Things to do in Vienna at Christmas: from markets to music

From mid-November until Christmas, Vienna is immersed in a fairy tale atmosphere with its magical Christmas markets. The senses awaken to the irresistible aroma of Christmas pastries and hot punch wafting through the air, creating a festive atmosphere that pervades every corner of the city. The old town's iconic squares and bustling shopping streets are illuminated with dazzling lights, spreading contagious holiday cheer at every turn.

These markets offer not only a magical experience, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the true essence of Christmas. Visitors can explore exquisite traditional handicrafts, indulge in unique culinary delights, and enjoy the warmth of Viennese hospitality. Every corner tells a Christmas story, from the stalls filled with handcrafted gifts to the festive melodies that fill the air. If you are looking for things to do in Vienna at Christmas, we offer a variety of ideas below.

Vienna at Christmas time

If you are thinking about what things to do in Vienna during the winter, you should know that it transforms into a cozy scene full of Christmas spirit and atmosphere. The squares are filled with Christmas markets to offer visitors all kinds of souvenirs and delicious food. Here is a list of the markets you can visit to immerse yourself in Austrian Christmas culture and gastronomy.

Weihnachtsdorf market

The first thing we recommend you to do is to go to the Weihnachtsdorf Christmas market, with the impressive Belvedere as a backdrop for unique selfies. This baroque palace, illuminated by Christmas lights, rises monumental next to a lake, creating a dazzling spectacle. 

Enter through the south gate and be captivated by the whole view: the traditional markets stalls, the twinkling lights, and the splendid palace. During the celebrations, it is essential to indulge in the charm of Lebkuchen, heart-shaped delicacies with decorative messages. Find the most extravagant message for a truly unforgettable Christmas gift. 

On the other hand, let yourself be carried away by a fascinating musical experience while strolling through the Christmas markets of this city. A varied symphony full of choirs, gospel choirs, trumpeters and harpists will surprise you creating a joyful and festive atmosphere. For an even more special experience, you can attend the exciting Advent concerts, from the Children's Choir at the Muth Music Theatre to the majesty of the Wiener KammerOrchester at St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Enjoy ice skating at The Christkindlmarkt in Rathausplatz

If you're thinking about things to do in Vienna at Christmas, you have to take a stroll through the Christkindlmarkt. This Christmas market unfolds its splendour, illuminating the iconic town hall and offering an unbeatable visual spectacle. Renovated and resplendent, it fuses tradition with modernity, with high-quality stalls and an embellished decorative atmosphere. From exquisite pastries to aromatic sausages, the seasonal cuisine is a culinary delight. Also, if you are a person who appreciates "Bio" products, we recommend this market because it has a strong regional influence and a myriad of organic products with the "Bio" label. 

As if that wasn't enough, it is an excellent place for those in love, as it has the majestic Rathaus Christmas tree. This tree is provided every year by a different province as a gesture of friendship and is decorated with giant hearts, creating a perfect setting for romantic photos. It also has ice rinks so you can immerse yourself in Austria's most popular sport. So, if you want to plan a surprise for your special someone, this is the ideal place.

Karlsplatz Christmas market

Embark on an enchanting journey with the creative force behind Vienna's most exclusive Advent market, known as Art Advent. Here, the magic of craftsmanship is intertwined with rigorous standards: only Austrian artists, creating and producing their own wonders, under the approval of an expert jury. This process guarantees not only quality, but also an originality and diversity that stands out among Vienna's Christmas markets. From fine art to jewellery, decorations and more, each item offers a captivating uniqueness. 

As a special bonus, many of these talented artists will be there personally, creating new works in front of your eyes and sharing their passion with you. The feast continues with an irresistible gastronomic selection, where organic flavors and traditional Austrian delicacies will captivate you with exquisite traditional dishes such as Fladenbrot, Kiachl and Raclette. 

Don't worry about the cold, as covered areas and bar tables offer shelter while you enjoy your holiday punch or mulled wine. All this under an umbrella of sustainability, where even the children's carousel is made with recycled seats. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Vienna during Christmas.

Visiting the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is one of the most fascinating things to do in Vienna at Christmas

Explore the charming Freyung, a fascinating corner in the heart of Vienna that is home to the dazzling seasonal Altwiener Christkindlmarkt. Surrounded by the former Schottenstift Abbey and the majestic residences of the nobility, this place fuses history with modernity. 

Less frenetic than other markets, the Freyung offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with historic buildings providing a special touch. 

Explore a visual feast in search of unique decorations and find an eye-catching mix of gifts, crafts and gourmet delights. In addition, the program of events will amaze you with live music, children's shows, and craft demonstrations, highlighted by a monumental 46-meter Nativity scene.

The Spittelberg market

In the 1980s, Spittelberg was destined to be wiped off the map to make way for speculative construction projects. However, the timely intervention of activists and politicians wrote a new chapter for this space, taking it from demolition to renovation and revitalization. 

Today, Spittelberg is a melting pot teeming with life. Its Christmas market, a shining jewel in this renaissance, symbolizes the community's success. Unlike other markets, Spittelberg does not unfold in a broad square, but winds through narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque alleys and cozy courtyards. The 19th century Biedermeier architecture lends a homey charm, marking Spittelberg as one of the best places to appreciate this traditional and cozy style. 

Moreover, the unique design of the market gives it a special atmosphere. If you like to visit these spaces at times when they are full of life, we recommend that you go to this market in the hours with more vitality, at nightfall. 

A distinctive element of Spittelberg is its authentic and organic feel. Unlike other markets with uniform stalls, here you can find a diversity of designs scattered throughout the area, creating an effervescent mini metropolis of lights, scents and the bustle of visitors excited about Christmas.

Altes AKH Christmas market, the best place for kids

If you're wondering what things to do in Vienna at Christmas, you can't miss the Altes AKH. This Christmas market has a rich history of helping the needy since the 17th century and has evolved into a charming place that combines tradition with modernity. Originally a shelter for the wounded from the wars against the Ottoman Empire, it is now home to the University of Vienna and hosts the magical Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien Christmas market in November and December.

Imagine a setting where delicious hors d'oeuvres and hot toddies blend with historic architecture and college ambiance. The park-like design surrounded by buildings creates a festive oasis, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the street. Although it can be filled with hustle and bustle, the Weihnachtsdorf is a lesser-known treasure among tourists, offering a more authentic experience. 

This market captivates not only history and architecture lovers, but also families. It has activities for children, such as pony rides, carousels and a Christmas train. Without a doubt, the Altes AKH is the ideal destination to celebrate the holidays. And with a children's playground right next door, it's the perfect choice for enjoying your holiday punch without worrying about the little ones getting bored.

Stephansplatz Christmas market

In the magical days of the past, merchants found their space around churches, especially those steeped in devotion, turning these places into markets where both relics and radishes could be purchased. The spirit of this tradition persists in the captivating Stephansplatz Christmas market, which unfolds on the square that embraces the imposing Stephansdom cathedral, the pedestrian heart of Vienna. 

This medieval market, with its typical wooden stalls clinging to the cathedral, immerses you in an experience where tourists and locals alike can indulge in refreshing delicacies, as well as discover unique gifts and crafts. Although you won't find any relics or radishes, the location is a standout setting, backed by Mozart-era architecture and the majesty of the Gothic cathedral with its towers, catacombs, and mosaic roof. 

This market, with around 40 stalls, although smaller than the Christkindlmarkt, covers the entire spectrum of products you can imagine. From meticulously handmade decorations made of wood, tin and paper to more contemporary items. Without a doubt, the Stephansplatz Market immerses you in an authentic Christmas experience. The fiakers (the old taxi-like carriages) add a historical touch, making this corner of Vienna an enchanting destination to immerse yourself in the festive magic of Christmas.

Enjoy the best ice skating in Austria

You can't leave Austria without having tried ice skating and curling. Before indulging in all sorts of Christmas foods and desserts, you could opt to balance things out with a touch of winter exercise. In the city centre, you'll find several skating rinks, some of them integrated into the Christmas markets. Two of the most popular places for ice skating with skate rentals are the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz and the Wilhelminenberg Palace Gardens. 

Moreover, throughout the festive season, between the Vienna Konzerthaus and the InterContinental Wien, there is a huge ice rink that invites you to practice curling and ice skating. And if you are passionate about the latter, we recommend that you go down to the Danube because, if you are lucky, you might find it frozen and suitable for skating.

In conclusion, if you are thinking about things to do in Vienna at Christmas, you will have realized that the list of markets and activities is endless. This city is full of magic during Christmas, when the streets begin to transform into a white blanket with the arrival of snow. 

It's no wonder that every corner of this city is the perfect setting for a postcard. Moreover, one of the most striking things about Austria is that, as you stroll through the city, the squares appear unexpectedly. When you least expect it, you will be enjoying the warmth of the flea markets, with holiday punches and mulled wine. Undoubtedly, if you travel to Vienna, you must let yourself be carried away by its essence and enjoy every moment.