Wiener Christkindlmarkt

Festive Family Memories: Vienna at Christmas

Ashlea Barber on 15 Dec 2024

Last Christmas, my husband, our three children, and I discovered just how magical Vienna can be for a family festive escape. The entire city sparkled with fairy lights, each day offered a new adventure, and everywhere we went was infused with that warm, enchanting Christmas spirit.

Standout Moments: Our Favourite Festive Experiences

Vienna’s Christmas Markets:
Every corner of Vienna transforms for the season, but the Christmas markets hold a very special kind of magic. We made it our mission to explore as many as possible—sampling sweet treats, hunting for handcrafted decorations, and letting the children ride the old-fashioned carousels. The scent of spiced punch and gingerbread seemed to follow us all over the city!

Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz

Schönbrunn Palace:
A true highlight for us all was Schönbrunn Palace at Christmas. It’s utterly picturesque, with frosted gardens and the palace glowing in fairy lights. We loved wandering the festive market in front of the palace, listening to live music, and soaking up the joy on everyone’s faces. This spot will always hold a special festive place in my heart.

Schonbrunn Palace Gardens

Schnitzel & Strudel:
No trip to Vienna is complete without a schnitzel feast! Warming up with golden, crispy schnitzel after exploring (and finishing with apple strudel and decadent hot chocolate) quickly became our family tradition. Vienna’s cafés are the cosiest places to take a break and share a giggle.

Schnitzel

Why Vienna at Christmas?

  • Fairy tale streets and palaces draped in festive lights
  • Incredible food: from iconic schnitzel to melt-in-your-mouth pastries
  • Christmas markets perfect for families
  • Grand squares and winding cobblestone lanes alive with music and laughter

Wiener Christkindlmarkt

Every moment in Vienna felt like a scene from a festive storybook, surrounded by beauty, tradition, and a real sense of togetherness.

Thinking about a magical Christmas trip for your own family? Vienna is a destination I can’t recommend enough - especially if you want festive feels and picturesque memories for years to come. For tailored tips, hidden gems, and my favourite finds, just get in touch. I’d love to help you craft an unforgettable Christmas adventure!

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