Vienna
Where history waltzes with beauty
Visiting Vienna at Christmas feels like stepping into a winter fairytale. The city’s historic charm is amplified by twinkling lights, festive music, and the warm glow of every Christmas market. With snow often dusting the rooftops and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, Vienna becomes one of Europe’s most magical destinations during the holidays.
One of the best things to do in Vienna at Christmas is to explore the many Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. The most famous is the Vienna Christmas Market in front of City Hall (Rathausplatz), featuring dozens of stalls selling handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and traditional decorations. Other beautiful markets include the Schönbrunn Palace market and the Belvedere Palace market, both offering a stunning backdrop for your holiday strolls.
In addition to shopping and sipping mulled wine, there are countless festive things to do in Vienna during December. Attend a classical concert in one of the city’s grand concert halls, or enjoy a Christmas-themed performance at the Vienna State Opera. Ice skating at Rathausplatz is another popular winter activity, especially magical when surrounded by glowing lights and joyful music.
Don’t miss the culinary side of the season — sampling warm apfelstrudel, fluffy Kaiserschmarrn, or a mug of glühwein is among the top things to do. Each Christmas market also features regional specialties, perfect for tasting your way through Austria’s festive traditions.
Whether you're wandering through a candle-lit Christmas market or soaking up the culture in a cozy café, Vienna offers an endless list of things to do that capture the spirit of the season. It’s a city that truly knows how to celebrate — refined, joyful, and wrapped in holiday magic.
VIENNA 3 DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Morning:
Arrive in Vienna. Check into your hotel.
Afternoon:
Stroll through the Historic Center (UNESCO site). Visit the beautiful St. Stephens Cathedral and Christmas Market.
Tip: Make sure you eat a sausage at one of Vienna’s many sausage stands.
As the night descends see the beautiful Christmas Lights as they illuminate the city.
Evening:
Start your Christmas market experience at the Vienna Christmas Village in front of the City Hall (Rathausplatz). Enjoy food, local sweat treats and Glühwein: hot wine, hot apple cider, or hot chocolate.
Alternatively visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and watch a concert.
DAY 3
Morning
Stroll through the Naschmarkt for local delicacies and souvenirs.
Afternoon
Visit Hofburg Palace
Evening:
Head to the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market, located between the two museums.
Top Tip: If you are short on time, or if you want the ease of moving between attractions why not try a Big Bus Tour. We did this in Vienna and found it really helpful to see everything we wanted that was a little further out then walking distance from our hotel.
DAY 2
Morning:
Visit the Belvedere Palace making sure to stop outside to see the Christmas Market.
Afternoon:
Take a trip to Schönbrunn Palace the most famous attraction in the entire city. The palace used to be the Summer home of the Habsburg monarchs. Tour the palace and gardens.
Visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn. Sample roasted chestnuts and strudel. Did you know Austria is the birthplace of Strudel? Probably explains why it tasted so good!
You can get to the Palace by public transport or via a Big Bus Tour.
Evening:
Explore the market at Karlsplatz, with its beautiful backdrop of the Karlskirche.
Alternatively visit Christmas Markets at Stephansplatz or Ringstrasse or enjoy a Schronbrunn Palace Concert.