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Vienna, Austria, is a popular destination during the Christmas period, with its Christmas markets, concerts, and historical sights. The city is adorned with Christmas lights, and the markets serve their punch in collectable mugs. The Winter Art Market at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is a great place to buy items from academy artists. The city's famous attractions, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna State Opera House, and Stephansdom Cathedral, are also must-visits. For food lovers, Naschmarkt offers a variety of cuisines, and for those looking to stay warm, Vienna has its own thermal spa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christmas markets | Vienna's Christmas markets are famous and have been running for centuries. They usually open in November and sell handcrafted goods, mulled wine, and Lebkuchen (German/Austrian gingerbread cookies). |
| Concerts | Vienna is filled with classical concerts and recitals in venues such as Stephansdom Cathedral, Peterskirche, Annakirche, Kapuzinerkirche, and Karlskirche. |
| Lights | Vienna's Christmas lights include thousands of crystals and giant chandeliers, creating a ballroom atmosphere in the main pedestrianised areas. |
| Attractions | Schönbrunn Palace, the State Opera House, Mozarthaus, and Stephansdom Cathedral are popular attractions. |
| Restaurants and cafes | Naschmarkt is a popular food market with over 120 stalls and restaurants. |
| Exhibitions | The MAK museum, Leopold Museum, Albertina, and Kunsthistorisches Museum host exhibitions featuring Austrian design, Rudolf Wacker, Marc Chagall, and Rembrandt. |
| Thermal spas | Therme Wien and Schwerelos Floating Centre offer warm relaxation during the cold month of December. |
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Explore Vienna's Christmas markets
Vienna's Christmas markets are a magical experience. From mid-November until Christmas, the city's squares are transformed into festive wonderlands, with the aroma of Christmas baking, hot punch, and toasted almonds filling the air. The Old City and shopping streets are adorned with twinkling lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
The Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square welcomes visitors with a tall arched gateway adorned with candles. Here, you can find traditional gifts, tree decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats, and warming drinks. If you're visiting with children, they will delight in the 12-metre-high multi-level carousel and the Christmas world in the park, complete with a reindeer train, a nativity scene trail, and a skating rink.
For a romantic setting, the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum, offers over 70 booths showcasing traditional handicrafts and unique gift ideas. The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, set against the glorious baroque backdrop, is another popular choice, featuring elaborately decorated market stalls with handcrafted goods and culinary delights.
If you're seeking a tranquil atmosphere, the Advent market at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace is an insider tip. This market provides a variety of children's activities, including a historic carousel, along with arts and crafts for sale. The Christmas Market on Spittelberg, located in the revitalized heritage district of the Biedermeier period, offers objets d'art, ceramics, jewellery, and warm winter garments.
To make the most of your visit, consider going midweek in the late afternoon to balance atmosphere and crowds. Don't forget to warm up with a visit to Vienna's thermal spa, Therme Wien, easily accessible via the U1 subway. With its festive cheer and enchanting settings, Vienna's Christmas markets are sure to leave lasting memories.
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Visit the city's museums and art exhibitions
Vienna is a cultural hub, boasting several museums and art exhibitions. The city's museums and art exhibitions are a great way to escape the cold in December. Here are some suggestions:
Leopold Museum
The Leopold Museum is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Located in the MuseumsQuartier, a large cultural and art complex, the Leopold Museum showcases a diverse range of exhibitions. In December, the museum highlights the work of Rudolf Wacker and the artistic movements of New Objectivity. Additionally, the museum delves into the designs and collaborations of the Backhausen company, known for their decorative fabrics and furniture.
MAK Museum
The MAK Museum, housed in a magnificent building, offers a wide range of exhibitions spanning art, design, fashion, and architecture. In December, the museum presents "Never Final!," a retrospective that focuses on the 1980s. Another notable exhibition is "The World of Tomorrow Will Have Been Another Present," which juxtaposes contemporary installations with classical modernist works.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum, also known as the KHM, is a renowned art museum in Vienna. In December, the museum features special exhibitions curated by their outgoing general director. In the past, they have showcased a large Rembrandt display, including paintings and drawings on loan from prestigious museums.
Albertina
The Albertina museum, located in the heart of Vienna, is a cultural landmark. The museum bids farewell to its long-serving general director with a special exhibition dedicated to Marc Chagall. The exhibition, titled "True Colours," explores the artist's exploration of universal themes through approximately 100 works from all his creative phases.
Vienna Art Museum
For a deeper dive into the world of art, the Vienna Art Museum, or KHM, offers a unique exhibition titled "Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel: The Times of Nature." This exhibition, running from March to June, delves into the depiction of nature in 16th-century art through the works of masters like Arcimboldo, Bassano, and Bruegel.
Mumok
Take a trip back in time to the 1960s at mumok, located in the MuseumsQuartier. This museum showcases seminal art events and publications from that decade, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural landscape of the time.
Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a cultural experience, Vienna's museums and art exhibitions offer a diverse and enriching array of options to explore and discover.
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Take a stroll through the city centre to admire the Christmas lights
Vienna is a magical place to visit in December, with its Christmas markets and festive lights. The city centre is transformed with dazzling lights, and the pedestrianised zones in the very centre of town sparkle with the glitter of thousands of LEDs.
One of the best ways to experience the Christmas lights is to take a stroll through the city centre. You can start your walk at Michaelerplatz, taking in the gorgeous façade of the Hofburg Palace. From there, turn onto the Graben, where you'll be greeted by around 250,000 LEDs hanging in the style of giant chandeliers. The display creates a suitably festive atmosphere, especially if you visit during the Silvesterpfad festivities, when open-air waltz lessons take place on the street.
As you continue your stroll, you'll emerge onto Stephansplatz Square, where you can visit the Christmas market and admire the view of Stephansdom Cathedral. If you want to continue your walk, head past Stephansdom to Rotenturmstrasse, where you'll find a modern display of red lights. Alternatively, turn right at the junction of the Graben and Stephansplatz onto Kärntner Straße, which will lead you down to the opera house. Here, you'll find around 550,000 LEDs and 48km of crystals creating hanging chains of light.
If you're looking for a more relaxed way to see the lights, you can take a tram after dusk. The number 2 and number 1 services cover large parts of the Ring route, or you can check locally to see if any special tram services are running during the festive season. The Ströck Weihnachtsbim and the Manner tram have operated in the past, offering a unique way to experience the Christmas lights.
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Enjoy a concert in a church or other atmospheric venue
Vienna is a popular place to be during the holiday season, and for good reason. The city is adorned with Christmas lights, and its many Christmas markets are a delight to explore.
If you're looking for a magical concert experience in a church or other atmospheric venue, Vienna has plenty to offer in December. Here are some suggestions:
St. Anne's Church
St. Anne's Church is a Baroque gem with beautiful architecture, frescoed ceilings, and excellent acoustics, especially for trumpet and organ music. The church offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere, allowing audience members to be close to the musicians. This proximity creates a personal and almost private concert experience, enhanced by the church's candle-lit interior. St. Anne's Church is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy classical music by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert in a stunning setting.
Stephansplatz
From November 23rd to December 28th, Stephansplatz hosts the Sound of Christmas concerts. These concerts feature a carefully curated selection of traditional and classical Christmas music, blending carols, seasonal classics, and sacred works from composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Schubert. The Imperial Capuchin Church, the final resting place of the Habsburg dynasty, is a highlight of this concert series with its traditional architecture and serene atmosphere, making Christmas extra spiritual.
Mozarthaus
Mozarthaus is a famous concert venue in Vienna, known for its chamber music concerts. It is a beautiful setting with exceptional performance quality.
Sala Terrena
Sala Terrena is the oldest concert hall in Vienna and a great choice for classical music enthusiasts.
Kursalon Vienna
Kursalon Vienna is a magnificent concert venue where Johann Strauss used to perform. It is a popular choice for classical music lovers.
St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Church is another atmospheric venue where you can enjoy the music of Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, and Vivaldi.
Volksoper Vienna
For those who want to listen to live Strauss music without falling into a tourist trap, Volksoper Vienna is recommended.
Peterskirche Church
Peterskirche Church hosts evening concerts in a gorgeous ambiance.
Vienna State Opera House
The Vienna State Opera House is renowned for its interesting architecture and history. Even if you're not an opera fan, the building itself is worth visiting.
With its mix of intimate churches and grand concert halls, Vienna offers a variety of atmospheric venues for music lovers to enjoy during the festive season.
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Relax in a thermal spa
Vienna, Austria, is a popular place to be during the holiday season. The city is adorned with Christmas lights, and its Christmas markets are a delight to explore. If you're looking to relax and unwind during your December visit, Therme Wien is the perfect destination. This unique thermal spa offers an array of facilities and experiences to help you escape the winter chill and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Therme Wien is conveniently located in the heart of Vienna and can be easily accessed via the U1 subway line. The spa provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, with peaceful surroundings and a variety of wellness amenities. The thermal water is renowned for its therapeutic effects, soothing aching joints and muscles.
The spa features special saunas, a graduation tower, and a Floatarium for weightless relaxation. Visitors can also enjoy an aroma room with water beds, a romantic grotto pool, AlphaSphere loungers, and a fire lounge. Therme Wien also boasts Austria's first thermal baths library, an audiobook lounge, and a cinema, ensuring there is something for everyone.
For families, Therme Wien offers a dedicated family area called the "Family Nest." This space includes a toddler area, water slides, a wild water canal, jumping towers, and a water playground, providing hours of fun for children of all ages. The spa also has a restaurant, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a delicious meal without leaving the premises.
In addition to the indoor facilities, Therme Wien boasts an impressive outdoor area called the "Seasonal Garden." Here, you'll find a 25-metre sports swimming pool, a spring pool, a brine pool, and various other outdoor pools. The outdoor area also includes a beach volleyball court, a summer bar, and a spa park with gardens, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Frequently asked questions
Vienna is a popular place to be during the Christmas period. The city is adorned with Christmas lights and there are many Christmas markets to visit, including the Winter Art Market at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. If you're looking for something more active, you can take a walk in the evening starting from the State Opera House building, or climb the 343 stairs to the top of the South Tower of Stephans Cathedral.
Schönbrunn Palace is perhaps the most famous attraction in the entire city. It used to be the Summer home of the Habsburg monarchs and is easily reachable by public transit. The Vienna State Opera House is also worth visiting, even if you're not a fan of opera, due to its interesting architecture and history.
Salzburg, Austria, is a stunning and historic city that can be explored in a day. Hallstatt, Austria, is also considered the oldest and prettiest village in Europe, with a population of under 1,000 people.
