Vienna, Austria: Christmas guide
There’s no better place to experience the christmas spirit than Vienna, a city that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With its charming christmas markets, cozy cafés and glittering lights, Vienna is the ultimate center of holiday cheer. Here's our guide to getting the most out of your christmas adventure in this beautiful city.
Christmas in Vienna in a nutshell
Favourite christmas markets - Spittelberg, Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Castle, Christmas village Schloss Belvedere, Christmas village Maria-Theresien-Platz, Christmas village Altes AKH, Art Advent Karlsplatz, Am Hof
Festive food & drinks - Mulled wine, punch & hot chocolate; Gröstl, Bauernkrapfen, Maroni, Langos, Knödl, Kaiserschmarrn
Unique experiences - Lightgarden Laxenburg, Igloo dinner, Gondola dinner, Afternoon Tea at Hotel Bristol, champagne brunch, Fondue, ice skating, Guglhupf Bar
Christmas lights in Vienna – Graben, Kärtner Straße, Kohlmarkt, Opera house
Where to stay - Hotel Motto, Andaz Vienna am Belvedere, Park Hyatt Vienna, Hotel Imperial, Hotel Bristol, The Ritz-Carlton Vienna, The Guesthouse Vienna
Traditional cafés - Konditorei Gerstner, Café Sacher, Demel, Café in the Art History Museum, Hawelka, Café Central
Where to eat - Meissl & Schadn, Roter Salon, Eugen21, Trattoria Martinelli, Regina Margherita, Chez Bernard, Das Loft
Weather in Vienna during Christmas – December in Vienna is usually cold. Expect occasional snow or rain, short daylight hours, and chilly winds, so dress in warm layers and enjoy the cozy charm of the city’s christmas lights and markets.
Favourite christmas markets
Vienna's christmas markets are the beating heart of its holiday celebrations, each offering a special experience. Whether you're searching for handmade gifts or want to enjoy seasonal treats, these christmas markets promise a delightful mix of tradition and magic:
Spittelberg: Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets lined with artisan stalls offering handmade arts, jewelry and decorations alongside delicious treats and mulled wine. A true hidden gem with a cozy vibe and the best “Kartoffelpuffer” place in Vienna.
Rathausplatz: Perhaps the most famous, this market is located in front of Vienna's City Hall. There are lots of stalls with great food & drinks, an ice skating rink and simply a magical fairytale atmosphere.
Schloss Schönbrunn: Located in the inner courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace, this market offers a royal ambience with all kinds of handmade crafts. It is a true winter paradise for all who love carousels, ferry wheels, ice skating and lots of fun during their christmas market visit. It’s also a great place for families.
Schloss Belvedere: A smaller christmas market in an idyllic location in front of Belvedere Palace. Perfect for a more quiet, picturesque experience that can be perfectly combined with a visit to one of Vienna’s most famous museums.
Maria-Theresien-Platz: Situated between Vienna's two major museums, this christmas market offers a mix of culture and festivity, with a focus on traditional Austrian arts and crafts in a beautiful atmosphere.
Altes AKH: A more laid-back, family-friendly market with plenty of space to stroll and enjoy delicious christmas treats.
Karlsplatz: Known for its artistic flair, this christmas market focuses on sustainable products and creative installations, paired with live performances and workshops.
Am Hof: Located in the center of the city this cristmas market is definitely perfect for a spontaeous visit while strolling through the main streets of Vienna. It is known for delicious food, great punch & mulled wine in a cozy atmosphere.
Festive food & drinks
Vienna’s christmas markets are not just about shopping – they’re a culinary paradise. Treat yourself on cold winter days with traditional Austrian specialties and hot drinks to keep you warm.
Hot drinks
Glühwein: A Christmas classic, available in red and white variations, often infused with spices like cinnamon.
Punch: From fruity options to punch with rum or amaretto – there’s something for every taste.
Hot chocolate: Often served with a festive touch — try one with liqueur for an extra kick!
Traditional treats
Gröstl: A satisfying dish of potatoes, bacon and onions. Simply perfect for a cold winter day!
Bauernkrapfen: Fluffy fried dough topped with jam, powdered sugar, or savory fillings.
Maroni: Roasted chestnuts sold fresh from the fire — simply irresistible.
Langos: Hungarian-style fried bread with toppings like garlic, sour cream and cheese.
Knödl: Dumplings filled with savoury or sweet fillings, from spinach to apricots.
Kaiserschmarrn: Shredded fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and fruit compote — a pure traditional Austrian comfort food.
Buchteln: a traditional austrian dessert baked in the oven with jam filling, usually served with vanilla sauce
Unique Christmas Experiences
To make your trip truly unforgettable, try one of these unique festive activities:
Lightgarden Laxenburg: Just around 30 minutes from Vienna, this magical light installation is a must-see for families and couples.
Ice Skating: There are two Christmas markets in Vienna with ice skating rinks - one in front of the Schönbrunn Palace and one in front of the city hall.
Igloo dinner: A cozy dining experience by Trattoria Martinelli in a winter igloo in the heart of the city. Definitely a great choice for dinner on Christmas Eve as well as New Year’s Eve.
Gondola Dinner: Enjoy a private raclette dinner with breathtaking views over the city in Vienna’s iconic gondolas on the Atmosphere Rooftop terrace by the Ritz-Carlton. Make sure to book this experience in advance as the gondolas are limited and it’s quite a very popular dinner event in Vienna.
Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a british afternoon tea at one of Vienna’s grand hotels, Hotel Bristol.
Champagne brunch: Celebrate the season with a festive brunch at Palais Coburg on every first Sunday of the Month featuring champagne and gourmet dishes in a royal ambience.
Guglhupf Bar: It opens during the winter months in the Salon Aurelie at the Rosewood Hotel in Vienna. You can try various traditional Austrian pieces of Guglhupf there. To round the experince up you can pair it with a cup of coffee, tea or afternoon cocktail.
Vienna’s sparkling christmas decoration
The city’s holiday lights create a magical atmosphere, especially in the evening. Make sure to visit these iconic locations:
Graben: Stunning golden chandeliers illuminate this bustling shopping street.
Kärtner Straße: Twinkling lights and festive shop windows make this place a must-see.
Kohlmarkt: Home to luxury boutiques, this street is elegantly decorated with many glittering lights.
Opera area: The Vienna State Opera is surrounded by festive decorations, perfect for a picturesque stroll. It’s home to Vienna’s most famous christmas decoration: the big red bow.
Where to stay
Vienna offers a variety of luxurious and stylish accommodations that perfectly complete the festive atmosphere. Here are some of the best options:
Hotel Motto: A boutique gem combining Parisian elegance with Viennese charm.
Andaz Vienna am Belvedere: Modern designed hotel with breathtaking views of the Belvedere Palace and a gorgeous rooftop bar with delicious raclette bread and Glühwein during christmas season.
Park Hyatt Vienna: Situated in a historic former bank, this hotel blends history with luxury. It’s located directly in the city centre, just across a cute christmas market and has a glamorous restaurant with a unique weekend brunch!
Hotel Imperial: A palace-like hotel offering old-world elegance and royal flair.
Hotel Bristol: Steps away from the Vienna State Opera with a british ambiance and a stunning design.
The Ritz-Carlton Vienna: Unparalleled luxury with a rooftop bar and christmas market that offers stunning city views and a christmas themed gondola dinner.
The Guesthouse Vienna: Modern and cozy, located in the heart of the city with great breakfast and stunning view of the Albertina.
Viennas traditional cafés
Take a break from exploring the city and warm up in one of Vienna's most popular cafés. These places are perfect for enjoying coffee and sweet treats while soaking up Viennese tradition:
Konditorei Gerstner: Known for its delicious pastries and luxurious interiors. Make sure to visit the second floor – It’s like a hidden space. They also serve delicious breakfast and brunch on Sundays.
Café Sacher: Home of the famous Sachertorte, a must-try for chocolate lovers. Even if nearly every café serves Sachertorte, it’s still a unique vibe to enjoy a piece of Austrias famous cake in the Café named after it.
Demel: This historic café has been serving exquisite cakes and pastries since ages. It’s especially known for the delicious Kaiserschmarrn to go, the perfect treat on christmassy winter evenings. The most special thing about Demel is that you can watch the Kaiserschmarrn being prepared from the street through a big window.
Café in the Art History Museum: Enjoy coffee surrounded by world-class art and stunning architecture. This is definitely one of the most beautiful cafés in the world. Please notice that you have to buy a ticket for the museum to enter.
Hawelka: A traditional café with a truly authentic Viennese vibe as well as delicious Apfelstrudel and Buchteln.
Café Central: One of the most iconic cafés in the city with grand interiors and a literary history. The atmosphere is simply stunning and it is definitely a must visit location in Vienna. However, be aware that this café is the most touristic one and there can be quite a long line for entering.
Where to eat
For a memorable dining experience, Vienna offers a variety of excellent restaurants that fulfill every taste:
Meissl & Schadn: Specializing in authentic Wiener Schnitzel and Austrian classics, it’s definitely a highly recommended dinner spot where you can watch the Schnitzel being prepared while waiting for your order.
Roter Salon: An elegant choice for fine dining in one of Viennas most famous hotels. They also offer a special christmas dinner during christmas holidays.
Eugen21: A modern interpretation of Austrian cuisine in a stylish ambience. In November and December, they also offer a cheese fondue inspired by the Swiss cuisine. Definitely a special dinner experience in Vienna that you should book in advance.
Trattoria Martinelli: Cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of the city with charming igloos as an additional dinner opportunity.
Regina Margherita: Perfect for pizza lovers seeking high-quality Neapolitan flavors. They also have a winter project where you can dine in cozy chalets.
Chez Bernard: French-inspired cuisine with fantastic rooftop views.
Das Loft: A gourmet restaurant offering panoramic views of Vienna's skyline. Also the perfect choice for a christmas dinner as well as a unique New Year’s Eve experience.
Seven North: Middle eastern cuisine with a modern touch and a sharing concept - perfect for a christmas dinner with friends or family.
Christmas in Vienna is more than just a trip – it’s an unforgettable experience full of festive joy, culinary delights, and magical sights. Whether you’re strolling through charming markets, enjoying hot drinks or admiring the twinkling lights, Vienna’s holiday spirit will leave you enchanted.
So grab a warm scarf, sip on a steaming mug of mulled wine and let yourself be carried away from Vienna’s festive magic. Merry Christmas and Frohe Weihnachten! 🎄