Winter and Christmastime is one of the loveliest times of year, and Vienna, Austria's romantic capital city - and usually on top of the list of the world's most liveable cities - is one of the most famous Christmastime destinations in Europe. I was in Réunion for Christmas last year, and I spent the holidays hiking and working on my tan on the beach, and the year before was a quiet affair in Salzburg with the pandemic still affecting border closures.
The Christkindlmarkts are in abundance, the lights are brightly lit all throughout the city streets, the punsch is hot and flowing, the golden hours are extra special and the food tastes even yummier and fresher at this time of year.
One of my dearest friends, Ann Cathrin, has lived in Vienna for a few years now. I met Ann Cathrin in Porto back in 2021. She's German, I'm British-Dutch-Canadian, and when we both found out we lived in Austria... well, the rest is history. We don't get to spend that much time together, with Vienna and Salzburg being a four-hour train ride apart, and us both being busy young women and oft-abroad, but we do make it a priority to see each other at least a few times each year.
So when 16 December became available on both our calendars, we immediately planned a Christmassy day in Europe's Christkindlmarkt capital. Here's everything we got up to during our Christmassy day in Vienna:
Wander through the Schlosspark Schönbrunn
It would have been even lovelier with snow, but the walk through the gardens and past the greenhouse was lovely and peaceful just the same.
Hike up to Gloriette for the best view of Vienna
In the heart of the Schlosspark Schönbrunn, you can take a brief hike up to the Gloriette which is probably the best view of all of Vienna laid out so beautifully and symetrically below, especially in a winter golden hour!
Visit the exquisite Schönbrunn Christkindlmarkt
One of the most beautiful Christkindlmarkts in Vienna is in the grounds of Schloss Schönbrunn featuring a huge Christmas tree, music, plenty of good food and wine, and bustling stalls full of seasonal goodies to admire.
Admire the wonderful light displays along Vienna's city streets
The streets are crowded, but remember to look up as you wander the city for the stunning light displays strung on every street between all the beautiful old buildings.
Visit as many Christkindlmarkts as you can
It's not a hard task - we did nine in one day, because nearly every corner and plaza has yet another one to visit!
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Winter in the MuseumsQuartier
Enjoy the atmoshere of Vienna's most famous market: Wiener Christkindlmarkt
It's absolutely magical (if a little overwhelming) and where we bought a little handmade gold ornament, and piping hot langos to fuel our long day of Christmassy fun!
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
