Vienna is a city that oozes elegance and whose city noise seems to hum the compositions of Mozart on every block. The city houses fantastic art collections in sophisticated museums, classical music concerts in baroque halls, and cozy restaurants with intriguing menu options. Vienna is especially known for its Christmas allure. The plazas are transformed into centers for bustling Christmas markets, the streets are drenched in glimmering lights, and the city is filled with extra holiday spirit during Christmas. Below, I share the details about navigating Vienna’s Christmas markets, suggest what to do in Vienna during Christmas, and recommend a few restaurants that I tried and liked.
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What To Know About Vienna’s Christmas Markets
There are many Christmas markets to visit in Vienna. From our hotel, we could walk to one called “Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square” and take public transport to many others. While the markets vary in layout and overall aesthetics, they all contain delightful crafts like pottery, jewelry, clothing, ornaments, and souvenirs. They also all have food. I especially loved the mulled wine (Glühwein), lángos, potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer), and, of course, the different sausages.
Most of the markets are open from mid-November until Christmas Day, but the hours and times may vary. This official tourism website has more information about the schedules.
What To Do During Christmas In Vienna
Classical Music Concert
If you visit Vienna during Christmas, attending a Christmas concert on Christmas Day is a must. Austria is known for fostering some of the most famous composers, like Mozart and Beethoven, and today, many world-class composers and musicians perform in venues across the city. I attended a Christmas concert and dinner at Schönbrunn Palace, which I recommend. However, there were many other beautiful venues to choose from, and based on their stellar reviews, I would also recommend them.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum was my favorite museum in Vienna and one of my top-listed European museums. It was designed beautifully and featured stunning art, artifacts, and antique collections. The café was also beautiful, and the gift shop had unique jewelry. The Kunsthistorisches Museum is open on Christmas and has a well-known Christmas market in front of it, making it a great Christmas day itinerary choice.
Available Activity Options
Belvedere Palace
Staying true to Vienna’s baroque nature, Belvedere Palace is a marvel. This palace has extensive grounds and a stunning interior combining baroque architecture and modern art. I loved marveling at the details in the grand halls and gazing upon Gustav Klimt’s famous works. Klimt’s most famous work, “The Kiss,” glows in a way that is impossible to capture on an iPhone camera. Belvedere Palace is also open on Christmas and has an adjoining Christmas market.
Available Activity Options
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is famous for its geometric and color-tiled roof. During the holidays, an inviting Christmas market surrounds the church. Be sure to take advantage of the free entry to see the cathedral’s staggeringly high ceilings and browse the market afterward.
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
This church may appear unassuming on the outside, but as the saying goes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. This baroque-styled church is rich and fanciful, making it the ideal backdrop for the Christmas concert offered here.
Available Activity Options
Restaurant Recommendations for Christmas in Vienna
1516 Brewing Company
1516 Brewing Company is a two-story, cozy pub with an extensive array of beers on tap and delicious, homey food. I especially loved the goulash soup.
Meissl & Schadn
Vienna is famous for its Wienerschnitzel, so trying one is a must during your visit. A Wienerschnitzel is a flattened piece of veal fried in your choice of lard, butter, or vegetable oil. The ones from Meissl & Schadn were so big that they overtook the plates they were on, and they also came with great side choices. I’ve also read that Figlmüller Backerstaße is a great spot to try this classic dish.
Fenster Café
So, this one is not quite a restaurant, but it’s still worth mentioning. Fenster Café is a small service window in an alley that makes specialty coffees. Their most notable menu item is the “Fensterccino,” which is served in a waffle cone with a layer of dipped chocolate on the inside. This coffee was a little pricey, but it was worth it for the flavor and the unique experience.
Chen’s
I don’t have many great options for Asian cuisine in my town, so when I go to big cities, I love to go to at least one Asian restaurant. Chen’s was an authentic spot serving flavorful noodle soups with handmade noodles. The meal was reasonably priced, it was close to the city center, and the warm soup was perfect on a chilly winter night.
