Leslie Massey
If you're looking for a winter wonderland, Austria is the place to be in December. The country is known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and winter sports. The temperatures can drop to as low as −20°C at night, but that doesn't stop people from flocking to its famous Christmas markets, ski resorts, and charming villages. Whether you're a skier or not, there's something for everyone in Austria during this festive season. From the historic city of Innsbruck to the spas in Tirol, the Christmas markets of Vienna, and the snowy Alps, Austria is a magical place to visit in December.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Winter |
| Weather | Cold and snowy, especially in the mountains |
| Temperature | Daytime temperatures are usually warmer than -20°C to 0°C at night |
| Activities | Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, visiting Christmas markets, sightseeing, ice rinks, hot air ballooning, visiting museums, galleries, cafes |
| Food and drinks | Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Sachertorte chocolate cake, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, Glühwein (mulled wine), kiachl (deep-fried dough delicacies) |
| Cities and towns | Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz, Ischgl, Linz, Tyrol, Kitzbühel |
| Attractions | Christmas markets, concerts, ice rinks, outdoor thermal pools, Lake Gosau, the Danube River, hillside vineyards, Imperial architecture, the Golden Roof, Belvedere Palace, Rathauspark, Diviana Art Christmas Market, the Bohemian Forest, Hochficht, Friedensreich Hundertwasser's buildings |
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What You'll Learn
Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Linz
Austria is a stunning place to visit in December, with its Christmas markets, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Here is a list of Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Linz, four of the top places to visit in Austria during the festive season.
Vienna
Vienna, Austria's capital, offers several Christmas markets, including the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz, which is open until 6 January 2026, and the Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, which is open until 26 December 2025. The Stephansplatz market in front of the cathedral is another popular choice. Most markets open between 10 am and midday and close between 8 pm and 10 pm. Vienna also offers special holiday concerts on 24 December and New Year's Eve at the Kursalon concert venue, as well as a gala event on 25 December.
Salzburg
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, one of the world's oldest Advent markets, is a must-visit. It offers traditional huts, unique lighting, local folk customs, and a variety of treats, including Austrian specialties, mulled wine, and hot punch. The market is held in Salzburg's Cathedral Square and is open from 20 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. A colourful daily events programme 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 market in the Old Town, held from 15 November to 23 December, is a highlight, with its historic touch, handmade goodies, traditional Christmas ornaments, and winter treats. The market stalls are nestled between medieval buildings and the Golden Roof, offering a charming setting. Another market is held on Maria Theresien Street, surrounded by sparkling lights and international gift ideas. The Panorama Christmas Market at Hungerburg, accessible by funicular, offers tranquil surroundings, hot punch, snacks, and Christmas accessories.
Linz
Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, concert halls, and art galleries. The main Christmas market is located in the central square, with stalls decorated with painted signs and rooftop lights. The Volksgarten market has a fairground atmosphere with rides, food, and drinks. The market in Domplatz, in front of the cathedral of Linz, is a new 'quiet' Advent market. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 23 November to 22 December, from 11 am to 8 pm.
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Skiing in Kitzbühel, Ischgl, or Tyrol
Austria is home to the Alps and some of the best skiing in Europe, so it's a great place to visit in December for a winter getaway. Here are some top spots for skiing in Kitzbühel, Ischgl, or Tyrol:
Skiing in Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is a top ski resort in Austria, known as the "legendary sports town in the Alps". It offers a vast array of sports activities 365 days a year. With over 170 kilometres of slopes, 54 cable cars, and options for every level of skier, it's a great choice for a ski holiday. The resort has perfectly groomed slopes, a modern lift system, and 233km of pistes, including the world-famous Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse. Beginners can try the Kitz Mini-Streif slope, while adventurous skiers can take on the full Streif or the "steep slope". The resort also offers night skiing, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. After a day on the slopes, visitors can relax in the mountain restaurants, bars, and lounges, or enjoy the spa and massage facilities in the top wellness hotels.
Skiing in Ischgl
Ischgl is another popular ski destination in Austria. The Silvretta Arena in Ischgl-Samnaun is well-known among skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers a range of ski slopes, lifts, and facilities for all levels, from beginners to experts. Ischgl also has a vibrant après-ski scene, with bars, clubs, and restaurants offering entertainment and nightlife.
Skiing in Tyrol
Tyrol has several ski resorts that open before December, thanks to its high-altitude ski areas. The Gurgl ski area in Ötztal and the Stubai Glacier are ideal for early-season skiing, with excellent snow conditions and groomed pistes. Families can enjoy skiing in Pitztal, and the Hintertux Glacier offers year-round skiing. For those looking for a more cultural experience, Tyrol also hosts the Winter Festival Erl, which combines opera performances with Christmas specials. The Tyrol Symphony Orchestra's New Year's Day Concert is another popular event.
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Ice skating in Vienna or Tirol
Ice skating in Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a great place for ice skating in December. The Rathausplatz rink outside Vienna's City Hall is a popular option, especially when the Christmas lights and giant tree are on. The Eistraum ice rink here offers a huge 9500 m² ice area and an extraordinary skating terrace. Skating here costs around 10,00 Euros for adults, with an additional 9,00 Euros for skate rental. There are also usually snack stands on-site for refreshments.
Another option in Vienna is the ice rink located between the Stadtpark and the Konzerthaus (Lothringerstraße 22). This rink offers 6000 m² of ice and is usually open from the beginning of November.
Ice skating in Tirol
Tirol, surrounded by the Alps, offers many natural lakes that freeze over in winter, providing ample opportunities for ice skating. Here are some of the top spots for ice skating in Tirol:
- Lake Piburger See: This lake, located in the middle of an unspoilt forest high above Oetz, offers a two-kilometre-long and eight-metre-wide ice rink. You can rent ice skates at the inn directly on the lake.
- Lake Tristach: Surrounded by the Lienz Dolomites, this lake offers a 50,000 square metre ice rink, with space for several ice hockey rinks and an ice skating rink.
- Lake Thiersee: This lake, located in the centre of the village of Vorderthiersee, offers a picturesque setting for ice skating.
- Möserer See: This tranquil lake, located east of Telfs, offers a unique ice skating experience surrounded by forests and mountains.
- Reintalersee: With an area of almost 30 hectares, this lake in the Alpbachtal region offers a large natural ice rink when conditions are right. You can rent skates from Sport Ossi.
- Klaus Äuele natural ice rink: Located in the Stubai Valley, this rink is family-friendly and offers a natural ice surface for ice skating and curling, with skate rental available on-site.
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New Year's Eve fireworks in Vienna
December is winter in Austria, which means snow, skiing, and Christmas markets. The country is known for its winter sports, with the Alps providing some of the best skiing in Europe. Innsbruck, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is a popular destination, with its historic Christmas markets selling handmade goods, traditional Christmas ornaments, and winter treats. Salzburg's Christkindl market, which started in the 1400s, is also a must-visit.
If you're looking for a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration, Vienna is the place to be. The Austrian capital is famous for its fireworks displays, with firework shows lighting up the night sky across the city. To get the best view of the fireworks, head to the surrounding hills or find a spot with a great vantage point, but be sure to reserve in advance.
The city centre transforms into a grand party, with the New Year's Eve Trail, or Silvesterpfad, attracting hundreds of thousands of revellers. From 2 pm on the 31st of December to 2 am on the 1st of January, the city buzzes with dozens of gastronomes serving punch, sparkling wine, and culinary specialties, along with musical entertainment. The classical area on Graben is a popular fixture, with waltz dancing and an open-air ballroom. The giant Pummerin bell of St. Stephen's Cathedral rings in the New Year, with the chimes broadcast across TV and radio, followed by the traditional playing of the Blue Danube Waltz.
Before the midnight celebrations, you can join the locals for a sparkling wine breakfast with salmon, and don't forget to pick up some lucky marzipan pigs and Manner's lucky fish-shaped biscuits. If you're still going strong the next morning, join the Viennese in watching the traditional TV broadcast of the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert, followed by a "hangover cure" brunch.
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Hiking in the Alps
Austria is home to the Alps, which offer some of the best skiing in Europe. While December is a great time to visit Austria for snow sports, it is also a good time for hiking in the Alps.
The Alps are the greatest supported hiking and walking destination in the world. The trails are well-marked and maintained, and there are plenty of accommodations available. The trails are connected by villages, hamlets, inns, and mountain huts, so you can hike for weeks without needing to carry a tent, sleeping bag, stove, or food.
However, it is important to note that December is not the ideal time for trekking in the Alps. The weather is unpredictable and can be miserable, with rain, clouds, and fog blocking the mountain views. Many cable cars and mountain huts are closed during this time. If you do choose to hike in the Alps in December, you will likely need snowshoes, as there will be snow on the ground.
If you are looking for a challenging and immersive hike, consider the Dolomites Alta Via 2 in the Italian Alps. This hike crosses the Western Dolomites along splendid paths at high altitudes, passing by numerous peaks of over 3000 meters.
For a more moderate hike, try the Gran Paradiso hike, also in the Italian Alps. This hike takes you through alpine meadows and dense forests, and past stunning lakes and high mountain passes.
If you are an experienced hiker looking for a challenging trek, the Selvaggio Blu wild hike in the Italian Alps may be for you. This trek combines various outdoor activities, including abseiling, scrambling, hiking, and climbing along limestone cliffs and caves.
While December may not be the ideal time for hiking in the Alps, it can still be a rewarding experience with the right preparation and equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
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. Ischgl, a resort town in western Austria's Paznaun Valley, is also a good option for reliable snow in December.
There are plenty of non-skiing activities to do in Austria in December. You can go tobogganing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking. You can also visit famous spas and quaint villages, or go ice skating in areas like Tirol, where many lakes completely freeze over.
There are many charming Christmas markets in Austria's towns and cities in December. Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, and Linz are among the best. The Christmas market in front of Innsbruck's famous Golden Roof is especially popular, as is the main market at Old Town Market. The Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market in Graz offers themed days and exclusive homemade handicrafts. The Christmas village outside the world-famous Belvedere Palace in Vienna is also a popular attraction.
Austria's Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and Vienna's Sachertorte chocolate cake (filled with layers of apricot jam) are two must-tries if you have a sweet tooth. You can also try roasted chestnuts, which are sold at many Christmas markets, and Kiachl, a type of deep-fried dough delicacy.
