13 Best Christmas Traditions to Celebrate This Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and holiday traditions that bring families and friends closer. There’s something magical about the rituals that mark this special time of year. From writing letters to Santa to preparing festive treats, these traditions capture the spirit of Christmas and spread cheer throughout your home and community. Here are some delightful Christmas traditions to inspire your celebrations this holiday season:

1. Wish Each Other a Merry Christmas

Wish Each Other a Merry ChristmasChristmas is all about spreading joy, love, and good cheer, and what better way to do that than by sharing heartfelt wishes with those around you? It is one of the traditions to start your Christmas day with wishing Merry Christmas to friends, family, and even acquaintances. Whether it's a quick text, a handwritten Christmas card, or a warm phone call, your kind words can brighten someone's day and bring the true spirit of Christmas to life. When crafting your Happy Christmas wishes, think about what makes each person special. A thoughtful message, whether simple or elaborate, shows that you care and helps to create memories that last a lifetime. 

2. Go Shopping at a Christmas Market

Go Shopping at a Christmas MarketOne of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by visiting a traditional Christmas market, and Vienna offers some of the most enchanting ones in Europe. Stroll through the Rat haus Vienna Christmas Market, nestled in front of the stunning City Hall, where the sparkling lights and the scent of roasted chestnuts fill the air. Here, you’ll find a wide range of handcrafted gifts, from intricate ornaments to warm woolen scarves—perfect for holiday shopping or picking up a special treat for yourself.
Don’t miss Art Advent Christmas Market, a unique market that blends art with tradition. Set up in the historic Spittelberg area, this vienna Christmas market   is a haven for unique artisan creations, from handmade jewelry to local art. The charming narrow streets and cosy atmosphere make it the ideal spot to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and enjoy some delicious seasonal treats.

3. Attend a Christmas Parade

Attend a Christmas ParadeNothing captures the excitement of Christmas like a festive parade. Watching the streets come alive with holiday floats, twinkling lights, and the cheerful sound of marching bands is a treat for all ages. Many local parades feature community groups, dancers, and even a special appearance from Santa himself.
Bundle up in your cosiest clothes and head out with friends, family, or neighbours to take in the festive atmosphere. Bring along a thermos of hot chocolate and cheer with the crowd as the floats pass by. A Christmas parade is not just a visual spectacle but also a reminder of how communities come together to celebrate the season.

4. Krampusnacht: Austria’s Dark Christmas Tradition

Krampusnacht Austria’s Dark Christmas TraditionWhile many Christmas traditions are filled with cheer and light, Austria has a thrillingly eerie side to the holiday season—Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night. On the evening of December 5th, Krampus, the fearsome companion of Saint Nicholas or Nikolo, roams the streets, spreading mischief and terror. Unlike jolly Santa Claus, who rewards well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus punishes the naughty. With his terrifying appearance—horned, fur-covered, and clanging with chains—Krampus has become an integral part of Austria's centuries-old holiday tradition. Rooted in Alpine folklore, Krampus is said to have originated as a forest-dwelling demon who helped St. Nicholas maintain order during the Christmas festivities.
Krampuslauf is celebrated across Austria, with some of the best locations to witness the chilling festivities in Vienna such as the Prater area in Vienna hosts a thrilling Krampus parade at Riesenradplatz, featuring over 180 elaborately masked figures and Gleis//Garten. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or the snowy Alps, experiencing Krampuslauf is an unforgettable way to embrace the darker side of the holiday season.

5. Sing a Christmas Carol Together

Sing a Christmas Carol TogetherSinging a Christmas Carol is another popular tradition and has a unique way of spreading joy. Gather your family, neighbours, or even a group of friends and belt out your favourite holiday tunes. If you’re feeling adventurous, take your singing on the road and try carolling in your neighbourhood.
For those who prefer to stay cosy indoors, singing carols around the fireplace or the Christmas tree can be just as meaningful. Make a playlist of classics like Silent Night and Jingle Bells to keep the energy alive. This heartwarming tradition isn’t just about music—it’s about creating lasting memories and celebrating the season together.

6. Attend Christmas Concerts in Vienna

Attend Christmas Concerts in ViennaVienna’s Christmas season comes alive with a rich variety of concerts that capture the festive spirit. One of the standout events is A Brass and Organ Christmas, where the powerful sounds of brass instruments blend with the majestic organ for a truly grand experience. For a more contemporary vibe, Soulful Joy delivers soulful renditions of beloved Christmas carols, filled with energy and heart. Meanwhile, A Cathedral Christmas offers a serene, classical atmosphere, with a choir and orchestra filling the church with traditional carols.
For those seeking a lively, family-friendly performance, Sing You A Merry Christmas is a joyful celebration, featuring a choir and orchestra performing a mix of classic and modern holiday tunes. Thus, Vienna's Christmas concerts provide an unforgettable way to celebrate the season through music.

7. Decorate Your Christmas Tree with a Twist

Decorate Your Christmas Tree with a TwistWhile a traditional Christmas tree is always a beautiful centrepiece, why not get creative and try something new? For a quirky twist, repurpose vintage items like flowerpots, old wooden crates, or even books to create a tree-inspired display. Stack them in descending sizes, add garlands, and top them with a festive star or bauble. You’ll be rockin around the Christmas tree in no time—just with a fresh twist on tradition!
This creative approach is perfect for small spaces or anyone looking to mix up their holiday décor. Moreover, a garden-themed tree on the porch or a minimalist version indoors can make your decorations truly one-of-a-kind. Why not get creative and truly start rockin the Christmas tree this year? 

8. Plan a Cookie Exchange with Your Neighbours

Baking Christmas cookies and hosting a cookie exchange are also cherished christmas traditions. Invite your neighbours or friends to bake their favourite recipes and bring them to share. This way, everyone can enjoy a variety of delicious treats without all the effort of baking multiple kinds.

Set up a festive table where everyone can display their creations, and don’t forget to include some festive packaging for guests to take their goodies home. It’s a wonderful way to spread cheer, try new recipes, and build stronger connections in your community.

9. Decorate a Christmas Wallpaper

Creating a Christmas-themed wall in your home is a delightful way to combine festive décor with a touch of personal creativity. This Christmas wallpaper can serve as a backdrop for family photos, festive selfies, or even a cosy corner for holiday storytelling. Start with a blank wall or a large board and drape it with seasonal fabrics, such as a plaid pattern, shimmering gold, or snowy white. You can also use peel-and-stick wallpaper with holiday motifs like snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees for a polished look.

Add a personal touch by decorating with string lights, garlands, and hanging ornaments. For an interactive twist, create a small "wish wall" section where family members can pin their holiday wishes or notes. This festive wallpaper will not only make your space holiday-ready but will also become a cherished backdrop for capturing Christmas memories year after year.

10. Write Letters to Santa Claus

One of the most magical parts of Christmas for kids (and the young at heart) is writing a letter to Santa Claus. This tradition is more than just a wishlist—it's an opportunity to encourage creativity and imagination. Help your little ones put pen to paper as they dream up their wishes for the season. Adding fun details like stickers, colourful markers, or drawings can make the experience even more enchanting.

Once the letters are complete, you can "mail" them to the North Pole or tuck them into a special spot, like a festive mailbox or under the Christmas tree. Some families even turn this into a moment of reflection by discussing what they’re grateful for during the year. 

11. Prepare Christmas Punch

No holiday celebration is complete without a festive drink, and Christmas Punch is a beloved tradition in many homes. This refreshing beverage has been a staple in my family for 2 generations. It combines cranberry juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, and a hint of almond extract for a surprisingly delicious blend. Here’s a quick christmas punch recipe:

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cranberry juice (blended with other juices like apple or grape)
  • 3 cups pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon almond extract
  • 3 liters ginger ale
  • Fresh cranberries and lime slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the juices and almond extract in a large dispenser.
  2. Add the ginger ale and stir gently.
  3. Garnish with cranberries and lime slices, then serve over ice.

This punch is easy to make, ensuring it will be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter as guests sip on this festive treat.

12. Build a Castle for Christmas

This holiday season, why not add a little extra fun by building a castle—of gingerbread! Crafting a gingerbread castle is one of the creative and delicious Christmas traditions that the whole family can enjoy. Start by baking gingerbread pieces or buying a kit, then let your imagination run wild as you construct your festive fortress. Decorate with icing, candy, and sprinkles to make it a sweet masterpiece, and don’t forget to add little touches like candy cane turrets or a gumdrop drawbridge for extra charm.

13. Christmas Cookie Baking: A Holiday Tradition

No Christmas celebration is complete without the sweet aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies filling the house. This year, try your hand at a fan-favourite recipe for cut-out Christmas sugar cookies. These cookies are a perfect balance of soft, thick centers and slightly crisp edges, with flat tops that make decorating a breeze. Made with just 7–8 simple ingredients, the dough is easy to whip up, and the cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking.

For the icing, skip the fuss of royal icing and use a simple glaze cookie icing instead—it's quick to make and low-maintenance, ideal for the busy holiday season. Whether you're using traditional shapes like stars and trees or creative designs of your own, these cookies are sure to become a holiday staple. Get your rolling pin and cookie cutters ready, and let the fun begin. Merry Christmas everyone!

For more fun activities in the holiday season of December, visit Things to do in December

To know about where to stay in the holiday Christmas season, Checkout vienna-hotels-for-christmas.

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