Christmas Snow In Austria: A Winter Wonderland?

Austria is a popular destination for a winter getaway, with its snow-covered mountains, Christmas markets, and ski resorts. The country offers a magical experience during the Advent period, with its charming towns and cities lit up by Christmas lights and adorned with festive decorations. While there is no guarantee of a white Christmas, snow is common in Austria during December, and the country offers plenty of opportunities for skiing and other winter sports.

Snow in Austrian cities

Austria is a beautiful country with towering snowy peaks, lush mountain valleys, majestic imperial cities, and ancient castles. The country is even more gorgeous during Christmas, when it transforms into a giant, sparkling Christmas tree. The Christmas markets, the snow-covered landscapes, and the festive cheer make Austria a delightful destination during the holiday season.

Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a popular tourist destination during Christmas. The city has a range of attractions, from its famous Christmas markets to its impressive historical monuments.

Christmas Markets

Vienna's Christmas markets are a key attraction during the festive season. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, considered one of the most beautiful markets in the world, features wooden stalls lined with Christmas lights, selling everything from Christmas ornaments to mulled wine. The market is held under the watch of the impressive Gothic-style city council building, which adds to the magical atmosphere.

Snow in Vienna

Vienna experiences snow every year, with amounts ranging from 1 cm to over 2 meters. In recent years, it snowed on Christmas Eve in 2016, 2019, and 2021, and on Christmas Day in 2007 and 2021. The city's parks, seasonal markets, and surrounding hills look especially enchanting covered in snow.

Attractions

Beyond the Christmas markets, Vienna has plenty of attractions to offer during the winter. Visitors can explore the city's impressive architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Karlskirche church. They can also enjoy the city's famous coffeehouse culture, sample traditional Viennese dishes like Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel, and attend concerts of Mozart's music.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, the western city of Austria, is another excellent destination during Christmas. The city offers a mix of snow sports and cultural attractions.

Snow Sports

Innsbruck is known for its ski fields, and the Nordkette Cable Car takes passengers directly to them. Ski areas near Innsbruck include Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne. The city also has one of the steepest ski runs in Europe, making it a popular destination for experienced skiers.

Cultural Attractions

For those who prefer more gentle pursuits, Innsbruck offers stunning mountain views, impressive architecture, and delicious Austrian food and drink. The city's Christmas markets, held in the ancient cobblestone streets of the Old Town, are a highlight. The market comes alive at night, lit up with festive decorations, and filled with the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a charming city that comes alive during the holiday season.

Christmas Markets

Salzburg's Christmas markets are a delight for the senses, with the sounds of carolers and street musicians filling the air, and the sights of twinkling lights and decorated stalls. Visitors can sample traditional treats like marzipan, nougat, and Mozartkugel chocolates while wandering through the markets.

Attractions

Salzburg has a lot to offer beyond the markets as well. Visitors can explore the house where Mozart was born, wander through the picturesque Getreidegasse street with its stone arches and medieval covered walkways, and visit the Christmas Museum in Mozartplatz square.

Other Austrian Cities

Austria has several other charming cities that are worth visiting during Christmas.

Rattenberg

Rattenberg, Austria's smallest city, has a low-key Christmas market that comes alive at night. Lit only by candlelight, torches, and small open fires, the market offers a slice of European old-world charm. Visitors can warm up with a glass of Rattenberg's famous mulled elderberry "Advent Wine" and browse the unique handmade goods.

Ischgl

Ischgl, known as the "Vegas of the Austrian Alps," offers excellent skiing conditions and a unique shopping experience. The resort is connected to Samnaun in Switzerland, which is a duty-free zone. Visitors can ski between the two resorts and take advantage of the shopping discounts in Samnaun.

In conclusion, Austrian cities offer a delightful mix of snow-covered landscapes, festive markets, cultural attractions, and delicious food and drink during the Christmas season. Whether you're looking for snow-sports adventures or a cozy Christmas market experience, Austrian cities have something for everyone.

Christmas markets

In terms of the prettiest Christmas markets you can find in Vienna, these are easily the top three:

• Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz – The most famous Christmas market in Vienna, where you can buy all sorts of gifts and enjoy mulled wine. Come at sunset for an impressive tone overlaying the market.
• Christkindl Markt am Karlsplatz – Very accessible in the city centre, the church here is one of Vienna’s most recognisable landmarks and a beautiful one at that.
• Spittelberg – An easy walk from the Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, this market spans several streets in the extraordinarily quaint neighbourhood of Spittelberg. It is very picturesque and has great stalls for gifts for your friends and family.

In Austria, you’ll immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere during the Christmas season, brought to life by Christkindl and Christmas markets across the country. The cities twinkle with lights, while the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the festively decorated streets. Against the backdrop of grand palaces such as Schönbrunn or Grafenegg, you’ll experience a special blend of handicrafts, regional delicacies, and festive magic.

In rural areas, you’ll savour authentic specialties and feel the warmth of the people. These markets are more than just places to stroll – they create special experiences. You’ll discover handcrafted gifts and traditional decorations. Particularly away from the hustle and bustle, in small villages, you’ll sense the original charm of the Advent season, nestled in the winter landscape.

One of the most charming Advent markets is in St. Wolfgang, where you can experience regional traditions and authentic handicrafts, with the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang in view. In the Johannesbach Gorge near Würflach, Austria’s tallest decorated Christmas tree stands at over 20 metres high. Visitors can warm up by open fires and admire the craftsmanship of glassblowers and blacksmiths, alongside regional delicacies, gingerbread, and punch.

Skiing and snow sports

Austria is a popular destination for skiing in December, with the Alps being a big draw for snow sports enthusiasts. The country offers a range of resorts to suit different skill levels, from beginners to experts. December is a great time to visit for skiing, as it marks the start of winter in Austria, and conditions are suitable for skiing, especially in the mountains. However, as it is still relatively early in the snow sports season, more reliable snow can be found at higher altitudes.

One of the most famous resorts for skiing in Austria is Kitzbühel, which offers a challenging race course that scares even the best skiers. Kitzbühel also has a fairytale-like old town, perfect for a post-ski stroll and some Christmas shopping.

If you're looking for reliable snow conditions and want to avoid the crowds, Kühtai is a great option. Located 45 minutes outside of Innsbruck, this vast ski area is a favourite among locals. Kühtai is also home to the Jagdschloss, a ski-in/ski-out Habsburg hunting castle where you can dine, drink, or even spend the night.

For those seeking a more luxurious ski experience, Ischgl, a resort town in western Austria's Paznaun Valley, offers reliable snow conditions in December. As one of the highest ski areas in Austria, it boasts a long season and reliable conditions. Ischgl is also known as the "Vegas of the Austrian Alps," offering a vibrant atmosphere and a range of duty-free shopping options.

If you're staying in Vienna and want to fit in some skiing, the Zauberg Semmering ski area is just a 75-minute drive or a train ride away on the Semmeringbahn mountain railway. This ski area is best suited for beginners and intermediate skiers, offering a freestyle park, night skiing, ice skating, sledding, and more.

The western city of Innsbruck is another excellent destination for snow sports enthusiasts. The Nordkette Cable Car takes passengers to the city's ski fields, with nearby ski areas including Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne, one of the steepest ski runs in Europe.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that December is a popular month for skiing in Austria, so expect high prices and full hotels in ski resort areas. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance. Additionally, always check the Avalanche Risk Level and carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment if you plan to ski or snowboard off-piste.

Advent celebrations

Advent is a special time in Austria, where the country transforms into a festive wonderland. The four Sundays leading up to Christmas are celebrated with cosy traditions, from lighting candles to exploring Christmas markets. Here are some highlights of Advent celebrations in Austria:

• Advent Calendars: The anticipation of Christmas is built up with Advent calendars, which have "doors" that reveal chocolates or other treats for each day of December leading up to Christmas.
• Advent Wreaths: A wreath made of fir branches, decorated with ribbons, cones, and four candles. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit, signalling the countdown to Christmas.
• Christmas Markets: Almost every Austrian town has a "Christkindlmarkt" or Christmas market, featuring vendors selling festive decorations, handicrafts, and delicious treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
• Festive Treats: Austrians indulge in traditional Christmas cookies, such as Vanillekipferl biscuits, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and other delights like roasted almonds and hot Glühwein (mulled wine).
• Saint Nicholas Day: On December 6th, children put their shoes out and wake up to treats like chocolate, peanuts, gingerbread, and tangerines. Saint Nicholas, or a parent dressed as him, visits children and gives gifts to those who have been well-behaved.
• Krampus: Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Krampus, a furry devil figure, accompanied Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewarded good children, Krampus punished the naughty ones with a rod. Today, people dress up as Krampus and parade through towns, especially in the alpine regions.
• Christmas Decorations: Austrians decorate their homes with a mix of ancient and modern traditions. The traditional décor, known as Rauhnächte, includes fires, incense, sacred herbs, and palm branches. Electric candles and sparklers are also popular additions.
• Christmas Trees: Austrians set up Christmas trees adorned with decorations, sweets, and candles. The first documented Christmas tree in Vienna was in 1814, set up by socialite Fanny von Arnstein.
• Carols: One of the most famous Christmas carols, "Silent Night," was written in Austria in 1818. It is often sung during Advent, along with other traditional Christmas songs.
• Family Gatherings: Advent is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. On Christmas Eve, close family members come together, and on the 25th and 26th of December, extended families celebrate with traditional meals and gift exchanges.

Christmas traditions

Austria is a gorgeous country with towering snowy peaks, lush mountain valleys, majestic imperial cities, and ancient castles. The country turns into a giant, sparkling Christmas tree during Advent, from December 1st to the 24th.

Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season in Austria. The markets are filled with wooden stalls selling Christmas ornaments, handicrafts, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. The largest and most impressive market is held in the old town of Innsbruck, with other popular markets in Salzburg, Vienna, and Linz. The markets usually start in mid-November, celebrating the advent season with lights, decorations, food, and drinks.

Food and Drink

Austria has a variety of traditional foods and drinks during the Christmas season. Glühwein (mulled wine) is a popular drink, along with hot apple cider. Traditional foods include Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Schaumrollen (tube-shaped pastries filled with whipped cream or meringue), Langos (Hungarian deep-fried flatbread), and Lebkuchen (German/Austrian gingerbread cookies).

Perchtenlaufen

The Perchtenlaufen is a traditional procession of scary folktale characters in costume that takes place in the Alpine regions of Austria in early December.

New Year's Eve

Austria, especially Vienna, is known for its New Year's Eve celebrations, with fireworks displays and parties throughout the country.

Snow and Skiing

December marks the start of winter in Austria, bringing snow and ideal conditions for skiing and other snow sports. Popular ski resorts can be found in the Alps, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna.

Christmas Carols and Concerts

Christmas carols and concerts are a common tradition in Austria, with brass bands playing holiday hits and carolers dressed as angels.

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