{"id":3459,"date":"2016-08-09T09:23:55","date_gmt":"2016-08-09T08:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=3459"},"modified":"2025-12-31T16:58:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T15:58:18","slug":"10-things-at-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/10-things-at-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"9 things you should do in Vienna at Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/rathausthumb.jpg\" alt=\"Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, Vienna\" class=\"wp-image-8504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/rathausthumb.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/rathausthumb-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Vienna is hugely popular for a holiday across the Christmas period. But what should you do when you&#8217;re here? Here are my top recommendations for visitors in 2026&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/concerts-opera-vienna-tickets-l206741\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_Xmas\" rel=\"sponsored\">classical concert experience<\/a>* for your trip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/christmas-in-vienna\/\">Full Christmas guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/december\/\">Vienna in December<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/november\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18641\">November<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Take a photo at Belvedere<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/belvederechristmasnight.jpg\" alt=\"Belvedere Christmas market scenic view\" class=\"wp-image-53925\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/belvederechristmasnight.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/belvederechristmasnight-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Upper Belvedere palace, lake and market. Though on my visit at the start of the 2025 season, the lake lights were missing)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is missed by most people, but an absolute must in my opinion. Which is why I put it at the top of this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baroque <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/upper-belvedere-palace\/\">Upper Belvedere<\/a> palace has a small lake in front of it. In the evening, when the sky turns twilight blue and the lights go on, the building and its reflection form one of those breathtaking fairytale visions you see in tourism brochures and Disney films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During Advent, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/belvedere\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"862\">Christmas market stalls<\/a> there and any extra water illuminations make this photo opportunity even more impressive.  Although&#8230;planned building work may affect whether the market takes place in 2026: I await confirmation at the time of writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have the photographic skills of a sea cucumber. But you get the idea from the above shot. Each year I promise myself I&#8217;ll take a better version. And each year I fail. Might be time for a new phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Visit a Christmas market<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/feyungxmasmarket.jpg\" alt=\"Altwiener Christkindlmarkt\" class=\"wp-image-43771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/feyungxmasmarket.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/feyungxmasmarket-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/freyung\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"215\">Freyung market<\/a> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/freyung-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"29646\">historical square<\/a> of the same name)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why many people visit in the first place, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may well know of the huge <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/rathausplatz\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"222\">Christkindlmarkt<\/a> in front of the Rathaus with its giant tree. But Vienna has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/christmas-markets\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1680\">numerous Christmas markets<\/a>, often in stunning locations (like the Belvedere market mentioned above).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All the big markets are likely to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/when-open\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4180\">begin in November<\/a>. Last time out, for example, the first one opened on November 6th, and most of the rest started on November 14th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These markets make you believe the world&#8217;s a better place than news broadcasts and social media might suggest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It all feels like being wrapped in a cosy blanket before a roaring fireplace, with a steaming mug of something warm and the company of good friends. The only downside is everything can get busy at peak times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tend to recommend going late afternoon as the sun disappears, but before the full crowds arrive. This also leaves you time for another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/evening\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"71635\">evening activity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pretzls.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pretzls.jpg\" alt=\"Pretzls\" class=\"wp-image-46080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pretzls.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pretzls-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Pile &#8217;em high)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most market stalls stock arts and crafts, handcrafted bits and bobs, seasonal decorations, and many things in-between: all to an often remarkably high quality. And usually in historical surrounds that enhance the feeling of tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re on a diet, you may want to stay away, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The typical Christmas market has made &#8220;culinary temptation&#8221; an art form. Imagine the sugar fairy got loose, made a pact with the chocolate fairy, then abandoned all reason and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common treats include chocolate-covered fruit, roasted &amp; caramelised nuts, Lebkuchen, innumerable pastries, and various varieties of pretzel. Though you find savoury dishes, too, such as goulash, baked potatoes, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Drink Weihnachtspunsch<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/christmaspunch2024.jpg\" alt=\"Mugs of punch with a Xmas market and gothic cathedral behind\" class=\"wp-image-77481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/christmaspunch2024.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/christmaspunch2024-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Souvenir punch mugs from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/stephansplatz-christmas-market\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4379\">Stephansplatz market<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A fine idea for the aforementioned steaming mug of something warm is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/weihnachtspunsch-christmas-punch\/\">Weihnachtspunsch<\/a> (Christmas punch): the drink comes in numerous flavours and keeps the chill at bay on a cold winter&#8217;s evening. Non-alcoholic options exist, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drinking this punch is not a &#8220;tourist thing&#8221; at all. Locals regularly meet friends after work for a mug or two around a bar table outside a Christmas market booth or freestanding street stall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The markets typically serve their punch in collectable mugs; often (but not always) in a design unique to each market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You pay a deposit when you order, so you have the option of simply keeping the mug as a souvenir and losing the deposit. Many markets also let you buy them separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-slug-ids=\"exp206741,exp205287\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_Christmas\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Listen to an advent concert<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/stephansplatzchristmasmarket2024.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market stalls in front of a cathedral\" class=\"wp-image-77452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/stephansplatzchristmasmarket2024.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/stephansplatzchristmasmarket2024-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/stefansdom\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"294\">Stephansdom<\/a>, which has a Christmas market alongside, also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/st-stephen-s-cathedral-concerts-tickets-l238032\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_Xmas\" rel=\"sponsored\">hosts concerts<\/a>*)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna fills with the sound of concerts in November and December, and not just the regular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/classical-concert\/#mozart-strauss-concerts\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5359\">special performances<\/a> designed to offer visitors a taste of light classical Viennese music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many other venues join in the fun at this time of year; I list <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/christmas-concert-listings\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6330\">advent concert highlights here<\/a> as I come across them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a particularly resonant ambience, consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/concerts-opera-vienna-tickets-l206741\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_Xmas\" rel=\"sponsored\">recital or concert in a church<\/a>*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your top options around the centre include, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/stefansdom\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"294\">Stephansdom cathedral<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/peterskirche\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3039\">Peterskirche<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/annakirche\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27656\">Annakirche<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/kapuzinerkirche-capuchin-church\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"75265\">Kapuzinerkirche<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/karlskirche\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22144\">Karlskirche<\/a> churches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All typically have regular evening performances in wonderfully atmospheric baroque or gothic surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. View the lights<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/grabenlights.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights on the Graben\" class=\"wp-image-43770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/grabenlights.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/grabenlights-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The chandeliers that line the Graben in the town centre)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmas-lights\/\">Christmas lights<\/a> glitter without being glitzy, with thousands of crystals and giant chandeliers bringing a ballroom atmosphere to the main pedestrianised area in the centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a walk in the evening, starting from the State Opera House building, moving down K\u00e4rntner Stra\u00dfe to Stephansdom cathedral, then along the Graben and up Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg palace complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lights switch on sometime in the second half of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/november\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18641\">November<\/a> most years (in 2025, the start date was November 21st).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Take a trip around the Ring<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/christmaschristkindlrathaus.jpg\" alt=\"Rathaus behind the lighted arch of the Christkindlmarkt\" class=\"wp-image-67065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/christmaschristkindlrathaus.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/christmaschristkindlrathaus-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The entrance to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/rathausplatz\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"222\">Christkindlmarkt<\/a> on the Ringstrassen with the 19th-century <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/rathaus-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"267\">Rathaus building<\/a> behind)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lights don&#8217;t end there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Big hotels, stores, and the most famous Christmas market flank the wide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/ring\/\">Ring boulevard<\/a> (Ringstrassen) that encircles the old town, for example, and all have their own Christmas decorations and lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After dusk, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/walking-tour-ring\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"50555\">walk the Ring<\/a> yourself, use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/sightseeing-bus\/\">&#8220;hop on, hop off&#8221; buses<\/a>, or take one of the public trams that follow the route (combine the No.1 and No.2 lines to see pretty much everything).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having said all that, a lot depends on energy prices and environmental policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the last couple of years, for example, the displays around the Ring proved much more muted than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Go through the Rathauspark<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/rathausiceskating.jpg\" alt=\"Illuminated ice skating\" class=\"wp-image-46082\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/rathausiceskating.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/rathausiceskating-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Ice skating routes traverse one side of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/rathauspark\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"84216\">the park<\/a>. Hire skates on site for an open-air twirl)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That famous Christmas market along the Ring is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/rathausplatz\/\">Christkindlmarkt<\/a> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/rathaus\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"79\">Rathausplatz square<\/a> in front of city hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/rathauspark\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"84216\">small park<\/a> surrounding Vienna&#8217;s most popular advent market makes a lovely evening stroll, too, with its hidden displays, nativity scenes, decorated trees, illuminated trails and open-air ice skating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tree full of giant lighted hearts provides a nice photo backdrop for those of a romantic disposition (if you don&#8217;t mind a bit of kitsch). But should you wish something a little more classy to celebrate l&#8217;amour, try one of my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/romantic-dinners\/\">romantic dinner suggestions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-slug-ids=\"pro1119393,pro1029872\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_ChristmasNew\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Visit a roast chestnut stand<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/maronistand.jpg\" alt=\"A Maronistand\" class=\"wp-image-44133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/maronistand.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/maronistand-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Chestnuts, wedges, roast potato slices and potato patties. Tornado fries are likely to be popular in 2025, too)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every market has one. And just about every major street corner in winter, too: a &#8220;Maronistand&#8221; selling potato-based snacks and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/roastchestnuts\/\">roast chestnuts<\/a> (known as Maroni locally).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generations before you have shared this Christmas experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily imagine medieval children blowing on their fingers to cool them down after picking open a piping hot chestnut. Follow in their footsteps (but with improved dental hygiene and better phones).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Enjoy a sausage<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/wurstelstand.jpg\" alt=\"A Viennese W\u00fcrstelstand\" class=\"wp-image-41447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/wurstelstand.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/wurstelstand-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The sausage booth just outside Karlsplatz station next to Hotel Bristol)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying on the culinary theme to finish&#8230;you can eat a sausage at one of Vienna&#8217;s many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/sausages\/\">sausage stands<\/a> any time of year. But they come into their own in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the night chill threatens to bite, and you&#8217;re tired from seeing the sights and gaping at the lights, then fill up with a tasty <del>cholesterol stick<\/del> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/kasekrainer\/\">K\u00e4sekrainer<\/a> or Bratwurst. It&#8217;s a true <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/viennese-experiences\/\">Viennese experience<\/a>. And one that cuts across class and social boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And those Christmas markets all have booths selling sausages, should you wish to combine experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So there you have it. For an in-depth look at Vienna at Christmas, check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/christmas-in-vienna\/\">full guide here<\/a>. It covers the markets, lights, events, traditions, seasonal food &amp; shopping, and travel tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vienna is hugely popular for a holiday across the Christmas period. But what should you do when you&#8217;re here? Here are my top recommendations for visitors in 2026&#8230; 1. Take a photo at Belvedere (Upper Belvedere palace, lake and market. Though on my visit at the start of the 2025 season, the lake lights were [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8504,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3459","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3459","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3459"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87836,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3459\/revisions\/87836"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}