Vienna in December: The Best Christmas Markets and Winter Experiences
Visiting Vienna in December was an interesting experience, with a mix of incredible highlights and some disappointment. The city’s festive spirit comes life with the most charming and impressive Christmas markets. Historic landmarks are draped in holiday décor and pockets of the city are vibrant and filled with energy. In other parts of the city we were surprised at the sense of desolation and stillness in a city of 2 million. During our trip, we explored some of the city’s best Christmas markets, discovered exciting activities for kids, and enjoyed delicious Austrian cuisine. Not everything was as expected, but overall we had a very good experience in Vienna, Austria.
Vienna’s Best Christmas Markets Ranked
1. Rathausplatz Christmas Market
As the largest Christmas market in Vienna, Rathausplatz is a must-visit. The beautifully illuminated City Hall serves as a grand setting for this winter wonderland. Here, we enjoyed a magical evening ice skating on the impressive outdoor rink, riding the merry-go-round, and watching the heart tree light up, adding to the market’s festive spirit. The ice skating rink weaves throughout the park, connecting multiple rinks via ice pathways. Truly a unique experience for our family of ice skaters.
2. Spittelberg Christmas Market
For a trendier, more intimate Christmas market experience, Spittelberg was a great experience. Nestled in narrow, cobbled streets, this market stood out for its unique and stylish holiday stands. Rather than just the usual ornaments and nativity scenes, we found one-of-a-kind gifts and an exceptional selection of beverages. A charming candy store hidden among the stalls was an exciting find for the kids.
3. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Set against the imperial backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace, this sprawling market offers an extensive selection of holiday goods, from artisan crafts to seasonal delicacies. Adding to the lively atmosphere was a DJ area, where upbeat music pulsed through the air. The market’s proximity to the Vienna Zoo made it a perfect stop after visiting the animals.
4. Stephansplatz Christmas Market
Situated next to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this market is a scenic delight. The majestic cathedral provides a stunning backdrop while festive stalls offer seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and mulled wine. The surrounding shopping district is particularly vibrant, with dazzling chandeliers strung above the streets, creating an elegant and festive atmosphere. The Christmas market was the smallest of the markets we visited and closed by 9p (promptly), so we found this one a bit underwhelming.
Discover more amazing European Christmas Market Cities to explore
Family Fun in Vienna
Beyond the Christmas markets, we made time for some of Vienna’s top attractions for families. The Haus des Meeres (Vienna Aquarium) was a fascinating stop, featuring a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits that captivated our children. Additionally, we visited the Vienna Zoo, located within the Schönbrunn Palace grounds. As the world’s oldest zoo, it offered a mix of historic charm and engaging animal encounters, making it a hit with our little ones.
Dining in Vienna
Dining in Vienna can be challenging without a reservation, so planning ahead is highly recommended. However, we discovered some fantastic spots:
- Glacis Beisl – A cozy restaurant serving hearty Austrian fare, where we enjoyed delicious pierogies, Vienna schnitzel, and duck confit.
- Pizza Randale 1050 – On an evening when many restaurants were fully booked, we lucked out with a table here, and it turned out to be an excellent find. The pizza was outstanding, satisfying our hungry family.
- Meinklang Hofladen – Conveniently located across from our hotel, this café served a delightful breakfast with great coffee and fresh options to start the day.
- MARIN Espressobar – Another great morning stop for coffee lovers, offering high-quality espresso.
Where We Stayed & Getting Around
We stayed at the Holiday Inn, a decent and well-located choice that allowed us to navigate Vienna with relative ease. Vienna’s subway system and walking proved to be the most efficient ways to get around the city with children.
Tips for Winter in Vienna
On our trip to Vienna, Austria the weather was cold and very windy. This chill was hard to fight off, so we advise bundling up with extra layers. Long underwear, check, snowsuit for the kids, check. A lot of the festive experiences are outdoors, so taking care to keep warm and doing so will make your experience all the better.
Final Thoughts
Vienna in December is an immersion in holiday wonder, with its festive markets, charming streets, and cultural treasures. However, the winter chill and wind can be intense, so bundling up—especially for the kids—is essential. Whether you’re indulging in warm mulled wine, gliding across the ice rink at Rathausplatz, or enjoying family friendly attractions, Vienna’s holiday season is not to be missed.
Ready for More Adventures in Austria?
- Winter Family Fun in Salzburg: Christmas Markets, Music, and Austrian Delights
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- Skiing St. Anton, Austria: Best Runs, Eats, and Après-Ski
