18 things you need to do to make the most out of December in Vienna

This is Vienna’s 2nd largest film festival that comes with plenty of powerful messages in powerful films that will have you thinking about the big wide world.

This Human World plays various documentaries and fictional feature films, short films, animations, and experimental films, all revolving around the theme of human rights issues.

This festival puts into the spotlight the films that aim to encourage people to scrutinize and re-examine their views and raise awareness about the situations where human rights are being violated. Don’t keep going on about how the world’s turning to shit on your IG feed – get educated at this fascinating festival.

With 10 amazing teachers, 5 parties, 7 live bands, the name ‘Blues Fever’ is more than justified. A weekend full of social dancing, high-level classes, panel talks about the Blues, master classes AND competitions. So if you get the blues for the Blues, then this one is for you!

With 17 matches (including the semi-finals and final), it’s your chance to watch 24 countries go head-to-head in the biggest international handball tournament of 2024.

Now we gotta say, the programme of this event is so multifaceted we don’t really know where to start. But what we do know is this: if you’re into feminism, diversity, and smashing the patriarchy, then this is the place to be!  There’ll be comedy, performance art, cabaret performances and more. Just check it out!

WAMP brings a whole bunch of Eastern European and local designers together in a great atmosphere in front of Vienna’s MQ. There’s also usually a few food trucks supplying some tasty street food.

Our favourite people at Villa Vida are hosting another Latin dance party!

Important: A trial lesson starts at 6:30pm —perfect for anyone new to salsa. The main party kicks off at 7:30pm.

An event for those interested in photography!

20 exhibitors from Austria and neighbouring countries will showcase original vintage photographs and rare historical photo treasures. And the coolest thing is: it’s all available for purchase!

This year’s Hirschstetten Flower Gardens exhibition, themed ‘Journey Through the Magic of Christmas,’ brings back favourite displays from past years, like ‘The Snow Queen’ and ‘Christmas Around the World,’ and features handmade decorations and floral arrangements in Greenhouse 1.

The Advent Market showcases over 50 stalls with gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and holiday gifts. You’ll also find a charity punch stand near the North entrance benefiting TierQuarTier Wien and the 48er-Tandler stand with vintage items.

Tis’ the season, and in Vienna this many people’s favourite season simply thanks to those charming Christmas markets! A wonderful vibe spreads around town as markets bloom all over Vienna, and the smell of cinnamon, mulled wine, and sweet desserts fill the air. Be sure to get some Beeren Punsch in, get in the spirit, and enjoy every chance this season to get drunk at the market. If you need a cheat-sheet check the list of our favourite Christmas markets. 

And just in case, here’s a reminder of this year’s Christmas market dates in Vienna:

Schönbrunn Christmas Market: November 8, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt: November 15 – December 26, 2024.
Spittelberg Christmas Market: November 16 – December 23, 2024.
Winter Market at the Prater: November 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Am Hof Christmas Market: November 15 – December 23, 2024.
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt: November 15 – December 23, 2024.
Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere: November 15 – December 26, 2024.
Weihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz: November 8 – December 24, 2024.
Adventmarkt am Karlsplatz: November 15 – December 23, 2024.
Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH: November 15 – December 23, 2024.
Winter im MuseumsQuartier: November 14 – December 23, 2024.
Haas & Haas Winter in the City: November 8 – December 31, 2024.

If you’re less of a ‘let’s go clubbing’ kinda person and more of a ‘that choir sounds heavenly’ sort of person, then you’re in for a treat with the concerts and performances happening in Vienna’s stunning churches. Both professional and amateur groups have been busy practicing all autumn to bring you their Christmas concerts.

Here are you can check out the dates for free concerts and masses in Peterskirche.
But really, just choose any church in your district, and you’re likely to stumble upon some sort of a Christmas performance.

‘It’s good for your soul, it’ll broaden your horizon, and you’ll connect with nature…’- sound like your super enthusiastic outdoorsy friend? Well, we’re about to sound a lot like them, as well. Yes, climbing up and down hills during crazy cold temperatures is somehow pleasurable for many, and when they tell you it’s the perfect escape from your worries and woes – they ain’t lying.

Hiking and Austria go together like hot chocolate and winter, which you can reward yourself with once you’ve completed your trail! Check out our list of nature walks to find out where you can start your new weekend activity all by your lonesome. Oh! And make sure to get yourself a Wanderpass! This way you can gamify your hikes.

The city has dressed itself up in the spirit of Christmas with a shit ton of glittering lights. Woohoo!

Especially in the city centre, Christmas lights have been draped overhead across streets. Plus, the stores and restaurants have gone to the effort to bring a smile to our faces by decorating their facades.

So, one night this month – heat up and pack yourself some Glühwein, or homemade Punsch, dress up warm and go through an enchanting walk throughout the first district, enjoying all the glitter and bling that Christmas in Vienna brings.

Want to watch the fireworks from one of the coolest rooftop locations in town? Then you should head all the way up to Zoku. There will be a rich buffet dinner with live waltz music, unlimited drinks, a midnight Käsekrainer snack, and a high-energy DJ dance party at Zoku Vienna’s rooftop.

What would Christmas time be without some delicious cookies, right?

Sure, you could simply buy them from the nearest supermarket, but let’s be honest, where’s the fun in that?

So we’re suggesting you go ahead and make some of your own Christmas cookie classics!

It just so happens we have put together a collection of seven fantastic Austrian Christmas cookie recipes coming from a real Oma. And everyone knows, Oma’s recipes are the best!

Let’s all say it together: Dear weather gods, be good to us and let it snow!

Even though this ancient spell has worked for years, in this city, we can never be sure how long the white fluffy wonder will last when it comes down from the sky (approximately three hours).

So, our advice – If you see snow, drop everything and run outside for some of that fantastic winter wonderland fun.

Get out there and behave like a kid.

We might not necessarily be fond of the cold, but we do love our reindeer-motifed, wooly jumpers, our comfy thick socks and hats and our knitted underwear (yes, we knitted them ourselves ;-).

While rearranging your closet sounds boring, it can actually be quite fun and meditative. Put on one of your best playlists and dive into your wardrobe.

There’s no other feeling like it – the cold on your face, a red nose, gliding over the ice, and on occasion falling in a puddle of melted ice.

Get your skates on and visit one of the ice skating rinks around Vienna. We especially recommend checking out the ice skating rink at the Wiener Eislaufverein in the centre of the city or the famous rink at Rathausplatz, Wiener Eistraum. The atmosphere is perfect for winter.

Wow, 2024 flew by. Just like last year. And the year before… Well! Whatever. Time isn’t real anyways. But what definitely is real is the pressure of doing something spectacular for New Year’s! But don’t worry, we got your back! Keep an eye on our event guides for the best New Year parties.