Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a magical destination all year round, but it truly becomes enchanting during Christmas. With its festive markets, colorful lights, and historic traditions. This capital offers a holiday experience like no other.
If you’re looking for a perfect Christmas destination, this Vienna Christmas Travel Guide will show you why it should be at the top of your list. Here are our top 5 reasons why Vienna is the ultimate place to spend the holidays.
Vienna is famously known for its amazing Christmas markets. These markets, known as Christkindlmärkte, are amongst the best in the world. The most popular ones are the Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz and the market at Schönbrunn Palace.
The atmosphere here is truly magical and something that will definitely get you into the holiday spirit. You can wander through beautifully decorated stalls. The stalls sell many different items including beautiful handmade Christmas decorations, mouthwatering food and delicious hot drinks.
The aroma of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and gingerbread fills the air, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Tip:
We suggest visiting early in the evening and staying late to see the market all lit up with fairy lights. Make sure to try some of the traditional hot food that they sell in the many stalls.
Also, this is the perfect place to buy some stunning souvenirs. This market is truly exceptional and something that we will remember forever. You don’t necessarily have to celebrate Christmas to visit this market. As even just strolling through and enjoying some food and drinks can make you have the ultimate experience.
There is something for everyone and we definitely recommend that you visit it at least once in your life.
Vienna is definitely the city that just came out of a fairytale, especially in winter. During this season, you can ice skate in this stunning city in a wonderful setting. The Rathausplatz transforms into a huge outdoor skating rink, known as the Wiener Eistraum (Vienna Ice Dream).
It is perfect for not only experienced skaters but also for beginners. The surrounding atmosphere is magical all around. Everywhere is covered with twinkling lights and festive music, perfect to get you into the mood. Skating here feels like stepping into a winter wonderland.
There, you can try something new, that can make you laugh and cheer up as a family, a couple or even on your own as you will definitely meet some interesting people here.
Tip:
Rent skates at the venue if you don’t have your own. Be sure to book tickets in advance during peak times. Even though ice skating is not our cup of tea, we still highly recommend it at least to try it.
It is a fun experience and will surely leave you forever lasting memories. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing, comfortable enough to move around but at the same time thick enough to keep you warm. Also, it can get very cold in winter so we highly recommend that you take thermal clothing to enjoy your stay comfortably.
Vienna’s streets come to life with dazzling decorations during the holiday season. The city’s stunning historic buildings and avenues are filled with sparkling lights and festive displays. The Graben and Kärntner Strasse are especially stunning during these times. Every corner of the city transforms into a picture-perfect holiday card.
From giant chandeliers hanging above to streets to beautifully decorated shop windows, Vienna’s festive charm will definitely leave you in awe. Even though a lot of cities decorate for the holidays, Vienna surely takes it to the next level.
Moreover, the weather puts you more in the holiday mood. When we visited, it started snowing a bit during times and when you wake up you usually find everywhere covered in a small layer of snow. This was truly an extraordinary experience for us.
Tip:
Make sure to take a stroll at night to enjoy the lights without too many crowds. If you love photography, ensure to take a good camera with you as to be able to capture some of the best shots especially when it gets dark.
You should also definitely allocate time during your visit to just wander through the streets and enjoy the beauty of the city not just the famous attractions. Here you will be amazed how every corner of every street has its own stunning view.
Vienna is a city that is famous for music, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to enjoy it. During this season there are several performances such as classical concerts, opera performances, and holiday-themed shows. The most famous highlights of the city are the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the Vienna Philharmonic.
If you celebrate Christmas, you can also attend Christmas Mass in one of Vienna’s stunning churches, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The combination of music and architecture creates an unforgettable experience. This place will definitely make you feel grateful for where you are and what you have in the moment.
Tip:
If you plan to visit one of the popular performances make sure to buy tickets in advance. These usually sell out months in advance so if you decide to go make sure to book the earliest possible.
We suggest taking a look at their website to see which ones interest you the most as well as to check out prices and be able to book online.
This city is a paradise for food lovers all year round, however during Christmas it definitely takes it to the next level. Some of the popular festive treats include Krapfen (filled doughnuts), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), and rich hot chocolate.
However, you surely can’t visit Vienna and not try the delicious Schnitzel and traditional sausage. These dishes can be found in many restaurants surrounding the city, at different price points. If you are on a budget, we suggest doing some research beforehand as some restaurants that are targeted for tourists are usually more expensive and less authentic.
The stalls in the Christmas markets usually sell all of this delicious food and many more. We also suggest trying some street vendors as they normally sell at a good price, are delicious and have good portion size.
Tip:
We highly recommend visiting some cafeterias to relax and try some delicious treats. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on the traditional Sachertorte. This iconic chocolate cake, is known for its dense texture and rich taste. It is made with a layer of apricot jam and typically topped with a smooth dark chocolate icing.
Here is definitely not the place to count your calories but rather to enjoy, try new things and just live in the moment.
This city definitely knows how to celebrate the holidays. From its world-famous markets to stunning decorations and delicious treats, Vienna offers the ultimate holiday experience that’s both heartwarming and unforgettable.
It’s also the perfect time to visit some of the city’s most amazing attractions, such as its stunning castles and historic buildings. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or simply on your own, you will surely find something to do, and Vienna’s charm will make your Christmas truly special.
For more holiday inspiration, be sure to check out our recent posts on the great cities of Florence, Paris, and La Rochelle. Don’t forget to follow our Vienna Christmas Travel Guide for all the best tips to make your festive visit unforgettable!
We are Martina and Cyprien, a long-distance couple with a passion for travelling.
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