Things to do in Vienna in January 2026 – A Native’s Events Calendar
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Usually, January is a quiet tourism season. However, right from day one Vienna will host a series of amazing musical events and festivals. Other than that, watch the New Year’s Concert for free, see an operetta or do some ice skating. Experience the perfect start to the New Year in Vienna, a city that comes alive with timeless traditions and cultural events in January. From the grandeur of the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert to the magic of winter markets and elegant Viennese balls, the city offers a range of activities for you to enjoy. Here I have collected top things to do in Vienna January 2026.
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1. Celebrate New Year’s Day
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. The New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is Vienna’s top cultural export. It is also the ultimate glamour treat for any lover of classical music. In 2025, the concert will take place under the baton of conductor Franz Welser-Möst. If you were not successful securing tickets watch the free live streaming of the New Year’s Concert outside the Vienna State Opera along Kärntner Strasse. There will be limited seats available.
Alternatively, why not ice skate to the live tunes of the New Year’s Concert at Wiener Eislaufverein’s ice skating rink?
Returning to warmer indoor events, head where local classic connoisseurs go: To Wiener Konzerthaus’ traditional New Year’s performance. Beneath the Grand Hall’s neoclassical dome the Vienna Symphony Orchestra along with a powerful chorus will reach into the emotional depth of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
2. New Year's Concert At Minoriten Church
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Join this off-the-beaten path New Year Concert, conducted by the talented Mario Hossen, known for his passionate approach to music and engaging audiences with his emotional depth. He will be accompanied by the famous Les Orpheistes Orchestra, which comprises accomplished musicians who share a deep appreciation for the rich traditions of European classical music. The program will feature captivating works by Fritz Kreisler and Johann Strauss II but may be subject to change.
The event will take place at Minoritenkirche, an architectural gem with its striking classical elements.
- Date: 31st Dec- 1st January, 2026
- Time: Starts at 4 PM
- Location: Minoritenkirche, Minoritenplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Tickets: Book Here .
- Note: Vienna Unwrapped readers receive an exclusive 10% discount with the code UNWRAPPED.
- Cancel anytime up to 24 hours before concert for a full refund.
3. Visit the New Year’s Markets
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. To extend that holiday spirit just a little longer, Vienna’s New Year’s Markets perfectly capture the last bits of seasonal magic. These markets bring the very best of Austrian culture, crafts, and festive cheer in some of Vienna’s most iconic locations, such as Schönbrunn Palace and Rathausplatz.
The New Year’s Markets stalls offering handmade arts and crafts are ideal for picking up local souvenirs. Warm up with a mug of steaming hot Glühwein or try traditional Punsch as you wander through the market stalls. Foodies can indulge in Austrian winter treats, like crispy potato pancakes (Erdäpfelpuffer), roasted chestnuts, and sweet, doughy Krapfen (jam-filled doughnuts). If you are lucky you will hear festive music and performances by local musicians.
- Date: Mid-November to early January
- Time: 10 am – 6 pm
- Location: Riesenradplatz; Schönbrunn Palace
4. Five Nights at a Viennese Ball
6Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Vienna’s ball season is an iconic tradition, and there’s no better way to experience it than by attending one of the city’s glamorous Viennese Balls in January. These balls take place in magnificent venues, with Hofburg Palace being among the most enchanting.
Attendees dress to the nines in formal gowns and tuxedos, adding to the atmosphere of sophistication and charm. Once the opening waltz starts, the dance floor fills with swirling couples, elegantly moving to the rhythm of a live orchestra performing classical waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles. If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing the waltz in an opulent Viennese ballroom, January is the perfect time to make that dream come true.
For a more detailed look at the top five balls; Confectioners’ Ball, Vienna Philharmonic Ball , Vienna Coffeehouse Owners’ Ball, Techniker Cercle, and Ball Of The Vienna Medical Doctors, taking place in January, check out my blog best Viennese balls, where I cover these events, from their unique histories to their dress codes and venues.
- Date: 15th, 16th, 22nd, 24th and 31st January 2026
- Start Time: 8:00 PM
- End Time: 2:00 AM
- Location: Hofburg Palace, Musikverein
- Tickets: Book Here.
5. The Three Kings High Mass at the Augustinian Church
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Mark the Epiphany with the Three Kings High Mass at Vienna’s historic Augustinian Church (Augustinerkirche). This traditional mass, celebrated in honor of the Three Kings, features choral music and classical hymns that have been an integral part of Vienna’s religious traditions.
What’s on the programme? Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Piccolominimesse,” spreads a light, festive character rather than a specific dedication. The work is concise and uses trumpets and timpani to create a bright sound. His Kirchensonate in C major, KV 263, belongs to a group of short “Epistle Sonatas”. Scored for organ and orchestra, it serves as an instrumental interlude between readings and combines elegance with concise, formal expression.
Joseph Ignaz Schnabel’s “Transeamus usque ad Bethlehem” is a motet associated with the Christmas season. It reflects early Romantic sacred music traditions in its simple, lyrical structure and clear choral writing. The text describes the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem, and the music conveys this scene with calmness and devotional warmth.
Mozart’s
- Date: 6th January, 2026
- Time: 11 AM
- Location: Augustinerstraße 3, 1010 Vienna (Josefsplatz)
- Entrance: While there’s no formal entrance fee, the church suggests a donation of €8 to support the continued performance of these exquisite musical works.
6. Watch Maria Theresia - The Musical
The musical blends classical grandeur with a modern pulse. Monumental choral passages meet contemporary rhythms and emotional melodies, creating a sound world that bridges centuries. Every scene unfolds with dramatic tension — from the struggles within the imperial court to the battlefields that shaped her reign. The production does not glorify power; instead, it invites the audience to experience the doubts, ambitions, and resilience that marked Maria Theresia’s life.
Note: The musical is in German with English surtitles- Time: various dates; from 6.30 pm
- Location: Ronacher Theater, Seilerstätte 9, 1010 Vienna
- Admission: Get tickets
7. Indulge at the Chocolate Museum
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Escape Vienna’s January chill with a visit to the Chocolate Museum, allowing you to look beyond the hype of our iconic chocolate Sacher Torte . Explore interactive exhibits that take you on a journey through the world of cocoa, from its ancient roots to modern-day delicacies.
The highlight of the visit is a chocolate-making workshop led by expert chocolatiers, where you can craft your own sweet creations. Alongside these hands-on experiences, indulge in various tastings and enjoy a steaming cup of hot cocoa while savoring the museum’s sweet aromas. The Chocolate Museum has since moved to a new location. For more details on its previous location at the Prater, you can read my original review here.
- Date: Open year-round, including January
- Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
8. Exhibition: Painted Music
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Did you know that modernist composer Arnold Schönberg also painted? Schönberg’s artwork sparked mixed reactions. Wassily Kandinsky exhibited it, while August Macke was appalled. Carl Moll warned him not to show it publicly. Critics saw both “dream-like fantasies” and “brutal simplicity.” Some called him a “color symphonist,” others dismissed him as a dilettante—but all agreed his art defied convention.
The exhibition reveals Schönberg’s fascination with dreams, strange visions, vivid colors, and self-reflection. His paintings range from haunting self-portraits to symbolic faces, ghostly hands, and bold splashes of red and gold—each shaped by his urge for pure, honest expression.
- Date: throughout January until 13th February 2026
- Time: Open in museum hours (Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm; closed on legal holidays)
- Location: Arnold Schönberg Center, Schwarzenbergplatz 6 / Zaunergasse 1-3 (entrance)
9. Grab A Bargain During Winter Sales Shopping
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Like in most countries, January is a great time for bargain shopping. In fact, winter sales in Vienna start in most fashion and design shops just after Christmas and last well into the start of February. Even some jewelry shops lower their prices on certain items. For travelers like you, exploring Austrian clothes, austrian jewelry, and homeware from cake tins to table clothes helps get a feel of local culture.
As you dive into the sales, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the diverse shopping districts that Vienna has to offer. The famous Mariahilfer Straße is a must-visit, featuring a blend of popular international brands and local boutiques. Alternatively, the historic city centre is home to luxurious shops and charming stores. You might even discover a quaint café to take a break and enjoy a slice of Sachertorte while you plan your next shopping stop. If you’d like to know where best to shop, access my Vienna shopping tips.
10. Join A Naschmarket Food Tour
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. With the seasonal hustle and bustle gone, roaming market and artisan food stalls becomes attractive again. A local group of professional foodie guides regularly take small groups on a highly praised tasting tour across Naschmarkt.
On this tour, you’ll discover the variety of flavours that the Naschmarkt has to offer. From fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to exotic spices and baked goods, each stall presents authentic local dishes and delicacies. This immersive experience will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Since this market collects food from Austria and specifically the Balkans, you will smell, bite and sip your way through Central and South Eastern Europe. Find out more about this fun and insightful tour.
11. Slippery Things To Do In Vienna January: Wiener Eistraum
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. The Vienna Ice Dream (Wiener Eistraum) skating rink is placed right in front of Vienna’s Rathaus. For me, the city hall ice skating rink is the best skating venue in Vienna.
Because it is so centrally located, you can continue your sightseeing while skating as you are surrounded by the neogothic City Hall, Ringstrasse boulevard and the Burgtheater, and the University of Vienna.
Skating at Wiener Eistraum is more than just gliding on ice; it’s an enchanting experience amid stunning historical architecture. Moreover, the rink is often adorned with beautiful lights, creating a magical atmosphere as the sun sets. You can skate leisurely or join in the fun with music playing in the background. I’m sharing our family’s skating experience there in Ice Skating Vienna.
Date: 22nd January to 8th March 2026.
12. Stopover At These Best Coffeehouses
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Clearly I won’t lie about average temperatures in January. When I’m outside for more than one hour, I use my mental coffeehouse map to find the best places to warm up over a Melange or tea. Especially in those that offer coffee specialities including shots of liqueurs to help fight wintery chills!
Some coffeehouses, like Café Central and Café Sacher, are renowned for their rich history and delectable pastries, while others offer a more contemporary vibe with innovative coffee creations. Many coffee houses also have cosy nooks where you can escape the cold and simply watch the world go by.
You can access my list of best Vienna coffeehouses to integrate a few warm stopovers in your itinerary.
13. Dance At The Vienna Philharmonic Ball
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Whether you like glamour or dancing or both, the Wiener Philharmonikerball is my top Vienna dance travel tip for January. For me, it is the most beautiful and most authentic Vienna ball, taking place in the sumptuous halls of the Viennese Musikverein. It is hardly found in mainstream Vienna event packages and considered an insider tip among Vienna travellers.
This elegant ball is a night to remember, where attendees dress to impress in formal attire, embracing the rich tradition of Viennese ball culture. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of excitement and sophistication as the waltz music fills the grand hall. You’ll have the chance to dance the night away under dazzling chandeliers, surrounded by the elegance of the venue, which is home to the renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. For further information, go to the Vienna Philharmonic Ball.
Other Vienna Balls in 2025/26.
Date: 22nd January 2026
14. Learn About Fine Art And Architecture
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Before the tourism season gets back into full swing is the best time to explore Vienna’s top museums. At Belvedere Palace, for example, crowds usually gather in front of Gustav Klimt’s ravishing painting The Kiss (picture).
Besides the world’s largest Klimt collection the Palace houses Austria’s biggest art treasures in the Austrian National Gallery. And all of those are boxed up in lavish baroque halls that teach a lesson about classical architecture.
If I was an art historian I would pick this place, too, to enthuse people with Viennese treasures – read more in Belvedere Vienna.
Address: Belvedere Palace, Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna
15. Attend an Opera and Classical Concert
Things to do in Vienna January 2026. Throughout the month, the Vienna State Opera and Vienna Volksoper calendars hold six of the best operas in store. It shouldn’t really matter which day you are free to go if you love the tunes of Dvořak (Rušalka), Massenet (Manon), Mozart (Magic Flute, Idomeneo, Marriage of Figaro ), or Donizetti (Elixir ofLove). Book tickets.
As for Vienna concerts, I would likely go for Vivaldi’s Four Season’s at baroque church St. Charles Borromeo (Karlskirche). In fact, Vivaldi lived his last year in Vienna, and is actually buried underneath the Technical University a few meters from Karlskirche.
This connection adds a poignant touch to your concert experience, allowing you to appreciate the music in the very city that welcomed this legendary composer.
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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