Exploring Austria's Christmas Vacation Options

Austria is a popular destination for a Christmas vacation, with the country transforming itself into a giant, sparkling Christmas tree during the Advent period from 1st to 24th December. There are plenty of ski resorts to choose from, with some offering their own train stations and direct trains from Munich. You can also enjoy an evening of waltzes and a delicious meal in the 'Das Johann' restaurant.

Christmas in Austria is a magical experience

There are plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit in Austria. You can enjoy an evening of waltzes and a delicious meal at the 'Das Johann' restaurant. Or, if you're looking for a more active experience, you can ski across the beautiful country. There are even direct trains from Munich to ski resorts just south of Salzburg, such as Schladming and Badgastein, which are two of the five large ski areas that form the huge Skiamade ski network.

If you're looking for a bargain, it's worth booking in advance as you can get good discounts on rail tickets. You can book up to 92 days in advance, and it's always best to check both the Austrian and German rail sites as one may have a better rate. The period before 22nd December is also considered low season, so you can find good discounts on hotels and short breaks.

So, whether you're looking for a relaxing evening of waltzes and fine dining or an active ski trip, Christmas in Austria is sure to be a magical experience.

Getting to Austria for Christmas

Austria is a great place to spend Christmas, with the country transforming itself into a giant, sparkling Christmas tree during the Advent period from 1st to 24th December. If you're thinking of heading to Austria for the festive season, here's some information to help you plan your trip.

Travel

Austria is well-connected by rail, with good connections to Germany and other neighbouring countries. You can often get discounts for advance booking, and it's worth checking both the Austrian and German rail websites as one may have a better rate than the other. It's best to avoid resellers like RAILEUROPE and rail passes like EURAIL, as these can be expensive and not offer good value. If you're travelling to a ski resort, it's worth checking if it has its own train station, as some do. There are also direct trains from Munich to places like Schladming and Badgastein, two of the five large ski areas that form the Skiamade ski network.

Accommodation

If you're looking for a bargain, the period before 22nd December is considered low season, so you can often get good discounts on hotels and other accommodation. This is a great time to visit if you're looking for a short break of 3-4 days.

Activities

Austria is a great destination for a range of Christmas activities. You can enjoy skiing, of course, but there's also the chance to experience traditional Austrian culture with waltzes and operas by Strauss and Mozart, as well as delicious meals in restaurants like 'Das Johann'. And don't forget to try some of the country's famous Christmas markets, where you can sample local delicacies and pick up some unique gifts.

Christmas discounts in Austria

Christmas is a great time to visit Austria, with its Christmas markets, lights, seasonal treats, and sales.

Vienna is a popular destination for Christmas shopping, with many shops offering discounts immediately after Christmas. The discount period usually starts on 28 December and lasts until 4 January, with shops open on the 28th, 29th, 31st, and 2nd January, mostly until 4 pm.

The largest and one of the best Christmas markets in Austria is held in front of the Vienna Town Hall. Here, you can find glistening lights, seasonal treats, and a magical atmosphere. The AltWiener (Old Vienna) Christmas market in Freyung is another popular option, offering a homier version of the Vienna markets, with puppet shows and music for children and adults, as well as booths selling crafts and food.

If you're looking for a more rural experience, Austria's rural areas offer authentic specialities and a warm, festive atmosphere.

For those who have travelled with Insight Vacations before, your past guest discount will be automatically applied when booking Christmas trips to Austria and Bavaria.

Christmas in the Austrian mountains

If you're looking for a ski trip, the Austrian mountains are a great choice. The snow is unpredictable, but there are plenty of ski resorts just south of Salzburg with their own train stations, such as Schladming and Badgastein. These resorts are part of the huge Skiamade ski network. You can get good discounts on rail tickets if you book in advance, and there are often deals on hotels before 22nd December.

For a truly special Christmas, you can enjoy an evening of waltzes and operas by Strauss and Mozart, followed by a delicious four-course meal in the 'Das Johann' restaurant.

So, if you're looking for a festive getaway, why not try Christmas in the Austrian mountains? With sparkling decorations, ski resorts, and festive entertainment, it's sure to be a magical experience.

Christmas food in Austria

Christmas in Austria is a magical experience. The country transforms itself into a giant, sparkling Christmas tree during the Advent period from 1st to 24th December. Austrians celebrate Christmas with delicious food and drinks.

The classic Christmas dinner in Austria consists of carp fried in butter, served with a variety of vegetables and potatoes. This is usually followed by Sachertorte, Vienna’s most famous cake, or cookies such as vanillekipferl (crescent-shaped biscuits made with nuts). Christmas markets in Austria also offer roasted chestnuts, which are a beloved Christmas snack.

Another famous Christmas food in Austria is Raclette, which is eaten on the first or second Christmas day or New Year’s Eve. Raclette is a small tabletop grill placed in the middle of the dinner table. Different meats, vegetables, and bread are grilled, and small pans filled with toppings like mushrooms, potatoes, and ham are baked underneath. A slice of Raclette cheese is placed on top, melting over the toppings.

Charcuterie boards are also popular on Christmas Eve, with cured meats like bacon and pork belly served with traditional cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and bread. Many people also include fish, such as trout and salmon, on their charcuterie boards.

For dessert, Austrians indulge in chocolate fondue. An assortment of fruit is cut up and presented on a platter, and everyone dips their favourite fruit in dark, white, or milk chocolate.

Game meat, such as wild boar or venison steaks prepared with a sauce, red cabbage, and dumplings, is another typical Christmas food in Austria.

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