December In Austria: A Winter Wonderland?

December is a great time to visit Austria if you're looking for a winter wonderland experience. With temperatures dropping to as low as −20°C at night, you'll find snow-covered landscapes, traditional Christmas markets, and festive celebrations. It's the perfect time to enjoy winter sports, with ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. The cities of Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Feldkirch, and Graz offer unique Christmas market experiences, from handicrafts to romantic settings and delicious treats. However, keep in mind that accommodation prices tend to skyrocket during the two-week Christmas holiday period. If you're looking for a quieter and more affordable experience, consider visiting in mid-January or March instead.

Christmas markets and festivities

December is a great time to visit Austria if you're looking for Christmas markets and festive cheer. The country's cities and villages come alive with Christmas markets, lights, and festivities. You can wander through traditional markets, sip mulled wine, and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The Christmas market in Vienna, for example, dates back to 1298, so it's no surprise that the city is a popular destination during December. Vienna currently has 20 official Advent markets, with special attractions including a Christmas village outside the famous Belvedere Palace and an enormous Christmas Market at Rathauspark. If you're looking for something more unique, the Diviana Art Christmas Market on Karlsplatz features craftsmen and women from all over Europe presenting their work.

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, is said to have some of the prettiest Christmas markets in the Alpine region. The traditional market in the historic Old Town, surrounded by multicoloured medieval facades, is bustling with winter treats. For a true taste of the Alps, take the Hungerbaghbahn funicular railway line up to Hungerburg Hill for the Panorama Christmas Market, where you'll find breathtaking views, alpine treats, and a musical programme every Sunday evening.

Salzburg is another romantic place to visit during Christmas, with its beautiful skyline of domes and towers. The Salzburg Christmas market dates back to the 15th century and is located in front of the stunning Cathedral. A rich schedule of music, including choral singing in front of the Cathedral, runs alongside the market.

For a less touristy option, head to the western region of Vorarlberg, where Austria meets Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The small medieval town of Feldkirch has one of the prettiest Christmas markets in the region, held on the cobbled pedestrian area in the listed city centre. The market focuses more on sentiments and atmosphere than business, and the town itself is drop-dead gorgeous, with its scenic Alps and enormous Lake Constance.

Linz is a great option for foodies, known for its spiced jam tart, the Linzer Torte, which dates back to the Baroque period. You'll find hot punch, gingerbread, and cookies at the Christkindl market in the main square.

So, if you're looking for Christmas markets and festivities, December is definitely a good time to visit Austria, with options to suit every taste.

Winter sports and skiing

Austria is one of the best places in the world for winter sports and skiing. The season usually starts in late November and ends in April, with December to February being the best months for snow-based activities.

Austria's towering Alpine peaks offer ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. The country is home to over 400 ski resorts, with options for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Ski Arlberg in Western Austria is one of the five biggest ski areas in the world, with almost 200 miles of signposted ski runs and 85 lifts. Lech and St. Anton are villages in the Ski Arlberg area that offer luxury accommodations, while St. Christoph is a great option for families. Other popular resorts include Kitzbϋhel, Zell am See-Kaprun, and Gastein, which offer a range of ski runs and accommodations, as well as excellent entertainment options.

If you're looking for a quieter and more family-friendly option, consider the village of Ellmau, about an hour's drive from Innsbruck. Ellmau is part of the larger SkiWelt area, where you can find more advanced slopes and a lively atmosphere.

Austria also has several resorts with extra-long skiing seasons. The Kaunertal Glacier in Tirol, for example, offers snow-covered slopes from late September to June. The Hintertux Glacier is Austria's only year-round ski resort, with perfectly groomed runs and stunning natural surroundings.

December is a great time to visit Austria for winter sports enthusiasts, as you can take advantage of the snowy conditions while also enjoying the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets and New Year's Eve celebrations. However, it's important to note that prices tend to be higher during the peak season, and you may experience more crowds, especially during the holidays. For the best balance of snow conditions, lower prices, and fewer crowds, mid-January is the ideal time to visit.

Vienna and Salzburg

December is a great time to visit Austria, especially if you're interested in experiencing Christmas markets, snow-covered landscapes, and winter sports.

Vienna

Vienna is a wonderful place to visit in December, with its Christmas markets, festive lights, and ball season. The city lights up during the holiday season, and you can wander through the traditional markets, try delicious food and drinks, and enjoy the concert season. The Boys' Choir, state opera, and Spanish Riding School with the Lipizzaner stallions do not have performances in December, but there is still plenty to see and do.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a delightful city to visit in the winter. It resembles a fairytale village with its castle on a hill, and the city truly comes alive during the Christmas markets, which are considered some of the best in Europe. You can attend a Mozart concert, marvel at the beauty of the Altstadt (old town), sip hot chocolate at Cafe Tomaselli (Mozart's favourite cafe), and visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for stunning views of the city.

• Go to the Christmas markets: Salzburg's main Christmas market has been spreading festive cheer for over 500 years, making it one of the oldest in Europe. You can enjoy the beautiful layouts, tasty snacks, affordable prices, and stunning ornament stands.
• Attend a Mozart concert: As Mozart's birthplace and home during his early years, Salzburg celebrates his music with winter concerts. You can attend a concert in the Mirabell Palace or the Baroque Hall for a special experience.
• Explore the Altstadt: Wander through the colourful buildings, charming clock towers, and pastel colours of Salzburg's old town. You'll also catch views of the Alps as you walk around.
• Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress: This impressive fortress looms over the city and offers some of the best views of Salzburg. You can take a castle tour, see falconry demonstrations, or climb up to the castle yourself for a more affordable option.
• Tour Mozart's birthplace and residence: There are two Mozart homes in Salzburg: the birthplace, where he spent his early years, and the Mozart Residence, a grander space where the family moved during his teens.
• Climb the steps at Imbergstiege (the Dark Staircase): This beautiful staircase leads up to gardens near the Kapuzinerkloster Monastery, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Altstadt and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• Visit the Museum of Modern Art: In addition to its impressive collection, the museum offers one of the best views of the city from its terrace, and you don't need a ticket to enjoy it.
• Explore the DomQuartier: More than just one museum, the DomQuartier is a Baroque marvel that includes several museums and beautiful viewpoints.

Practical Information

When planning your trip to Vienna and Salzburg in December, keep in mind that the days will be short, with around 9 hours of daylight. The weather can vary, but you can generally expect cold temperatures, with highs between 3-6 degrees Celsius. It may snow, but it might not stick around for long.

Accommodation in Salzburg during December can fill up quickly due to the popularity of the Christmas markets, so it's recommended to book your lodging as early as possible.

Both Vienna and Salzburg have excellent public transportation systems, but they can be pricey. In Salzburg, the bus system is efficient and clean, but a single ticket costs €2.70. In Vienna, a single ticket costs €3.

Cold weather and snow

Despite the cold weather and snow, December is often one of the busiest months in Austria. The country is a winter sports capital, and December is the perfect time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The Austrian ski slopes are frequented by both tourists and locals during this time.

The temperatures in Austria in December can drop to -20°C during the night, and the days are short, with the sun setting before dinnertime. However, the snow turns Austrian towns and landscapes into a winter wonderland. The cities and villages are adorned with Christmas lights and festive decorations, and Christmas markets pop up everywhere. These markets offer seasonal food and drinks, Christmas gifts, and entertainment.

The Christmas markets in Vienna, for example, date back to as early as 1298, and today, there are 20 official Advent markets in the city's beautiful streets. The Christmas village outside the world-famous Belvedere Palace and the enormous Christmas Market at Rathauspark are particularly popular. The Diviana Art Christmas Market on Karlsplatz offers a unique twist, with craftsmen and women from all over Europe presenting their artwork.

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, is known for its pretty Christmas markets in the Alpine region. The traditional market in the historic Old Town, surrounded by multicolour medieval facades, is a bustling hub of winter treats. For a true Alpine experience, take the Hungerbaghbahn funicular railway line up to Hungerburg Hill for the Panorama Christmas Market, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, along with plenty of treats and atmospheric music on Sunday evenings.

Salzberg, with its beautiful skyline of domes and towers, is one of the most romantic places to visit during Christmas. The Salzberg Christmas market dates back to the 15th century and is located in front of the stunning Cathedral. The market features a rich schedule of music, including choral singing in front of the Cathedral, and the famous Salzberg Advent Singing.

December is a great time to visit Austria if you're looking for a combination of winter sports, festive markets, and romantic, snow-covered landscapes.

New Year's Eve celebrations

December is a great time to visit Austria if you're looking to experience Christmas markets, winter sports, and New Year's Eve celebrations.

New Year's Eve in Austria is a time for fireworks, concerts, balls, and parties. The country's cities come alive with festivities, and you can expect to see people waltzing in the streets with glasses of bubbly to ring in the new year. Here's a closer look at some of the New Year's Eve highlights:

Vienna

Vienna's inner city turns into a massive party zone on New Year's Eve, attracting up to one million people. The Silvesterpfad, or "New Year's Path," kicks off the celebrations from 2 pm on December 31 until 2 am on January 1. You can enjoy street concerts, dancing to the waltz and chart-topping hits, and spectacular fireworks at midnight. The city also offers lucky charms like little pigs, shamrocks, and chimney sweeps, as well as warm mulled wine and punch. For a more intimate celebration, you can attend the New Year's Eve Ball at the Imperial Palace or book a ticket for a gala performance of Johann Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" at the Viennese State Opera or the Volksoper.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck offers a unique perspective on New Year's Eve celebrations. Head to the Nordkette Mountain for breathtaking views of the fireworks over the city. The Old Town also comes alive with brass band parades, evening fanfares, and artistic light displays projected onto the façades of the buildings.

Hochötz

At Hochötz, you can experience fireworks at 2,000 meters above sea level, along with music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere.

Hohe Salve Mountain

Hohe Salve Mountain provides fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it an ideal spot to watch the fireworks and enjoy the music in the mountains.

Danube River (from Linz)

For a different perspective, celebrate New Year's Eve on a ship cruising down the Danube River. Enjoy music, a gala dinner, and front-row seats to the fireworks display.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

The historic Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg hosts a New Year's Eve concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. The fortress also offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Lake Wörthersee

For the adventurous, take a dip into Lake Wörthersee for a unique New Year's swimming experience. The water temperature is a chilly 5°C, so this tradition is not for the faint-hearted!

The Vienna New Year's Concert

The Vienna New Year's Concert is a beloved tradition, featuring a nostalgic and lively music programme from the repertoire of the Johann Strauss family. The concert is extremely popular, with tickets being drawn every year due to high demand. The concert is also broadcast globally, attracting approximately 50 million viewers in over 90 countries.

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