5 Reasons To Visit Vienna in December

Whether it’s spring, summer, autumn or winter, the Austrian capital completely transforms itself and always offers its visitors a unique seasonal experience. I have visited Vienna a handful of times across the various seasons and have recently returned from a trip to the city and its Christmas Markets so I thought I’d share with you my 5 reasons why you should visit Vienna in December.

5 Reasons To Visit Vienna in December

December in Europe means one thing – Christmas – and the Viennese sure know how to put on a festive display. From the atmospheric Christmas Markets, quaint Advent traditions, to the wrapped-up high street stores, there is plenty to choose from and something to suit every taste!

Magical Markets

With an abundance of glistening baubles, beeswax candles, boozy punch, spiced biscuits and plenty of traditional gift ideas, there is no better way to get in the festive spirit than with a stroll around Vienna’s Advent markets.

Across the city there are over twenty one large markets. Most of these open in mid-November and are popular with both tourists and locals right up until Christmas itself. For a traditional feel, head to the Christmas Market on Rathausplatz and enjoy the setting by the city hall. To experience Viennese imperialism the Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace is a must and, the Christmas Village in front of Schloss Belvedere should certainly be added to your itinerary.

If you are looking for something a little different, the best place to find items of handcrafted folk art and jewellery are the markets on Karlsplatz or Am Hof. For foodies, make sure you visit the markets along Mahlerstrasse. You should also check out the courtyard of Haas & Haas, which is a very stylish café and tea shop.

Lovely Lights and Illuminations

I’m sure when you think of a European Christmas, you envisage scenes with classy decorations or ornate wooden ornaments.

In the crisp winter evenings that lead up to Christmas, the streets, buildings and markets help transform Vienna into a magical, glittering canvas of vibrant colour. Throughout the city, the many streets and thoroughfares are hung with decorations of all shapes and sizes,. You can see the giant chandeliers on Graben and the huge red baubles on Rotenturmstrasse. Every turn, offers the eye a feast of colour and a little of the sparkle that Christmas always heralds in.

Festive Food

Adding to the seasonal atmosphere are the scents and smells of festive food and drink. Be prepared for the heady aromas wafting through the air from the drinks huts. Cinnamon, clove, star anise and zesty citrus… You can also get more robust flavours of roasted chestnuts, Reibekuchen and Würstchen.

I also particularly loved seeing the wonderfully decorated Gingerbread hearts. Another favourite has to be the selection of Christmas market themed mugs with warm festive drinks. In the evening, these help to keep visitors hands warm, whilst they sup on their winter warming tipples.

Merry Music

What would Christmas be without the beautiful sound of joyful songs and singing?

Music has always been at the heart of the city. As expected, it plays a central role in making Vienna such a special place during Advent. There are sounds ranging from the carols or Weihnachtslieder to the more serious music that are reflected in the many concerts and performances that take place across the city in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Particularly recommended is The International Advent Singing Festival at the City Hall. This showcases choirs from all over the globe. You can also see Advent concerts in Stephansdom, festive trumpet recitals at Malteserkirche and performances by the Vienna Boys’ Choir at their concert hall, MuTh.

Advent Traditions

Whilst in many countries, Christmas has become increasingly commercialised, it still appears to be very much a traditional occasion in Vienna. Sure, there are still lots of shops flogging their glossy products, and plenty of gift wrapping and presents to be found, but there remains a feeling that the people are celebrating what Christmas really means and what it is all about.

The Austrian Advent traditions are still very much alive, and appear, even now in the twenty first century, to be important to the people of the city. It all starts with the arrival of St Nicholas on December 6 and whilst it is not technically part of the Christmas festivities, for many the Christmas season has begun. St Nicholas, locally known as Nikolo, brings children gifts such as sweets, nuts and dried fruits. He can be seen dressed in the white and gold robes of a bishop.

In the past, Nikolo was joined on his journey by Krampus, an evil figure who would try to frighten the children away with the rattling of a chain. I absolutely love chocolatier Demel’s sugary depiction of the two figures.

In addition to the Christmas countdown seen on the now familiar Advent calendars, most households in Austria celebrate Advent with the traditional wreath, which unlike the type that hangs on your front, is laid horizontally, woven from fir branches, and decorated with four candles. Every Sunday in Advent a candle is lit, until on the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are aglow, heralding the last few days before the real celebrations begin.

A dusting of snow on the ground, clusters of friends huddled around their steaming mugs of hot Glüwein, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and spiced biscuits, flickering candlelight, and those wonderful Christmas decorations. That is Vienna in December.

Vienna in December – Final Thoughts

So, if you don’t mind the chill nipping at your nose and the tips of your ears (a good reason to sample the local ‘brew’!), and want a break from the normal hectic run-up to an English Christmas, I would definitely recommend a visit to Vienna in December. I can guarantee that as you waltz around the city you will not be disappointed!

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