Where to go in Vienna during the New Year holidays? Five of the most magical places

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Festive Vienna during Christmas and New Year is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, the soft glow of streetlights reflecting off imperial palace façades, and Christmas markets that are rightfully considered among the most atmospheric in Europe. We’ve gathered the most captivating locations where you can truly feel the holiday spirit. Choose your route and create warm memories together with your loved ones.

Christmas Market at City Hall

Vienna’s main festive stage unfolds in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall: hundreds of illuminated wooden chalets, a towering Christmas tree, an ice rink, and sparkling light installations in the trees of Rathauspark. The atmosphere is lively yet wonderfully family-oriented – children whirl on carousels, adults savor punch and strudel, and live music often fills the air in front of the grand City Hall façade.

Schönbrunn Palace

The Schönbrunn Palace complex offers a more intimate and refined alternative to the bustling City Hall square. There is less rush and more aristocratic charm: neatly arranged stalls around the Christmas tree, chamber music performances, and handcrafted items made of glass, leather, and wool. Against the backdrop of the palace’s yellow Baroque façades, every cup of punch becomes a small ritual – slow, comforting, and festive.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The heart of historic Vienna – Stephansplatz with its Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral – transforms into an enchanting space of lights and music during the Christmas season. Seasonal stalls surround the cathedral, offering handmade goods, street food, and hot drinks, while the sound of church bells adds a sense of solemn celebration.

Maria Theresa Square

The space between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum is one of the city’s most striking Christmas settings. Symmetrical façades, the Maria Theresa monument at the center, and orderly rows of chalets create the impression of a «museum boulevard» under garlands of lights. It’s a perfect spot to linger over a glass of punch after visiting the museums or on the way to the Spittelberg district.

Prater Park

The Prater blends nostalgia with dazzling lights: the historic Giant Ferris Wheel, retro rides, and cozy huts offering treats and warm drinks. During the Christmas season, the atmosphere here is especially magical – filled with music, shimmering lights, and the sweet scent of roasted almonds. A wonderful place to end the evening with a touch of lighthearted adrenaline.