Winter in Vienna
From the middle of November, Vienna's prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. People with a sense of tradition get their money's worth at the Viennese Christmas Market on Rathausplatz, at the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, or at the Christmas Market on Stephansplatz. Lovers of handicrafts should pay a visit to the Christmas markets on Karlsplatz or Spittelberg. The Christmas markets in front of Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace offer a uniquely imperial flair. The Winter Market on Riesenradplatz offers action.
Each Christmas market has its own unmistakable charm and special offers to ensure the children are also kept entertained. They all have one thing in common: Sweet temptations and culinary specialties. And as you stroll through the Christmas markets, you're sure to find a gift or two.
In addition to the aroma of punch, cookies, and toasted almonds, music also wafts through the air at Christmas time. The Christmas atmosphere in Vienna is replete with classic Advent concerts, festive church concerts, captivating Gospel evenings, and shows.
A lively start to the New Year
At the change of year, the whole of Vienna is given over to celebrating and dancing. At midnight, the Viennese and guests of the city dance into the new year in the open air to the sounds of the Pummerin, the famous bell in St. Stephen's Cathedral. The ringing of the Pummerin on New Year's Eve is even broadcast on radio and TV, followed by Johann Strauss's famous Blue Danube Waltz. On January 1, the New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic is broadcast live from the Musikverein, with millions of viewers in over 90 countries following the event on TV.
Dancing in the ballroom and on ice
After New Year's Eve, the dancing continues at the Viennese balls. And there's no end of dancing on ice in the city either. With dozens of ice rinks, Vienna is a dream for ice skaters. The best known and largest rink can be found at the Vienna Ice World on City Hall Square. To warm yourself up, head to the cozy Viennese coffee houses. Or to one of the more than 100 Viennese museums, where world class collections can be seen.
