Austria, Europe

Vienna in December

Christmas markets on nearly every major square. Weekends and the days before Christmas are packed.

GoodCold, highs near 39F (4C), short days

Schonbrunn Palace from the Neptune Fountain, Vienna — ViennaPhoto: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Vienna. Christmas markets on nearly every major square. Weekends and the days before Christmas are packed.

Weather: Cold, highs near 39F (4C), short days
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Vienna

December is cold, with highs near 39F (4C), and short days. Christmas markets fill nearly every major square, and the city glows with lights. Weekends and the days before Christmas are packed. Prices rise, especially near the holidays.

This month suits families and couples who love the holidays. Book hotels early. If you want quieter streets, visit on weekdays or in early December. December 8 is a public holiday, so some shops close. Families will love the Schonbrunn market and the lights, but dress kids warmly for long evenings outside.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Vienna this month.

Christmas markets

Rathausplatz is the big one, while Spittelberg, Am Hof, and Schonbrunn feel more atmospheric.

Holiday concerts

The concert halls and churches host seasonal performances.

Collectible mugs

Each market serves punsch and mulled wine in its own mug to take home.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Gloves, hat, and scarf
Warm, waterproof boots
A tote bag for market gifts

Our timing tip

Visit the markets on weekday afternoons, as weekends and the days before Christmas are very crowded.

Book Vienna for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Vienna
Opens a hotel search for Vienna in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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Vacation rentals in Vienna
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Vienna
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Vienna for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas markets

Mid November through December 24 to 26, a few run to early January

Rathausplatz is the big one; Spittelberg, Am Hof, and Schonbrunn are more atmospheric. Punsch and mulled wine in collectible mugs.

Things to do in Vienna

Full guide

Schonbrunn Palace

Book a timed palace tour online and go at opening or late afternoon. The gardens and the Gloriette hill are free and best early.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Bruegel room first, then the cafe under the dome. Thursday evenings run late in most seasons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Belvedere

Klimt's The Kiss is in the Upper Belvedere. The first hour is the only calm hour in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Vienna State Opera

Standing-room tickets go on sale shortly before each performance; the season runs roughly September to June.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Hofburg and the Sisi Museum

The imperial apartments, the silver collection, and the Sisi Museum share one ticket. Pair it with the Spanish Riding School's morning exercise.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Climb the south tower stairs or take the lift up the north tower for the Pummerin bell and the tiled roof.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Hit Schonbrunn at opening or in the last ninety minutes. Tour buses arrive mid morning and leave by late afternoon.
Buy a Wiener Linien pass for 24 to 72 hours and stay outside the Ring in the 7th or 8th districts: calmer mornings, better neighborhood cafes, five minutes by tram.
Book Belvedere and Schonbrunn timed tickets online in summer and December. From January to March you can walk up.
For opera on a budget, line up for standing room rather than buying resale. It is how students and locals go.

Know before you go

The State Opera and the big concert halls take a summer break, roughly July and August. If music is the point, do not go in high summer.
Many museums close one day a week, often Monday; some, including the Kunsthistorisches, open daily in summer. Check before building a Monday itinerary.
Sundays are genuinely quiet: most shops close by law. Museums, cafes, and restaurants stay open.
Heuriger taverns keep seasonal and rotating opening days; some close in winter. Check a specific tavern's calendar before heading out to the vineyards.