Vienna is one of the best destinations for celebrating New Year and Christmas in Europe. It is in the capital of Austria that these holidays are celebrated on the greatest scale among European cities. In general, Vienna is the founder of the tradition of holding Christmas markets. The first fair was held here in 1296. In modern times, Vienna also strives to differ from other cities – fairs are held here in the first half of November, while in most other European cities – only at the end of the month.
Christmas tree decorations are an attribute of any Christmas fair
Every year the number of Christmas markets in Vienna is different, it varies from 12 to 30 pieces. In any case, you can always visit several such bazaars in the city center. You can use them to buy sweets and other food, handmade chocolate, souvenirs, Christmas tree decorations, various handicrafts, and drink punch or mulled wine.
Folk festivities on the Graben on New Year’s Eve
Most often, tourists visit the Christmas market near St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Graben Square, located in the very center of the city. Here, those who buy mulled wine will be given a branded ceramic mug (it’s different every year) as a deposit for 3 euros, which they can then keep as a souvenir. By the way, this is very convenient. Having paid for a mug once, you can then walk with it from one point to another and taste mulled wine.
Christmas market near Schönbrunn Palace
The second major Christmas market is located on the square near Schönbrunn Palace. There is a lot of space and spaciousness. There are tables with chairs and awnings. According to MashaPasha.com, this is the best fair in Vienna in terms of comfort. There is no big crowd here and you can calmly walk, drink and eat.
Near Schönbrunn it is most comfortable
There are also several Christmas markets on the Ring: one near Vienna Town Hall (this is the largest and main fair in Vienna; skating rink), the other – on Maria Theresa Square next to Hofburg Palace. Also in the city center there are Christmas markets near Belvedere Palace, on the square Karlskirche, Am Hof square, Freyung square, pedestrian streets of the city center. Thanks to numerous colorful illuminations and glowing garlands, at some point it begins to seem that the entire center of Vienna is turning into one giant festivities area.
Folk festivals in the center of Vienna
Most of these fairs will close the day before Christmas, so tourists arriving in Vienna on New Year’s Eve will only be able to see a few Christmas markets that are open longer than usual – fairs near Schönbrunn Palace (but not always, check this information before your trip), in the Graben pedestrian zone, on Maria Theresa Square. The main city Christmas market near the Town Hall (Rathausplatz) will be closed by this time. Well, everything takes longer There will be a winter market on Riesenradplatz (it will be open until January 8).
Inside one of the churches in Vienna on New Year and Christmas.
For the New Year and Christmas in Vienna, not only the streets are decorated, but also the churches and cathedrals of the city. The main cathedral, Stefansdom, sometimes hosts a laser show. And on the square near the cathedral a stage is being assembled, where performances of musical groups and ensembles are held.
Festive scene near St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The most massive New Year’s festivities in Vienna are held on Graben Square and near St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Shops in the center of Vienna are decorated with the same
MashiPasha’s general impression of visiting Vienna for New Year and Christmas: despite the high prices for hotel rooms and the many tourists arriving in Vienna these days, it is in this city that you can feel the real festive atmosphere of Christmas, drink mulled wine and even dance! You definitely won’t be bored.
