AUSTRIA · CHRISTMAS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 christmas experiences worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
One hour of Christmas and New Year music in St. Peter’s Baroque vaults with Classic Ensemble Vienna, around $57.
“We totally enjoyed this! The setting was remarkable, and the musicians were extremely talented. I would recommend getting there about 30 minutes early to get a good seat in your section.”
One-hour Vienna Christmas photoshoot with a pro photographer, stopping at Albertina, Hofburg, Rathaus, and ending at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
“Samuel was an absolutely great guy, kind and with a great smile and eager to help and talk to us!!”
Make Austrian apple strudel and Vanilla Kipferl in small-group Salzburg with lunch goulash soup, guided prep, and take-home cookies.
“Great experience. Our host was so nice and everything was well prepared for us. Everything was easy to understand and great tasting too!”
One-hour Christmas or New Year classical concert in Vienna at St. Peter’s Church. English tickets, smart casual, assigned seats.
“The tour company cancelled with less than 24 hours notice then gave me an option for a private tour for another 150 euros. I declined. Please ensure any charges are refunded.”
Horse-drawn sleighs in snowy Ramsau, coach ride from Salzburg, a guided Alps story, and cozy blankets for a classic Christmas day trip.
“Wonderful trip. Amazing weather. Would highly recommend this trip!”
Christmas chamber music at Vienna’s Capuchin Church with optional Capuchin Crypt entry, Habsburg tombs, candlelight acoustics, mobile ticket.
“This was an amazing musical experience. The acoustics in the church are incredible and the talent of the four musicians just superb.. if you want to imagine, watch the rich Viennese musical environment would have been like in the 1800s then this night is for you. Although it is only an hour, it covers so many different styles of musical, thinking that it is well worth the visit loved it all.”
Guided Christmas market walk in Vienna with rum punch, glühwein, sweet snacks, and stories. Four markets in about 2 to 3 hours.
“Great experience. A must if you’re in Vienna at holiday. Plenty of snacks and drinks…a great way to sample some of the local cuisine.”
Fortress Hohensalzburg dinner with views and a Best of Mozart concert plus Christmas carols, including funicular ride.
“The dinner and Advent Concert event was a highlight of our time in Austria. From the transportation to and from the fortress on the funicular to the excellent dinner to the amazing concert it was a joy! We would highly recommend this event!”
Salzburg Christmas Eve tour to the Silent Night Chapel with a coach ride to Oberndorf markets and a multilingual mass tied to Silent Night.
“This once in a lifetime experience was magical. Only being so far from the chapel marred a perfect experience.”
Candlelit Silent Night in Oberndorf near Salzburg, with a snowy walk to the chapel, live guide, and singing in many languages.
“Great communication, our tour guide Kylie was awesome. She had such a great and fun energy. Not too much to see once the service got going and as predicted it was super cold but such a lovely thing to do on Christmas Eve. Really enjoyed it.”
A private 2.5-hour Vienna walk that strings together Christmas markets, major sights, and local food stops, ending at City Hall.
“A great way to experience Vienna’s Christmas Markets on foot! Great food options and drinks! Tour was about the right amount of time!”
Salzburg Christmas Market tour with guide: markets, Silent Night at Salzburg Dom, St. Peter's Abbey, Mozart streets, mug and gingerbread.
“So much more than learning about the Christmas Market. Wonderful opportunity to hear about local culture and history. Our guide was amazing. Highly recommend.”
Late afternoon walking tour linking Vienna landmarks with Christmas markets, from Graben chandeliers to Karlskirche, led by Dace Schaerf.
“Trying to visit 4 Christmas Markets in two hours, along with some historical sites, was too much. Our guide had to rush us through each location. No time even for pictures!”
Mozart and Advent Christmas concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg. Funicular included, 8 pm start, 1.5 hours, festive views.
“Beautiful venue, fantastic night out. Did not have the meal so can not comment on food. We arrived about and hour early so we could look at the city at night. Very small venue so sound is not an issue no matter your seat.”
Guided Vienna holiday shopping and markets with Sacher cake, Swarovski crystals, St Stephen’s Christmas market, and Café Central sweets.
“Nicolette was very funny, attention grabbing and engaging. She had a very resounding voice that everyone could hear especially people in the back of the group which sometimes we ended up at. The group was not very big so we could stay close to the guide. I loved all the little bits of information she gave us which you don’t read in the books. Thanks for a great experience Nicollet.”
The whole country, sorted by the kind of day you want.
