Things to Do in Vienna in December 2026: Christmas Markets, Concerts & Festive Events
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. December is when Vienna quietly slips into its most atmospheric self.
My city doesn’t shout about Christmas — it glows: Lights soften the grand façades, the scent of mulled wine drifts through narrow streets, and music spills out of churches and concert halls whenever someone opens the door.
If you are planning a trip to Vienna in December 2026, think less in terms of a checklist and more in terms of experiences that unfold slowly — markets, music, traditions, and things keeping you warm against wintery chills.
Use this page to find out about the best street markets, musical events, city ice skating venue and what to do on Christmas Eve.
1. Christmas Markets
Things to do in Vienna December 2026.
Vienna’s Christmas markets determine the rhythm in December. You will find 20+ of these seasonal markets scattered across the city, each with its own character.
Some of the most popular markets include the Vienna Weihnachtsmarkt at Rathausplatz, the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market, the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, and the Spittelberg Christmas Market.
Other than sparkling lights, ornate ornaments, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees our Christmas markets offer a wide array of traditional treats and drinks. Among my favourites are fresh gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), roasted chestnuts, strudel and Maroni (sweet chestnut) cream, mulled wine (Glühwein) and punch.
Almost all major markets showcase local craftsmanship, with stalls offering handmade gifts, intricate ornaments, wooden toys, and other traditional handicrafts. Many Christmas markets feature live performances, including carol singers, choirs, and instrumental ensembles, adding to the festive atmosphere. Additionally, there are often activities like ice skating, carousel rides, and even nativity scenes to enjoy.
My favourite market is the Alt Wiener Weihnachtsmarkt at Freyung, because of its beautiful ceramics, wooden toys, candles and Christmas decoration. Don’t miss the mulled wine with orange juice at Demmer’s Teehaus. Second on my personal list is the one in front of Schönbrunn Palace, which now also boasts a magical light park. Check my Vienna Christmas Market Guide and Map 2026, and my special post about Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz, Vienna’s largest Xmas market.
2. Advent and Christmas Concerts in Vienna
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. The best seasonal classical concerts take place in churches, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Malteserkirche, Minoritenkirche, Peterskirche, and the small baroque jewel of St. Anna Church. The annual highlight of the season is the Christmas in Vienna concert with the Vienna Boys Choir at Wiener Konzerthaus.
As with all Christmas season events, try to book early. Read more about Advent and Christmas Concerts in Vienna and where to book tickets.
3. Operas In Vienna At Christmas
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. This festive season you can choose between Verdi’s Rigoletto, Hansel and Gretel’s fairy tale and Tchaikovsky’s romantic ballet Dornröschen (The Sleeping Beauty).
First, Verdi’s Rigoletto tells the story of a hunchbacked jester, Rigoletto, who seeks revenge against the Duke of Mantua for seducing his daughter Gilda, leading to a fatal misunderstanding that results in Gilda’s death. The opera is renowned for its powerful emotions, dramatic twists, and iconic arias like “La donna è mobile.”
Second, Humperdinck’s opera Hansel and Gretel retells the classic fairy tale, filled with captivating music, magical encounters, and the triumph of innocence over evil. Both the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Volksoper will stage this popular seasonal opera.
Third, if you are up for an enchanting ballet follow the story of Princess Aurora, who falls into a deep sleep due to a curse by the evil fairy Carabosse, only to be awakened by the kiss of a prince. With its lush score, elaborate choreography, and fairytale atmosphere, it remains one of the most beloved ballets in the classical repertoire.
Book tickets: securely book a Vienna opera in December.
4. Light Gardens
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. In the darker weeks of winter, Vienna’s light gardens transform historic parks into glowing, immersive worlds. Two of the most atmospheric are the Schönbrunn Imperial Light Garden and the Laxenburg Light Garden, both offering a magical way to experience December evenings.
Set against the baroque backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace, the Imperial Light Garden invites you to wander through illuminated paths, artistic installations and softly lit woodland scenes. The displays are carefully designed to complement the palace grounds, creating a calm, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
- Date: November 2026 to January 2027, 4.30pm to 9 pm (tbc)
- Location: Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
- Light garden tickets: book tickets (tbc)
- How to get there: by metro U4 from the city centre; alternatively taking tramway 60 from Western Railway Station
Laxenburg Castle and gardens offer an enchanting imperial retreat just outside Vienna, where you can explore the romantic Franzensburg Castle set on an island, wander through extensive landscaped gardens. The estate served as a summer residence for the Habsburg dynasty for centuries, where emperors and their families escaped the formality of court life, and where Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) gave birth to her first child, Crown Prince Rudolf, in 1858. Between mid November and early January Laxenburg also hosts Austria’s largest garden of lights with spectacular illuminations along a three-kilometer path. Watch water fountains soar skyward while vibrant projections illuminate the path from Franzensburg across to the castle pond.
- Date: mid November 2026 to early January 2027 (tbc)
- Location: Schloßplatz 1, 2361 Laxenburg
- Light garden tickets: book tickets
- How to get there: take the Aspangbahn train R95 from Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf; walk approx 15 min to Laxenburg Castle; alternatively use an Uber from metro station U1 Oberlaa: approx. EUR 22
5. Christmas Dinner and Christmas Day
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. When you celebrate Christmas abroad you often have to choose between a pure hotel experience or roaming empty streets while locals party behind closed doors. In Vienna, most Christmas markets close on the 23rd December, along with many restaurants and attractions. I wrote this page about Christmas Dinner And Christmas Day in Vienna in response to various enquiries from Vienna Unwrapped readers over the last years. I hope it’s useful to you.
Need help pulling your Vienna itinerary together? check out what my Vienna Travel Planning services can do for you.
6. Krampus and St Nicholas Day
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. In Austria, the festive season begins with a darker twist. On 5 December, the horned figure of Krampus roams the streets, traditionally visiting children to warn or “punish” the naughty. Today, this lives on in lively Krampuslauf (Krampus run), where costumed groups parade through towns with bells and dramatic masks.
The following day, St Nicholas Day (Nikolo, 6 December) brings a gentler mood. Children leave polished boots outside their doors, hoping to find them filled with nuts, fruit and sweets. In Vienna, Nikolo often appears at Christmas markets, handing out small treats. Together, these traditions create a uniquely Austrian contrast between mischief and kindness. Visitors can experience both by attending Krampus runs in and around Vienna, then enjoying the warmer, family-friendly atmosphere of Nikolo celebrations at local markets.
St. Nicholas will be visiting several Christmas markets in Vienna this year:
December 1st, 2nd, and 5th: Puppet show with St. Nicholas at the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Date: 6th December 2026
Schönbrunn Children’s Museum, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Türkenschanzpark Christmas Market, 3:00 p.m.
Schloss Hof Christmas Market, 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Advent Market at the tram depot museum (Fruethstrasse 2, 1030 Vienna), 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7. Ice Skating
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. Ice skating is popular and one of the best things to do in Vienna in the winter. In front of City Hall, the Wiener Eistraum (Vienna Ice Dream) turns the square into a network of ice paths and rinks. Find out more.
The ice skating rink of the Vienna Association of Ice Skaters – Wiener Eislaufverein – spreads across amost 6,000 square metres between the Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna Concert Hall) and the Vienna InterContinental Hotel close to Stadtpark.
Dates: mid November 2026 to March 2027
Opening hours: daily 9.00 am to 8.00 pm; week ends and public holidays: 9am to 8pm; (24th Dec: 9.00am to 3.00pm; 31st Dec: 9.00am to 3.00pm; 1st Jan: 10.00am to 8.00pm)
For a few Euros you can borrow ice skates on site.
8. Insider Things To Do In Vienna December
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. If you’d rather avoid mainstream commercial Christmas, have your ear on the ground in Wien. For the 14th time this year, Musical Advent Calendar will be on various Viennese stages and ‘non-stages’. On December 1st the show starts in the 1st district and ends on December 23rd in the 23rd district.
This is a great opportunity to discover original local bands re-interpreting Viennese tavern songs and jazz. What’s more, many of them play in characterful community cafes, wine taverns, and even former cinemas. Get ready for exploring genuine places you never dreamed of discovering.
Dates: 1st to 23rd December 2026
9. New Years Eve In Vienna
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. Why I love New Year’s Eve in Vienna? Because the whole city turns into a party. The New Year’s Eve Trail (Silvesterpfad) winds through the city centre with music, food and dancing. You might even find yourself attempting a waltz under the open sky. Apart from street festivities you can attend classical concerts, theatres and operettas, before falling into each other’s arms for the traditional Vienna waltz at midnight.
As midnight approaches, fireworks light up the sky over Wien. Especially our iconic landmarks, such as the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, City Hall, and Prater Park, become focal points for the spectacular displays. Many people gather in public squares or along the Danube River to watch and celebrate the arrival of the new year. Learn more about what to do on New Years Eve in Vienna.
10. Baroque Gala
Things to do in Vienna December 2026. Join renowned violinist and conductor Mario Hossen, who has earned international acclaim for his virtuosic performances and innovative interpretations of classical repertoire along with the Les Orpheistes Orchestra for an enchanting Baroque Gala at the beautiful Minoritenkirche, promising a magical evening of music. The ensemble will present a selection of exquisite Baroque works that showcase the brilliance and elegance of the era.
The concert will feature iconic pieces, including T. Albinoni’s Adagio in G minor and A. Vivaldi’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, as well as various concertos by Vivaldi. Therefore, each performance promises to transport the audience to the heart of the Baroque era.
- Dates: tbc
- Location: Minoritenkirche, Minoritenplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Program: T. Albinoni: Adagio in G minor, J. S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048, A. Vivaldi: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, A. Vivaldi: Various Concertos
- Tickets: Book Here.
- Note: Vienna Unwrapped readers receive an exclusive 10% discount with the code UNWRAPPED.
- Free Cancellation: Cancel anytime up to 24 hours before the concert for a full refund.
- Reserve now & Pay later: Book your spot today and pay later.
what to do Specifically In Other months
Things to do in Vienna, January
Things to do in Vienna, February
Things to do in Vienna, March
Things to do in Vienna, April
Things to do in Vienna, may
Things to do in Vienna, June
Things to do in Vienna, July
Things to do in Vienna, August
Things to do in Vienna, September
Things to do in Vienna, October
Things to do in Vienna, November
Things to do in Vienna, December
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