Christmas In Austria: Snow-Covered Mountains And Winter Cheer

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Well, in Austria, that dream may just come true. December is winter in Austria, and with that comes snow, skiing, and Christmas markets. While snow is not guaranteed on the 25th, it does snow annually in Vienna, with records showing that it snowed on Christmas Day in 2007 and 2021.

Austria is a popular destination for skiing in December, with people flocking to the Alps for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating. The western city of Innsbruck is an excellent destination for snow sports enthusiasts, with ski areas including Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne, one of the steepest ski runs in Europe.

If you're looking for a more relaxed trip, you can enjoy the Christmas markets in towns and cities like Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, and Linz. These markets typically start in mid-November, celebrating the advent season with lights, decorations, handicrafts, food, and festive drinks like Glühwein (mulled wine).

So, if you're hoping for a white Christmas, Austria might just be the place to find it!

Snow in Austrian cities

Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, usually experiences snow in December, with the chance of snowfall remaining constant throughout the month. The Austrian capital has experienced snow every year since 1953, with snow depths ranging from 1cm to over 2m. The snow can arrive as early as November and last until April, with the equinox on March 20th/21st marking the official end of winter. However, temperatures remain cold enough for snow in April as well.

While snow is likely, it is not guaranteed on Christmas Day. For instance, in the last 25 years, it snowed on Christmas Day only in 2007 and 2021. However, snow is more likely to fall around Christmas, with snow on Christmas Eve in 1996 and 2012, and in early December in 2021 and 2022.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is another Austrian city that experiences snow in December. Located in the mountains, Salzburg offers suitable conditions for skiing in December. The city is also renowned for its Christmas markets, illuminated by twinkling lights and filled with the sounds of carollers and street musicians.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, a western Austrian city, is an excellent destination for snow sports enthusiasts in December. The city offers ski fields accessible by the Nordkette Cable Car, and nearby ski areas include Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne. Innsbruck also boasts six Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets), with the largest held in the Old Town.

Ischgl

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, with altitudes ranging from 4,527 feet to 9,514 feet, Ischgl boasts a long season and consistent snow.

Other Austrian Cities

Austria, as a whole, experiences snow in December, particularly in the mountains. Lower-lying cities like Vienna and Salzburg may also have snow on the ground, with daytime temperatures above freezing and nighttime temperatures dipping below freezing.

While snow is likely in Austrian cities during this period, it is not a certainty on any given day, including Christmas Day. However, the chance of snow around Christmas is higher, and the cities offer a variety of indoor attractions, such as museums, galleries, and cafes, ensuring a delightful winter experience.

Christmas markets

From mid-November until the end of the year, Christmas markets spring up all over Austria. The cities twinkle with lights, while the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the festively decorated streets.

Vienna

The Austrian capital is a top Christmas destination, with over seven Christmas markets. The most well-known is the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent", which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. The trees in the surrounding City Hall are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights.

Salzburg

The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square in Salzburg is truly romantic, with a long history. Its origins go back to 1491, making it the oldest market in Salzburg and one of the top Christmas markets in Austria. The tempting fragrance of baked apples, incense and cotton candy wafts through the air.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck opens its Christmas markets about four weeks before Christmas. The largest and most impressive is the market held in the Old Town. It truly comes to life at night under the stars, when it's lit up in all its festive glory. The sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon and mulled wine in the chilly air, and the sound of a brass band playing under the city's famed Goldenes Dachl (golden roof) is something you'll never forget.

Graz

Graz has numerous Christmas markets, conveniently located within walking distance. The oldest takes place around the Franciscan church, where Styrian arts and crafts, regional farm products, hot punch and mulled wine warm the heart. Close by is the Christmas market in front of the City Hall with a giant Christmas tree and an old-fashioned merry-go-round for children.

Linz

The Linz Christmas Market, located in the heart of Austria’s vibrant Upper Austria region, is a magical destination during the festive season. It beautifully combines traditional Austrian customs with the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Local delicacies include the famous Linzertorte, a delicious almond pastry with a lattice crust, named after the city itself.

Skiing and other snow sports

Austria is a popular destination for skiing in December, with the Alps being a prime location. The country offers a range of snow sports, including skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating.

The western city of Innsbruck is a great destination for snow sports enthusiasts, with ski areas including Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne, one of the steepest ski runs in Europe. Innsbruck also has six Christmas markets, including the largest and most impressive market held in the Old Town.

If you're looking for reliable snow in December, head to Ischgl, a resort town in western Austria's Paznaun Valley. It is one of the highest ski areas in Austria, with altitudes ranging from 4,527 feet to 9,514 feet, ensuring a long season and reliable conditions.

For beginners and intermediate skiers, the Zauberg Semmering ski area is just a 75-minute drive from Vienna or reachable via the Semmeringbahn mountain railway. This ski area also offers a freestyle park, night skiing, ice skating, sledding, and more.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that December is the start of winter in Austria, so expect short daylight hours. The shortest day of the year falls in late December, with the sun rising after 7:30 am and setting around 4 pm.

Austria's ski resorts can get crowded in December, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

Travel tips

Will there be snow?

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, so it experiences cold and snowy winters, especially in the mountains. Snow may be on the ground in lower-lying cities such as Vienna and Salzburg in December, and nighttime temperatures may dip below freezing. However, daytime temperatures are usually a bit warmer. If you're looking for reliable snow, head to the mountains, where conditions are suitable for skiing.

What to pack

Be sure to bring cold-weather clothes, including a warm winter coat, and dress in layers. It can get very warm inside buildings and on public transport, so you'll want to be able to remove layers as needed. Waterproof shoes are also recommended, as is footwear with good tread to prevent slipping on ice.

Getting around

Austria's public transport system is one of the best in the world, so take advantage of it! It's especially nice to be on a tram or train rather than walking if it's snowing or windy.

Things to do

Austria is famous for its Christmas markets, which are held in towns and cities across the country. Expect to be entertained with concerts, shop for handicrafts, and sample festive fare such as chestnuts, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Many markets are held outside palaces, such as Schönbrunn and the Belvedere in Vienna, adding to the atmosphere.

If you're looking for indoor activities, Vienna has plenty of museums to explore, many of which stay open all winter.

Where to stay

Austria is a popular destination for skiing in December, so expect high prices and full hotels in ski resort areas. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

Where to ski

The Alps are, of course, a prime destination for skiing, but there are plenty of other options as well. The western city of Innsbruck offers ski fields suitable for both snow sports enthusiasts and beginners. The ski area Zauberg Semmering is also a good option for beginners and intermediates, and it's just a 75-minute drive from Vienna. Ischgl, a resort town in western Austria's Paznaun Valley, offers reliable snow in December and is one of the highest ski areas in the country.

Daylight hours

Keep in mind that December has short daylight hours in Austria. The shortest day of the year falls in late December, when the sun doesn't rise until after 7:30 am and sets around 4 pm.

New Year's Eve

If you're staying through the end of the year, you'll find parties throughout Austria on New Year's Eve, but Vienna is particularly famous for its fireworks displays.

Weather

December in Austria is cold and snowy, especially in the mountains. Snow may be on the ground in lower-lying cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, and nighttime temperatures may dip below freezing. Daytime temperatures are usually a bit warmer, with highs a few degrees over 0ºC (32ºF) and lows a few degrees under.

In the mountains, conditions are suitable for skiing, but December is still relatively early in the snow sports season, so the more reliable snow can be found at higher altitudes.

In Vienna, the daily high temperatures decrease from 41°F to 37°F, while lows go from 32°F to 28°F. The coldest day of the year in Vienna is usually January 14, when temperatures range from 27°F to 36°F.

In the lead-up to Christmas, snow is possible but not guaranteed in Vienna. For example, it snowed on Christmas Eve in 1996 and 2012, and on Christmas Day in 2007 and 2021. However, there have also been snowless Christmases in the city. Snow is more likely to fall in early December or later in the season, in March.

Austria's western city of Innsbruck is an excellent destination in December for snow sports enthusiasts and those seeking gentler pursuits. The Nordkette Cable Car takes passengers to the city's ski fields. Ski areas near Innsbruck include Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne, one of the steepest ski runs in Europe.

If you're looking for reliable snow in December, head to Ischgl, a resort town in western Austria's Paznaun Valley. It's one of the highest ski areas in Austria, at 4,527 feet to 9,514 feet (1,380 m to 2,900 m), so it has a long season and reliable conditions.

On January 12, 2025, the deepest reported snow in Austria was in St Christoph am Arlberg, with snow depths of 190 cm (75 inches) on upper slopes and 45 cm (18 inches) lower down.

Frequently asked questions