19 Festive Things to Do in Vienna at Christmas

Vienna is one of the most magical cities to visit during Christmas time. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with beautiful lights, festive markets, and cheerful holiday spirit.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do in Vienna at Christmas, from traditional markets to ice skating rinks and charming coffeehouses.

We’ve already been to Vienna twice during the Christmas season and already looking forward to our next visit! It’s truly impossible to get enough of this beautiful city during the holidays.

In this ultimate Vienna Christmas guide, we’ll share our favorite festive activities in the city to make the most of your Christmas trip to Vienna.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Vienna Christmas Guide – Quick Tips

If you’re planning to visit a handful of attractions, you can save money by purchasing a Vienna PASS. It includes free entry to many famous attractions, unlimited rides on hop-on hop-off buses, and skip-the-line entry to various attractions.

Best Things to Do in Vienna at Christmas

1. Visit Vienna’s most famous Christmas market at the Rathaus

Located in front of the City Hall, the Rathausplatz Christmas market is hands down the most famous Christmas market in Vienna and it should be on the top of your list.

It features over 100 stalls every year, with local vendors selling beautiful ornaments to hang on your Christmas tree, delicious snacks like crispy oven potatoes, and warm mugs of mulled wine.

Across the street in Rathaus Park, the trees are brought to life with glittering lights, a nativity trail, and a Ferris wheel. It’s a real winter wonderland!

I recommend avoiding weekends if possible, as it can get quite crowded. But if you do end up going on a weekend, don’t let the crowds deter you – it’s worth braving through for the festive experience.

2. Ice skate at Rathausplatz

After wandering through the market, head to the ice skating rink on the left side of the Rathausplatz for some fun on the ice. It’s not the biggest rink but the backdrop is unbeatable – the beautiful City Hall lit up with twinkling lights.

From the beginning of January (after the Christmas market is finished), the whole area in front of the City Hall is turned into a huge two-story ice rink so in case you’re visiting after Christmas, you still have a chance to ice skate here. You can either bring your own skates or rent them at the rink.

Even if you don’t skate, it’s still fun to watch others glide on the ice while enjoying some hot cocoa or roasted chestnuts from the nearby stands.

3. Stroll along the illuminated Graben and Kohlmarkt

If you’re looking for the most beautiful Christmas lights in Vienna, head to Graben and Kohlmarkt. These two shopping streets are decked out in stunning lights and decorations, making for a perfect evening stroll.

Start at Graben, it’s a beautiful area lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings that have now turned into high-end retail brand stores. Suspended between each side, you’ll be blown away by the 250,000 LED lights made into the shape of chandeliers.

Afterward, you can move on to the Kohlmarkt, which is at the end of Graben. The lights here are just as impressive, with a canopy of golden stars lighting up the street. The street leads to the famous Hofburg Palace so the view is truly breathtaking.

Kohlmarkt

4. Attend a traditional Christmas concert

Vienna is known as the “City of Music” so attending a classical music concert is definitely one of the best things to do in Vienna during Christmas!

If you want to attend one of the popular concerts, you have to book your tickets well in advance as they tend to sell out quickly during the holiday season.

Here are some of the most beloved options:

5. Enjoy the Christmas market at Stephansplatz

Stephansplatz is one of Vienna’s latest Christmas market additions. It’s a bit smaller than some of the others, with about 40 stalls, but it has a more traditional ambiance.

The coolest thing about the Christmas market here is that it sits right in front of the Gothic-styled St.Stephen’s Cathedral. You can enjoy your snacks and mulled wine while admiring the stunning architecture.

Try to get your hands on some of the handcrafted chocolates they sell at the stalls when you’re there, they are absolutely delicious!

If you’re already here, you can also climb up to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for the most beautiful panoramic views of Vienna.

Actually, you have two options – climbing the 343 steps of the South Tower or taking a lift to see the view from the North Tower. I actually can’t decide which one I liked more so if you have the time, I definitely recommend doing both!

6. Collect the cutest mugs from the different Christmas markets

Did you know that every Christmas market in Vienna has its own unique mug design? Best of all, you can actually keep the mug and take it home with you as a souvenir!

When you’re buying your first round of drinks at the market, you have to pay an extra €5 for the mug. After you’re done, you can either return the mug and get your €5 deposit back or you can keep it and take the mug home.

Make sure to have cash with you as some markets do not accept card payments and the deposit for the mug almost always has to be paid in cash.

The mugs are usually made of ceramics and designed with unique festive features and creative Christmassy elements. Every year, the designs of the mugs change, so if you go back the following Christmas, you can expect completely new designs and more mugs to collect.

7. Experience the charm of the Karlsplatz Christmas market

Right in front of the stunning Karlskirche, you’ll find another one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna. The Karlsplatz Christmas market has a magical, cozy feel to it that’s hard to replicate at other markets.

Here, you’ll find over 80 stalls selling locally crafted items, from gifts to organic foods. What I love about this Christmas market is that all stalls are run strictly by Austrian people, and the goods they sell must be made by themselves. It’s a wonderful way to support local businesses and artists.

Other than the market stalls, there are also some nice things to see in the area, like a little farm with animals the hosts set up and the stunning Baroque Karlskirche Church.

8. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city center

Taking a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the city center is hands down one of the most festive things to do in Vienna at Christmas. This experience is offered throughout the year in the city, but there’s a charm to it during Christmas, especially when snow falls.

You can find the carriages lined up outside of Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or any other major tourist spot in the city. There are two options for the route – a shorter 20-minute ride typically costs €60 while a longer 40-minute ride costs €105.

It’s definitely not the cheapest activity, but it’s worth it for the experience and the views of Vienna decked out in Christmas lights. Plus, you’ll have a cozy warm blanket to snuggle under while you take in the sights and sounds of the city.

9. Explore the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Situated in front of the fabulous Belvedere Palace, this Christmas market in Vienna might just have the most enchanting backdrop of them all! The palace itself is a stunning Baroque masterpiece, and during Christmas, it’s lit up in the most magical way.

The market usually has around 40 stalls selling traditional Austrian foods, drinks, and handmade crafts. It has a cozy, intimate feel to it and is a great place to escape the crowds at some of the other markets.

Don’t forget to visit the Belvedere Palace itself while you’re here. The palace has two separate buildings with beautiful gardens in between, and during Christmas, they are also adorned with festive lights and decorations.

10. Snap a photo with the giant bow at Popp & Kretschmer

Talking about amazing holiday decorations in Vienna, you can’t miss the massive red bow in front of Popp & Kretschmer. It’s a high-end Austrian fashion boutique, and it goes all out with its festive decorations every year.

The giant red bow is now an iconic symbol of Christmas in Vienna, and you’ll see everyone take a photo with it. It’s also an excellent place to stop for some luxury shopping if that’s your style.

11. Pop into Gerstner

While you’re at it, make sure to also stop by Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcke. This beautiful cafe is just around the corner and also has some fantastic holiday decor that’s worth checking out. The inside is also really pretty if you want to sit down for a coffee and cake break.

Pro tip: You can also attend a baking show at Gerstner, where you can learn how to make traditional Viennese desserts and pastries and of course, sample them afterward!

12. Visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace

If you want to combine a Christmas market with a bit of history and culture, then the Schönbrunn Palace market is perfect for you. The palace itself is one of Vienna’s top tourist attractions, and during the holiday season, it turns into a magical winter wonderland.

In front of the palace, you’ll find over 80 stalls selling traditional Austrian food and drinks, as well as handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. There is also a huge Christmas tree in the middle and if you’re lucky, you can catch one of the festive concerts or performances that take place here.

This is one of the most family-friendly Christmas markets in Vienna, with a dedicated children’s menu and lots of fun activities for kids.

If you have the time, also make sure to take a tour inside the palace itself. You can either tour the rooms on your own or you can join a skip-the-line guided tour to learn more about the history and secrets of Schönbrunn Palace.

13. Enjoy the Winter Wonderland at Schönbrunn Palace

Although the Christmas market is really beautiful, my favorite part of Schönbrunn Palace during the holidays is the Winter Wonderland. This is a separate area from the market (located in the Crown Prince Garden) and it’s like stepping into a fairytale.

The whole garden is filled with stunning light installations – you can walk through a tunnel of light, enjoy a light show on the palace facade, and feel like you’re in a magical winter forest.

Winter Wonderland is open from mid-November until all the way to early February, so even if you miss the Christmas markets in Vienna, you can still visit this beautiful place.

14. Stroll through the Christmas market at Maria-Theresien-Platz

This market is located between two of Vienna’s most famous museums – the Naturhistorisches Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

It’s smaller compared to some of the other markets, but it has a unique charm to it that makes it worth a visit. You’ll be able to pick up some fantastic festive souvenirs here from one of the 70 stalls, from snow globes to boxes of chocolates.

Last time we visited, they also had the cutest mug designs so it’s definitely worth a stop to add to your collection!

If you’re already in Maria-Theresien-Platz, you can easily combine a visit to the Christmas market with one of the museums nearby. This is hands down one of the best things to do in Vienna in winter, especially when you want to escape the cold.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the world’s most renowned art museums, housing a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from various periods. It’s also home to one of the most stunning cafes in Vienna!

On the other hand, the Naturhistorisches Museum is an impressive natural history museum with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to gems and minerals.

Both museums are great choices but a fair warning, both of them are massive! So unless you want to spend a whole day exploring, I would recommend choosing only one.

15. Try the Sacher Torte at the famous Cafe Sacher

Vienna is famous for its delicious desserts, and one of the must-tries is the Sacher Torte. This rich chocolate cake with apricot jam filling was invented over 180 years ago by Franz Sacher and it’s one of my favorite desserts of all time!

Today, you can find many places in Vienna that claim to have the best Sacher Torte but I recommend heading to Cafe Sacher. This historic cafe is located inside Hotel Sacher and the interior is just simply stunning! The entrance of the hotel is also beautifully decorated for Christmas with two giant nutcrackers standing guard.

Chances are you’ll have to wait in line to get a table if you turn up without a reservation, but it’s definitely worth it. You can also order a cup of hot chocolate or coffee to go with your cake – perfect for warming up on a cold winter day!

16. Pop into the most beautiful cafes in Vienna

Vienna is celebrated globally for its amazing cafe scene. Aside from Cafe Sacher, there are plenty of other charming cafes in Vienna that are worth checking out during the holiday season.

One of my favorites is Demel, a traditional cafe and confectionery that dates back to 1888. It’s decked out in festive decorations and their pastries are just as beautiful as they are delicious.

They are mostly famous for their Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dessert that is like a fluffy shredded pancake with raisins and topped with powdered sugar. It’s absolutely heavenly and perfect for sharing!

As you might have guessed, the cafe is pretty popular in the holiday season so the lines can get quite long. But trust me, it’s worth the wait – and as a bonus, you can watch how the Kaiserschmarrn is made through a glass window while you wait.

Another must-visit cafe is Cafe Central, which has been around since 1876 and was frequented by famous figures such as Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky.

The inside of the cafe is absolutely beautiful, with high ceilings and grand chandeliers. Plus, their desserts are to die for!

Cafe Central

17. Sample the traditional Christmas market food and drinks

Of course, no visit to the Christmas markets in Vienna is complete without sampling some of the traditional food and drinks on offer. There are plenty of options to choose from, but here are a few must-tries:

  • Glühwein: This is a hot mulled wine that is perfect for warming up on a cold winter day.
  • Käsespätzle: This is a traditional Austrian dish made of noodles and cheese. It’s similar to mac and cheese but with a unique twist.
  • Langos: This Hungarian street food has become popular in Vienna as well. It’s basically fried dough topped with various delicious toppings (my go-to is the original with sour cream and cheese).
  • Kartoffelknödel mit Sauerkraut: This is a hearty dish of potato dumplings served with sauerkraut and sometimes also meat.
  • Raclette: This is a must-try for cheese lovers! It’s basically melted cheese on top of a slice of bread, sometimes with added toppings like ham or bacon.
  • Germknödel: This is a fluffy yeast dumpling filled with plum jam and topped with poppy seeds. It’s a popular dessert at the Christmas markets.
  • Lebkuchen: These are traditional spiced gingerbread cookies that can be found in all shapes and sizes at the markets. Perfect for snacking while you explore!
  • Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy shredded pancake served with various toppings like fruit compote, nuts, and powdered sugar.
  • Maroni: Chestnuts roasted on an open fire – a classic Christmas treat!

18. Explore the lesser-known Christmas markets at Am Hof and Freyung

If you want to go off the beaten path and hit up some of the Christmas markets that not many tourists get to see, look into the ones held at Am Hof and Freyung.

The Am Hof Christmas market has up to 75 stalls selling a mix of ornaments and foods, some of which you can walk inside. They’re like little stores, which is rare for most fairs in Vienna!

The Christmas market at Freyung has a strong emphasis on selling decorations, many stalls offer ornaments that you can hang up in your home. Plenty of live music and children’s shows are hosted daily, which are fantastic to watch.

19. Walk through the stunning Ferstel Passage

When you’re strolling between Christmas markets, make sure you take the Ferstel Passage in Vienna’s Old Town. This walkway opens through the dazzling Ferstelpalais and is filled with cute cafes and artisanal stores.

At Christmas time, it’s even more magical with the addition of twinkling lights and festive decorations. It’s definitely a hidden gem that not many tourists know about, so it’s the perfect place to take a break from the crowds and enjoy some quiet holiday cheer.

Tips for Visiting Vienna in December

  • Wrap up and don’t forget your jacket. Vienna gets incredibly cold during December! The temperatures range between 5°C (41°F) and 0°C (32°F). I would consider bringing gloves and a hat too, but if you forget, you can just buy one when you get here.
  • Book your hotels in Vienna well in advance. This is one of the city’s busiest periods because of the Christmas markets, so everywhere sells up so fast. Plus, properties tend to shoot their prices up because they know people are willing to pay more to be in the city then. If you need help choosing where to stay, check out my post about the best places to stay in Vienna.
  • If you’re worried about big crowds at the Christmas markets, try going earlier in the day or during the week. These are the times that people tend to visit less.
  • Make sure to always have cash with you, as many stalls at the Christmas markets don’t accept card payments.
  • To save yourself some time, use the U-Bahn to get around. This is Vienna’s metro system – it’s connected to all corners of the city, and you’ll be able to go everywhere on this list using it.
  • If you have plans to dine at any well-known restaurants or cafes, I highly recommend you reserve your table in advance. Spaces book up super fast in December since there are so many tourists passing through the city. Everyone has the same idea, so get there fast!
  • A good chunk of establishments are closed on Sundays, even in December, so plan accordingly.

Planning a trip to Austria?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Austria. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!


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