Things To Do In Vienna December 2024: Christmas, New Year And More
Things to do in Vienna December 2024. If you have high expectations of Vienna in December you won’t get disappointed. Christmas in Vienna is packed with fantastic things to do. 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 2024. Christmas in Vienna is about markets, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, Christmas baubles and trumpet concerts. Throughout the city, each of the 20+ seasonal markets spreads own unique atmosphere and offerings. 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 2023, 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 2024. 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 2024. 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. Opera For Children
Things to do in Vienna December 2024. During this festive season many Viennese families introduce their kids to the world of opera. (In the photo my then eight year old daughter was excited about at her first opera visit in Vienna.)
Why? Because around Christmas, the Wiener Volksoper and the Vienna State Opera stage special operas for children, including classics like The Magic Flute and Hansel and Gretel.
In addition, the Volksoper Wien often offers productions specifically tailored for younger audiences, featuring age-appropriate adaptations of popular operas.
Occasionally, the Theater an der Wien presents family-friendly operas, including adaptations of well-known works suitable for children.
Alternatively, take your kids to watch a child-friendly, shortened version of Mozart’s Magic Flute at the historic marionette theater in Schönbrunn. Learn More.
5. Christmas Dinner and Christmas Day
Things to do in Vienna December 2024. 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. Kicking Off Johann Strauss Anniversary
Things to do in Vienna December 2024. The Theatermuseum, in cooperation with the Vienna Library, is showing “Celebrating Johann Strauss – The Exhibition” in the town hall from December 4th. The opening is the joint start of the Johann Strauss Year 2025.
On the occasion of the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss Sohn (1825–1899) in 2025, the Theater Museum, in cooperation with the Vienna Library in the Town Hall, is dedicating its large annual exhibition to the eventful life and work of the world-famous composer. In addition to original objects from the Theater Museum, expect exhibits from the Strauss collection of the Vienna Library in the Town Hall, which has been included in UNESCO’s “Memory of Humanity” register due to its unique significance.
- Location: Theater museum, Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Vienna
- Opening Date: 4th December 2024
- Opening hours: 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM – Closed on Tuesday
7. Ice Skating
Things to do in Vienna December 2024. Ice skating is popular and one of the best things to do in Vienna in the winter. 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 2023 to March 2024
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 2024. 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 2024
9. New Years Eve In Vienna
Things to do in Vienna December 2024. Why I love New Year’s Eve in Vienna? Because the whole city turns into a party. 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. Advent Cruises on the Twin City Liner
As you glide along the Danube, take in the stunning winter landscapes and festive decorations of both Vienna and Bratislava. The catamaran ride offers a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of the cities while enjoying seasonal treats and festive cheer on board. For a more comprehensive adventure, consider the 7-hour day trip from Vienna to Bratislava, which includes both a scenic bus journey and a delightful boat ride, ensuring you get the best of both worlds.
Moreover, don’t forget to check out my review of a previous mini Danube cruise for insights on what to expect from this enchanting experience. Book your Advent Cruise today and create unforgettable holiday memories as you explore the magic of Vienna and Bratislava from the water!
- Date: November 23 to December 22, 2024
- Location: The cruise departs from the Twin City Liner terminal at Schwedenplatz, 1010 Vienna.
- Free cancellation: Cancel at least 3 days in advance for a full refund.
- Duration: 11.5 hours
- Check availability: See starting times.
11. Baroque Gala
Things to do in Vienna December 2024. 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: December 29 and 30, 2024
- 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
Get Your Time in Vienna Sorted
Discover Vienna’s charm effortlessly! Start with a stroll through the historic city center, visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Explore world-class museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere.
Our Awards
Our Achievements and Awards
Discover the accolades and recognitions we’ve earned for our exceptional floor plan designs and innovative solutions in the industry.
Best Wanderlust Blogs Awards 2019
