Christmas 2026
Christmas in Vienna
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
21 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 39 ideas
- 3 nights out
- 16 for families
- 19 free
Don't miss
Viennese Dream Christmas Market
Der Nussknacker (The Nutcracker) Ballet
Christmas in Vienna Gala Concert
Tuesday 8 December
Der Nussknacker (The Nutcracker) Ballet
A modern staging of the popular Christmas ballet based on E. T. A. Hoffmann's fairytale. Features dancers from renowned European theaters. Ideal for a family evening.
Family
Immaculate Conception - Public Holiday
A public holiday in Austria. Schools and most businesses are closed. Retail stores are permitted to open for Christmas shopping on this day.
Tuesday 15 December
Christmas im Wiener Musikverein
A classical Christmas concert at the famous Wiener Musikverein.
Wednesday 16 December
Christmas in Vienna Gala Concert
A renowned Christmas concert featuring the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Vienna Girls' Choir, Wiener Singakademie, and international soloists. The program includes classical Christmas carols and popular Christmas music. The December 16 concert is a pre-premiere.
Tuesday 22 December
justizclubbing Christmas Edition
An after-work event for the legal community and friends, with good music and rooftop views. First come, first served.
Night outFreeSource: 25hours Hotels
Christmas Concert: The Sound of Christmas
Traditional Christmas concert by the Imperial Philharmonic, featuring the most beautiful melodies of the Christmas season, from Viennese tradition to film music.
Family
Sternenglanz & Weihnachtszauber (Starlight & Christmas Magic)
Concert featuring the Orchestra, Ensembles and Choirs of the Musikgymnasium Wien. Pre-sale for members starts November 16, 2026.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve - Bank Holiday, Early Closures
Not a federal public holiday, but recognized as a bank holiday. Expect shorter opening hours for many businesses and attractions, with essential shopping advised to be completed early. Many Christmas markets also close earlier.
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day - Public Holiday
A public holiday in Austria. Ordinary retail shops are generally closed, but some museums and attractions may have special opening hours.
Saturday 26 December
St Stephen's Day - Public Holiday
A public holiday in Austria. Ordinary retail shops are generally closed. Focus on cultural activities and remaining Christmas markets.
All season
Viennese Dream Christmas Market
Vienna's largest and most popular Christmas market at the illuminated City Hall, offering food, mulled wine, hot chocolate, holiday gifts, a Ferris wheel, and an ice-skating path in the Rathauspark. On December 24, it closes earlier. International choirs perform on Advent weekends (Fridays to Sundays) in the City Hall's main hall.
FamilyFree
Historical Monastery Nativity Scene at Dominikanerkirche
The large historical monastery nativity scene with nearly life-sized wooden figures, created around 1840, is viewable in the Vinzenz-Ferrer-Chapel. Viewing times are Mon-Fri 7:30 am-5:15 pm, Sat 8:30 am-5:45 pm, Sun & public holidays 1:00 pm-7:00 pm. Not possible during services.
FamilyFree
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
Set before the baroque facade of Schönbrunn Palace, this market focuses on craftwork, regional food, and a children's program. Open daily 10 am-9 pm. Dec 24: 10 am-4 pm. Dec 25-Jan 6: 10 am-7 pm.
FamilyFree
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz
Around 40 booths at the foot of St. Stephen's Cathedral, offering high-quality Austrian products with a focus on contemplation and tradition. Open daily 11 am-9 pm. Reduced hours on Dec 24-26.
Free
Eistraum am Christkindlmarkt
An ice-skating path in Rathauspark, adjacent to the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, offering a festive skating experience. This is a mini-version preceding the main Wiener Eistraum. Free ice area for children and beginners. Open daily 10 am-10 pm. Dec 24: 10 am-6:30 pm. Dec 31: closed.
FamilyFree
Sunday Mass with the Vienna Boys Choir
Attend Sunday Mass at the Imperial Court Chapel (Hofburgkapelle) where the Vienna Boys Choir performs. Also performed on Christmas Day, December 25. Tickets are in high demand.
Family
Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
Set against the baroque backdrop of Belvedere Palace, this market offers high-quality handicrafts, organic gastronomy, and a weekly cultural program. Opening hours are Mon-Fri 11 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-9 pm. Reduced hours on Dec 24-27 (11 am-5 pm).
Free
Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square
Located between the Art History and Natural History Museums, this village features traditional handicrafts and original gift ideas. Open Sun-Thu 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm. Reduced hours on Dec 24-26 (11 am-4 pm).
Free
Winter Market Prater (Riesenradplatz)
Under the motto 'The Prater Rocks,' this market features hot drinks, culinary delicacies, and a varied live entertainment program from Wednesday to Sunday starting at 7:00 PM. Open weekdays 12 pm-10 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-10 pm. Dec 24: 10 am-5 pm, Dec 31: 12 pm-2 am.
Night outFamilyFree
Christmas With The Vienna Boys Choir
Christmas performances by the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir.
Family
Wiener Eislauf-Verein (Vienna Ice Skating Club)
Vienna's oldest ice-skating club offers a large open-air ice rink, typically starting its season in early November. Open Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun & public holidays 9 am-8 pm, Fri 9 am-9 pm. Skate rental available for approximately 9.00€.
Christmas Market at Am Hof
Offers top-quality handicrafts, Christmas music, and choral singing in a charming setting. Open Mon-Thu 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sun & public holidays 10 am-9 pm (food & drink served an hour longer).
Free
Christmas Market at Spittelberg
Winds through narrow, historic lanes of the Biedermeier quarter, focusing on craftwork and sustainable products. Open Mon-Fri 2 pm-9:30 pm, Sat-Sun & public holidays 11 am-9:30 pm.
Free
Art Advent: Arts & Crafts at Karlsplatz
Focuses on unique, high-quality handicrafts, with vendors based in Austria and selling their own products. Also offers food and drink stalls. Open daily 12 pm-8 pm.
Free
Christmas Magic on Schwarzenbergplatz
Making its debut in 2026, this market features light installations around the Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain and the gardens outside Palais Schwarzenberg, along with Austrian food and live music. Open Mon-Fri 11 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-9 pm. Dec 24-25: 11 am-4 pm. Reduced hours on Dec 26.
Free
Old Viennese Christmas Market Freyung
A traditional market in the city center known for handicrafts, glass decorations, traditional mangers, and ceramics. Festive Advent music can be heard on the square from 4:00 PM.
Free
Hot Punch Above Vienna
Enjoy hot punch, Glüh-Gin, and raclette rolls at a charming Christmas hut with spectacular views from the Aurora Rooftop Bar. No reservation required. On Dec 31, the punch hut closes at 7:00 PM.
Night out
Traditional Christmas Flavors
During the Christmas season, visitors can enjoy traditional treats such as roasted chestnuts (Maroni), various types of punch (Punsch) and Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Christmas cookies (Weihnachtskekse) like Vanillekipferl, Linzer cookies, and Zimtsterne. Weihnachtsgans (Christmas Goose) or Bratwurst with potatoes are popular festive meals.
Krippenschau in der Peterskirche (Nativity Scene Exhibition)
Vienna's oldest nativity scene exhibition in the crypt of St. Peter's Church, featuring traditional and international nativity scenes. Open daily 10 am-6 pm. (Dates are an estimate based on 2024 information, assuming an annual tradition).
FamilyFreeSource: Hotel Zipser Blog
Advent Brunch at Aurora Rooftop Bar
Celebrate Advent Sundays with a festive Christmas Brunch featuring a live cooking station, free-flow punch, wine and beer, an exclusive cocktail special, and breathtaking city views.
GENESIS Immersive Light Show
An immersive light show that tells the story of creation through 360° projections and an original score, transforming the neo-Gothic Pfarrkirche St. Elisabeth into a living canvas. Concert evenings on selected dates with live organ or string quartet accompaniment.
Family
Christmas Village at Uni Campus (Altes AKH)
Located in the courtyard of the former General Hospital, now part of the university campus, offering a relaxed atmosphere with food stalls in 'Almhütten' style. Opening hours vary by day, weekdays from 2 pm, Sat-Sun from 11 am.
Free
Christmas Market in Türkenschanzpark
Offers a quiet park atmosphere with culinary delights and handicrafts, including a craft workshop for children on weekends.
FamilyFree
Christmas Exhibition at the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens
Alongside a Christmas market, the botanical gardens feature a special Christmas exhibition. Open Thursday to Sunday, with additional openings on December 7 and 8.
FamilyFree
Wiener Krippen (Vienna Nativity Scenes) Exhibition
An exhibition of nativity scenes, showcasing 'Wiener Krippen' under the motto of traditional Viennese nativity displays.
FamilyFree
Nativity Scenes at Schloss Hof
Display of various nativity scenes within the buildings of Schloss Hof.
Family
Christmas Market Mug Deposit System
Visitors should be aware of a deposit (Pfand) system for mugs at all Christmas markets. You pay a small deposit when you receive your drink, which is refunded when you return the mug.
Classical Concerts by Classic Ensemble Vienna
Regular performances throughout December in the beautiful baroque setting of St. Peter's Church.
Vivaldi's The Four Seasons by Orchestra 1756
Regular evening performances of Vivaldi's famous work at the magnificent baroque Karlskirche during the Advent season.
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 26 Oct