Vienna transforms into a magical winter wonderland during December, offering visitors a wealth of festive experiences and cultural delights. The Austrian capital’s elegant streets come alive with twinkling lights, the aroma of mulled wine, and the sound of classical music floating through the air. From world-renowned Christmas markets to stunning baroque palaces adorned with holiday decorations, Vienna in December is a feast for the senses and a testament to the city’s rich heritage.
As the birthplace of classical music and the heart of the former Habsburg Empire, Vienna boasts an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and seasonal charm. Whether you’re admiring the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, ice skating in front of the Rathaus, or indulging in a slice of Sachertorte at a traditional Viennese café, December in Vienna offers a truly enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.
Vienna’s christmas markets: rathausplatz to schönbrunn palace
No visit to Vienna in December is complete without exploring its famous Christmas markets. These festive gatherings have been a tradition for centuries, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit while shopping for unique gifts and sampling delicious seasonal treats.
Christkindlmarkt at rathausplatz: austria’s largest advent market
The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Vienna’s Christmas markets. Set against the backdrop of the magnificent City Hall, this market boasts over 150 stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Austrian delicacies. The towering Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of lights, serves as a focal point for the festivities.
Visitors can enjoy ice skating on the expansive rink, sample glühwein (mulled wine) from decorative mugs, and listen to choral performances that echo through the square. For families, the Christkindlmarkt offers a dedicated children’s area with carousel rides and a nativity scene trail through the surrounding park.
Belvedere palace’s baroque christmas village
For a more intimate and refined Christmas market experience, head to the Baroque Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace. This market offers a picturesque setting with the stunning palace as its backdrop, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Artisanal crafts and gourmet food products take center stage here, with a focus on high-quality, locally-sourced items.
As you stroll through the market, you’ll find unique gift ideas such as hand-blown glass ornaments, organic cosmetics, and artistic jewelry. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture a photo of the palace’s reflection in the adjacent lake, especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
Maria-theresien-platz market: art history meets festive cheer
Nestled between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum, the Christmas market at Maria-Theresien-Platz offers a perfect blend of culture and holiday spirit. This market is known for its artistic flair, featuring stalls with handmade crafts, contemporary design objects, and unique Austrian souvenirs.
Take a break from shopping to admire the impressive statue of Empress Maria Theresa, illuminated with festive lights. The market’s central location makes it an ideal stop while exploring Vienna’s museum quarter, allowing you to combine art appreciation with holiday shopping.
Schönbrunn palace: imperial christmas experience
For a truly regal Christmas market experience, visit the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides an imperial backdrop for a market that focuses on traditional handicrafts and culinary delights. The market’s layout, with the palace façade as its centerpiece, creates a sense of stepping back in time to the grandeur of Habsburg Christmases past.
Visitors can enjoy classical music performances , watch artisans demonstrate their crafts, and sample Austrian specialties like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) and Erdäpfelpuffer (potato pancakes). The market is particularly magical after dark when the palace is illuminated, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Classical music and opera performances in december
Vienna’s reputation as the world capital of classical music shines brightest during the festive season. December offers an abundance of concerts and performances that showcase the city’s rich musical heritage.
Vienna philharmonic’s new year’s concert at musikverein
While technically taking place on January 1st, the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert is one of the most anticipated events of the season. Tickets are notoriously difficult to obtain, with a lottery system in place due to high demand. However, the orchestra also performs preview concerts on December 30th and 31st, offering a chance to experience this world-famous event.
The concert, held in the opulent Golden Hall of the Musikverein, features a program of waltzes, polkas, and marches by the Strauss family and their contemporaries. It’s a celebration of Viennese musical tradition that’s broadcast to millions worldwide.
Strauss & mozart concerts at kursalon wien
For a more intimate classical music experience, attend a concert at the Kursalon Wien. This beautiful Renaissance-style building hosts daily performances featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart, performed by the Salonorchester Alt Wien. The concerts often include ballet and opera performances, providing a comprehensive showcase of Vienna’s classical arts.
The Kursalon’s elegant interiors and central location in the Stadtpark make it a perfect venue for experiencing the magic of Viennese classical music. Many concerts offer dinner packages, allowing you to combine fine dining with world-class music.
Vienna boys’ choir at MuTh concert hall
The angelic voices of the Vienna Boys’ Choir are a highlight of the city’s musical calendar, especially during the holiday season. Their December performances at the MuTh Concert Hall feature a repertoire of classical pieces, folk songs, and Christmas carols. The choir’s history dates back to the 15th century, making it a living testament to Vienna’s musical legacy.
Attending a Vienna Boys’ Choir concert offers a unique opportunity to hear one of the world’s most renowned choral groups in their home city. The intimate setting of the MuTh Concert Hall ensures an unforgettable acoustic experience.
Vienna state opera: festive season highlights
The Vienna State Opera pulls out all the stops for its December program, featuring a mix of beloved classics and special holiday performances. From Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” to Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” the opera house offers a diverse range of productions to suit all tastes.
For a truly Viennese experience, try to secure tickets for a performance of Johann Strauss II’s operetta “Die Fledermaus,” which is traditionally performed on New Year’s Eve. The opulent interiors of the opera house, combined with world-class performances, make for an unforgettable evening of high culture.
Winter activities and attractions in vienna
Beyond the Christmas markets and concert halls, Vienna offers a variety of winter activities and attractions that showcase the city’s charm during the colder months.
Ice skating at wiener eistraum in rathausplatz
From late January through February, the Rathausplatz transforms into a winter wonderland with the Wiener Eistraum (Vienna Ice Dream). This expansive ice skating complex features a main rink in front of the City Hall, as well as winding ice paths through the surrounding park. It’s a magical setting for both experienced skaters and beginners.
Rental skates are available on-site, and the rink is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. Even if you don’t skate, the festive ambiance and food stalls make it worth a visit. It’s an excellent way to embrace the winter season in the heart of Vienna.
Prater wintermarkt: amusement park winter wonderland
The Prater, Vienna’s iconic amusement park, takes on a special charm during the winter months. The Prater Wintermarkt offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and carnival atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy festively decorated rides, including the famous Riesenrad Ferris wheel, which offers panoramic views of the city’s winter landscape.
The market features traditional Christmas stalls selling handicrafts and seasonal treats, alongside the park’s year-round attractions. It’s an ideal destination for families, offering entertainment for all ages in a whimsical setting.
Danube river winter cruises: city lights tour
While summer might seem like the obvious time for a river cruise, winter offers a unique perspective on Vienna’s riverfront. Evening cruises along the Danube provide stunning views of the city’s illuminated landmarks, from the modern Danube City to the historic city center.
Many cruise operators offer special winter packages that include warm beverages and traditional Austrian snacks. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle and appreciate Vienna’s architectural beauty against the backdrop of twinkling lights.
Culinary delights and festive treats
Vienna’s culinary scene comes alive in December, with seasonal specialties and festive treats available throughout the city. From cozy coffee houses to gourmet restaurants, there’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in Austrian gastronomy.
Viennese coffee houses: café central and café sacher
No visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing its famous coffee house culture. In December, these elegant establishments offer a warm refuge from the cold, serving as social hubs where you can linger for hours over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.
Café Central, with its vaulted ceilings and marble columns, has been a meeting place for intellectuals and artists for over a century. Try their Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or Kaiserschmarrn for a taste of traditional Viennese desserts.
Café Sacher, located in the Hotel Sacher, is the birthplace of the world-famous Sachertorte. This rich chocolate cake with apricot jam is a must-try, especially when paired with a melange (Viennese-style cappuccino).
Traditional austrian christmas dishes at plachutta
For a hearty Austrian meal, head to Plachutta, renowned for its Tafelspitz (boiled beef). During the holiday season, they offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional dishes like roast goose and venison. The warm, wood-paneled interiors create a cozy atmosphere perfect for a festive dinner.
Don’t forget to try some of Austria’s excellent wines with your meal. The country’s wine regions produce exceptional white wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, which pair beautifully with seasonal dishes.
Glühwein tasting tour: from karlsplatz to spittelberg
Embark on a self-guided glühwein tasting tour to sample different variations of this beloved winter warmer. Start at the Art Advent market in Karlsplatz, known for its artisanal approach to Christmas markets, and make your way to the charming Spittelberg quarter.
Each market puts its own spin on glühwein, offering different spice blends and even fruit variations like apple or cherry. Be sure to try Punsch as well, a rum-based alternative to glühwein that’s equally popular at Vienna’s Christmas markets.
Naschmarkt’s winter specialties and gourmet stalls
Vienna’s largest outdoor market, the Naschmarkt, is a food lover’s paradise year-round, but it takes on a special charm in winter. Stroll through the market to discover seasonal specialties like roasted chestnuts, winter vegetables, and preserved fruits.
Many of the market’s gourmet stalls offer holiday gift baskets filled with Austrian delicacies, making it an excellent place to pick up edible souvenirs. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of Austria’s famous cured meats and cheeses, perfect for creating a winter picnic.
Cultural events and exhibitions in december
Vienna’s cultural calendar is packed with events and exhibitions during December, offering visitors a chance to delve deeper into the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Kunsthistorisches museum: “bruegel to rubens” winter exhibition
The Kunsthistorisches Museum, housed in a palatial building on the Ringstrasse, hosts special exhibitions during the winter months. In recent years, these have included comprehensive showcases of Flemish masters like Bruegel and Rubens. The museum’s permanent collection, including works by Vermeer, Dürer, and Titian, is equally impressive.
Take advantage of extended evening hours on Thursdays to explore the museum’s treasures after dark. The ornate interiors, adorned with holiday decorations, create a magical atmosphere for art appreciation.
Museumsquartier’s “winter im MQ” festival
The MuseumsQuartier, Vienna’s vibrant cultural complex, hosts the “Winter im MQ” festival throughout December. This event transforms the courtyard into a winter wonderland, with art installations, light projections, and pop-up bars serving creative winter cocktails.
The festival provides a contemporary counterpoint to Vienna’s traditional Christmas markets, attracting a younger crowd with its innovative approach to winter entertainment. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience Vienna’s modern cultural scene while enjoying festive activities.
Advent concerts at st. stephen’s cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s most recognizable landmark, hosts a series of advent concerts throughout December. These performances, ranging from organ recitals to full choral works, showcase the cathedral’s magnificent acoustics and provide a moment of reflection amidst the holiday bustle.
The cathedral’s Gothic architecture, illuminated for the season, creates a stunning backdrop for these concerts. Attending a performance here offers a chance to experience the spiritual side of Vienna’s Christmas traditions in a truly awe-inspiring setting.
Vienna in December is a city of timeless elegance, where history and tradition blend seamlessly with modern festivities. From the glittering Christmas markets to world-class cultural events, the Austrian capital offers an enchanting winter experience that captures the true spirit of the holiday season.
As you explore Vienna’s festive offerings, you’ll discover a city that embraces its imperial past while looking confidently towards the future. Whether you’re savoring a slice of Sachertorte in a grand café, applauding at the Vienna State Opera, or simply strolling through illuminated streets, December in Vienna promises memories that will last a lifetime.