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Your ultimate Christmas travel guide to Vienna

Christmas in Vienna is a celebration of old-world elegance and festive warmth. The city glows with sparkling markets, imperial palaces dressed in lights, and the sound of carols and classical music filling the air.

Top things to do in Vienna during Christmas

Rathausplatz Christmas market in Vienna with illuminated decorations and festive crowds.

Explore the Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz

Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christmas Market is a magical festive wonderland with nearly 100 charming stalls, a towering Christmas tree, and dazzling lights set against the illuminated City Hall. It offers traditional crafts, seasonal treats, ice skating, and family activities, creating an enchanting holiday atmosphere.

Schonbrunn Palace illuminated with Christmas lights in Vienna.

Visit Schönbrunn Palace and its Christmas Market

The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market enchants with its imperial backdrop, 90 festive stalls, family-friendly rides, and traditional crafts. You can enjoy regional treats, live music, ice skating, and cozy workshops amid twinkling lights. To make it special, attend a Mozart & Strauss concert on Christmas day.

​Book your tickets to Christmas concert at Schonbrunn Palace

Christmas market stalls in front of the illuminated Upper Belvedere Palace, Vienna, Austria.

Explore the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

Surrounded by baroque architecture and aesthetic ponds, the market at Belvedere offers artisan goods and culinary specialties in one of Vienna’s most picturesque settings. The setting is super romantic and you can take home some high-quality handicrafts.

​Read more about Belvedere Palace Christmas

People ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park, New York City.

Go ice skating at Wiener Eistraum

The Wiener Eistraum is one of Europe's largest ice skating venues with four sprawling rinks, including elevated SKYRINKs and romantic ice paths winding through the lit Rathauspark. You can easily rent skates here and the atmosphere is lively with music and food stalls.

Museum of Natural History with Christmas market stalls in Vienna.

Take a winter walk through the Ringstrasse

Admire Vienna’s grand architecture illuminated for the holidays. From the State Opera House to Parliament and the Hofburg Palace — all aglow with festive lights. The route includes festive markets and beautifully illuminated luxury hotels, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere perfect for soaking in Vienna’s imperial holiday spirit.

Sachertorte chocolate cake slice with whipped cream on a plate.

Indulge in traditional Viennese desserts

At iconic spots like Demel and Café Sacher, you can savor melt-in-your-mouth Sachertorte, flaky apple strudel with vanilla sauce, and aromatic hot punsch (punch). The experience also often includes live classical music performances, warming fireplaces, and friendly service that embody Vienna’s rich café culture and holiday spirit.

Orchestra performing in Vienna's Musikverein Golden Hall.

 Attend a classical concert at Musikverein or St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Experience masterpieces by Mozart, Strauss, and festive compositions in magnificent historic venues like the Musikverein’s Golden Hall or the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s.

Christmas tram decorated with lights on a city street at dusk.

Board the Christmas Tram

Hop aboard Vienna’s vintage Christmas tram for a festive ride through the city’s glowing streets and markets. With twinkling lights, holiday tunes, and cozy charm, it’s a delightful way to experience the city’s Christmas magic.

Karlskirche illuminated at night, reflecting in a pond, Vienna, part of 24/48/72-Hour QueerCityPass.

Visit the Karlskirche Christmas Market

The Karlskirche Christmas Market, known as Art Advent, is set before the stunning Baroque Karlskirche church. It features around 80 artisanal booths showcasing unique, handcrafted crafts and organic local food. Besides the festive charm, the market also lives up to its reputation of being sustainable.

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna with gardens and cityscape in the background.

Day 1: Christmas Eve classics and palace visit

Morning: Ease into your day with breakfast at Café Central. Order a flaky pastry and rich coffee in a grand historic setting. Then wander the cozy streets of Innere Stadt where you can see the  twinkling window displays and festive lights along Kärntner Straße.

Afternoon: Head to Schönbrunn Palace for a guided tour stepping back into imperial winter wonderland style. Spend time exploring its Christmas market, where the warmth of mulled wine and sounds of live carols create a perfect festive mood against the baroque backdrop.

Evening: Reserve a table at Plachutta for classic Viennese boiled beef, hearty and comforting after a day of walking. Cap off the evening with a Christmas concert at Musikverein or St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Belvedere Palace with gardens in Vienna, Austria, featuring baroque architecture and manicured hedges.

Day 2: Christmas Day sparkle and cozy charm

Morning: Dive into the bustle of Rathausplatz’s Christmas Market over freshly baked vanilla kipferl and a cup of spicy punch. Then lace up for skating at Wiener Eistraum, gliding past twinkling trees and festive lights with Vienna’s City Hall as your dazzling winter backdrop.

Afternoon: Head to the Belvedere Christmas Village, a quieter escape filled with artisanal crafts and the soft shimmer of fairy lights. Warm up with lunch at Café Schwarzenbergelegant.

Evening: Wind down with a scenic tram ride circling the Ringstrasse, the city’s illuminated landmarks glowing in the winter twilight. Then savor iconic schnitzel at Figlmüller, where crispy coating and tender meat make for a legendary meal.

Practical tips for your visit

  • Arrive early at popular Christmas markets like Rathausplatz and Karlsplatz to skip the biggest crowds and enjoy relaxed browsing.
  • Pre-book ice skating and curling rinks, especially at Wiener Eistraum and MuseumsQuartier, as they fill up fast during weekends.
  • Explore less touristy markets such as Am Hof, Freyung, and the Art Advent at Karlsplatz for unique handicrafts and a more intimate atmosphere.
  • Warm up indoors at historic cafés like Demel, Café Central, or Café Sacher, where you can enjoy classic desserts and avoid long waits by reserving ahead.
  • Taste the Feuerzangenbowle drink (rum-soaked sugar caramelized over mulled wine) at the Christmas markets—it's a delicious local specialty and warming pick-me-up.
  • Beware pickpockets in busy areas; keep valuables secure and use front zipper bags or money belts.
  • Bring reusable water bottles and insulated mugs for your mulled wine and punch to stay eco-friendly and warm on the go.

Extend your visit till New Year’s Eve

Is New Year worth celebrating in Vienna? Absolutely! The Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Path) fills the streets with live music, waltz performances, and food stalls that keep the celebration alive well past midnight. Ring in the new year with fireworks over the Danube.

Frequently asked questions about spending Christmas in Vienna

Is Christmas a good time to visit Vienna?

Absolutely. Vienna is one of Europe’s most festive cities at Christmas, offering stunning markets, seasonal concerts, and a romantic winter atmosphere.

What is the weather like in Vienna during Christmas?

Expect cold weather with temperatures between 0°C and 5°C. Snow is possible, so pack warm layers, gloves, and comfortable shoes.

Are attractions open during Christmas?

Most major attractions remain open until the afternoon on Christmas Eve and reopen on December 26. Museums and markets may have shorter hours, so check schedules in advance.

Can I attend a Christmas Mass in Vienna?

Yes. St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Karlskirche both hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, often accompanied by beautiful organ music.

Are public transports running during Christmas?

Vienna’s public transport operates throughout the holidays, though frequencies may be slightly reduced on December 24 and 25.

What should I eat or drink during Christmas in Vienna?

Try traditional dishes like roasted chestnuts, punch (Punsch), and sausages from market stalls. For dessert, enjoy Sachertorte or Kaiserschmarrn in a Viennese café.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes, especially for concerts, palace tours, and holiday dinners. Many events sell out weeks ahead of Christmas.