Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Vienna at Christmas
Vienna during the holiday season is pure magic, filled with festive markets, historical sites, and cozy coffeehouses.
If you're planning a trip to this enchanting city in December, here are our top 10 must-do experiences to truly embrace the Christmas spirit!
For more inspiration be sure to check out our 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary and 3 Days in Prague Itinerary!
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1. Take a Walking Tour of Vienna
Start your Christmas adventure by taking a walking tour of Vienna’s Old Town. These tours, which usually last about 2-2.5 hours, offer a perfect introduction to the city. You’ll learn about Vienna’s rich history and stunning architecture with a local! It’s the ideal way to get your bearings and discover hidden gems!
Historic Center of Vienna Walking Tour
Or, since it’s the holidays, why not take a festive carriage ride around town?
Vienna Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride with Sparkling Wine and Food
2. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) & Explore the Stephansplatz Christmas Market
A visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must in Vienna. Climb the South Tower for sweeping views of the city or take the elevator to the North Tower for a more relaxed experience.
Afterward, step outside to the Stephansplatz Christmas Market, located right outside the cathedral. Here, you’ll find charming stalls offering holiday treats, mulled wine, and unique gifts.
Check out a guided tour for a unique experience: Christmas Markets & Shopping in Vienna Tour
3. Explore the Rathausplatz Christmas Market
The Rathausplatz Christmas Market is the largest and most famous Christmas market in Vienna. Set against the beautiful backdrop of City Hall (Rathaus), this market is a festive wonderland. Enjoy ice skating, a dazzling light show, and shop for festive gifts. Warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate while taking in the holiday cheer.
4. Warm Up with Coffee and Sachertorte at Demel
No visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing its world-renowned coffeehouse culture. Demel is one of the city’s most iconic spots, where you can enjoy a cup of rich coffee and the famous Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake. It’s the perfect place to warm up after a chilly day exploring the Christmas markets.
Check out our food blog post for more details: Delicious food and drinks in the markets
Check out some amazing guided food experiences:
5. Visit Schönbrunn Palace & the Schönbrunn Christmas Market
Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Take an audio guide tour to learn about the history of the palace and its beautiful grounds.
Afterward, head to the Schönbrunn Christmas Market, one of Vienna's most picturesque markets, offering delicious food, drinks, and plenty of handmade crafts. It’s an ideal spot for lunch or an afternoon break.
For a guided experience check out: Vienna: Skip-the-Line Schonbrunn Palace & Gardens with Guide.
6. Discover Art at the Belvedere Palace & Christmas Village
Visit the Belvedere Palace, home to some of Austria’s most famous artworks, including Klimt’s iconic The Kiss. The Österreichische Galerie Belvedere houses masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the modern era. After exploring the art, stop by the charming Christmas Village outside the palace, a smaller but cozy market with lovely holiday gifts and delicious snacks.
For a guided experience check out: Skip-the-line Upper Belvedere Tickets and Guided Tour Vienna
7. Visit Hofburg Palace & the Sisi Museum
Dive into Vienna's imperial history with a visit to Hofburg Palace. The Sisi Museum provides fascinating insights into the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
For guided experiences check out: Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum Vienna Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
The area around the palace is filled with grand statues, making it a perfect place to stroll and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Plus, you’ll find a charming Christmas Market nearby for more shopping and holiday cheer.
8. Explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History)
If you're an art lover, don’t miss the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of Vienna’s premier art museums. The museum is home to works by old masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Titian. It’s a perfect indoor activity to warm up and escape the winter chill. Afterward, grab a coffee in the museum's stunning café and relax.
9. Shop at the Maria Theresien Square Christmas Market
Right outside the Kunsthistorisches Museum, you’ll find the Maria Theresien Square Christmas Market. This market is known for its beautiful architecture and festive vibe. Browse through handmade crafts, taste traditional holiday treats, and sip on warm drinks as you soak in the holiday atmosphere.
10. Visit the Naschmarkt for Food
For a change of pace from the Christmas markets, head to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest open-air market. While it’s not a Christmas market, it’s filled with over 100 stalls offering delicious food and drinks. From fresh produce and cheeses to local delicacies, it’s a great place to explore and grab lunch.
Bonus Activities for Extra Christmas Cheer:
Art Advent at Karlsplatz: If you’re looking for more Christmas markets, head to Art Advent at Karlsplatz, which is known for its arts and crafts.
Schwedenplatz Christmas Market: For something more intimate, check out this smaller market that offers a peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
Am Hof Christmas Market: A cozy market with a unique mix of arts and crafts, offering a more relaxed vibe.
Practical Tips for Your Vienna Christmas Getaway
Public Transport: Vienna’s public transport system is excellent, so pick up a transport pass to get around easily and cost-effectively.
Dress Warmly: December in Vienna can be chilly, so make sure to pack a warm coat, gloves, and a hat. Layering is essential to stay comfortable while hopping between outdoor markets.
Where to Stay: To maximize your time exploring Vienna’s Christmas markets, consider staying centrally in the Old Town or near Stephansplatz. This will keep you close to the action and public transport.
Vienna is an absolute winter wonderland in December, offering a mix of holiday magic, rich history, and delicious food! Find more Christmas European market inspiration on our blog posts:
Thank you for joining us!!
