Vienna’s Christmas scene centers on its legendary markets, where centuries-old traditions come alive each winter. The city’s main market at Rathausplatz dazzles with local crafts and seasonal treats, while smaller neighborhood markets offer quieter alternatives. The real gems are the guided market tours, which I especially appreciate for their insider access to three distinct markets and generous tastings of Vienna’s best holiday treats.
For maximum enjoyment, consider the private walking tours – they’re worth every euro. They skip the tourist crowds and focus on authentic spots where locals actually shop and celebrate. The guides share fascinating historical details while you warm up with Glühwein (mulled wine) and traditional pastries.
Traditional concerts in historic venues and day trips to snowy alpine villages round out the perfect Viennese Christmas experience.
Check out these top-rated Christmas tours in Vienna:
Good To Know
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Explore the vibrant Christmas markets in Vienna, with options like the Rathausplatz market, Karlsplatz market, and Hofburg Palace market.
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Immerse in the festive atmosphere with traditional Viennese experiences, such as concerts at St. Anne’s Church or St. Peter’s Church, and private tours of the Belvedere Palace.
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Enjoy convenient and accessible tours, including hotel pickup, stroller-friendly options, and some wheelchair-accessible venues, with flexible cancellation policies.
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Savor the local culinary delights, including Glühwein, festive pastries, and other Austrian holiday treats, during the guided market tours.
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Gain insights into Vienna’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of Christmas traditions through knowledgeable local guides and specialized tours.
Christmas Market Vienna Tour
Although the Christmas Market Vienna Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the festive spirit of Vienna, the experience can vary depending on the guide’s performance.
The tour takes travelers to famous Christmas markets, including the Rathausplatz, where they can enjoy traditional Austrian customs like hot rum punch, Glühwein, cookies, and snacks.
While some reviewers praised knowledgeable and engaging guides like Germana and Rita, others were dissatisfied with the attentiveness to the entire group.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, local taxes, snacks, and alcoholic beverages, but some travelers felt the focus was too much on history rather than the markets themselves.
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Vienna Christmas Market Crawl
The Vienna Christmas Market Crawl offers a delightful opportunity to explore the festive atmosphere of the city’s renowned holiday markets.
Visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Viennese Christmas traditions over the course of a 4-5 hour private tour. The experience includes visits to the iconic markets at Rathausplatz, Karlsplatz, and Am Hof, where guests can sample traditional Austrian fare and warm beverages like Glühwein.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, travelers will learn about the history and cultural significance of these cherished seasonal celebrations.
With hotel pickup, a complimentary drink, and gratuities included, this tour provides a seamless and memorable way to experience Vienna’s magical Christmas markets.
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Private Christmas Time Tour From Vienna to Hallstatt and Salzburg Market
For those seeking a more immersive Christmas experience beyond Vienna’s renowned markets, the Private Christmas Time Tour from Vienna to Hallstatt and Salzburg Market offers a captivating opportunity.
Rated 5.0 based on 5 reviews, this private tour provides a personalized journey through Austria’s picturesque landscapes.
Highlights include hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and an engaging English-speaking guide who offers insights into the country’s history and culture.
At $625.42 per person, the tour includes bottled water and gratuities, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Suitable for most travelers, including infants, this experience promises a memorable Christmas escape from Vienna.
Read our full review: Private Christmas Time Tour From Vienna to Hallstatt and Salzburg Market Review
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Strauss and Mozart Christmas Concert at Kursalon Vienna With Optional Dinner
Hosted at the historic Kursalon Vienna, the Strauss and Mozart Christmas Concert offers a captivating blend of classical music, song, and dance.
Performed by the renowned Salonorchester Alt Wien, solo singers, and ballet dancers, the concert features beloved compositions by the Strauss family and Mozart.
Attendees can choose from rear, middle, front, or VIP seating, with the option to upgrade to a 4-course Viennese dinner and VIP package.
The concert has earned a 3.8 rating from 8 reviews, with guests praising the venue, performance quality, and overall experience.
Smart evening attire is required, and the event is accessible for wheelchair users and those with service animals.
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Private Christmas Markets Walking Tour Vienna
A Private Christmas Markets Walking Tour in Vienna offers travelers an enchanting way to experience the city’s festive spirit.
With a licensed local guide, visitors can explore at least three of Vienna’s renowned Christmas markets in just two hours. The tour highlights top illuminated sites like the Hofburg Palace and immerses guests in Viennese Christmas traditions.
Potential markets include the Arts & Crafts Market and the Old Vienna Christkindlmarkt, providing a glimpse into the city’s holiday culture. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides and flexibility to tailor the experience to their interests.
With high ratings and overwhelmingly positive reviews, this tour is an ideal introduction for first-time visitors seeking to embrace Vienna’s magical Christmas atmosphere.
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Viennas Christmas Market Magic Tour
Frequently, travelers embark on Vienna’s Christmas Market Magic Tour to enjoy the city’s enchanting holiday atmosphere. This small-group walking experience whisks participants through the festive markets, offering tasty local treats and hot beverages.
The knowledgeable guide curates the itinerary based on travelers’ interests, ensuring an adaptable and personalized tour. The tour concludes at the grand Rathaus, where guests can indulge in traditional Viennese pastries or further explore the area.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this tour a flexible and festive way to experience Vienna’s magical Christmas markets.
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Vienna Christmas Market Tour With Local Guide (Private Tour)
For travelers seeking a more personalized and immersive experience, the Vienna Christmas Market Tour With Local Guide (Private Tour) offers an opportunity to explore the city’s enchanting holiday markets with a knowledgeable local.
This 3-hour private guided tour takes visitors through the festive markets in Vienna’s city center, providing insights into Austrian holiday traditions and anecdotes.
The curated route showcases the most scenic streets and markets, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Christmas magic.
Priced from $231.84 per person, this private tour is an excellent choice for those who want a tailored experience away from the crowds.
The tour is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair friendly, and infants must sit on laps.
Read our full review: Vienna Christmas Market Tour With Local Guide (Private Tour) Review
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Christmas Concerts at St. Annes Church Vienna
At St. Anne’s Church in Vienna, visitors can experience the magic of Christmas through a series of concerts. The concerts start at 7:30 PM, with admission 30 minutes prior and free choice of seats.
Operated by Christmas Concerts in Vienna, the tickets are priced from $32.35 per person, with a confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event.
While the church isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.
Reviews of the concerts are mixed, with some praising the beautiful setting and music quality, while others express disappointment in the concert format and lack of musician visibility.
Ultimately, the Christmas Concerts at St. Anne’s Church offer a unique and potentially enchanting holiday experience in Vienna.
Read our full review: Christmas Concerts at St. Annes Church Vienna Review
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Christmas at Belvedere: Private Tour of the Upper Palace & Market
Visitors to Vienna can enjoy the festive spirit by embarking on a private tour of the renowned Belvedere Palace and its enchanting Christmas market.
This exclusive experience offers a guided exploration of the Upper Belvedere Palace and its stunning gardens, with ample time for photos. The tour is led by friendly, professional English-speaking guides who provide in-depth insights into the palace’s rich history and architecture.
After the palace visit, guests can stroll through the Belvedere Christmas Market, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the holiday celebration.
The tour includes entrance tickets and convenient meeting and end points, making it a seamless and memorable way to experience Vienna’s Christmas magic.
Read our full review: Christmas at Belvedere: Private Tour of the Upper Palace & Market Review
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Guided Tour in a MUSEUM (Tickets Incl.) Vienna in CHRISTMAS
The Imperial Vienna – Hofburg Palace & the Center – Private Tour provides an immersive exploration of Vienna’s rich history and iconic landmarks during the enchanting Christmas season.
For $150.96 per person, this highly-rated 3-hour tour offers a chance to uncover the secrets of the Hofburg Palace and the city’s vibrant center.
Led by an expert guide, you’ll discover curious details about the emperors and Elisabeth, while taking in the captivating architecture and atmosphere of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
With convenient meeting and end points, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible cancellation, this private tour is an excellent way to experience Vienna’s Christmas magic.
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Christmas and New Year Concert at St. Peter’s Church in Vienna
Vienna’s historic St. Peter’s Church provides an exceptional setting for the city’s cherished Christmas and New Year concert.
This 60-minute performance features classic works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach, and Beethoven, delivered by the acclaimed Classic Ensemble Vienna.
With a 93% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the concert offers an intimate and festive musical experience in the baroque church’s exceptional acoustics.
Seating is assigned, and a smart-casual dress code is recommended.
While some visitors note discomfort in the chilly temperatures, the stunning venue and talented musicians create a truly memorable holiday activity in Vienna.
Tickets can be booked in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
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Vienna Christmas Tour
While Vienna’s Christmas markets are a highlight for many visitors, the Vienna Christmas Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s festive traditions and top sights.
This 3-hour walking tour takes travelers to three of Vienna’s renowned Christmas markets, allowing them to soak up the lively atmosphere and try local treats like mulled wine.
Along the way, the tour also covers the city’s iconic landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Imperial Palace, and Karlskirche.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per group, the tour provides a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Reviewers praise the tour’s ability to offer both Christmas cheer and historical insights into Vienna.
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Magical Christmas Tour Around Vienna
On the Magical Christmas Tour Around Vienna, travelers embark on a captivating journey through the city’s enchanting festive traditions.
Priced from $126.16 per person, this private tour offers a personalized experience led by a professional local guide. The 5-star rated tour departs from the Opera and ends at Freyung, allowing participants to enjoy Vienna’s Christmas magic.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a reserve now, pay later option, booking the tour is hassle-free.
Though not recommended for pregnant travelers or those in wheelchairs, most visitors can partake in this unique holiday experience, which is conveniently located near public transportation.
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Christmas Private Daytrip – Vienna to Budapest & Back, English Speaking Driver
Travelers seeking a convenient way to experience the enchanting Christmas markets of both Vienna and Budapest can opt for this private daytrip.
The package includes round-trip transportation in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver. Customers can personalize their trip by providing their pick-up location, preferred sightseeing stops, and timing.
The service is available year-round, with a price starting at €345 per person. Accessibility features like infant seats and wheelchair access are offered, and customers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience.
With a 5-star rating from a satisfied customer, this daytrip promises a comfortable and accommodating journey between the two capital cities.
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Walking Christmas Tour Filled With Magic in Shkodra
What better way to experience the magic of Christmas than a walking tour through the enchanting streets of Shkodra, Albania?
This tour, offered by Opatrip.com Albania, takes travelers from Vienna, Austria to the picturesque city of Shkodra. At just $204.88 per person, the tour includes a professional local guide and entrance to the Shkoder History Museum.
The meeting point is St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna, and the tour ends at the Shatërvani Park in Shkodra. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s near public transportation.
With a private tour and a lowest price guarantee, this walking Christmas tour in Shkodra promises to be filled with holiday magic.
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Private Christmas Time Day Tour to Graz From Vienna With Christmas Market
For those seeking a deeper immersion into the festive spirit of the season, Cozy Travel offers a Private Christmas Time Day Tour from Vienna to the charming city of Graz.
Priced from $452.89 per person, this experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver and guide, and tickets to the Schloßbergbahn.
Travelers will also enjoy a traditional Christmas cookie or drink. The tour starts at 8:00 am, and guests can select their preferred pickup point.
Most travelers can participate, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.
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Alpine Christmas Dream: Hallstatt & St.Wolfgang Private Tour
Set out on a captivating private tour that immerses you in the enchanting Alpine landscapes and charming Christmas markets of Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang.
This all-inclusive experience features hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the expertise of an English-speaking driver and guide.
Stroll through the picturesque streets of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the festive atmosphere of its traditional Christmas market.
Continue your journey to St. Wolfgang, where you’ll discover the iconic White Horse Inn and browse the quaint holiday stalls.
With a lowest price guarantee and flexible booking options, this Alpine Christmas Dream tour promises an unforgettable winter wonderland adventure.
Read our full review: Alpine Christmas Dream: Hallstatt & St.Wolfgang Private Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Vienna’s Christmas experiences are truly magical. From the enchanting Christmas markets to the festive concerts and private tours, there’s something for all. Whether you’re strolling through the Viennese streets or exploring nearby Hallstatt and Salzburg, the holiday spirit is palpable. With so many options, visitors can create their own unique and unforgettable Christmas memories in this beautiful Austrian city.