What to do in Vienna in winter – Interesting events in December 2022 and January 2023

December and January in Austria is a magical period which both residents and tourists look forward to all year long. Vienna glows with endless garlands and lanterns, Christmas songs are heard everywhere, as well as the laughter of people. The city comes to life due to lively Christmas markets, delicious hot mulled wine and interesting events. In this article, we will figure out what to do in winter in the Austrian capital and which activities are worth visiting.

Christmas markets

December can’t be imagined without Christmas markets in Vienna. The squares and streets in the Austrian capital are reminiscent of a fairy-tale due to bright garlands and lights, kiosks offering fragrant mulled wine, punch and pastries, Christmas tree decorations and local handicraft pop-up stalls, where you can purchase an original gift for yourself or your close ones. These types of fairs attract tourists and local residents, filling the Austrian capital with a wonderful Christmas mood. The main markets are located in the heart of the city, and are easily reachable thanks to the well-developed transport system in Vienna.

Christmas Market on Rathausplatz

The market on Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) is considered the largest in the city. This year it has been re-decorated and visitors are greeted at the entrance by an amazing arch which is several meters high. A little further, in the center of the square, a two-storey carousel for children, which is thoughtfully designed and attracts the attention of adults too, can be found.

NB! Families with children will appreciate the exciting destinations and entertainment activities, located within the close proximity to the market. Thus, you will appreciate the Vienna Christmas World with a reindeer train, a children's hut, a small Ferris wheel and an ice rink.

Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz

This is not just a market but a Christmas Village with 70 kiosks offering original products and delicious food. It’s located between the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Art History.

Freyung & Am Hof Christmas Markets

Small cozy fairs in the heart of the city are appreciated by local residents, as centuries-old traditions are taken into account during their creation. As early as 1772, trade was conducted here during the winter holidays. Today, everyone can purchase high-quality handicrafts, glass jewellery and traditional gifts here. From 4pm Christmas music is played on Am Hof Square, creating a special festive mood.

Stephansplatz Christmas Market

A small but cozy market can be found next to St. Stephen's Cathedral, the symbol of Vienna. It’s a perfect place to relax after Christmas shopping, drink a delicious punch and spend time with colleagues after a tiring day.

ART ADVENT Christmas Market at Karlsplatz

This market is full with art installations, and live performances take place regularly here, as well as art master classes for both adults and children. For the latter, a programme with various events is provided. All products presented at the stalls are bio-certified.

Schönbrunn Christmas Market

This market boasts a gorgeous location in front of the Schönbrunn Palace. In addition to the Christmas atmosphere, it is famous for concerts and workshops. Free children's workshops allow little visitors to learn how to make and decorate gingerbread, Christmas candles, create holiday figurines and much more.

Many sales representatives work for charitable foundations and their proceeds from trading at Christmas markets help people in need.

New Christmas markets open up in the Austrian capital every year, and one of them can be found on the roof of the new IKEA at Westbahnhof station. The majority of them are open until December 23, however, some can be visited until early January.

NB! Dates, opening hours, programmes and features of Vienna Christmas markets can be found on the official website of the city.

Culinary Abundance

Christmas and New Year's holidays are definitely not the best time to stick to a healthy diet. The aromas of cinnamon, cloves, caramel and vanilla float within the air at the Christmas markets, while Austrian traditions and the cold winter is the perfect reason to enjoy local traditional cooking, pastries and several other options. You should definitely try the following drinks and dishes:

• ‍Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink which consists of hot red wine, oranges and berry juice.‍
• Punch is another popular hot drink made from a mixture of red wine and spiced rum. The recipe of the drink, according to a legend, was brought to Austria by Mozart. There is also a non-alcoholic version of punch called kinderpunsch.‍
• Baked chestnuts and puffer potatoes can be purchased throughout Vienna from small stalls. Both baked chestnuts and hash browns can be eaten on the go.‍
• Langos is a large Hungarian lush yeast flatbread that is loved by Austrian citizens. It is fried in oil, with sour cream, garlic, herbs or cheese on top. It's high in calories but very delicious.‍
• Kaiserschmarrn is a popular dessert in Austria, which can be translated as "imperial omelet", although the ingredients are actually those of a fluffy pancake. It is served with powdered sugar and plum marmalade. In winter it can be purchased on the street in the heart of the city at the entrance to Do & Co or in the famous confectionery of Demel. It’s extremely popular during the cold season.‍
• Sweets. Painted gingerbread, caramelized nuts and apples, marzipan sweets and other fragrant traditional delicacies can be found in Christmas markets. Special attention is paid to the delicate crumbly Christmas cookies called speculoos, which are baked for Christmas.‍
• Goose meat is served in various restaurants and mostly with red cabbage.‍
• Carp is a traditional Christmas dish in Vienna. It is a symbol of Christ and plays an important role in Austrian culture. At Christmas time, it can be tasted in various ways, depending on its preparation.

NB! If you don’t want to stay in a hotel, you might want to find out more about factors you need to consider while renting a property in Vienna.

Cultural events

For connoisseurs of cultural events, classical music performances and concerts, Vienna hosts a great number of worthy events.

Christmas Concerts in St. Stephan Cathedral

The concerts called Adventkonzerte Im Stephansdom take place in the iconic Viennese cathedral from November 25 to December 23. Visitors get a chance to listen to the works of Mozart, Bach, Schubert, Haydn and other famous composers. Atmospheric concert evenings offer festive chamber music and beautiful Christmas songs interpreted by Harmonia Ensemble Wien.

Vienna State Opera

One of the winter traditions taken up by the local residents is to visit the Vienna State Opera. It doesn't matter if it's opera, operetta or ballet, as all tickets for December are sold out quickly. However, after the holidays, everything calms down and you can choose a performance to your liking. The Magic Flute by Mozart is extremely popular.

Konzerthaus & Musikverein

Classical music lovers attend concerts which are held in the concert hall called Konzerthaus and the philharmonic called Musikverein in Vienna. The world-famous New Year's concert called Wiener Musikverein is especially popular. It has been taking place since 1842 and is currently broadcast in over 90 countries. Tickets for this event are on sale about a year in advance.

Vienna Ball Season

If you want to plunge into the old Austrian atmosphere, you can visit one of the Viennese balls. This traditional event is included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. About 450 balls are held in Vienna every year, from November until Lent. Luxurious ball gowns, tailcoats, classical music and the waltz creates an amazing and unforgettable atmosphere. Among the most famous balls are the Viennese Opera Ball, Hofburg Silvesterball and the Flower Ball.

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