Are shops closed in Vienna on Christmas?

Yes, most shops in Vienna are closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26). On Christmas Eve (December 24), many shops close early, typically around 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM, though some remain open until late afternoon.

Is anything open in Vienna on Christmas Day?

The 25th and 26th of December are public holidays, so nearly all stores close on those days.

Is Vienna worth visiting at Christmas?

Vienna is a pretty big city with a lot to offer, especially around the holidays. Between visiting Christmas markets, exploring museums, and warming up in cafes to experience Viennese coffee culture, there will be plenty to keep you busy on your trip. Personally, I'd recommend spending 3-4 days in Vienna.

Are shops open in Vienna on public holidays?

Opening hours

A few shopping centers are open until 8.00 pm or 9.00 during the week. Supermarkets often open at 7:40 am and on days before public holidays they are usually open until 8 pm. Some shopping is available on Sundays and holidays at the large railway stations, at the airport and in the museum shops.

Is Vienna open on 26th December?

And the 26th is also a public holiday - expect most of the shops to be closed. More restaurants and cafes are likely to be open, tourist sights like museums are generally open on the 26th.

Vienna Christmas Markets Guide 2025: BEST Things To Do in Vienna at Christmas!

What to do in Vienna during Christmas Day?

Top things to do in Vienna during Christmas

• Explore the Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz. ...
• Visit Schönbrunn Palace and its Christmas Market. ...
• Explore the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace. ...
• Go ice skating at Wiener Eistraum. ...
• Take a winter walk through the Ringstrasse. ...
• Indulge in traditional Viennese desserts.

Is December 26 a holiday in Austria?

December 26 – St.

The Day of St. Stephen (Stepan), the first Christian martyr, is celebrated on December 26. For most Austrians, however, it is simply the second day of the Christmas holiday. Traditionally, people use this day to visit distant relatives and friends.

Are there any areas to avoid in Vienna?

Ottakring, situated in the western part of Vienna, is a diverse district known for its vibrant atmosphere. Most of Ottakring is safe. But areas around the Ottakring U-Bahn station and Gürtel Street are sketchy. Especially at night, you might encounter drunk people or people fighting.

What is the most Christmassy town in Austria?

St Wolfgang is famed as Austria's advent town – the most festive place in the whole country. And that's some boast. Alongside Germany, Austria has some of the most popular Christmas markets in the world and Salzburg and Innsbruck are thought to be the most spectacular.

Is 27 of December a holiday?

December 27th isn't a universal holiday, but it often becomes a substitute bank holiday in the UK when Christmas Day (25th) or Boxing Day (26th) falls on a weekend, granting many people a day off, though it's not a public holiday in places like the US or Canada, where it's typically a normal workday.
 

How cold is Vienna at Christmas?

Bless Stonecypher In December, Vienna feels magical but cold, with daytime temperatures usually between 0–5°C (32–41°F) and nights often dropping below freezing.

Is 3 days in Vienna too long?

3 days in Vienna: This is ideal for discovering Vienna's essential attractions in more detail. You'll have more time for its museums and to soak in the city's atmosphere, perhaps sampling some famous coffee houses in Vienna's city center, or taking a guided tour.

Do trains run on Christmas Day in Vienna?

Christmas travel services

Trains, buses and trams run normally in Vienna until the school Christmas holidays officially begin, which is typically just a day or two before Christmas itself. In the 2026/2027 school year, for example, these official holidays run from December 24th to January 6th.

How many days do you need in Vienna during Christmas?

Visit between mid-November and early January to enjoy the full festive atmosphere. No entry fees for Christmas markets or light displays throughout the city. Concerts, imperial palaces and traditional cafés make the season unforgettable. Plan for a stay of 3 to 4 days to fully enjoy Vienna in winter.

What can I do on Christmas Day?

Christmas Day activities range from relaxing at home with movies, games, baking, and gift opening to getting out for winter walks, attending services, enjoying festive city tours (like London's lights), visiting historic homes decorated for the season, or catching a ballet like The Nutcracker. Volunteering, like helping at a community meal for the elderly, offers a meaningful alternative.
 

Is it better to go to Salzburg or Vienna for Christmas?

However, despite the cold, Vienna with its Christmas lights and markets is magical in December. The best time to visit Salzburg is in late summer and autumn as this is when the crowds have tapered off and you can enjoy the beautiful gardens in comfortable temperatures.

What is the prettiest village in Austria?

While "most beautiful" is subjective, Hallstatt is widely considered Austria's most picturesque village, famous for its fairytale setting on a lake with colorful houses and alpine backdrop, but Alpbach is officially voted Austria's most beautiful for its traditional wooden architecture and floral displays, while Dürnstein (Wachau Valley) and Heiligenblut ( Großglockner) are also top contenders for charm and stunning scenery. 

What is the most magical Christmas town in the world?

Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)

Often called the best Christmas town in the world. Village Inspiration: Snowy rooftops, log cabins, Santa's Workshop.

Where is the red district in Vienna?

The city's red-light district is situated around the Gürtel. The Währinger Gürtel close to Vienna's General Hospital (Allgemeines Krankenhaus). To the left is Währing, Vienna's 18th district.

Is anything open on Christmas Day in Austria?

What's open on December 25th and December 26th, Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day/Boxing Day? These are public holidays in Austria and most businesses, including shops and malls, remain closed on both days. Some exceptions include shops in petrol stations that are open, and in train stations.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas town in Austria?

A Guide to Austria's Most Charming Christmas Towns

1. Hallstatt: Austria's Most Iconic Postcard Town. Hallstatt is stunning year-round, but at Christmas it becomes pure magic. ...
2. Alpbach: A Classic Alpine Christmas. ...
3. Salzburg: Baroque Magic and Festive Markets. ...
4. St. ...
5. Innsbruck: The Alpine Capital of Christmas.

What date are Vienna's Christmas markets in 2025?

Below are our top three picks for Christmas markets in Vienna this holiday season:

• Christkindlmarkt at Rathaus, November 16 – December 26, 2025. ...
• Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, November 15 – December 23, 2025. ...
• Edelstoff Design Market Christmas Edition – December 6 and 7, 2025.