If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Vienna, Austria, in winter, be prepared to be enchanted. A festive season like no other, filled with centuries-old traditions, twinkling lights, and snow-covered streets, you’ll never want to leave!
Roasted chestnuts on street corners, mulled wine, and Christmas markets are just some of the experiences you can’t miss when you visit Vienna in the winter. Whether you’re someone who likes to curl up in a cozy coffee shop, wander the cobbled-stoned streets of old town, or listen to classical music, I’ve gathered together some of the best things to do in Vienna in winter to help plan your trip, as well as what to wear, and some picturesque side trips that you can cover in a day or less.
Embrace the festive spirit at a Christmas Market
A visit to Vienna during winter wouldn’t be complete without visiting a Christmas market. Starting around mid-November, markets usually run up right to Christmas or into the early new year, with mouth-watering local delicacies like Krapfen donuts, hot chocolate (Austrian style), and traditional Viennese Kaiserschmarrn pancakes as far as the eye can see.
Around ten markets pop up each year, open from mid-morning until late evening, brimming with hundreds of stalls selling homemade wares, Christmas decorations, chocolate, cheese, and clothing – the perfect opportunity to pick up some last-minute gifts. The Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz in the City Hall Square is the most famous market; however, it’s well worth visiting some of the others, such as the Stephansplatz market, where you can admire the impressive Stephansdom cathedral as a backdrop. Keep in mind that winter in Vienna is rather chilly, so be sure to rug up!
Take a twirl on the ice
The perfect way to round out a holiday in Vienna is by carving out a track at a ski slope or ice skating rink. And luckily, you can try your hand at both without having to leave the city!
Once the Christmas market is all packed up, the Rathausplatz transforms into a dazzling ice skating rink from January to March. The most elaborate of these is the spectacular Vienna Ice Dream (Wiener Eistraum), one of the largest ice skating rinks in the world. The setup includes four large rinks spread over two levels with views over the city and the beautifully illuminated City Hall.
Extended ‘dream paths’ weave through the park beneath trees adorned with twinkling lights – a dreamy setting for a romantic date night or a fun family activity. You can even rent pre-heated skates, the perfect accompaniment to a mulled wine or hot chocolate while you skate.
Another iconic rink is the Kunsteisbahn Engelmann, the oldest in the world. Open from November onwards, people have been skating up a storm here for more than 100 years. Uniquely located on a rooftop, try and time your visit for December when Santa drops by to say hello, undoubtedly making this one of the most memorable things to do in Vienna in the winter.
Hit the slopes
If you’ve ever wanted to have a crack at skiing, there are a few beginner-friendly runs within the city limits that are extremely accessible. The World Cup-approved Hohe Wand Wiese provides year-round dry slopes where you can get in some quick practice before heading to a more advanced slope. The town of Puchberg am Schneeberg also has a T-bar lift and gentle runs that are perfect for beginners and children.
For favorable snowfall, slopes for ski bunnies of all levels, entertainment, and tobogganing, you can’t go past Semmering Ski Resort. Located just a little over an hour from Vienna, this is one of the easiest day trips from Vienna by train in the winter. A trip to Vienna with kids in the winter isn’t complete without trying tobogganing here, an activity guaranteed to have the whole family laughing.
Beyond Semmering, Jesuit Meadow in Prater and the Dollwiese in Hietzing also offer great tobogganing spots. Parents will appreciate the 100-meter conveyor belt that whisks kids back up the hill in no time. And if you prefer to sit on the sidelines and build a snowman, there are plenty of cozy eateries where you can keep warm by the fire with a hot chocolate. Keep in mind that the Vienna weather in December winter time hovers around 0°C and is often snowy, so be sure to pack appropriately!
Get cozy at a traditional coffeehouse
Famous for Sachertorte, a dense chocolate sponge cake with jam and chocolate glazing, and apple strudel, there’s no better place to sip on a deliciously rich cup of coffee over a decadent slice of cake than Vienna. While a staple in coffeehouses all over the city, the Sachertorte was created and perfected by Franz Sacher at the Sacher Hotel, which still stands, but can be enjoyed during winter in Vienna, Austria, at other establishments, including the equally famous Demel.
Luckily, Vienna’s cafe culture spreads far beyond cake, and as such, you’ll find flocks of tourists waiting outside Café Central, where Trotsky and Freud both frequented. The interiors here are divine, as is the cake selection. If this is on your wish list of things to do in Vienna in winter, but you don’t have time to stand in line, other popular options include Café Sperl and Café Sacher, where you can enjoy views of the Staatsoper opera house in stylish 19th-century surroundings.
Be transported back in time at a classical concert
Known as the “City of Music,” the legacy of classical greats such as Mozart, Strauss, and Beethoven can be seen and heard throughout Vienna. A night out at the Golden Hall or the historic churches of St. Charles’s and the Minorite Church, listening to the Vienna Mozart Orchestra, makes for an unforgettable romantic date night. It’s also an experience the whole family can enjoy if you’re looking for things to do in Vienna with kids in winter. Another excellent option is the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra in the iconic Schönbrunn Palace Orangery.
How is the weather in Vienna in winter?
If you plan on visiting Vienna in winter, the weather will be quite cold, with some rain and snowfall. Daily temperatures tend to range from 0°C to 7°C, with ski fields and slopes opening around late November.
What to wear in Vienna in winter?
Be sure to pack several layers, with a warm coat, gloves or mittens, and a beanie. An umbrella may also come in handy, as well as sturdy waterproof boots.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth going to Vienna in winter? 
Absolutely, when planning your trip to Vienna, you won’t be short on things to do in the winter. From Christmas markets to palaces and museums, classical concerts, and famous coffee houses, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or heading off on a romantic weekend.
Where to go in Vienna in winter?
With so many amazing experiences to choose from, deciding what to do in Vienna in winter can be a tough choice! A few must-do items include grabbing a slice of cake and a coffee at a famous coffeehouse, catching a classical concert at an iconic venue, and skating at an outdoor ice rink.
Is Vienna very cold in winter?
Yes, Vienna often drops below zero in the wintertime, so if you’re wondering what to wear in Vienna in December in winter, a good coat, mittens or gloves, decent waterproof boots, and a beanie are a good starting point.
How many days do you need in Vienna in winter?
A good amount of time to plan for is 3-4 days, as this will allow enough time to see all of the main city sights, with a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities to break up the cold. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, you might like to consider a few extra day trips from Vienna in the winter to ski fields such as Semmering Ski Resort.
Is Vienna safe to walk at night Christmas?
Yes, it’s very safe to walk around Vienna at night during Christmas time. The streets are well-lit up, and there are lots of people around until the early hours of the morning. Alternatively, you can arrange for a Vienna private transfer to deliver you safely to any destination, in the warmth and comfort of a private vehicle.
