Top 6 Places to See in Austria During Christmas

Christmas is huge in Vienna, an attractive city that shimmers brightly during the holiday season as the lights blossom into one of the most desired places to be in December. Schonbrunn Palace turns into a fairytale castle and the beauty resonates from the grounds through the city.

Visit the Christmas market, have fun on the carousel, and admire the hand-blown glass or other incredible ornaments and crafts. View the magnificent light displays on Graben and Kartner Streets, take in a carriage ride, or simply embark on a winter walk from the Opera House to admire Vienna in all its Christmas grandeur.

Romance and tranquility meet lakeside charm in the winter wonderland of Zell Am See in the Austrian Alps. Mix Christmas tradition with winter activities that range from skiing and snowboarding to winter hiking and wellness escapes.

Enjoy a guided, mystical, torchlight walk and discover the majesty of a landscape blanketed in winter. Stroll the alleys and admire their transformation from ordinary streets to glistening miles in the evenings, accented by the markets and Christmas cheer throughout the town. Board the MS Schmittenhohe for a starlight cruise and relax in this breathtaking setting for the Christmas season.

Christmas in Innsbruck embodies an authentic winter wonderland filled with lights colored gold and silver. Bustling Maria-Theresien Street transforms into a sparkling storybook as storefronts adorn windows with magical tinsel accentuated by the opulent Christmas tree set against the famous Golden Roof.

Join the bustle of the Marktplatz Christmas Market as the colorful carousel mesmerizes young visitors, while stalls offering ornaments and gifts dazzle visitors from around the world. Sip gluhwein and savor traditional sauerkraut-flavored kiachln while embracing seasonal music that drifts across the town.

Step inside a traditional Austrian Christmas scene as you walk the lanes and streets of the country’s fourth-largest city. Streets such as Getreidegasse and Goldgasse turn everyday stores into colorful spaces that burst with decorations and delight as the town’s residents prepare visitors for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Enjoy the local tradition of the Salzburger Adventsingen nativity play sung by children in local dialects and learn about the roots of the famous carol, Silent Night, composed in nearby Oberndorf. You can also indulge in the soothing combination of snow and sauna as you dip into the joys of the local Christmas tradition.

Christmas is a very important holiday in Graz and the locals celebrate in joyous style. The markets are magical and set against some of the most dramatic backdrops of Christmas tree lights and bright window dressings.

The Advent Market takes place in front of the Hauptplatz city hall, while the old Christmas Market creates a spectacle outside the Franciscan Church, with a nativity scene adorned with live sheep and opulent toys.

Colorful carousels capture the festive ambiance and the Glockenspielplatz market demonstrates the skills of local craftspeople. Visit the Schlossberg Hill market above the humming city below to embrace the glistening sight of winter joy.

What could be more magical than spending Christmas in the Austrian Alps  surrounded by enchanting snow-capped mountains, trees peeking out from white slopes, and a quaint village to call home.

Hallstatt has been noted as one of the most beautiful villages in Europe and during the festive season, this charming winter haven captures the wonder of a fairytale ambiance.

Take in the lifesize wooden nativity scene set up in the village square and bask in traditional seasonal music and lights. Enjoy the history exuding from UNESCO World Heritage sites as you embrace the perfect holiday season getaway.

Fairytale cities to quaint villages, getaways tucked away into the Austrian Alps, and winter-wonderland holiday destinations that offer authentic experiences of the holiday spirit, Austria is undoubtedly one of the top places for the Christmas season for an unforgettable experience.

View Zicasso’s Austria Tours & Vacations to learn more about possible Austrian adventures with sample itineraries. Fill out a Trip Request or call our team at 1-888-265-9707 to speak with an Austria Travel Specialist when you are ready.