15 best things to do in Vienna during Christmas time

Christmas time in Vienna is simply magical. If you’re looking for unforgettable experiences, the city has so much to offer during the Advent season. From Christmas markets to cozy punch terraces and walks through the illuminated city, there are countless things to put you in the holiday spirit.

In this article, I’ve put together the top 15 things you shouldn’t miss in Vienna at Christmas. Let the festive atmosphere work its magic on you and explore the city during this beautiful time.

Before you go, also read my post on all the things you need to know before visiting Vienna this Christmas.

1. Discovering Vienna’s Christmas Markets

Let’s start with the reason so many visitors come to Vienna during Christmas time: the Christmas Markets! Or as we lovingly call them here: “Christkindlmärkte“. They’re just a must-do for the season, and with about 20 different markets, it’s actually tough to choose one.

Every year, I try to visit as many Christmas markets as possible – not just because I write about them, but because I simply love them! The lights, the carefully decorated stalls, and the festive atmosphere always put me in the Christmas spirit.

But which Christmas market shouldn’t you miss? To make things easier, here’s a small selection of my favorites:

Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz

Probably the most famous Christmas market in Vienna and, for me, one of the most beautiful. Yes, I know some Viennese might roll their eyes and to be honest, it can get really overcrowded, but it’s a classic that you simply have to experience at least once. The City Hall makes for a stunning backdrop and there are so many fun things to do there – I personally love it!

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung

Just a few minutes from Rathausplatz, you’ll find the exact opposite on Freyung: a small, traditional market with a nostalgic feel. No rides or blinking lights here, just lovingly designed stalls and Austria’s longest (painted) nativity scene.

Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien

Not directly in the Inner city, but close enough for a detour, this Christmas market is just a 10-minute walk from the Votive Church. Located in the middle of the university campus, it really does feel like a small Christmas village to me. There are plenty of things for kids to do here, too.

Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg

The narrow streets around Spittelberg are transformed into a Christmas village at Christmas time. I particularly love the inner courtyard of the Amerlingbeisl and the little store “Im siebten Himmel” – I could spend hours browsing here!

Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn

The elegant Schönbrunn Palace makes for a beautiful setting and this year they’ve a brand-new concept and have added more attractions for everyone: a Ferris wheel, carousels, curling, a small skating rink, and more. It’s simply gorgeous!

2. Ice Skating with a fairytale backdrop

With the opening of the Christmas market at Rathausplatz on November 15, 2024, the “Eistraum” (Ice Dream) returns! For now, it’s only the “small version” on the paths in Rathauspark, but it’s still magical to skate in front of the festively lit trees and the City Hall. From January, the entire Rathausplatz transforms once again into Vienna’s largest ice rink!

OPENING HOURS:
November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025: daily from 10 am to 10 pm
December 24, 2024: 10 am to 6:30 pm
Closed on December 31, 2024
The “large” Eistraum opens January 23, 2025

TICKETS:
Available online and on site
Adults: € 10 (€ 9 online), children (born 2010 and later): € 7 (€ 6,30 online), Seniors: € 7,60
Free entry to kids’ skating area!

ICE SKATE RENTAL:
Sizes 35-52: €9 (€8 online), sizes 23-34: €5.50 (€4.90 online)
Adjustable double runners and helmets for children can be rented for free!

My tip: If you just want to give it a quick try, there’s a last-minute ticket for free from 9:30 pm.

Beyond Eistraum, other nice ice rinks in Vienna include the Wiener Eislaufverein (Lothringerstrasse 22, 1030 Vienna) and Engelmann Ice Rink (Syringgasse 6-14, 1170 Vienna). This year, the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace also features a small ice-skating rink (artificial ice) with a view of the palace.

3. Admire the Christmas lights

When Vienna’s Christmas lights are officially switched on November 15, the city transforms into a festive wonderland. I especially love the huge chandeliers on Graben and the twinkling lights on Kohlmarkt. Kärntner Straße is also beautifully lit, and at Neuer Markt, you’ll find the elegant Sisi stars. The big red baubles on Rotenturmstraße are also real eye-catchers.

Did you know that the lights in Annagasse are the first notes of “Silent Night”!

My tip: While you’re there, check out Annakirche (Anna Church) – a hidden gem and truly beautiful.

4. Discover Festive Decorations

While Vienna may not compete with the decorations in London or Paris, there are still many beautiful spots worth visiting. My absolute favorite is the giant red bow opposite the Opera House at the corner of Kärntner Straße and Walfischgasse – probably Vienna’s most photographed Christmas spot. For the perfect, crowd-free photo, come by early in the morning.

Right next door, you’ll find Café Gerstner (Kärntner Straße 51), which I highly recommend. The large Christmas tree on the facade is always a highlight! Conditorei Sluka (Kärntner Straße 13 -15) also celebrates with giant gingerbread men, and don’t miss the festive decor outside the Hotel Sacher (Philharmoniker Straße 4). This year the Casino Wien (Kärntner Straße 41) also joins in with holiday decorations.

5. Warm up with punch or mulled wine

What would Advent be without hot punch or mulled wine? Vienna’s Christmas markets have a great selection – from classic orange punch or mulled wine to unique flavors like wild berry, mojito, coconut, or even Mozart or Sisi punch. My favorite? The alcohol-free baked apple punch!

My tip: At many markets, you get your punch in special mugs designed each year. You pay a deposit (between €3 and €5), which you get back if you return the mug, or you can keep it as a lovely souvenir of Christmas in Vienna.

I especially love the mugs from the Christmas Villages (at Campus Universität Wien, Stephansplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz, and Belvedere). At Rathausplatz, there’s even a dedicated stand (No. 69) where you can buy different mugs as souvenirs and at Weihnachtsmarkt Schönbrunn you can get some at the info stand near the entrance (€ 9 – € 11).

There are also plenty of punch stands, terraces, and rooftop bars around the city where you can enjoy a hot drink together with a great view of the city or a wonderfully cozy atmosphere.

Some of my favorite spots are:

• Terrace at the Skybar at Steffl department store (Kärnter Straße 10, 1010 Vienna) – Panoramic lift from outside to the top floor
• Klyo Wien – Punch terrace (Uraniastraße 1, 1010 Vienna)
• Haas & Haas Winter in the City (Stephansplatz 4, inner courtyard)
• Lucullus Punch Terrace (Neulinggasse 29, 1030 Vienna)

6. Enjoy the Variety of Food at the Christmas Markets

Strolling across the Christmas markets makes you hungry – luckily, you can find a wide selection of food there! From roasted almonds and hot chestnuts to gingerbread, Baumkuchen, Kaiserschmarrn, waffles, and sweet dumplings, there’s something for everyone. For savory tastes, you’ll find raclette bread, soups, cheesy spaetzle, sausages, Langos, baked potatoes, and more.

7. Try Curling

Some Christmas markets have curling lanes – so grab your friends or family members, rent a lane, and you’re in for a fun afternoon! Give it a try; it’s so much fun!

Markets with curling lanes include:

• Winter im Museumsquartier
• Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn
• Weihnachtsdorf am Campus Universität Wien
• Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz

8. Shop for Christmas Decorations and Gifts

Christmas shopping is part of the Christmas fun too – and Vienna has fantastic options! Besides the well-known shopping streets like Kärntner Straße, Graben, or Mariahilfer Straße, I love wandering through smaller streets and discovering new shops. But I can also recommend places like Neubaugasse, Wollzeile or Währinger Straße for shopping.

My favorite store for Christmas decorations is “Im siebten Himmel” at Spittelberg. You’ll find everything here, from ornaments to tea, soaps, candles, and Italian specialties (Schrankgasse 12, 1070 Vienna).

Another special place for Christmas decorations is the stand at the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on Freyung. Each year, I treat myself to a unique piece for my tree.

You’ll also find lovely concept stores in Neubaugasse and Kirchengasse for creative gift ideas.

9. Enjoy delicious Kaiserschmarrn at Cafe Demel

Kaiserschmarrn is one of my absolute favorite desserts, and the one from Cafe Demel is especially delicious! You can enjoy it in the café or as a to-go treat. Watching it being prepared through the large window is a real delight that will make your mouth water!

My tip: If you’re there, take a moment to explore the café itself—a beautifully traditional Viennese coffee house. The shop is decked out for the holidays with elaborate decorations, making it well worth a visit just to take in the festive display.

10. Take a Break at a Coffee House

After a long walk through the wintry city and the Christmas markets, there is hardly anything better than taking a break at a café. With a hot chocolate or tea and a delicious piece of cake or strudel, it becomes even more cozy.

As mentioned, I really love Café Gerstner (Kärntner Straße 51), but Café Landtmann (Universitätsring 4) – try the apple strudel – across from the Rathausplatz Christmas market, or Café Diglas on Wollzeile 10, are also cozy spots I enjoy visiting again and again.

11. Attend a Christmas Concert

Nothing brings you into the Christmas spirit like festive music, and Vienna offers many concerts during Advent. Especially the Advent concerts in Vienna’s beautiful churches, for example at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, are particularly enchanting. The acoustics and ambiance make for an unforgettable holiday experience.

12. Day Trip to Salzburg

If you’ve explored Vienna and still can’t get enough of Christmas markets, why not take a day trip to Salzburg? It’s about a three-hour journey by train or car and absolutely worth it. Last year, we enjoyed visiting three Christmas markets in the city center and wrapped up the day with a magical time at the Hellbrunn Christmas Market.

We visited these Christmas Markets in Salzburg, which I can absolutely recommend:

• Salzburger Christkindlmarkt am Dom- und Residenzplatz
• Sternadvent
• Weihnachtswunderwelt St. Peter
• Hellbrunner Adventzauber Christkindlmarkt

We didn’t manage to visit the Salzburger Festungsadvent – but have to make up for it next time .

13. Visit the Christmas Markets in Lower Austria

Lower Austria also boasts some truly charming Christmas markets. Whether at the romantic Grafenegg Castle or other picturesque venues, these markets have a unique charm all their own. Just note that some of these markets are only open on one weekend during Advent, so plan accordingly!

14. Explore Vienna’s Museums

If the weather isn’t nice or you need a break from the winter chill, Vienna’s museums are the perfect place to warm up and explore. With options ranging from art and history to nature, there’s something for everyone. The hardest part will be deciding which museum to visit first!

To help you decide, here are my favorite museums in Vienna:

• Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum): impressive artworks and stunning architecture
• Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum): focus on nature and science, similar awesome architecture
• Wien Museum: fantastic journey through Vienna’s history
• Albertina: stunning art and historical rooms

15. Learn more about Vienna with guided tours

During the colder months (but of course not only then), guided tours through Vienna’s remarkable buildings are highly recommended. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Vienna State Opera
• Austrian Parliament and Palais Epstein – find everything you need to know in my article “The Parliament in Vienna – Your Guide to the free tour”
• Vienna City Hall (free)
• Burgtheater

I hope I was able to give you some inspiration for a magical holiday season in Vienna. Do you have any questions or need more tips? Feel free to reach out – I always love hearing from you!