Christmas in Vienna

Wonder around every corner! For Christmas, all the emblematic sites of the former imperial capital vie with each other in splendour. Discover them as you stroll through the magical Town Hall Park and the illuminated trees of Servitengasse, one of the most beautiful streets in the Habsburg city. You can also take a step sideways, leaving the city centre for the Neubaugasse and admire the lights of the bohemian artists’ quarter.

Don’t miss the great classics such as the 120 giant blue baubles on Josefstäderstasse in the 8th arrondissement, the huge chandeliers on Graben, the red baubles on Rotenturmstrasse, or the glittering bells in the Seestadt Aspern district on the opposite bank of the Danube.

And if the city does you the honour of donning its great white coat, your visit will be enveloped in a romantic atmosphere enticing you to strap on your skates and go sliding on the large ice rink at Rathausplatz or even on one of the frozen arms of the Danube.

In Vienna, where the tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the 18th century, you start with the great Wiener Weihnachtstraum at New Town Hall  open from early November to 26 December. The wonder continues at Maria-Theresien-Platz, where a charming Christmas village sits between the Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorische Museum) and the Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt market on the Freyung which dates back to 1772. The Am Hof art and craft market and the St. Charles Church which showcases local crafts, are also worth a visit. The magical atmosphere is at its best in the markets located in front of the illuminated palaces:  The Liechtenstein, Belvedere and Schönbrunn palaces, where you can sip mulled wine in a beautifully illustrated mug of the city.

The decorations that are the speciality of Viennese craftsmen make perfect souvenirs. You’ll love the delicate porcelain from the Augarten Porcelain Manufactory, as well as the gourmet treats, gingerbread stars, golden hazelnuts and bags of nougats from Demel, the confectioner to the Austrian court. Santa Claus and miniature reindeer, you’ll love the colourful pewter figurines that populate the town’s stalls. And the blown glass baubles from Studio Comploj are simply sublime!

In Mozart’s hometown, the end of the year is all about music. Before you leave, check out the programme at the Wiener Konzerthaus and book a show from the wide range of Advent concerts. If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can choose from the Muskiverein or the city’s churches: Minims Church, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Capuchin Church, St. Peter’s Church. Another classic is the recital by the Vienna Boys Choir and their ‘Stile Nacht’. At the Stadthalle, you can enjoy a swing concert, pop music or a musical.