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

We don’t even know where to start with this one since there is so much to do! Okay, so basically, it’s an advent market in the Ottakringer Brauerei. And there is A LOT on the programme. There’s everything from typical Christmas market activities like drinking Punsch to super exciting things like curling (reservations needed)! And they also have not one, but multiple markets on different dates. We highly recommend you check out the programme on their website so you don’t miss anything!

This year’s Hirschstetten Flower Gardens exhibition, which is themed ‘Christmas Fairy Tales’, brings to life nine stories, including classics like Dickens’ ‘Christmas Story’ and the Brothers Grimm’s ‘Frau Holle’.

While you’re there, check out the Advent market with over 50 stalls of traditional goodies, from gingerbread to handmade toys and ceramics. Kids can have a bit of fun, too, making Christmas decorations with the city gardeners.

Heads up! The exhibition is open Thursday to Sunday. Also, construction work limits car access to the South entrance (1220 Vienna, Quadenstraße 15), so opt for public transport or use the North (Oberfeldgasse) or West (Spargelfeldstraße 22) entrances.

The Heeresgeschichtliches Museum Wien (Military Museum) is playing host to one of the coolest Christmas markets happening in Vienna. A 4-day medieval-themed Christmas market stands far apart from the other markets in this list. There are little stalls selling metalwork and woodwork creations made by the stand owners (who tend to really take the Medieval thing seriously, dressing up like they’ve just landed in 2023 from that era), while there are all kinds of live music, jugglers and jesters, market criers, fencing duals and other shows to entertain the crowds. Then there’s the food inspired from Medieval times being prepared and served up. Another distinguishing factor is the delicious winter Punsch, Glühwein (mulled wine) and other hot drinks to warm you up, that are made fresh by the stand owners, as opposed to being mass produced like the Punsch at many of the other markets. 

You’re sure to win the award for giving the coolest gifts for Christmas if you shop at this Christmas version of the designer market, Edelstoff. And we all know Christmas is about winning the award for giving the coolest gifts. It’s also a known fact that Santa rewards those who support young designers. So if you also want to get yourself a bunch of Christmas presents – from fashion to jewellery and graphic design masterpieces – spend some time at this funky market.

Marching in ghoulish fashion at the beginning of December are the Perchten. They wear hand-carved scary masks, shaggy fur, and heavy bells to scare away winter.

These creatures are usually a pretty frightful sight, but this Sunday, you can brave a ‘family-friendly’ Perchten parade at Prater.

After being closed for a while, the Wien Museum reopens on December 6. Following an official opening (with the Mayor and all), everyone is free to enter and roam the halls from 8pm till midnight. Check out the revamped space and the free ‘Vienna. My History’ exhibit.

With 10 amazing teachers, 5 parties and 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!

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.

In 11 days, 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. And check out our film recommendations here.

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.
Adventmarkt am Karlsplatz: November 15 – December 23, 2024.
Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH: November 15 – December 23, 2024.
Winter im MuseumsQuartier: November 7 – December 23, 2024.
Haas & Haas Winter in the City: November 8 – December 31, 2024.

We definitely think it’s time for you to get back out there even though it is winter and cold. Fresh air and movement will have your endorphins flowing and put you in a happy glow-y mood. Who doesn’t want that? Go get your friends, family, maybe even a date or take yourself and put those fancy skates on your desperate feet. You will thank us later. Oh… and not to forget there are multiple ice rinks here in Vienna such as Wiener Eislauf-Verein, Kunsteisbahn Engelmann, Steffl Arena or Eisring Süd.

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.

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.

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.

Wow, 2023 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! Check out our guide to cool New Year’s Eve parties or our list of things to do on if you’re not a party person.

With so many culture events taking place – be it exhibitions in museums, powerful plays on theatre stages, art shows that scratch that inspiration itch – getting your daily dose of culture in Vienna is easy-peasy. That is, if you have our awesome art and culture guide, which tells you all about the best events happening in Vienna right NOW (or soon-ish). If you think we’re missing any important ongoing culture events, drop us a message Instagram, or the good old, oldschool way, via mail.