Come December, and various parts of the world get immersed in Christmas festivities. And, Vienna is no exception. If you are planning your sojourn to Vienna in December this year, then it is the best thing you would be doing. Keep your spirits and expectations high as the capital city of Austria will be packed with some fantastic things for you to do during Christmas. Here are some of the key reasons as to why you should plan your vacation in Vienna.
Indulge in Christmas Markets hopping
Visiting the Christmas Markets may soon become one of your favorite things to do. Vienna hosts many Christmas Markets that usually start from mid-November until the end of December. In fact, Christmas in the city is about markets, trumpet concerts, Christmas baubles, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. The best Christmas Market in the city is Freyung’s Alt Wiener Weihnachtsmarkt. This market is renowned for its beautiful Christmas decorations, candles, wooden toys and ceramics. The mulled wine with orange juice is not to be missed at Demmer’s Teehaus. The Christmas Market held just adjacent to the Schonbrunn Palace is equally famous and must be visited.
Some of the top Christmas Markets worth visiting in Vienna include those at Schonbrunn Palace, Maria-Theresien-Platz, Church St. Charles Borromeo, Spittelberg, Am Hof, Altes AKH, Vienna City Hall, Belvedere Castle and Altwiener Christkindlmarkt. Now that you have come to know about these famous markets, it is also important to know about their opening times for your convenience. The markets at Spittelberg and Am Hof are open from 8 pm/9 pm starting from November 14 to December 23. The market at Altes AKH is open for the people from 10 pm starting from November 15 to December 23, while it is open before Vienna City Hall from 6 pm starting from November 15 to December 24.
The market at Maria-Theresien-Platz between the Museum of Natural History and Museum of Fine Arts is open from 9 pm starting from November 19 till December 26. The markets at Church St. Charles Borromeo, Belvedere Castle and Altwiener Christkindlmarkt start from November 21 to December 23. The opening times though are different. The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt and Belvedere Castle market opens from 6 pm, while the market at Church St. Charles Borromeo opens from 8 pm. The Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Palace opens from 6 pm and can be visited starting from November 22 to December 26.
Regale at Advent and Christmas Concerts
Here’s another reason why you should plan your visit to Vienna during Christmas. This is the best time to regale with seasonal classical concerts taking place in various churches across the city like St. Anna Church, Peterskirche, Minoritenkirche, Malteserkirche and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The ‘Christmas in Vienna’ concert that takes place at the Wiener Konzerthaus is however the annual highlight of the season. Do remember to book your seats in advance, or else you will miss out on these fabulous concerts.
Have a blast at outdoor winter parties
While you embrace the festive spirit with the fir trees, brass musicians, Alpine-style booths and Christmas baubles at the tralatitious Christmas markets, you just need to explore the opposite end of the city with the vibrant winter parties organized outdoors. A funky Christmas awaits you at the Museumsquartier where you will be treated to live street art performances. There are several ways to enjoy the party here. The ice pavilions, which are beautifully illuminated, invite you to have a drink. Have great fun by participating in the curling contests and car races operated with the help of remote. Listening to modern winter sounds is yet another thrilling experience. The entire courtyard at the Museumsquartier, opposite the Museum of Natural History and Museum of Fine Arts, presents a dazzling magical light display from dusk.
Enjoy traditional Christmas Eve at Weikersdorf Castle
Taking part in the traditional Austrian Christmas Eve celebrations at the splendid Weikersdorf Castle in Baden in the Vienna Woods is surely the best way to enjoy the festivities. The Renaissance Castle here is a cozy 4-Star hotel providing fascinating views of the mountainous forest of Kurpark and Doblhoff Park. This the best place to enjoy the sumptuous Viennese style four-course Christmas dinner. The meals here are quite yummy. You need to make your reservations much before in advance as the event tends to sell out rather quickly.
These are some of the reasons that are just enough to prompt you to plan your sojourn to Vienna this December and have a memorable Christmas festivities in this beautiful, picturesque city.
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