Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria in December is a winter wonderland, with snow sports, Christmas markets, and plenty of festive cheer. Whether you're a skier or not, there's something for everyone. The country's stunning Alpine villages are particularly magical when it snows, with centuries-old buildings decorated for the holidays. The western city of Innsbruck is a popular destination, with its ski fields and Christmas markets, while the cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz offer cultural attractions and their own festive delights. For those seeking a more intimate getaway, there are smaller markets in villages like Rattenberg and Seefeld in Tirol. And if you're not a skier, there's always tobogganing, snowshoeing, or hiking in the Bregenzer Wald. With its snow-capped mountains, musical heritage, and delicious food and drink, Austria in December is a fairytale come true.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Winter |
| Weather | Cold and snowy, especially in the mountains |
| Temperature | Up to -20°C at night, 3°C on average during the day |
| Activities | Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, hiking, visiting Christmas markets, sightseeing, visiting museums, galleries, cafes, palaces, castles, and thermal baths, attending balls, fireworks displays, and Krampus Runs |
| Food and Drink | Glühwein (mulled wine), Feuerzangenbowle (a blend of wine and rum set on fire), Linzer Torte (spiced jam tart), gingerbread, and chestnuts |
| Regions to Visit | Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Graz, Ischgl, St. Anton, Kitzbühel, Hallstatt, Klagenfurt, Bregenz, Linz, Rattenberg, Seefeld, St Wolfgang, St Gilgen, Strobl, Vorarlberg |
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What You'll Learn
Skiing and other snow sports
Austria is known for its skiing and other snow sports, with December being the perfect time to visit for winter sports enthusiasts. The country is home to the Alps and some of the best skiing in Europe, with 435 ski resorts across the Austrian Alps.
The western city of Innsbruck is a great destination for snow sports enthusiasts. 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.
Kitzbühel is one of the top ski resorts in Austria, with over 170 kilometres of slopes, 54 cable cars, and every possible level of skiing imaginable. St. Anton in the Arlberg area is a resort for serious skiers looking for high-altitude and off-piste challenges. The villages of Lech-Zürs are where celebrities and royalty head for upscale skiing and high-end lodgings. Sölden, surrounded by glaciers, offers perfect snow conditions well into spring. Ischgl, a resort town in western Austria's Paznaun Valley, has one of the highest ski areas in Austria, at 4,527 feet to 9,514 feet, so it has a long season and reliable conditions.
For those seeking a laid-back ski atmosphere, the Schladming Ski Resort in Styria has tons of ski huts and is easily accessible with transit. Obertauern ski area in Salzburg guarantees snow from November to May, making it a top skiing destination in the Austrian Alps. With 100 km of groomed runs, off-piste terrain, and 26 efficient lifts linking seven mountains, it offers seamless skiing across stunning alpine scenery.
For non-skiers, there are plenty of other snow sports to try, including tobogganing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking. The Bregenzer Wald is a great winter hiking destination for those who don't like crowded ski resorts. You can also go ice skating or hiking up the Pöstlingberg and come down with a toboggan if there's enough snow.
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Christmas markets
Austria in December is a magical experience, with its Christmas markets, snow-covered landscapes, and festive cheer. The country's towns and cities are filled with charming markets, each offering a unique blend of handicrafts, regional delicacies, and festive magic. From mid-November until the end of the year, you can immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere created by the twinkling lights, glistening decorations, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds.
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Austria is the one in front of Salzburg's stunning cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century. The market is filled with twinkling lights and carolers, and you can enjoy a boozy hot chocolate or a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine) while browsing the stalls. Salzburg also offers the rustic Salzburg Mountain Advent in the Großarl Valley, with handcrafted nativity scenes displayed by torchlight and candlelight.
In Vienna, you will find numerous Christmas markets, including the famous Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, one of the largest in the city. Here, you can browse the stalls selling crafts and food, and even enjoy an ice-skating rink. The Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace exudes imperial flair, with elegant crafts and activities for children. The Belvedere Palace Christmas Village, set in a baroque backdrop, is another must-visit, offering creative gift ideas and culinary delights. The Christmas Village on the University Campus is a local secret, located in the inner courtyard of the old state hospital, with a village feel and food pavilions from each region of Austria.
Innsbruck, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is another excellent destination for Christmas markets. The main market in the Old Town is a highlight, with a historic touch, selling handmade goodies, traditional ornaments, and winter treats.
For a unique experience, head to St. Wolfgang, where you can find regional traditions and authentic handicrafts, with the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang in view. Or, visit the Johannesbach Gorge near Würflach to see Austria's tallest decorated Christmas tree, standing over 20 meters high.
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Thermal baths
Austria is known for its snow sports and Christmas markets in December. However, if you are looking for a more relaxing activity, the country is also home to around 40 thermal spas with healing waters, sauna facilities, spa areas, and beautiful views.
In addition to these, there are many other thermal baths and spa centres located across Austria, offering a range of treatments and facilities. These include the Vulkania, where you can bathe in Dead Sea water, and spas with salt water, thermal baths without chlorinated water, or those in an Asian style. Many of the thermal baths also have indoor pools, jacuzzis, steam rooms, and ice baths.
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Explore Austrian cities
Austria is a beautiful country to explore in December, with its Christmas markets, winter sports, and stunning Alpine villages. Here are some ideas for exploring Austrian cities during this festive season:
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, a western city in Austria, is a great destination in December for both snow sports enthusiasts and those seeking more gentle activities. The Nordkette Cable Car offers access to the city's ski fields, with nearby ski areas including Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne. For non-skiers, Innsbruck has plenty to offer as well. You can explore the imperial and Gothic architecture, indulge in Austrian food and drink, and visit the famous Golden Roof. The Christmas markets in Innsbruck are particularly enchanting, with a historic touch and a magical mountain backdrop. The Old Town Market is a highlight, selling handmade goods, traditional ornaments, and winter treats.
Salzburg
Salzburg, with its picturesque skyline of domes and towers, is a romantic place to visit during the Christmas season. The Salzburg Christmas market dates back to the 15th century and is located in front of the stunning cathedral. The market is accompanied by a rich schedule of music, including choral singing in front of the cathedral and the famous Salzburg Advent Singing. The Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market in Graz, a short bus ride from Salzburg, offers themed days and exclusive handmade handicrafts.
Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, offers a mix of cultural and winter activities. You can explore its galleries, museums, and palaces, and also indulge in some skiing at the Zauberg Semmering ski area, suitable for beginners and intermediates. Vienna is also known for its thermal spas, with Therme Wien being the largest in Austria. If you're visiting during New Year's Eve, Vienna is famous for its fireworks displays.
Linz
Linz is a foodie's paradise, known for its Linzer Torte, a spiced jam tart from the Baroque period. The Christkindl market in the main square offers hot punch, gingerbread, and the Linz Cookie Market. The city is filled with pastry shops, cafes, and delicious Austrian treats.
Graz
Graz, known for its opera house and philharmonic orchestra, hosts a ball where you can experience the city's cultural offerings, including ballet and opera. If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, the Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market in Graz offers themed days and exclusive handmade handicrafts.
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New Year's Eve celebrations
New Year's Eve in Austria is a time for music, wine, balls, parties, and extravagant fireworks. Here are some ideas for celebrating New Year's Eve in Austria:
Vienna
The entire inner city of Vienna turns into a massive party zone on New Year's Eve, attracting up to one million revellers. The Silvesterpfad "New Year's Path" starts at 2 pm on December 31 and ends at 2 am on January 1. Enjoy concerts on the streets, dance to the waltz, and watch the fireworks at midnight, accompanied by all the church bells ringing. Vienna is particularly famous for its fireworks displays. You can also explore extravagant parties at Hofburg, the Imperial Palace, mega events around the Graber, and the best fireworks at Heldenplatz.
Salzburg
The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is another popular Austrian spot to ring in the new year. Enjoy live music, fireworks, and mouth-watering cuisine. Don't forget to visit the Cathedral for the best experience as the majority of the NYE celebrations are held here. Experiencing the traditional New Year's Salute at Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the major things to do in Salzburg during New Year's Eve.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, nestled in the Alps, offers a perfect mixture of natural beauty, historic charms, and outdoor activities. Spending New Year's Eve in Innsbruck gives you a wonderful opportunity to attend brass band parades and evening fanfares in the Old Town with a beautiful view of unique light displays all around the city. The fireworks displays with laser shows around the mountain range, Nordkette, are also a sight to behold.
Graz
Graz traditionally welcomes the New Year with a splendid laser show at Lasertron Graz, live DJ music on the Hauptplatz (main square) and Town Hall, and grand parties at renowned bars and clubs. Mariahilferplatz is a great choice to attend New Year's Eve parties in Graz.
Linz
Linz is one of the best places to visit in Austria for New Year's festivities. You can attend parties, explore pubs, and take a boat cruise ride near the Danube River to enjoy the beautiful fireworks displays. Also, you can visit the Schlossberg and Pöstlingberg mountains to watch the massive fireworks.
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Frequently asked questions
December is winter in Austria, which means snow, skiing, and Christmas markets. If you're a skier, you're in luck—Austria has some of the best skiing in Europe. If you're not, there are plenty of other things to do, like visiting museums, galleries, cafes, and other indoor attractions.
Kitzbühel is one of the top ski resorts in Austria, with over 170 kilometres of slopes and 54 cable cars. Other top ski resorts include St. Anton, Ischgl, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, and Sölden.
You can try other snow sports like snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, or winter hiking. You can also visit Christmas markets, which are held in cities like Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, and Linz. If you're looking for something more relaxing, there are many thermal spas in Austria, including the famous Aqua Dome Hotel & Spa.
Watching a Krampus Run is a unique winter experience that usually takes place between late November and mid-December. You can also attend a ball at the Opera House in Graz, where you can waltz along with the city's philharmonic orchestra, official ballet, and opera ensemble.
