If you want to escape into a New Year's Eve fairytale, head to Salzburg. Here, you'll find the sense of wonder that inspired you as a child. The walls of the buildings, the streets decorated with glittering Christmas lights and even the air have a magical quality. Everything has an unimaginable energy that fills everyone with a sense of happiness.
If you're travelling with children, you can immerse them in the magic of the approaching holiday and charge yourself with childlike spontaneity. Nobody can resist the magical atmosphere of Salzburg in December!
Holidays in Salzburg in December: pros and cons
In the first month of winter, Europe is more charming than ever. Snowflakes will be dancing in the air and street entertainment will make even the most seasoned traveller feel the festivities approaching. Salzburg's December holiday reviews will convince you not to procrastinate, it's a great time to go and here's why:
- Throughout the month, Christmas markets are held in the country's main squares, offering local specialities, interesting sweets, beautiful Christmas decorations, clothing by local designers and handicrafts by Austrian artisans.
- In December, the city of Salzburg is decked out in lights and illuminations, dressing its streets and stately buildings in colourful costumes. You have the chance to see this art for yourself.
- It's in Salzburg that you can really get into the Christmas spirit. The streets are alive with happy people from all over the world, the laughter is palpable and people are friendlier and more considerate than ever.
- Salzburg has many themed events that are only held here in December.
- Museums and exhibitions of Salzburg are open as usual, except for a few weekends, but are brightly decorated for the upcoming festivities.
For a fabulous holiday, there are a few things to consider:
- It is worth booking hotels and tickets well in advance if you are not travelling on a package holiday. Visitors with children should be aware that the city centre can be noisy at night with late night parties.
- It is still winter outside, so warm clothing will keep you warm in any weather and prevent you from catching a cold and spoiling your holiday.
- It is also a good idea to bring something to wear, as you will want to look your best when you go to a restaurant or cultural event in the city on these magical days.
- If you're celebrating New Year's Eve in Salzburg, it's best to book a table at a restaurant well in advance, as it's a busy time for good restaurants.
- Take your good mood with you to get into the festive spirit and have a good time.
Weather in Salzburg in December
Although December is a winter month, the weather sometimes brings sunny days. The autumn slush is behind us. The weather in early December is a light night frost that dries the moisture from the autumn and decorates the mornings with a silvery frost. There is no need to carry an umbrella. If it rains a few times, you can wait it out in a cosy café with a nice hot chocolate and dessert.
The weather in December and January is mild and invigorating for a refreshing walk in the winter air. Temperatures in Salzburg in mid-December are not much different from the beginning of the month, dropping only a few degrees but still hovering around the plus mark during the day. The weather in Salzburg at the end of December does not look like a classic New Year's Eve: it is close to zero, but you can enjoy a little snow.
Air temperature
The European continental climate in winter is characterised by relatively mild weather. The temperature in Salzburg in December is quite high for a winter month, with the thermometer only dropping below freezing at night. Sunny weather lasts for a good half of the month, attracting tourists in search of holiday cheer.
Air temperature in Salzburg in December
During the month, daytime temperatures range between +8°C and +2°C, which is relatively mild compared to our climate. In terms of night-time temperatures, you should dress warmer than during the day and expect frosts of 2-3°C below zero. Nights can be cooler or warmer depending on whether it rained during the day. Small temperature variations are great for tourists, so you can dress for roughly the same weather.
Amount of precipitation
Salzburg receives 65.8 mm of precipitation in December. This is slightly more than in November, but it is less noticeable in the winter month because some of it is snow. Half of the days in December in Salzburg are not only dry, but also sunny. Umbrellas are a thing of the past, as are rubber boots; you can wear beautiful and impractical shoes on the streets of the city, which will make for colourful photographs.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Typically, the number of sunny and cloudy days in Salzburg is split almost equally. On average, there are 14 sunny days a month, a few rainy days, 4 snowy days and the rest are just overcast days. But this is not true. There are no grey days in Salzburg in December. On cloudy days, the sun is replaced by thousands of lights hanging from almost every tree. Sometimes you're even glad that the sun has hidden behind the clouds — on such days the lights come on earlier, without having to wait until dusk.
Excursions: the best places to visit in December
Snowfall brings a special charm to the city. If you want to capture the mystical aura of the lost kingdom, you'll have to hurry — the thin white blanket doesn't last long in early December. On such days, it's worth taking a guided tour of the architecture, as nothing brings out the mystery of the old buildings like the snowy white of their roofs.
In rainy weather, your heart is all the more receptive to classical music, so it's worth warming up your body and soul by attending one of the concerts dedicated to the great composer Mozart, who was born in Salzburg.
If you're feeling adventurous, try to find out the names of most of the places, streets and pastry shops that bear the composer's name. This walk will add to the excitement for you and your child as there is a sweet prize to be won.
If you go to the Cathedral Quarter, you can make up a story together that could have taken place within these walls many years ago in mid-December. Depending on who you are with, it could be an amorous adventure or a magical tale.
A visit to Mirabel Park and Palace reveals not only its beautiful architecture, but also the intricate swirls of dew or hoarfrost on its lawns, which are still green at the end of December.
For an overview of the city from above, head to the gem of the city, the fortress Hohensalzburg: Salzburg is at your fingertips and it's as if you're in a time machine, as everything has been preserved as it was centuries ago. Children will love the Puppet Museum and the multimedia Magic Theatre on the castle grounds.
Shopping
At the beginning of December there are no sales as such in Salzburg, instead shops try to cash in on the gift-seeking customers. As Christmas approaches, the situation changes and prices start to melt away like the first snow. The biggest boom comes the day after Christmas.
From the morning of 26 December, the shops are packed with queues waiting to be snapped up at an 80% discount. Even the most die-hard shopaholics have a hard time. If you are one of them, the Getreidegasse and Judengasse offer a wide range of shops, some of Austria's finest Swarovski crystals and a good selection of fashion products at Europark, the city's most popular shopping centre.
It's also a good time to shop for souvenirs and sweets — wander the souvenir shops in the main streets and sample edible goods before you buy, so you can wrap them up in a nice Christmas package afterwards.
Holidays, events and festivals
The festivities in Salzburg in December are as vibrant as the city itself in anticipation of the festive season. During the first half of December, Salzburg's Christmas carols, with their magical New Year motifs, will touch the soul of any traveller. This celebration combines the Salzburgers' love of music with a social event.
Every month there is a winter festival featuring some of Europe's finest circus artists. These performances will delight and entertain adults and children alike.
- Don't be surprised if you see children's shoes on your doorstep on 6 December — it's St Nicholas Day. In the morning, children will be looking for sweets and presents as a sign that they have been good all year. Although they won't be as surprised as the creepy, shaggy monsters that roam the town in the evening — the Krampus and Percht — they parade through the town centre and like to scare the bejesus out of everyone, especially the awkward tourists. But despite their ferocious nature, they're as harmless as the Salzburgers who hide under their costumes.
- On 25 December, Salzburg celebrates Christmas, when the streets are empty as most of the locals gather for a family meal of carp, goose and fried sausages. And from this day, in addition to the existing Christmas markets, there are Christmas tree markets all over the city, where residents can get their hands on fluffy pine beauties for New Year's Eve celebrations.
- The 26th of December is St Stephen's Day in Salzburg, as it is throughout Austria. On this night, everyone goes out to wish each other good luck and give each other presents.
And of course, on New Year's Eve, the city comes alive. There are crowds of revelers, a sea of champagne, music and laughter — it's all happy and festive. And to top it all off, there's a fantastic fireworks display that will leave the eyes of the crowds shining for a long time.
Cost of vacation
Hotel and flight prices in Salzburg in December are still at the same level as in autumn. However, the closer we get to New Year's Eve, the greater the demand and the rush begins, as this is the busiest time of year in Salzburg due to Christmas and New Year's Eve.
So if you're planning a trip at the end of December, it's a good idea to book your hotel and flight well in advance. In a more relaxed atmosphere, you can visit the city at the beginning of the month. But in the run-up to Christmas, prices are bound to rise by around 30%, and in the 'juiciest' places by as much as 50%.
To save money on your trip, book early; the only downside is the cancellation fee. Unfortunately, these penalties are always in high season.
You should also get yourself a Salzburg Card. With the Salzburg Card, you can visit all of Salzburg's attractions and museums for free and avoid paying for public transport. It is sold at tourist offices and hotels in the city. The price of the card ranges from €27 to €45 for an adult, depending on the time of year and length of stay, and from €13.5 to €22.5 for children aged 6 to 15.
Tips for parents
If you're travelling with children, don't miss the local zoo. There are lots of fun themed activities for the holidays. But as most of the fun takes place outdoors, it's worth remembering that it's winter, so it's a good idea to dress warmly for yourself and your children.
Salzburg is a much nicer place to visit with the kids than a wet November. You don't have to be afraid to take them with you. Just make sure you take the weather into account when choosing your outfit.
However, it's best to leave the little ones at home. They'll love the bright lights and local lighting, but they won't remember it, and they can get cold quickly and unnoticed. School-age children, on the other hand, should definitely be taken along. They will be able to get some fresh air, broaden their horizons and diversify their school day.
As adults, we are used to believing in miracles. But just a trip to Salzburg, with its incredible December beauty, the magic of Christmas, will bring back the feeling of a long forgotten miracle. And it's bound to happen.
