Vienna is festive, bright and fabulous only once a year — in December. The pre-Christmas rush envelops the city in a waltz of twinkling lights, bustling markets and fun activities, the spicy scent of mulled wine, the delicate aroma of coffee, the unforgettable taste of Christmas pastries and the melodies of the Viennese waltz. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world flock here to see what Vienna is like in December.
Holidays in Vienna in December: Undeniable pros
Reviews of holidays in Vienna in December make you want to book a tour and pack your bags, complete with warm clothes and outfits for the Viennese balls.
Who can remain indifferent to the fabulous atmosphere of the New Year holidays? So here are some of the benefits of a December trip if you are still thinking about which city to choose:
- A trip to get in the spirit: It's hard not to get into the Christmas spirit with all the bustling markets, twinkling lights and intoxicating smells of hot and spicy drinks.
- A perfect family holiday: Christmas in Vienna is a cosy family holiday, so why not celebrate with your family in one of Europe's most beautiful capitals?
- Holidays to suit all tastes: If you like to celebrate loudly, then after Christmas comes New Year's Eve, which in Vienna is celebrated brightly, loudly and merrily.
- Crazy shopping: Christmas sales start early in the month but are reasonably discounted, while Vienna's shopping malls turn into a shopaholic's paradise after 25 December, with prices reduced by up to 80%.
Of course, it's impossible not to add a small fly in the ointment to the whole honeycomb of positive aspects of the trip. The main drawback is the December weather. The high humidity and strong winds make a temperature of +1°C feel like subzero.
But will hundreds of thousands of travellers flock to the Austrian capital in December for long walks in the fresh air? There is always a way out. Warm clothes and shoes, a scarf, gloves and an umbrella — this simple setup will keep you warm and dry.
Weather in Vienna in December
The weather in Vienna in December and January is not the warmest of days, but it is winter with all the trappings of winter. There are no sub-zero temperatures at this time of year, and the thermometer rarely drops below -7°C at night. This doesn't stop you from feeling as cold as -10°C in the wind and humidity.
The weather in early December, like the rest of the month, is variable. The average temperature in Vienna in mid-December is +1°C. Due to the wind, it is advisable to wear a warm jacket and gloves.
The weather in Vienna in late December can be windy and humid, although some days can be dry and cold — check the weather forecast before you travel.
Air temperature
Vienna's humid continental climate allows the thermometer to rise to around 8°C in December, but it also brings with it humid air and foggy mornings that, combined with the wind and temperatures around zero, make the December chill worth it.
Air temperature in Vienna in December
The weather in December is unlikely to be conducive to long walks unless accompanied by a winter jacket, gloves and warm footwear.
The average daytime temperature in the first month of winter is +4°C, while the average nighttime temperature is around zero. Temperatures in Vienna in December range from -5°C at night to +8°C during the day.
Amount of precipitation
There is a chance of precipitation in December, either rain or snow, more often wet. Precipitation is low, around 27mm, but the high humidity makes it feel like it rains a lot, and fog is a must in the mornings.
There is no permanent snow cover — when it does fall, it melts quickly and turns to slush. There are a total of eight rainy days in December.
Sunny, cloudy, overcast days
The number of sunny days in December is around twelve, while the rest are rainy, overcast or variable cloudy. The number of sunny days in December is around twelve, the rest being rainy, overcast or variable cloudy.
Where to visit and what to see on Christmas Eve
You are visiting Vienna for the first time. At the beginning of December, as throughout the month, the weather is not conducive to walking, and you are eager to see the city. Find the tram that says 'Vienna Ring Tram' on it.
This is a special sightseeing tram that allows you to enjoy Vienna's beautiful architecture and the festively decorated capital city. It also has a multimedia device that takes you on a guided tour.
Visit the Vienna State Opera. Seats are relatively cheap and can be bought just before the performance. If you are just interested in the architecture, take a walk around the building during the day, weather permitting.
What's winter without winter fun? Despite the lack of snow in mid-December, there are ice rinks all over Vienna where the whole family can have fun.
The largest is located in front of the City Hall and is called Vienna's Ice Dream. The total area of Vienna's ice rinks is about 7,000 m2.
Don't forget that the museums are still open and ready to offer their best exhibits to curious tourists. The Museum Quarter is a must. It is a complex of several museums and exhibition halls with constantly changing exhibitions.
Note that museums and exhibitions are not open at the end of December, including Christmas Day (25 and 26 December). Check the opening hours of the venue in advance.
The neighbourhood has its own quiet courtyard with a fountain and unusual benches. The children's part of the neighbourhood is represented by the ZOOM museum, which is loved by children of all ages. It introduces children to the world of science and art in an interactive way. Dine in one of the restaurants in the museum district or enjoy a coffee in one of the cosy cafés nearby.
Holidays, events and festivals
Christmas and New Year's Eve are undoubtedly the most important holidays in Vienna in December. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the Austrian capital in December to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The merry markets entertain, the Christmas delicacies fill the stomach, the Viennese desserts once again enchant, and the city is once again a delight to behold in all its glory and festive decorations.
- Christmas. It is celebrated on 25 and 26 December. The best part is that it's only the preparations for this holiday that are lush, loud and fussy. Christmas fairs open all over the city a month before Christmas in many squares and parks, ice rinks chime with cheerful music, and shops shine with festive illumination. And on 24 December in the afternoon, all fairs close down for a few days, with shops and public offices closed. Christmas is a family holiday, celebrated in a small circle. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive in Vienna no later than December 23, otherwise there will be a lull in the festivities.
- Christmas Markets. Open at the end of November and remain open until early January. The largest one is near the Town Hall in the centre of Vienna. The endless rows of stalls offer delicious food, spiced mulled wine, hot punch (also non-alcoholic), thousands of treats for children in the form of lollipops and gingerbread, and the opportunity to buy gifts, Christmas decorations, and handmade goods. It's here that the spirit of Christmas and the anticipation of the holiday can be felt.
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- New Year's Eve. It is celebrated on the night of 31 December to 1 January. Unlike Christmas Eve, it is not customary to stay at home on this night. It's a merry and noisy celebration in the majestic royal city. Champagne, laughter and music can be heard everywhere. It doesn't usually freeze much on New Year's Eve, but it's still quite chilly. So, after partying outdoors with hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals, there are a number of cosy restaurants that offer excellent value for money on New Year's Eve. And getting around won't be a problem: public transport is traditionally open all night.
- Vienna Ball. The ball season kicks off in November with more than 400 balls in just under two months. The most majestic and grand of them all, the Imperial Ball, opens on New Year's Eve at the Hofburg, the official residence of the Austrian president.
Shopping
What shopaholic doesn't love a sale? And in Vienna too, where whole blocks are filled with big-name brands. The sales start at the beginning of December, but the real bargains start on the 25th.
Of course, prices peak in late January and February, but there are still plenty of styles and sizes to choose from in December.
Christmas sales have an interesting feature. Gifts bought before Christmas can be returned to the shop within two weeks. Shops put these items back on sale immediately, but at a much reduced price.
It's also worth noting that you won't find the usual "SALE" or percentage signs in the shops. Discounted goods in Vienna are marked with "Reduiziert" or "Tiefreduziert".
Cost of Vacation
Christmas discounts and the festive atmosphere increase the flow of tourists, especially towards the end of the month, and prices in Vienna rise accordingly in December. This affects both airfares and accommodation prices.
Airfares
Airfares rise only slightly at the beginning of December. But in the second half of the month, they can rise by as much as 20% compared to November. It is cheaper to book your flight 2-4 months in advance when airlines offer good discounts and the demand for tickets in December is much higher than in previous months.
Package Tours
The same goes for tour prices. They are almost independent of the season, but at Christmas time they are more expensive — up to 20% more than in autumn — and in demand. So if you are dreaming of spending New Year's Eve in Vienna, make sure you plan your tour a few months in advance.
Food
Christmas markets are for food lovers. The smell of pastries, mulled wine and roast sausages wafts from tent to tent. And how can you resist tasting these Viennese delicacies?
The market at St Stephen's Cathedral isn't big, but it's the only place where mulled wine is served in boot-shaped goblets. The drink costs €3.50, but you have to pay a €3 deposit for the mug. This is the rule at all fairs, and if you don't want it as a souvenir, return it to the vendor, who will give you your money back.
A hot meal in the form of goulash soup in bread can warm you up on a cold December day for 6.50 euros, and a traditional brezel will please you for 3 euros. A delicacy in the form of roasted chestnuts costs €3 for 12 pieces or €2 for 7 pieces.
Tips for holidays with children
A family holiday with school-age children would be a wonderful Christmas present for them. Pack your bags with warm clothes and head for the Christmas markets. Children will be delighted by the amount of sweets on offer at the market stalls.
And don't forget the wonderful ZOOM Children's Museum — an interactive, educational and entertaining place loved by children and adults alike.
We wouldn't recommend December for a trip with the little ones, however, as the weather can be uncomfortably wet and cold.
Tickets bought in advance, accommodation booked, warm clothes in your suitcase and you're ready to go on holiday and enjoy the atmosphere of your favourite childhood holiday.
And don't let the wind, rain or snow get in your way, as long as you've planned your holiday well. Vienna is waiting for you in December to fulfil your most cherished New Year's wishes, feed you with delicious food, offer you the best shopping and look forward to seeing you next time.
