Christmas is undoubtedly the most magical time of the year and if there’s anywhere to be during for that Christmas spirit you’ve seen in the movies, it’s drinking glühwein at the German Christmas markets in Vienna. Whether you visit just for a weekend in December, or for Christmas day itself, the entire city comes to life in a stream of Christmas lights, Christmas markets and of course, the smell of Christmas trees, hot wine and roasted chestnuts.
1. Check in to Hotel Imperial
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Vienna with a little extra Christmas flare then look no further than Hotel Imperial Vienna. Not only do they deck the lobby out with decorations on decorations, and a humongous tree in the piano bar, but the concierge will even find some wrapping paper for you to wrap those last minute gifts and make sure you enjoy your Christmas in Vienna to its full extent.
2. Visit the Hofburg Palace
There are many Christmas markets dotted around the city of Vienna through the month of December and one of the best starting points is to visit the Hofburg Palace which has a few Christmas stalls at the entrance. Hofburg Palace is one of the most central points to begin your adventures in Vienna and has the iconic romanticism you’ve seen in postcards – it really is just as pretty in real life!
Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien
3. Visit the Giant Christmas Bow
Whilst you make your way around the Innere Stadt (1st District) in Vienna there is plenty to see and do and the best way to experience central Vienna is of course on foot so you can take it all in. Located directly opposite the Vienna State Opera House is this iconic building with a giant Christmas bow, which has become a pit stop for visitors to Vienna over recent years.
Opposite the Vienna Opera House
4. Eat sachertorte at Cafe Sacher
Sachertorte is one of Vienna’s most famous delicacies, and Cafe Sacher is where it was invented. One of most celebrated confections in Vienna and an icon of the city, sachertorte is a darkly rich chocolate cake with a slither of apricot jam in the middle, decorated with a shimmering mirror glaze and icing in an italic script. The cake was conceived in 1832 by Franz Sacher, who was apparently instructed to create a new dessert for Prince von Metternich and his companions.
Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien
5. Visit a Traditional Christmas Market
Vienna is an absolute mecca for Christmas traditions and it all begins with the famous Christmas markets that draw in thousands of visitors to Vienna year after year. There are a handful of major Christmas markets around the city and also small pop-ups of stalls in every direction so be prepared to be spoiled for choice!
6. Try Traditional Strudel
Austria is renowned for its’ hearty winter cuisine and even the desserts are based around those cold winters and staying warm! Apple strudel is the most popular Austrian dessert and can be found on almost any menu, however if you’re not much of a sweets person you can pick up a miniature apple strudel at Demel (near the Hofburg Palace) and sample a bite size strudel. Cherry strudels are also very popular, and really delicious, so try and grab one of those too.
Demel: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien
7. Explore Vienna by Night
As beautiful as Vienna is by day, it is even more magical by night. The city of Vienna comes to life at Christmas and this is especially true when blue hour hits and the city lights up in all of its festivity with the lights twinkling away and the city alive in festivities.
8. Visit the traditional coffee house Cafe Schwarzenberg
There are many coffee houses to visit during your time in Vienna but if I could pick just one, I would recommend you visit Cafe Schwarzenberg as it is less chaotic and just as impressive as its’ more popular counterparts (i.e. Cafe Central and Cafe Sacher).
Kärntner Ring 17, 1010 Wien
9. Christkindlmarkt and ice-skating at Rathausplatz
If there’s just one Christmas market you have to visit whilst in Vienna it is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz – the largest Christmas market that is ideally located in the 1st District. Because of its’ size and central location this is also the most popular Christmas market so be prepared for crowds! You can also go ice-skating here with the beautiful Rathaus (town hall) as a backdrop for a truly festive experience.
Rathauspl., 1010 Wien
10. Step Inside the Vienna State Opera House
Still within the Innere Stadt, be sure to make your way to the Vienna State Opera House for a behind the scenes tour, which is available on the hour (check the website for an update of tour times as they vary depending on performances). The tour will take you to many of the opera’s rooms including a backstage tour pending availability and you can ask as many questions as you like to learn the history of one of Europe’s most celebrated opera houses. For the ultimate experience, book to see an opera here.
Opernring 2, Wien
11. Visit the Belvedere Palace
There’s much more to the Belvedere than Gustav Klimt’s celebrated The Kiss, but if we’re honest, it is reason alone for visiting! The Belvedere Museum is a great insight in to Austrian art history and there’s much to see and do inside the palace doors – however the gardens themselves are equally as impressive.
Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien
Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
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