Things to Do in Vienna at Christmas

Vienna is a charming city, with a unique history and culture. It is one of Europe’s most visited cities and a must-see for those looking to experience true Austrian culture. Christmas in Vienna is an especially popular time of year to visit, as the city comes alive with festive decorations, activities, and events. From ice-skating and Christmas markets to candlelight concerts and traditional Viennese food, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.

History and Culture of Vienna

Vienna is the capital of Austria, and is located in the east of the country on the banks of the Danube River. It has been a major cultural center for centuries, and its imperial history dates all the way back to the 8th century. The city played an important role in European history and was the residence of the Habsburgs, who governed Austria from 1278 until 1918. Throughout its history, Vienna has been home to many famous composers, including Mozart and Beethoven. It is also known for its famous cultural institutions, such as the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and Vienna State Opera.

Today, Vienna is a vibrant city with a population of over 1.8 million people. It is home to many universities, museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions. It is also known for its high quality of life, ranking fourth in the world according to Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey. The city is also renowned for its coffee houses, pastries, and famous Viennese cuisine.

Vienna at Christmas

During the Christmas season, Vienna truly comes alive. The streets are filled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer. There are numerous activities for visitors to enjoy, from traditional Viennese markets to ice-skating rinks and candlelight concerts. Here are some of the best things to do in Vienna at Christmas:

Visit a Christmas Market

One of the most popular activities in Vienna during the Christmas season is visiting a traditional Christmas Market. There are several Christmas markets around the city, each with its own unique atmosphere. The most popular markets include the Belvedere Palace Market, which offers a festive atmosphere with handmade gifts and traditional Austrian food; the City Hall Market, which features over 150 stalls offering a variety of gifts and treats; and the Maria-Theresien Platz Market, which is one of the oldest markets in Vienna and offers beautiful decorations and seasonal treats.

Experience a Candlelight Concert

Another popular pastime in Vienna during Christmas time is attending a candlelight concert. These concerts take place in some of Vienna’s most beautiful churches and feature traditional Viennese music. The most popular venues for candlelight concerts include the Augustinerkirche, Michaelerkirche, Peterskirche, and Karlskirche.

Go Ice Skating

There are several ice skating rinks around the city where visitors can enjoy an afternoon or evening skating session. The most popular rinks include the Rathausplatz Ice Skating Rink near City Hall, which features an ice rink surrounded by festive decorations; the Glacis Beisl Ice Skating Rink in Glacis Park; and the Wiener Eistraum Ice Skating Rink near the Danube Canal.

Eat Traditional Viennese Food

No visit to Vienna is complete without tasting some of its delicious traditional dishes. During the Christmas season, visitors can enjoy special holiday treats like Sachertorte (a rich chocolate cake), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Kaiserschmarrn (a shredded pancake). For a truly authentic experience, visitors can visit one of Vienna’s many traditional restaurants or cafes where they can sample some of these delicious treats.

Sample Beer at the Schweizerhaus

The Schweizerhaus is one of Vienna’s oldest beer gardens and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. During the holiday season, it offers a unique atmosphere with a large selection of local beers on tap and traditional Austrian dishes like sausages, cheeses, pretzels, and more. It’s a great place to enjoy a beer and soak up some of Vienna’s unique culture.

Take a Tour of Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs and is now one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. Visitors can take a tour of the palace grounds, gardens, and interiors to get a glimpse into Vienna’s imperial past. During the holiday season, visitors can enjoy festive decorations and holiday markets inside the palace grounds.

Shop at Kohlmarkt

Kohlmarkt is one of Vienna’s oldest shopping streets and a great place to find unique gifts for loved ones during the holiday season. Visitors can find everything from Austrian-made chocolates and pastries to traditional clothing and souvenirs.

Attend a Church Service

Vienna is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful churches, many of which offer services during the holiday season. Visitors can attend church services at some of Vienna’s most famous churches such as St Stephen’s Cathedral or St Michael’s Church to get a glimpse into Viennese culture and tradition.

Book a Tour: Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Discover one of Europe’s most beautiful palaces on this tour of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. During this two-hour tour you will explore the palace grounds and gardens as well as learn about its imperial past. You will also have the chance to venture inside some parts of the palace such as the Imperial Apartments and Hall of Mirrors. This tour also includes admission to the Schönbrunn Zoo, where you can see animals from around the world including pandas and tigers. With this tour you will gain insight into Vienna’s imperial history as well as explore one of its most iconic attractions. Book your Schönbrunn Palace Tour today!

Book a Tour: Viennese Coffee House Tour

Experience Vienna’s famous coffee house culture on this two-hour tour of some of its most iconic coffee houses. You will explore some of Vienna’s oldest coffee houses as well as learn about their history and traditions. You will also have the chance to sample some traditional Viennese pastries such as Sachertorte (chocolate cake) or Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). This tour is perfect for those looking to experience Vienna’s unique coffee house culture in an intimate setting as you explore some of its oldest establishments with a local guide. Book your Viennese Coffee House Tour today!

Book a Tour: Arts & Culture Tour

Experience Vienna’s rich cultural heritage on this three-hour tour of some of its most iconic attractions. You will explore famous landmarks such as St Stephen’s Cathedral as well as learn about their history and significance in Vienna’s culture. You will also have the chance to visit some lesser-known attractions such as small galleries or local markets in order to gain an insight into everyday life in Vienna. This tour is perfect for those looking to experience Vienna’s unique arts and culture in an intimate setting with a local guide. Book your Arts & Culture Tour today!

Conclusion

Vienna at Christmas time is truly a magical experience. From visiting traditional Christmas markets to attending candlelight concerts or exploring Schönbrunn Palace – there are countless activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay in this charming city. Whether you’re looking for festive activities or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in Vienna during this special time of year.