6 Reasons Why Vienna Is the Best Place To Spend the Christmas Period

Cultural insights from a totally objective half-Austrian girl

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — yet advent is even more wonderful in certain locations.

Out of all the cities I’ve been to, and I’ve visited quite a lot in the last fifteen years, Vienna is by far the best place to be in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Not only because of the food (even though it plays a vital role!) but also because of the traditions celebrated and the visual, glittery makeover of the city.

Here are six reasons why Vienna should be the travel destination of your choice for next December (if Corona allows).

1. Oh, the Christmas Markets

Advent markets exist in many countries, but in Austria, they’re definitely the most beautiful! From small and rural to big and shiny — everyone will find a market to his or her liking.

More than twenty markets grow out of the concrete in Austria’s capital alone during November.

The most famous (and touristic one) is probably in front of the Vienna City Hall with over 100 booths. Another very popular one is situated in front of the Imperial Palace Schönbrunn.

But, why are they the best in the world? Surely, not only because of the locations? No, they have far more to offer.

Delicious food, yummy hot drinks, and arts and handcraft are sold here. For me, this is one of the most important aspects of a proper Christmas market.

I’ve been to markets in London, Paris, and Amsterdam but they all couldn’t keep up with the markets at home. They were far too posh and overdone, with a lot of tech stuff for sale, instead of traditional workmanship.

I prefer browsing through wooden stalls in soft lights, which display self-made candles, hand-made jewelry, knitted hoods, and gloves as well as or local delicacies.

I prefer to hear soft Christmas music instead of loud radio hits.

For one month only, I enjoy a life that doesn’t circulate around high-tech equipment and being the loudest.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in Austria, without our markets, where vintage and traditional last-minute presents can be discovered.

2. Oh, the City Lights

Giant snowflakes hanging between Baroque buildings, illuminated trees guiding cars through the streets of the inner district, fairy lights shining from balconies and through windows in every other apartment.

It begins to look a lot like Christmas when the lights are switched on in the entire city.

White. Blue. Green. Red. Lila. In all shapes and forms.

There is nothing more magical than walking through the streets during December. Even getting stuck in a traffic jam feels less frustrating when shiny snowmen and glittering snowflakes guide your way.

In the shopping streets, every other shop plays Christmas music too. What a wonderful world …

3. Oh, the Food

The scent of roasted Maroni (chestnuts), fatty Langos, and Glühwein (mulled wine) stream through the streets like the wind.

Street booths that sell these chestnuts and potatoes pop up in every corner, giving our popular ‘Würstelstände’ a very hard time.

Yet, the culinary hot spots during advent are definitely the Christmas markets.

The choice of punch is overwhelming: Orange Punsch, Berry Punsch, Pina Colada Punsch, Jagatee, Eierlikör Punsch (egg nog), Tequila Punsch, Ginger Punsch, Elderflower Punsch, white and red Glühwein, and much more.

A perfect display of the multi-cultural heritage of this country.

You can visit every Christmas market in Vienna and still won’t be through all the flavors. Trust me, I tried!

The same is true for the food. You can start with a warming bread soup, continue with gratinated toasts or potatoes, taste some Krautfleckerl or Käsekrainer and finish with a cinnamon-drizzled Baumkuchen, chocolate-stuffed Krapfen, or chocolate-coated fruits.

The best part for me is always the tasting around. Many small, often family-owned businesses book a booth and bring their own products.

Just yesterday I tried the yummiest truffle-parmesan bread spread and a nice locally produced Gin.

No wonder my family and I always gain five kilos over December.

4. Oh, the Advent Wreath

This is one of the most widespread Christmas customs in German-speaking Europe. You’ll find at least one of these decorative pieces in every family’s living room.

The advent wreath is made out of pine branches, which are weaved into a circle. It’s then decorated with small Christmas balls, wooden figurines, ribbons, or whatever you want to put onto it.

Four big candles are placed in the wreath, to be ignited one at a time on every advent Sunday while we sing carols, read verses from a Christmas story (or from the Bible), and eat homemade cookies. And drink some more Punsch.

The custom goes back to the 19th century, where Johann Hinrich Wichern placed 20 lights on a broken wheel. Over the years, the size and number of candles were reduced to their current form.

5. And, St. Nikolaus Day

The tradition of Nikolo and Krampus remains one of the most cherished in Austria. It’s living folklore that has survived until today, and sparks joy and fear in the hearts of children.

Every year on the 5th of December, Austrian children position cookies, milk, and a pair of shoes by the entrance door or window to give the Nikolo energy for his travel through the country.

As a thank you, he leaves sweets in their footwear.

Then, on 6th December, St. Nikolaus visits Austrian homes and kindergartens in full bishop’s robe to assess if the children have been good or bad.

But he usually doesn’t travel alone — children must be aware of his servant, Krampus! Krampus is the complete opposite of the saint: a terrifying, horned, hoofed, and furry figure.

While Nikolo brings sweets and chocolate to the brave children, Krampus brings warnings (in earlier times also strokes) to the not-so-brave ones.

This tradition, especially the Krampus, is still very popular with adults, who like to dress up and walk the streets to frighten people.

So you better be good for one year, before you travel to Austria!

6. Oh, It’s When the Grumpy People Turn Merry

Vienna is not only known for the beautiful Christmas markets and classic music but also for its people and their grumpy-ness and Viennese ‘Schmäh’.

We have no patience, we get easily annoyed and we’re not too shy to let everybody around us know, even nice tourists.

But, when everything around us starts to glitter and shine, and when our sharp mind is lulled in by Punsch and mulled wine, our nerves get soothed and our heart grows bigger.

We forget to be grumpy and annoyed and can even be nice. So advent is the best time to meet Austrian people and make new friendships.

If that isn’t a Christmas miracle, what is?

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