The team at Vienna Residence, our guests, and the countless tourists that travel to Vienna are in agreement: our city is always beautiful – but in December, it literally starts to glow. 

During Christmas time, Vienna is extra enchanting – with its Christmas lights, festively decorated shopping streets and, most importantly, Christmas markets. It’s hard not to notice the delightful Christmas stalls, delicious smell of punch, and lovely Christmas atmosphere when wandering Vienna in December.

The inner city, in particular, is full of Christmas markets – each of which has its own special features –and what’s on offer is generally of a very high quality. In order to share all of these wonderful places with you, we have perfected a route through the city center that stops by each market. During our Christmas market hopping, jump on or off whenever you want – but it’s best to visit them all. Let’s get started!

1. Stop: Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz

Our first stop is the hotspot Karlsplatz, reachable with the U1, U2, and U4 subways, many tramlines and, of course, by foot. Directly in front of the impressive Karlskriche (St. Charles Church), you will find an especially beautiful Christmas market. It is well known for its art and handicraft – is perfect for personal one-of-a-kind Christmas presents made with love and care. Instead of going to an art exhibition, you could be inspired strolling through the market while enjoying an organic apple honey punch or garlic soup bread bowl. And this Christmas market is the only one in Vienna that sells just organic products and stands for sustainability and regionality. You will love it!

2. Advent pleasure Market at the Opera House  

You can reach this Christmas Market by foot from Karlsplatz in four minutes. It’s tiny and sweet, with regional products and lovingly arranged stands. This market is also canopied and can be used as a shelter when it rains or (hopefully) snows. When you’re finished here, grab another punch to go and drink it along the famous Kärtnerstraße.

3. Stop: Christmas Market on Stephansplatz

After some Christmas shopping along Kärntnerstraße – or time spent simply admiring the window shutters and the elaborate Christmas lighting – you will be standing in front of Vienna’s most iconic landmark, and seeing it in a different light. In December, the Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral) is surrounded by several stalls. This market has been around since 1999 and is one of the most iconic and traditional. And the surroundings – the heart of the city – are especially enchanting.

4. Old Viennese Christmas Market Freyung

Nine minutes later, Vienna’s very first Christmas market awaits you. Having started in 1772, the ambience at the Old Viennese Christmas market Freyung is nostalgic and gentle. It’s the perfect space to come and rest: calm and unhurried but never boring. Nearly every day, there are well-structured and varied events. Art lovers can learn how to blow Christmas tree balls, Austrian choirs and musicians from different places around the country intensify the Christmas mood, and a lovely program ensures that the children are entertained. 

When visiting this Christmas market, don’t forget to have a look at Austria’s longest nativity scene – based on a painting from 1830 by Josef Ritter von Führich! And directly next to the Freyung is the Am Hof Christmas Market, which is also worth a visit.

5. Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz

For a different kind of experience, check out the Christmas Market in Vienna’s city square. Although it takes only eight minutes to amble between these two markets, the difference is immense. Illuminated trees and huge blue-and-red sparkling decorations can be seen from far away. With over 150 stalls, it is the biggest Christmas market in Vienna – and it becomes more impressive every year. In December, this market is a real hotspot at which to meet friends and family; the atmosphere is exuberant and the things on offer very versatile. And The little Ice-Dream (Der kleine Wiener Eistraum) has now opened, so you can get active too! Read more about ice skating in our blog post Kickstart your year in Vienna. 

6. Christmas Market on Spittelberg

A six minute walk away is the unique market on Spittelberg. This Christmas market is not positioned in a square, but between three really cute narrow alleys. The enchanting atmosphere of this original preserved suburb makes it especially beautiful to walk along – and its Christmas stalls offer excellent arts, crafts, and delicacies. This magical place really leads you to believe in Christmas dreams.

Plus, the Christmas Market on Spittelberg is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year!

7. Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

Six minutes further and you’re standing between two of the most impressive buildings in Vienna: the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum Vienna) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum Vienna), which look nearly identical. In the center of the square, you can see the grand monument of Austria’s famous Empress Maria Theresia. The location is unbeatable, given its history and nobility. Why not combine your visit with a trip to the museum – and afterwards, finish off the evening with roasted almonds or homemade Christmas cookies. (If you love Christmas delicacies as much as we do, get inspired by our blog post Austrian Christmas Delicacies.)

When you’re finished with all your Christmas market hopping, you will be welcomed back into your warm and cozy Vienna Residence apartment. And after all that punch, you’ll be sleeping on clouds!

We wish you a nice December in Vienna, a joyful Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Enjoy our beloved city! 

Art Advent – Art & Crafts on Karlsplatz

November 22 – December 23, 2019

Daily from 12.00 noon – 8.00 pm

U1, U2 and U4 subway station Karlsplatz

Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna

www.artadvent.at

Advent Pleasure Market at the Opera House

November 15 – December 31, 2019

Daily from 11.00 am – 9.00 pm

December 24 closed, 31 December 11.00 am – 2.00 am

U1, U2 and U4 subway station Karlsplatz

Mahlerstrasse 6, 1010 Vienna

www.adventgenussmarkt.at

Christmas Market on Stephansplatz

November 15 – December 26, 2019

Daily from 11.00 am – 9.00 pm

December 24, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm, December 25 and 26, 11.00 am – 7.00 pm

U1 and U3 subway station Stephansplatz

Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna

www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Am Hof Christmas Market

November 15 – December 23, 2019

Mo-Th 11.00 am – 9.00 pm, Fr-Su & hols. 10.00 am – 9.00 pm

U3 subway station Herrengasse

Am Hof, 1010 Vienna

www.weihnachtsmarkt-hof.at

Old Viennese Christmas Market Freyung

November 16 – December 23, 2019

Daily from 10.00 am – 9.00 pm

U3 subway station Herrengasse and, U2 subway station Schottentor

Freyung, 1010 Vienna

www.altwiener-markt.at

Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz

November 15 – December 26, 2019

Su-Th 10.00 am – 9.30 pm, Fr-Sa 10.00 am – 10.00 pm

December 24, 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

December 25+26, 11.00 am – 9.30 pm

U2 subway station Rathaus

Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna

Wienerweihnachtstraum.at

Christmas Market on Spittelberg

November 14 – December 23, 2019

Mo-Th 2.00 pm – 9.00 pm, Fr 2.00 pm – 9.30 pm

Sa 10.00 am – 9.30 pm, Su & hols. 10.00 am – 9.00 pm

U2 and U3 subway station Volkstheater

Spittelberggasse, Stiftgasse, Schrankgasse, Gutenberggasse, 1070 Vienna

www.spittelberg.at

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

November 20 – December 26, 2019

Su-Th 11.00 am – 9.00 pm, Fr & Sa 11.00 am – 10.00 pm

December 24, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

December 25+26, 11.00 am – 7.00 pm

U3 subway station Volkstheater and U2 subway station Museumsquartier

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna

www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Beverages and biscuits you have to try

When the scent of biscuits fills the air and you are holding a cup of steaming, aromatic Punsch in your freezing hands, you know that Christmas time has arrived!

For many, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. In Austria, the offers and entertainment during Advent time are enormous and Christmas magic can be found everywhere. Small and huge Christmas trees, gorgeous Christmas lighting illuminating the city and Christmas decorations covering every house. In Vienna, Christmas spirit can be found in every corner of the city, from the proud Christmas markets and decorated sights (for example Vienna’s city hall) to the men selling chestnuts and potato wedges on the street. You can detect Christmas scents everywhere, which lightens every mood and intensifies the Christmas spirit in Vienna. But what are the delicious smelling treats you can get in the whole city during Advent time? We introduce you to traditional Austrian food and drinks you have to try during Christmas time!

Warming beverages for cold winter days

You can’t spend December in Vienna without having at least one Punsch (punch) or Glühwein (mulled wine) at a Christmas market. Glühwein is a typical Austrian beverage consisting of heated red wine and spices. Punsch is a drink made of fruit juice, spices and alcohol like wine or liquor. You will be blown away by all the different Punsch we sell here in Austria. Besides the classical Punsch, Orangenpunsch (orange punch) and Beerenpunsch (berry punch), they sell Apfelpunsch (apple punch), Eierlikörpunsch (advocaat punch), Kokospunch (coconut punch), Granatapfelpunsch (pomegranate punch) or Turbopunsch (strong alcoholic punch) and much more fancy and delicious mixtures.

Of course, tea also pertains to our most beloved winter beverages. A good idea is to add rum to your tea for the warming effect. With a squeeze of lemon, the tea unfolds its full aroma and serves its purpose well.

Children also want to warm themselves at the Christmas market. Non-alcoholic alternatives like Kinderpunsch (children’s punch), hot chocolate or milk with honey are delicious and also equally desired by many adults.

The best Austrian Christmas biscuits

Although everyone has a different taste and their own ideas about the perfect Christmas treats, we all agree about one thing: we are absolutely crazy about Christmas biscuits and can’t wait for the time where Christmas biscuits can be found everywhere. Recipes and insider tips are passed on from one generation to the next. For many, Christmas traditions like baking biscuits together is a must. Remembering how funny it was to cut Zimtsterne with star-shaped biscuits cutters still brings adults joy. During Christmas time, biscuits taste twice as good as usual, simply because everyone has childhood memories about the best Vanillekipferl made with grandmother or other family members. It is pure joy to smell freshly baked Lebkuchen and to share self-made goods with neighbors and friends. Of course, biscuits at Christmas markets are also delicious. But of all the typical Austrian Christmas biscuits, which should you try? Here is an overview of Austria’s best Christmas biscuits!

Vanillekipferl

Vanillekipferl are probably Austria’s most famous Christmas bake ever. They taste like almond and vanilla and are known for their typical shape.

Linzer Augen

Linzer Augen are very soft cookies filled with delicious jam and dusted with icing sugar. They are famous for their special appearance.

Zimtsterne

Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) are star-shaped delicacies tasting of almond and cinnamon and are topped with icing sugar.

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen (gingerbread) are known all over the world as one of the most famous Christmas treats. There is no way to describe the typical aroma of Lebkuchen- they just taste like Christmas!

Rumkugeln

You should not eat too many Rumkugeln (rum truffles) before driving, as the lovely looking treats contain alcohol, which ensures a great and typical taste.

Kokosbusserl

Kokosbusserl (coconut kisses) are especially beloved by inhabitants for their enchanting name. Because they contain much coconut flakes, they are really juicy and wonderfully sweet.

Spekulatius

Spekulatius (almond biscuits) are really beautiful biscuits which contain a special spice which gives the treats their great aroma. They are best when dipped into fruit tea or Punsch.

Have a good time in Vienna warming yourselves with Punsch, filling your belly with all kinds of Christmas bakeries and enjoy Christmas time in this beautiful city!

]]> https://blog.viennaresidence.com/christmas-spirit-in-vienna/ https://blog.viennaresidence.com/christmas-spirit-in-vienna/#comments Sun, 12 Nov 2017 15:34:01 +0000 https://blog.viennaresidence.com/?p=43 CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AHEAD

How to entertain yourself during Christmastime in Vienna

Do you want to get into the Christmas spirit while staying in one of our Vienna Residence apartments? Do you want to learn different ways to experience the city and be a part of this special time by attending traditional events as well as benefiting from brand new offers? Here we go!

It is well known that there’s a great variety of festive events to attend and places to visit during December in Vienna. The Viennese Christmas markets (or “Christkindlmärkte”) are especially popular. A mind-blowing fact: the traditional markets began in 1298, when Duke Albrecht III allowed his citizens to hold a market during a few weeks in November and December. It wasn’t until 1772, however, that the first real Christmas market occurred. It featured up to 108 market stalls and was located at the Freyung in Vienna’s inner city. Nowadays, it’s called Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at the Freyung and it still draws crowds because of its remarkable history. You can read more about this market’s past by visiting their website.

As you can see, the spirit of Vienna’s Christmas markets enchants both residents and tourists from all over the world. Sampling traditional culinary treats is a major draw for visitors. They can taste a variety of traditional biscuits and lebkuchen as well as punsch and Glühwein. Glühwein is a hot mulled wine that is considered essential for every Austrian and German to get into the Christmas spirit. This drink is delicately spiced to warm you from the inside. Visitors also get the chance to taste typical Austrian wine in a uniquely beautiful setting.

Certainly, most people crave typical biscuits when December starts. Austria offers a huge variety of self-made traditional delicacies. Some of the most common are: Vanillekipferl, Linzeraugen, Spitzbuben, Kokosbusserl, and Zimtsterne. Also, Austrian specialties like Kaiserschmarren and Palatschinken are a must-have at every Austrian Christmas market!

A great piece of advice for you: though Christmas biscuits are offered in most supermarkets during the season, the ones at Christmas markets are usually much more delicious. They will sweep you away!

If you prefer salty delights, every Christmas market has stalls that offer an assortment of brezel, wurstel, Eierspeis, or Käsespätzle! But you don’t necessarily need a market to satisfy your appetite. In Vienna, there are many stalls at major points in the city that sell Maroni, Bratkartoffel, and Kartoffelpuffer. They are made right in front of you and are still hot and fresh when you get them.

Another highlight is the lovely decorations that adorn the markets and streets, turning Vienna into a city of dreams – Christmas dreams, of course ?. Sparkling lights illuminate the inner city and ancient buildings, astonishing visitors with the marvelous view.

There’s an excellent chance that you’ll enjoy a similar Christmas-y view from your Vienna Residence Apartment!

But there’s another reason why people enjoy advent so much while staying in Vienna: the music.

Musical entertainment at Christmas markets

Vienna is known as the city of music. During Christmastime, there are even more attractions than in other seasons. Famous theatres like the Volksoper Wien (Vienna Volksoper) and the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) offer special programs on certain dates in December. However, there are also markets like the ART advent Christmas market on Karlsplatz or the market at the admirable Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn palace/ castle) where you can enjoy a variety of seasonal music. Regardless of whether you’re interested in typical traditional Austrian Folk songs, like “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht” (Silent night, holy night) from Salzburg, or classical English songs, like Winter Wonderland, you’ll enjoy a wide spectrum of music that will touch and inspire you in the most heartwarming way.

The Wiener Rathausplatz (Vienna Townhall square) – the place between the Wiener Rathaus (Vienna Townhall) and the Burgtheater (burg theatre) – will debut a brand-new show at their Christmas market this year. There will be festive performances from different choirs every single day, which means that visitors will enjoy a diverse range of entertainment throughout the season (in case you don’t already know, the market season this year goes from November 17th until December 26th).

Musical entertainment inside Vienna’s sights

For those of you who are easily chilled during the winter months, maybe a visit to one of Vienna’s famous theatres or churches is a better option.

If you’re interested in both Christmas markets and concerts without catching a cold, then attending the choir concert inside the Wiener Rathaus is perfect for you! No fewer than 80 choirs from all over the world perform at each of the four weekends in advent, starting on November 25th. You can attend Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 3:30pm to 7pm. Beside Austrian choirs, musicians from Japan, South Africa, and the USA will perform. Another benefit: admission is free! It would really pay off to call in advance because these popular events are often crowded.

A special peculiarity those days is the Christmas concert at the Wiener Staatsoper on the 22nd of December with ensemble members. They play a variety of music from all over the world.

Advent season at the Stephansdom

For those of you who celebrate Christmastime in a more religious way, participating in advent mass in Vienna’s breath-taking Stephansdom (Cathedral of Saint Stephens) is certainly an impressive and unique experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime! There is a musical component on the 15th and 30th of December. On these days at 5pm, special choir renditions of Christmas songs from the Alps Prime accompany the holy mass – it’s certainly the most social way to admire our Stephansdom and to be a part of the community – don’t miss it!

Activity meets advent

If you’re not quite into the more sedentary activities of December and prefer a more active way to enjoy this season, take the opportunity to test the ice skating rink at the Rathausplatz while your family members enjoy themselves at the nearby Christmas market. A must-know: normally the unique “Wiener Eistraum” (“The Ice Dream”) in front of the Wiener Rathaus is built up after the Christmas market season is over. Since last year, a much smaller version, called “Der kleine Eistraum” (“The Little Ice Dream”), opens at once with the market!

The real one, as always, starts at the beginning of the year on January 19th. It offers several large ice skating rinks and winding ice skating paths that offer a direct view of the Wiener Burgtheater. We guarantee that you’ve never seen anything like this before. Afterwards, don’t hesitate to warm yourself with a punsch before spending the evening at your cozy Vienna Residence apartment. Christmas mood is guaranteed!

Have a great Christmas and enjoy yourselves in Vienna! 

Below, there’s a list of helpful facts concerning dates, costs, and other information.

Christmas markets

Christmas market “Viennese Christmas Dream”

Where: Wiener Rathausplatz, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien
When: November 17 – December 26, 2017
Opening hours: Sun-Thu (10am – 9.30pm), Fri and Sat (10am – 10pm); December 7th (10am – 10pm); December 24th (10am – 6pm); December 25th and 26th (11am – 9.30pm)
Arrival: U2 “Rathaus” and U3 “Volkstheater”, Tram D, 71 and 1 “Rathausplatz”
Infos: Christkindlmarkt and The Little Ice Dream

ART advent Christmas market at Karlsplatz

Where: Karlsplatz/ Resslpark, 1040 Wien
When: November 17 – December 23, 2017
Opening Hours: daily noon – 8pm
Arrival: U1, U2, U4 , Tram D, J, 1, 2, 62, 65, Badner Bahn, bus 4A, 49A, 57A, 59A “Karlsplatz”
Infos: Art advent Christmas market at Karlsplatz

Art- and Christmas market at Schloss Schönbrunn

Where: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien (on the square in front of the Schloss Schönbrunn)
When: November 18 – December 26, 2017
Opening Hours: daily 10am – 9pm and December 24th (10am – 4pm)
New Year’s market: December 27, 2017 – January 1, 2018
Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm
Arrival: U4, tram 58, 10, 60, bus 10A „Schönbrunn or Hietzing”
Infos: Art- and Christmas market at Schloss Schönbrunn

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at the Freyung

Where: Freyung 6B, 1010 Wien
When: November 18 – December 23, 2017
Opening Hours: daily 10am to 9pm
Arrival: U1 and U3 “Stephansplatz”, U2 “Schottentor”
Infos: Altwiener Christkindlmarkt – Freyung

Christmas Events

International advent singing

Where: Wiener Rathaus, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien
When: November 25 – December 24, 2017
Opening hours: every Fri, Sat, and Sun (3.30pm – 7pm), December 24th (3.30pm- 4.30pm)
Arrival: U2 “Rathaus” and U3 “Volkstheater”, Tram D, 71 and 1 “Rathausplatz”
Infos: International advent singing

Wiener Eistraum

Where: Wiener Rathausplatz, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien
When: The little ice dream: November 17, 2017 – January 14, 2018, The Ice Dream: January 19 – April 4, 2018
Opening Hours: daily 10.00am – 10.00pm and December 24th (10.00am – 4.00pm)
Closed: December 31, 2017 and January 15 – 19, 2018
Arrival: U2 “Rathaus” and U3 “Volkstheater”, Tram D, 71 and 1 “Rathausplatz”
Infos: The Ice Dream

Christmas Concert at the Wiener Volksoper

Where: Wiener Volksoper, Währinger Str. 78, 1090 Wien
When: December 17th (2.00pm) or (6.00pm)
Arrival: U6, tram 40, 41, 42, bus 40A “Währingerstraße – Volksoper”
Infos and Costs: Between 21€ and 74€: get your ticket here

Christmas Concert at the Wiener Staatsoper

Where: Wiener Staatsoper, Opernring 2, 1010 Wien
When: December 22, 2017 (5.30pm)
Arrival: U1, U2, U4 “Karlsplatz”, tram 1, 2, D, 62, 71 “Opernring”, bus 59A, Badner Bahn
Infos and Costs: 18€: get your ticket here

Special Messes in Stephansdom

Where: Stephansdom, Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien
When: December 15 and December 30, 2017 (5pm)
Arrival: U1 and U3, “Stephansplatz”
Infos: Stephansdom

Get your tickets soon! There is no guarantee that there will be tickets left right before Christmas Eve!