Curator’s statement
Vienna is a city full of charm, but during Christmas, it transforms into something truly magical. The streets light up with festive Christmas markets, delicious treats fill the air and the city’s rich culture adds an extra layer of holiday spirit. From the sparkling decorations to the mouthwatering food, Vienna at Christmas is an experience you won’t forget — it's a trip everyone should have on their bucket list!
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Things to do in Vienna
One of the things that you must do in Vienna is attend some or all of the Christmas Markets, each one has their own type of theme and stalls that make them unique.
Christmas Markets:
Christkindlmarkt at the Rathausplatz (One of the main markets)
Christmas Village Maria -Theresien-Platz
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt (One of my favorites, not very known)
Advent Market in front of Karlskirche
Old Viennese Christmas Market Freyung
Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof
Wintergarden at Museumsquartier
Christmas Market at Stephansplatz
Art Advent Market at Karlsplatz
Vienna is already an architecturally amazing city and how the city is decorated for Christmas adds to the perfection.
Christmas Illumination:
Rathauspark
Rotenturmstrabe
Kartner Strabe
Graben
Opernviertel
Another must-do for the season is attend a Christmas concert in a church. St Stephens Cathedral orchestra performance is the most popular.
Shonbrunn Palace is always great to visit and they do tours of the inside
Austrian Parliament Building, walk around to see more of the city’s beauty
Also, one of my favorite ways to see a city is to book a water cruise.
Day trips
Salzburg, Hallstat and Bratislava, Slovakia
Places to eat & drink in Vienna
Cafes and restaurants:
Cafe Mozart - Must try the Sachertorte and Punschkrapferl
Manner - The BEST wafers I ever had, it's an Austrian brand, must visit the shop, also have a stall at Christkindlmarkt at the Rathausplatz.
Radler is a popular drink that's kind of like a summer shandy for my American followers, it's so yummy.
Some must-try Austrian Dishes that I can eat every day:
-Traditional Weiner Schnitzel
-Traditional Austrian Kaiserschmarrn Dessert
At the Christmas Markets, there's so many different stalls that are filled with different food, drinks and desserts that must be tried. Some of my favorites are Schaumbecher Dessert and Punsh and Gluhwein (for those who want to indulge in a warm delicious spiked beverage).
Travel Advisor
Marisa Vandini
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vienna page.