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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Theatermuseum, Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Vienna
Opening Date: 4th December 2024
Opening hours: Mon; Wed to Sunday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm; closed on Tuesday
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.
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
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.
Check what to do during other months:
find out about Things to do in Vienna, February
or more in Things to do in Vienna, March
visit Vienna Attractions – Guide to Hotspots and Insider Tips
go to Visit Vienna – 20 Free Vacation Tools and Travel Tips
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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