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Dreaming of a white Christmas in Austria? You're in luck—December is winter in Austria, which means snow, skiing, and Christmas markets. While it doesn't always snow in Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg, you're more likely to find snow in the mountains, where conditions are suitable for skiing and other snow sports. So, if you're hoping for a snowy Christmas, head to the Alps or a ski resort town for your best chance of seeing those snowflakes.
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What You'll Learn
Snow in Austrian cities
While snow is common in Austria in December, it is not guaranteed, especially in the cities. The country's lower-lying cities, such as Vienna and Salzburg, may have snow on the ground in December, and nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing. However, daytime temperatures are usually milder, and the chances of a white Christmas in these cities are slim.
Vienna, for example, has experienced snow in December in recent years, but it is often fleeting. In 2021, there was only a brief smattering of snow on Christmas Day, and in 2023, snow fell on the 23rd of December but quickly melted. Warmer winters are becoming a broader trend in Vienna, as evidenced by the lack of meaningful snow in December 2024.
Salzburg, despite being closer to the mountains, may also have snowless winters. For a greater chance of snow, it is advisable to visit ski resorts at higher altitudes, such as those in the Alps or at 8,000-9,000 feet. The city of Innsbruck, located in the western part of Austria, offers ski fields that are accessible by cable car. Nearby ski areas include Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne.
If you're determined to experience a white Christmas in Austria, consider visiting the Christmas markets in Graz, which feature a unique nativity scene carved from crystal-clear ice. The Panorama Christmas Market at Hungerburg Hill, accessible via the Hungerbaghbahn funicular railway, offers breathtaking views of mountain snow and alpine treats. The Salzburg Christmas market, set against the backdrop of the stunning cathedral, is another romantic option, with a rich schedule of choral singing and other festive events.
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Skiing and snow sports
While there may be snow on the ground in lower-lying Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg in December, and temperatures may dip below freezing at night, daytime temperatures are usually warmer. For guaranteed snow, head to the mountains, where conditions are suitable for skiing and other snow sports.
Austria is a popular destination for skiing in December, so expect high prices and full hotels in ski resort areas. Be sure to book accommodation in advance. Visitor numbers will be lower elsewhere, but the Christmas markets in towns and cities attract some travellers and locals.
If you're spending time in Vienna, it's easy to fit in a day or two of skiing in between sightseeing. The Zauberg Semmering ski area is just a 75-minute drive from the capital or reachable on the Semmeringbahn mountain railway. The skiing at Zauberg Semmering is best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, but there's also a freestyle park, night skiing, ice skating, sledding, and more.
The western city of Innsbruck is another excellent destination in December 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. Non-skiers can enjoy the mountain views and the imperial and Gothic architecture and sample Austrian food and drink.
For a true taste of the Alps, take the Hungerbaghbahn funicular railway line up to Hungerburg Hill for the Panorama Christmas Market. Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain snow, along with plenty of alpine treats and an atmospheric music programme every Sunday evening.
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Christmas markets
While it's hard to predict whether it will snow in Austria for Christmas, you can still get into the Christmas spirit by visiting the country's Christmas markets. From mid-November until the end of the year, Austria hosts romantic Christmas markets filled with glistening lights and seasonal treats. Here are some of the best Christmas markets to visit in Austria:
Vienna
The capital city of Vienna is a top Christmas destination in Austria, with over seven Christmas markets to explore. One of the most well-known markets is the "Vienna Magic of Advent", which transforms the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. The Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace exudes imperial flair, offering traditional handicrafts, nostalgic toys, and decorative items. The Belvedere Palace Christmas Village, set in a baroque backdrop, features creative gift ideas and culinary delights. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is one of the largest markets in the city, with an ice skating rink and classic Austrian treats like kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and kaiserschmarrn (torn pancakes) with plum compote.
Salzburg
Salzburg is known for its charming Christmas markets, including the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt located next to the city's main cathedral. The market is filled with twinkling lights and carolers, creating the perfect atmosphere for holiday cheer. The Hellbrunn Advent Magic in Salzburg features a fairy-tale forest of 700 fir trees adorned with 10,000 red baubles and fairy lights. The Salzburg Mountain Advent in the Großarl Valley offers a rustic experience with handcrafted nativity scenes displayed by torchlight and candlelight.
Graz
Graz is another top Christmas destination in Austria, known for its numerous Christmas markets within walking distance of each other. The oldest market takes place around the Franciscan church, featuring Styrian arts and crafts, regional farm products, hot punch, and mulled wine.
St. Wolfgang
The Advent market in St. Wolfgang is one of the most charming, where you can experience regional traditions and authentic handicrafts with the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang in view.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck opens its Christmas markets about four weeks before Christmas, marking the beginning of the festive season. The Innsbruck Marktplatz Market is known for its glittering crystal trees and yuletide paradise for children.
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Travel and accommodation
If you're travelling to Austria for Christmas, you'll be arriving in the country's winter season, which means you can expect snow, skiing and Christmas markets.
Travel
Austria in December is a popular time to visit, so expect high prices and full hotels in ski resort areas. It's best to book accommodation in advance. Visitor numbers will be lower elsewhere, but the Christmas markets in the towns and cities will still attract some travellers and locals.
If you're looking for snow, you're more likely to find it in the mountains, where conditions are suitable for skiing. While it may snow in lower-lying cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, it's not guaranteed. Even in the mountains, December is still relatively early in the snow sports season, so the more reliable snow can be found at higher altitudes. If you want to ski, you could try the ski fields near Innsbruck, such as Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne, one of the steepest ski runs in Europe. For beginners and intermediates, there's the Zauberg Semmering ski area, which is a 75-minute drive from Vienna.
If you're set on a white Christmas, you could try the Panorama Christmas Market, which you can reach by taking the Hungerbaghbahn funicular railway line up to Hungerburg Hill. You'll find breathtaking views of the mountain snow and plenty of alpine treats, along with a music programme every Sunday evening.
Accommodation
If you're looking for a romantic place to stay at Christmas time, Salzburg is a picturesque city with beautiful skyline domes and towers. The Salzburg Christmas market dates back to the 15th century and is located in front of the stunning Cathedral. The market runs alongside a rich schedule of music, including choral singing in front of the Cathedral.
For snow sports enthusiasts, the resort town of Ischgl in western Austria's Paznaun Valley offers reliable snow in December. It's one of the highest ski areas in Austria, so it has a long season and reliable conditions.
If you're spending time in Vienna, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and palaces to visit. Just be aware that shops are closed on Sundays in Austria, and many closed early on New Year's Eve.
Finally, if you're travelling to Austria with children, be aware that it's obligatory for children under the age of 15 to wear helmets when skiing.
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Weather and temperature
Austria has a widely continental climate, with the eastern edge of the country extending into the Pannonia climate zone. December is winter in Austria, which means snow, skiing, and other snow sports. The temperature in Austria in December goes down to -20°C during the night, with daytime temperatures usually a bit warmer. The coldest months are January and February.
In December, snow may be on the ground in lower-lying cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, and nighttime temperatures may dip below 32°F (0°C). However, daytime temperatures are usually a bit warmer, and the snow tends to melt quickly. Vienna gets snow every year (at least it has since 1953), ranging from 1cm to over 2m. However, it rarely snows on Christmas Day.
If you're looking for reliable snow, your best bet is to head to the mountains and ski resorts. The conditions in the mountains 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. Ischgl, a resort town in western Austria's Paznaun Valley, offers reliable snow in December, with altitudes ranging from 4,527 feet to 9,514 feet (1,380 m to 2,900 m). The ski areas near Innsbruck, including Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Kitzbühel, and Hafelekar-Rinne, also offer reliable snow conditions. For a true taste of the Alps, take the Hungerbaghbahn funicular railway line up to Hungerburg Hill for the Panorama Christmas Market, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain snow and alpine treats.
The western city of Innsbruck is a great destination in December for both snow sports enthusiasts and those who prefer more gentle pursuits. The Nordkette Cable Car takes passengers to the city's ski fields, and non-skiers can enjoy the mountain views and imperial and Gothic architecture. Salzburg is also a popular destination for Christmas markets and snow-covered landscapes.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where in Austria you are. While it does snow in Austria in December, it doesn't always snow on the 25th. Lower-lying cities like Vienna and Salzburg may have snow on the ground, but it's not guaranteed. If you want to be sure to have a white Christmas, head to the mountains or ski resorts at higher altitudes, such as Ischgl in western Austria's Paznaun Valley, which has one of the highest ski areas in the country.
Austria has plenty of Christmas markets in its towns and cities, with Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, and Linz among the best. The markets offer entertainment like concerts, handicrafts, and festive food and drinks. There are also museums, galleries, cafes, and other indoor attractions to enjoy.
December is winter in Austria, so it can be very cold, with temperatures dropping below 0°C at night. However, daytime temperatures are usually a bit warmer. Keep in mind that there are also short daylight hours, with the sun rising after 7:30 am and setting around 4 pm.
