christmas markets prefer to receive payments in cash. While some may be open to card payments, it's best to go with enough euros so you're not stranded or inconvenienced.
Create the Perfect Christmas Holiday
Christmas is the most spirited time of the year, and spending Christmas in Vienna takes the holiday celebration to ethereal heights. Explore the festive markets, visit the skating rinks and show off your skills—or the lack thereof, and relish numerous gingerbread cookies; it’s the holiday season, after all.
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