Leslie Massey
Austria is a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and charming Christmas markets. The country is a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports, with the Alps providing the perfect terrain for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating. December is a great time to visit, with Christmas celebrations, enchanting lights, and festive fare. The temperature in Austria in December can vary, with lows of -20°C during the night and daytime temperatures ranging from 0°C to 6°C in the lowlands and -10°C to -15°C in the mountains. The western city of Innsbruck is a popular destination, with its Christmas markets, snow-sports, and the Nordkette Cable Car, which offers access to the city's ski fields. Vienna is also a must-visit, with its historic Christmas markets, galleries, museums, and palaces. For those looking for a more intimate experience, the mountain villages of Tyrol are easy to explore in winter, with Kufstein and Seefeld offering medieval architecture and stunning natural scenery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 3°C |
| Temperature range | 20°C to -2°C, mountain temperatures can be lower |
| Snow sports | Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, winter hiking |
| Christmas markets | Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, SalzburgerLand, Graz |
| Christmas concerts | Tyrol Winter Festival Erl, Wilten Boys' Choir |
| New Year's Eve | Silvesterpfad “New Year’s Path”, fireworks, parties |
| Cities | Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Oberaichwald, Wildschönau, Gosau, Zell Am See |
| Villages | Hallstatt, Kufstein, Seefeld |
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What You'll Learn
Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz
Austria is a stunning place to visit in the winter, with the snow-capped mountains and Christmas markets. Here is a list of Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz to visit in December.
Vienna
Vienna has several Christmas markets, including the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz, Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, and Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz. The Stephansplatz market in front of the cathedral is also a popular choice. Most markets open between 10 am and midday and close in the evening. Some markets continue through the Christmas public holidays and into January.
Salzburg
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, with deep historical roots dating back to the 1400s. It offers traditional decorations, gifts, Austrian specialties, mulled wine, and hot punch. The market is surrounded by traditional huts and unique lighting, creating a festive atmosphere. The daily events program includes readings of Christmas stories for children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts, and visits by the "Christ Child".
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, becomes a Christmas wonderland in December. The Christmas markets, especially the main one in the Old Town Market, are a highlight. They offer a historic touch with handmade goodies, traditional Christmas ornaments, and winter treats. The market stalls are nestled between medieval buildings and the Golden Roof, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. The Marktplatz market square by the River Inn is perfect for families, with a Tyrolean village feel and a varied children's program, including puppet shows and storytelling.
Graz
Graz Advent markets are within walking distance of each other and offer a magical experience with the city's Christmas lights. The oldest Christmas market is found around the Franciscan church in the Old Town, with Styrian handicrafts, farm-produced specialties, and Glühwein. The Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market is another popular choice, offering themed days, unique arts and crafts, and exclusive homemade handicrafts. The Arts and Crafts Market on Färberplatz features top-quality wares made from various materials such as cloth, clay, and wood.
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Skiing in Kitzbühel, Ischgl, and the Alps
Austria is home to the Alps and some of the best skiing in Europe, making it a stunning place to visit in December. Kitzbühel, Ischgl, and the Alps are some of the top skiing destinations in the country.
Skiing in Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is one of the top ski resorts in Austria, with 233 kilometres of slopes, 58 lifts, and every level of skiing imaginable. The resort caters to both beginners and professionals, with the Kitz Mini-Streif slope offering a gentle introduction to skiing and the Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse providing a challenge for more advanced skiers. The resort also offers night skiing, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. The state-of-the-art lift system makes it easy to access the slopes, and the mountain restaurants provide a place to relax and enjoy the exquisite mountain panoramas.
Skiing in Ischgl
Ischgl is another top ski destination in Austria, known for offering the greatest extent of early-season skiing in the country, sometimes even in the Alps. The resort usually opens towards the end of November, and its height and orientation mean that snow tends to stick around once it falls. Ischgl has a large ski area, with 238 kilometres of pistes, and around 60% of them are covered by snow-making capabilities.
Skiing in the Alps
The Alps offer a vast ski network with resorts such as Obergurgl, Sölden, and Zermatt providing excellent early-season skiing options. Obergurgl, with a resort height of 1930 metres and slopes topping 3000 metres, is known for its reliable resort-level snow. Sölden boasts two glaciers, which often open by late September or early October, making it one of the best resorts for an early ski break. Zermatt, located in the Alps, has the highest pistes in the mountain range and excellent snow preservation due to its large glacier.
Whether you choose to ski in Kitzbühel, Ischgl, or the Alps, you're sure to find world-class skiing and a range of activities to enjoy during your December trip to Austria.
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Vienna's museums, galleries, and palaces
Vienna is known for its culture and art, so it's no surprise that its museums and galleries are some of the best in the world. The Belvedere is actually two Baroque palaces, with beautiful gardens and art collections, and stunning views over the city. The Lower Belvedere hosts temporary exhibitions in the former residence of Prince Eugene. The MAK, or Museum of Applied Arts, is to Vienna what the V&A is to London. The Vienna Museum Karlsplatz holds historical and art exhibits from the Neolithic period onwards, and the Vienna Museum Hermesvilla is a restored palace with exhibits relating to the history of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife. The Schönbrunn Palace is home to the Children's Museum (Kindermuseum), with interactive displays showcasing the lives of royal children through the centuries.
The Sigmund Freud Museum is a carefully curated museum where visitors can learn about the founder of psychoanalysis through a range of personal items, archive footage and letters. St Stephen's Cathedral and the Imperial Hofburg Palace are also popular tourist destinations. The Imperial Palace is a stunning location for one of the city's famous balls, which are a centuries-old tradition preserving a ceremonial program of fancy dress, waltzing, fine cuisine, and the exclamation of "Alles Walzer!".
Vienna is also a great starting point for those wanting to explore the rest of Austria in December. The town of Innsbruck is a short journey away and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with Christmas markets and festive cheer. The Christmas market at Old Town Market is particularly special, with handmade goods, traditional decorations, and winter treats. Hallstatt is another famous mountain village, nestled between the shores of Lake Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut Mountains.
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Innsbruck's Christmas fair, cable car, and gluhwien
Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful places in Austria in December. The town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and becomes a Christmas wonderland during the festive season. The Christmas markets are a highlight, especially the one in the Old Town, which has a historic touch with handmade goods, traditional Christmas ornaments, and winter treats. The market in front of the Golden Roof in the historic city centre is also worth a visit, with its Christmas ornaments, handicrafts, traditional dishes, and Glühwein (mulled wine).
The Hungerburg cable car takes you directly from the city centre to the Christmas market above Innsbruck in just eight minutes. The cable car ride is an experience in itself, with stunning views of the city and stations designed by star architect Zaha Hadid. Once at the top, you'll find breathtaking views, culinary delights, and Christmas souvenirs.
The Maria Theresien Street Christmas Market is another popular option, with modern Christmas designs and a wide range of souvenirs. The market stalls are surrounded by trees covered in sparkling lights, and the tempting aromas of mulled wine and delicious snacks are hard to resist.
In addition to the Christmas markets and cable car ride, Innsbruck offers other festive attractions. The Tyrol Winter Festival Erl mixes opera performances with Christmas specials, and the Christmas concerts of the Wilten Boys' Choir in the Court Church are also a famous must-see. The colder it gets, the more popular the outdoor swimming pools become, with thermal baths, heated pools, and saunas surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
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Hallstatt, a mountain village between Lake Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut Mountains
Hallstatt, a small town in the district of Gmunden, is a famous mountain village in Austria, nestled between the serene Lake Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut Mountains. The town is known for its production of salt, which dates back to prehistoric times, and its name is derived from this, meaning "place of salt". The Hallstatt salt mine is the oldest working salt mine in the world, with a temperature of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius all year round, and is definitely worth a visit. The wealth generated by the salt mines is displayed in the prehistoric cemeteries in Hallstatt, with over 1,500 excavated prehistoric Bronze Age tombs.
Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural history. The Hallstatt Skywalk, or the "World Heritage View", offers a panoramic view of the village, the lake, and the surrounding Dachstein Alps from 360 meters above. The Hallstatt Ossuary, located in St. Michael's Chapel, is also a must-see, with over 1,200 human skulls, 600 of which are artistically painted. The tradition of painting skulls and preserving bones began due to limited burial space in the village.
The town itself is quite small and easy to navigate, with only around 1,000 residents. The old town is captivating, with charming houses, flower-draped wooden balconies, and a majestic church spire. The Bone Chapel, located in the old town, is another cultural monument worth visiting. For those interested in the history of the region, the Hallstatt Museum features artifacts from the Hallstatt culture, dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, and covers the complex society of the Hallstatt civilisation.
Hallstatt is a great destination for those who love the outdoors, with 40 different hiking trails to choose from. The "Hiking in Autumn Program" offers hiking tours ranging from 500 to 2100 meters above sea level, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Hallstatt. The cable car ride up to Mount Krippenstein is especially memorable, with a stunning sunset awaiting at the top. For a more relaxed experience, there are also lakeside cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the "visual therapy" of the graceful lake swans.
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Frequently asked questions
December is winter in Austria, so expect snow, skiing, and Christmas markets. The Christmas markets in Salzburg and SalzburgerLand are a must-see for anyone seeking a truly magical holiday experience. Vienna is also a great place to visit in December, with over 20 official Advent markets to explore. If you're into skiing, Kitzbühel is one of the top ski resorts in Austria, with over 170 kilometres of slopes and 54 cable cars. For a more relaxed experience, try tobogganing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking.
Winters in Austria are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. In the lowlands, like Vienna, average temperatures range from -2°C to 6°C during the day, while in the mountains, temperatures can drop to -10°C to -15°C or lower. The snowfall in the mountains can be heavy, and the higher the elevation, the greater the snowfall.
There are many charming Christmas markets to visit in Austria during December. Some of the most popular ones include the markets in Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, and Linz. The Christmas market in Old Town Market in Innsbruck is especially noteworthy, with its historic touch and handmade goodies. The Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market in Graz is also worth visiting, with its themed days and exclusive homemade handicrafts.
Yes, there are plenty of other unique things to do in Austria in December! You can visit the medieval Kufstein Fortress and traditional wooden houses in Kufstein, or explore the mountain village of Seefeld, surrounded by the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountains. Hallstatt, a famous mountain village, is also worth visiting, with its glaciers and ancient salt mine. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, Austria's thermal baths, heated pools, and saunas in the heart of Alpine valleys are a popular choice during the winter.
