13 Festive Things to Do in Vienna in December 2024 (original) (raw)
Vienna dresses up spectacularly for the holiday season. Christmas markets pop up across the city and illuminated chandeliers deck the main shopping streets.
This is the time for drinking Glühwein (mulled wine) and Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch) and eating Kartofelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Maroni (roasted chestnuts).
Advent festivities dominate the month. So, if you love all things Christmas, you’ll love visiting Vienna in December.
And if Christmas isn’t your jam, how about a pagan winter ritual? Keep reading to learn about the best things to do in the capital city of Austria in December.
Also check out our guide to visiting Salzburg in December and visiting Austria in winter.
- Vienna in December Map
- 1. Visit the Vienna Christmas Markets
- 2. The Ritz-Carlton Atmosphere Winter Market Rooftop Bar
- 3. Winter in the City at Haas & Haas
- 4. Advent Market in the Liechtenstein Garden Palace
- 5. Medieval Christmas Market
- 6. Perchtenlauf
- 7. Follow the Silvesterpfad
- 8. Soak in the Thermal Water of Therme Wien
- 9. Palais Auersperg’s Winter Garden
- 10. Vienna Palace of Justice Christmas Bazaar
- 11. IKEA husmas Market
- 12. Grafenegg Christmas Concert and Market Day Trip
- 13. Schloss Rosenburg Christmas Market Day Trip
- Vienna in December Weather
- Where to Stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets
- Vienna Travel Guides
- Christmas markets are called Christkindlmärkte in Austria.
- Austrians celebrate Christmas on December 24th (Christmas Eve).
- December 25th and December 26th are both public holidays.
- Most Christmas markets close on December 23rd, or December 26th. The exceptions are the Prater Winter Market (open until early January), Schönbrunn Palace Christmas and New Year’s Market (open until early January), and the Imperial and Royal Christmas Market at Michaelerplatz (open until early January).
- When purchasing Glühwein (mulled wine), or any other hot beverage, from a stand/stall in a Christmas Market, you pay a deposit (Einsatz/Pfand in German) for the mug (usually 3 EUR). You will receive the deposit back when you return the mug. Or, you can keep the mug as a souvenir and lose the deposit.
- On December 31st (New Year’s Eve), you can follow the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Eve Trail) through the inner district. Learn more in our guide to visiting Vienna in January.
1. Visit the Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna’s Christmas Markets are incredibly special because of their scenic locations. Some Viennese advent markets are located in front of palaces and churches, while others are located in historic squares and streets.
In Austria, Christmas markets are called Christkindlmärkte and Weihnachtsmärkte. Here are the most iconic Christmas markets in Vienna:
Karlsplatz Christmas Market | Google Maps
Freyung Christmas Market | Google Maps
Rathausplatz (City Hall) Christmas Market | Google Maps
Maria-Theresien Platz Christmas Market | Google Maps
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market | Google Maps
Altes AKH (Vienna’s Former General Hospital) Christmas Market | Google Maps
Spittelberg Christmas Market | Google Maps
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas and New Year’s Market | Google Maps
When to Visit the Vienna Christmas Markets
Late November until December 23rd, or December 26th.
Most Christmas markets in Vienna will close by December 23rd.The exceptions are the Prater Winter Market, the Schönbrunn Palace New Year’s Market, and the Imperial and Royal Christmas Market at Michaelerplatz , which are all open until early January.
2. The Ritz-Carlton Atmosphere Winter Market Rooftop Bar
During the Christmas season, The Ritz-Carlton in Vienna transforms its rooftop into a mini Christmas market.
This isn’t a substitute for visiting a Christmas market in Vienna, but rather a lovely addition. We come here for Glühwein and the city views.
You don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit.
The atmosphere is very peaceful, offering a lovely respite from the crowded Christmas hot spots in the city.
There are two hut vendors on the rooftop. One sells warm seasonal beverages like mulled wine and punch and the other sells potatoes with various fillings. The prices are higher than average, but the quality is far superior. E.g. It costs 7 EUR for a Glühwein.
Last year, the theme of the Atmosphere Winter Market was “Urban Après-Ski.” There are several 6-person “dining gondolas,” which can be reserved. Requirement: 100 EUR drink/food consumption per hour.
Dates | Early November – Late December.
Opening Times | The rooftop is open daily in the evenings. Check opening times.
Location | Schubertring 5-7, 1010 Wien | Google Maps
Entrance Fee | Free
3. Winter in the City at Haas & Haas
Any trip to Vienna will inevitably bring you to the first district and Stephansdom, aka St. Stephen’s Church, the very heart of the city.
In December, Stephansplatz, the pedestrian square surrounding the cathedral, hosts a Christmas Market. Over 20 stands sell food, drinks and Advent-themed souvenirs.
Given its central location, this Vienna Christmas Market can get very congested. If you want to escape the crowds, walk behind the cathedral and sneak into Winter in the City at Haas & Haas.
Here, a single stand sells high-quality Marillenpunsch (apricot punch), Gewürzpunsch (spiced punch), and Glühwein (mulled wine) as well as snacks (potato soup, Wachauer Laibchen bread with ham, and more) in the weather-protected inner courtyard of the Deutscher Ordenskloster (German Monastery).
It’s a secret, atmospheric spot in the very center of Vienna.
Dates | November 8 – December 31, 2024. The market is always closed on December 24th.
Opening Times |
- Mondays – Thursdays: 4 pm – 8 pm
- Fridays, Sundays, and Holidays: 2 pm – 8 pm
Location | Stephansplatz 4, 1010 Wien in the Haas&Haas Innenhof | Google Maps
Entrance Fee | Free
4. Advent Market in the Liechtenstein Garden Palace
The Liechtenstein Garden Palace Christmas Market (Advent im Gartenpalais Liechtenstein in German) is located in the 9th district. The Palace serves as the backdrop for this small, low-key market.
About 25 stands sell food and drinks, including Maroni & Erdäpfelspalten (chestnuts and potato wedges), Käse & Speck (cheese and bacon), O‘Donnald Liköre (Liqueurs), Feuerzangenbowle, Gebrannte Mandeln (roasted almonds), Bratwurst (sausage), Baumkuchen (log cake), Gourmet Punsch (punch), and Glühwein ( mulled wine).
In addition, there’s a Carousel and a nativity exhibition.
We like this Vienna Christmas market, because the atmosphere is subdued and laidback.
Dates | November 15 – December 23, 2024
Opening Times |
- Monday – Friday: 2 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
Location | Fürstengasse 1, 1090 Wien | Google Maps
5. Medieval Christmas Market
The medieval market (Mittelalterlicher Adventmarkt) takes place in late November and early December over the course of four days. All vendors are clad in medieval garb and sell medieval-themed crafts and goodies.
This medieval Christmas market is located both inside and outside the Museum of Military History. There’s no entrance fee to visit the museum while the market is open.
During your visit, you may see and hear market jugglers, fencing demonstrations, and musical acts. This is a great activity to do with kids in Vienna in winter.
Dates | November 30 – December 1, 2024
Location | Arsenal 1, 10
6. Perchtenlauf
One of the most interesting, albeit scary, things to do in Vienna in December is seeing a Perchtenlauf, or Perchten Parade.
The Perchten are monstrously-clad demonic figures, who drive out the evil spirits of the winter. Wearing large bells and dressed in frightening costumes, the Perchten perform their ritual of noise and light to an excited crowd.
Contrary to a Krampus, the Perchten tradition is a pre-Christian alpine ritual that happens across the Austrian and Bavarian Alps in December and January.
In Vienna, there is an annual Perchten parade in the Prater next to the Wintermarkt am Rieseradplatz (Prater Winter Market). Come at least 30 minutes before the start time to secure a place along the railing, so you can see the whole nightmarish festivity unfold. The event is free to attend.
Last year, there was also a Perchtenlauf at Karmelitermarkt in the second district.
7. Follow the Silvesterpfad
Each year, Vienna’s first district transforms into a huge street party. On New Year’s Eve, you can spend hours following the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Eve Trail) through Vienna’s inner district.
The path guides you to different stages featuring different types of live music. Along the path, there are food stalls selling mulled wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Admission | The event is free. You don’t need to purchase any tickets or make reservations to attend.
Count Down | No matter where you are, Strauss’ Blue Danube is played when the clock strikes midnight (24 Uhr). And in true Viennese style, everyone dances the waltz into the New Year. For the best view of the fireworks, head to the Rathaus.
Start Time | The New Year’s Eve trail begins at 2 pm
End Time | The New Year’s Eve trail ends at 2 am
Where | Vienna’s first district
8. Soak in the Thermal Water of Therme Wien
Therme Wien is a massive thermal spa complex in Vienna, bordering Kurpark Oberlaa. In fact, it’s the largest Therme in Austria.
The 75,000 m² spa comprises 26 indoor and outdoor pools, 18 saunas, multiple relaxation zones, a fitness center, treatment center, and canteen-style restaurant. The facilities are immaculate.
The day spa is conveniently located at the Oberlaa U1 station on line 1 of the Vienna U-Bahn. It only takes 15-20 minutes to get here by transit from the city center.
Visiting Therme Wien is an authentic introduction to Austrian spa culture. This is not a tourist attraction. Locals of all ages visit Therme Wien to soak in thermal water, swim, sweat in saunas, and get massages. There are adults-only spaces and pools and areas designed for children.
It’s possible to purchase 3-hour entry tickets, day tickets, or after-work tickets (6 pm till closing). For the most enjoyable experience, get the “Relax! One Day Holiday” ticket.
You can also book massages and other treatments.
Learn More: How to Visit an Austrian Therme
9. Palais Auersperg’s Winter Garden
Palais Freiluft Winteredition
Palais Auersperg is a baroque palace in the 8th district of Vienna, close to the Rathaus (City Hall) and Maria-Theresien-Platz.
During the advent season, Palais Auersperg hosts a hip winter market in their private garden, which they call Palais Freiluft.
To find the market, enter the palace at the corner of Lerchenfelder Strasse and Auerspergstrasse. You will pass through a few rooms, some occupied by fashion/arts & crafts vendors, before reaching the garden.
Palais Freiluf is bordered by a handful of stands selling drinks, but some food as well.
We really enjoyed the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Since very few people know about this secret garden, it’s not overly crowded.
Dates | November 23 – December 23, 2024
Opening Times | 4 pm – 10 pm
Location | Auerspergstraße 1, 1080 Wien | Google Maps
Entrance Fee | None
10. Vienna Palace of Justice Christmas Bazaar
The Justizpalast, built in 1881, is one of Vienna’s most picturesque buildings, featuring a Renaissance-style interior with a grand entrance hall. Every year, the Palace of Justice hosts a Christmas Bazaar.
All the products sold are handcrafted by prison inmates.
The income generated by the bazaar helps fund the rehabilitation programs of Austrian prisons. The profit goes back into purchasing new materials to keep the inmates occupied.
Everyone who enters the Palace of Justice must pass through a security check.
Before leaving, head up to the rooftop canteen for a bite to eat, or simply the city view.
Dates | This event usually occurs at the very end of November, or early December.
Location | Schmerlingpl. 10-11, 1010 Wien | Google Maps
Entrance Fee | None
11. IKEA husmas Market
If you find yourself shopping on Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s longest shopping street, or near the Westbahnhof train station, you may want to venture up to IKEA’s rooftop for a view of the city coupled with a budget-friendly (3 EUR) winter drink (alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks available).
The IKEA rooftop Christmas market comprises six Swedish wooden huts, which have been made available to small Viennese businesses, and a curling rink.
In addition, the IKEA husmas market hosts a festive program with free workshops, including decorating cookies, constructing gingerbread houses, and making Advent wreaths.
On Tuesday, December 13th from 6 -7 pm, the Swedish Santa Lucia Choir, made up of 40 singers, will perform traditional Swedish songs in the IKEA restaurant and roof terrace. No registration is required.
The IKEA rooftop is located on the 7th floor. You can take an elevator to the 4th floor and then hop on another elevator to the 7th, or walk up the stairs from the 4th floor to the 7th floor.
Dates | Mid November – Late December
Opening Times |
- Monday – Thursday: 4 pm – 8 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 2 pm – 8 pm
- Closed on Sundays
Location | IKEA Einrichtungshaus Wien Westbahnhof, Europaplatz, Vienna | Google Maps
Entrance Fee | Free
12. Grafenegg Christmas Concert and Market Day Trip
Grafenegg is a castle complex located in Lower Austria.
During select days in December, Grafenegg hosts a large, pay-to-enter Christmas market with 140 stalls. The market extends across the castle grounds into the castle square and interior.
Bonfires and strings of fairy lights illuminate the castle and park. Musicians enhance the atmosphere. And, vendors sell high-quality local goods. You’ll find the products here are a step up from the average Austrian advent market.
To make your Grafenegg day trip extra special, we recommend attending the classical Christmas concert (Weihnachtskonzerte) in the evening.
Definitely purchase your tickets in advance. When you attend the concert, entrance to the Grafenegg Christmas market is included.
Location | Grafenegg, Lower Austria | Google Maps
13. Schloss Rosenburg Christmas Market Day Trip
Schloss Rosenburg is a notable Renaissance castle in Lower Austria.
During Advent, Schloss Rosenburg transforms into a dreamy Christmas greeting card, come to life. The pay-to-enter Christmas market, formally called the “Waldviertler Christkindlmarkt at the Rosenburg,” fills the rooms of the castle with seasonal handmade gifts.
In the various castle rooms, you’ll find local food products, art, Christmas decorations, toys, and more.
The castle square is a vibrant gathering place for feasting on regional specialties like Feuerfleck and drinking mulled wine.
When you need a break from walking and standing, you can grab refreshments at the tavern, or the coffee and cake room (second level).
Based on our experience, we highly recommend eating outside and not in the tavern. The proportions served in the tavern were appallingly meager.
Location | Schloss Rosenburg, Lower Austria | Google Maps
How to Get to Schloss Rosenburg from Vienna | Driving is easiest, but you can reach Rosenburg by train. From Wien Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof take a train to Hadersdorf/Kamp Bahnhof (1 hour). At Hadersdorf/Kamp Bahnhof, take a second train to Rosenburg/Kamp Bahnhof (30 minutes). Use the Oebb website to plan your trip.
Vienna in December Weather
The temperature drops in December, but it’s not excruciatingly cold. The average daytime temperature vacillates between 1°C (33.8°F) and 6°C (42.8°F). At night, the temperature ranges from -3°C (26.6°F) and 2°C (36°F).
Bring a big warm winter coat, a hat, a scarf, and warm winter boots. It can snow in December, but the snow never lingers for very long.
Where to Stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets
The vast majority of Vienna’s Christmas markets are located within the 1st district, the historic center of Vienna. Unsurprisingly, the best place to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets is the 1st district.
Our favorite luxury hotels in the city center are The Amauris Vienna, Hotel Imperial, The Guesthouse Vienna, Hotel Zur Wiener Staatsoper, Hotel Sacher Wien, Almanac Palais Vienna, and Rosewood Vienna.
Beyond the expensive first district, we recommend staying in the 7th district, home to the Spittelberg Christmas Market. Check out Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna, Hotel Sans Souci Wien, and Hotel Gilbert.
The 9th district is also a great base, as it neighbors the 1st district and boasts two of its very own Christmas Markets: the Altes Akh Christmas Market and the lesser-known Liechtenstein Garden Palace Christmas Market. Take a look at Harmonie Vienna (midrange) and Roosevelt Stadthaus (luxury).
Also check out these great midrange accommodations close to the 1st district: Parkview Boutique Apartments (3rd district) and ARTIST Boutique Hotel (midrange)
For more guidance on districts and neighborhoods, read our guide to where to stay in Vienna.
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