It might be a bit more chilly than usual in Vienna this month, but there will be plenty of festive and fun activities to enjoy.
Our professional guides have provided more than 1 million tours, giving them plenty of opportunities to experience some of the best activities and attractions in major cities all over the globe, including this one!
This post relies on just such expertise to compile a list of free, family-friendly, and evening activities you can enjoy in Vienna throughout the month of December.
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
In Vienna, taking a free walking tour is a terrific means to check out the city. This is an excellent method to explore Vienna's hidden gems and renowned sites without upfront expenses.
You'll hear about legends and historic occasions and comprehend why Vienna is more than just beautiful structures.
These scenic tours are typically led by knowledgeable overviews that can provide one-of-a-kind insights right into local customized food and way of life.
They can suggest the most effective coffee bar or one of the most tasty strudel.
While the tour is totally free, it's normal to tip your guide as a token of appreciation for their service.
To find out more, read our post covering free walking tours in Vienna.
2. Go to the Opera
If you enjoy the performing arts, you won't want to miss the chance to see an opera in Vienna.
The city is often described as the globe's song capital, and for good reason.
The majority of the greatest writers in history, including Mozart and Beethoven, were born there.
At the Vienna Opera House, you'll experience unbelievable performances in sensational settings.
The architecture of the opera houses in Vienna is a reward for the eyes, typically ornate and full of complex details.
Not only will you be paying attention to splendid songs, but you'll additionally be surrounded by an environment soaked in history and sophistication.
Tickets range from high-end to budget-friendly, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy this exquisite entertainment.
3. See an Iliza Shlesinger Comedy Show
For a lighter tackle home entertainment, think about going to a funny show by Iliza Shlesinger.
She's a stand-up comedian who knows how to involve her audience and make them laugh aloud.
Her sets usually cover themes from day-to-day life to pop culture, making it relatable for several.
If you remain in Vienna and are searching for a change of pace, this is a nice way to relax and enjoy some humor.
Comedy clubs in Vienna offer a comfy setting, ideal for an informal night out.
You'll discover a mix of locals and tourists in the audience, all unified by the delight of laughter.
You can acquire tickets online in advance to guarantee a seat at this highly popular show.
4. Attend a Live Football Match
Attending a live football match is the ideal way to spend an afternoon or evening if you're a sports enthusiast visiting Vienna.
The atmosphere at these events is something you have to experience first-hand to appreciate really.
Fans are energetic, the incantations are contagious, and the level of play on the field is often top-notch.
Even if you're not a die-hard fan, the experience is worth it for the atmosphere alone.
You'll also get an up-close and personal look at the sport that millions of people worldwide adore.
There is something for everyone, ranging from more affordable options to premium seats that provide you with an up-close view of the action.
Don't worry if you have never really attended a football game.
The energy of the crowd is contagious, and prior to you recognizing it, you'll find yourself cheering along with everybody else.
Purchase tickets or learn more.
5. Visit a Christmas Market
There's no better way to get into the vacation spirit in Vienna than by going to one of its many Christmas markets.
These markets are not almost purchasing; they are events in themselves.
Every market has its very own one-of-a-kind taste and atmosphere, complete with decorations, songs, and scrumptious food and beverage choices.
Imagine the smell of mulled wine in the air and the view of perfectly decorated stalls marketing various crafts, foods, and ornaments.
You'll find Christmas decorations, gifts, and delicious holiday treats to enjoy on the spot or take home.
Check the operating hours of a Christmas market before visiting. Certain markets are only open during specific hours or on specific days.
For more details and tips on which market to visit, make sure to read our full post covering Vienna Christmas markets.
6. Make Chocolate at the Chocolate Museum
Ever wonder how chocolate is made? At the Chocolate Museum in Vienna in Vienna, you can learn and also make some on your own.
From the minute you get in, you're submersed in the world of chocolate.
You'll start by learning more about the background and origins of cacao before reaching the enjoyable part-- making delicious chocolate.
You'll get hands-on experience making your own delicious chocolate bars.
With a professional chocolate tempering machine, you'll feel like a real chocolatier.
But the experience goes beyond just making standard chocolate bars.
You'll also have the opportunity to make "Xocolate," a type of hot chocolate based on an ancient Aztec recipe.
By the end of your time at the gallery, you'll have a newly found gratitude for the art of chocolate making and a certification to prove your skills.
- Availability: Constant
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Starting Time: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Price: €35/Adult | €29/Senior | €33/Student | €29/Child
- Book or Learn More
7. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
Prepare for a journey that will tantalize your senses and strengthen your admiration of Viennese, a glass-of-wine culture.
Photo on your own in a non-public, old Roman wine rack led by a private wine expert guide.
You're about to combine taste and history with more than just a sip of wine.
Try three distinct wines, ranging from more general Austrian options to traditional Viennese.
During the tasting, there will be some locally produced snacks provided by a family-run delicatessen.
You'll learn about how viticulture has been an integral part of Vienna since Roman times and how that history has shaped the wines you are tasting.
Your tour guide is a professional wine expert who will ensure you leave with more knowledge than you came with.
- Availability: Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri and Sat.
- Duration: 45 Minutes
- Starting Time: 2:30 PM
- Price: €34/Adult
- Book or Learn More
8. Attend a Christmas or New Year’s Concert
Imagine experiencing a classical evening in the historic St. Peter's Church, built between 1701 and 1733. You can do just that in Vienna during the holiday season.
Listen to iconic compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and many more, all performed by the Classic Ensemble Vienna.
The event's mystery is increased by the fact that it takes place underground in the church's vaults.
Let the evening enchant you as you hear classics like "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" and compositions by Vivaldi, Schubert, and Haydn.
The ambiance in the crypt is unlike anything you've ever felt.
The music will lead you through seasons and stories, filling you with holiday spirit and a sense of awe.
Don't miss this chance to add a musical highlight to your holiday trip to Vienna.
It's an experience that perfectly combines history, art, and the festive mood of the season.
9. Discover the Mythos Mozart Experience
Picture yourself entering a building that holds a trove of history.
This is where Mozart, one of the most brilliant composers of all time, spent the last year of his life.
Now, it’s a multimedia exhibit that allows you to explore the maestro's life and work.
The tour starts with a room dedicated to Mozart's final composition, "The Requiem," illuminated by 1,500 candles.
The atmosphere here is solemn yet captivating, providing a unique space to reflect on the musician's immense impact.
The experience continues as you move to another room that showcases a panoramic view of 18th-century Vienna.
There’s also the Little Night Music room, where you can engage with musical instruments from around the world.
If that's not enough, the Sky & Roofgarden offers stunning views of iconic Vienna landmarks like Karlskirche and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
- Availability: Constant
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Starting Time: 10:10 AM
- Price: €19/Adult | €9.50/Children
- Book or Learn More
10. Visit the Museum of Illusions
Prepare yourself for an experience that will cause you to lose your sense of reality.
Vienna's Museum of Illusions is not like other museums.
It features over 70 interactive exhibition pieces designed to puzzle and amaze you.
For starters, try taking unique perspective photos in the Infinity Room, where reflections create an endless visual spectacle.
Train your brain and eyes as you move from one exhibit to another.
Defy gravity in a room that seems to tilt at impossible angles.
Or see your family and friends grow and shrink before your eyes in the Ames Room.
The Museum of Illusions is a haven for those seeking a mind-bending, family-friendly experience.
Bring your camera or smartphone because the museum offers lots of interesting photo ops.
- Availability: Constant
- Validity: 1 Day
- Starting Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Price: €14/Adult | €10/Children
- Book or Learn More
11. Head to the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show
Ring in the New Year in style by heading to one of Vienna's grand fireworks displays.
The city center comes alive at midnight as the sky fills with vibrant colors, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Popular spots like Rathausplatz and Prater are venues where you can catch the pyrotechnic spectacle.
Packing gloves and a scarf is advisable because Vienna's January evenings can be chilly.
The atmosphere is electric, with classical music often filling the air, adding a uniquely Viennese touch to the celebration.
Glühwein stalls abound, offering mugs of warm mulled wine to keep you cozy as you count down to the New Year.
Make a deposit for a reusable mug, fill it with delicious Glühwein, and enjoy a memorable night that melds tradition and festivity.
12. Experience the Tutankhamun Exhibition
Participate in a world of old mysteries and pharaohs at Vienna's Marx Halle with the Tutankhamun Event.
This immersive experience lets you travel back in time to ancient Egypt with magnificent 360° estimates and audio instruments.
You'll feel as if you're walking beside the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun, checking out a realm of god-like rulers, building wonders, and gold burial chambers.
The exhibition includes a unique augmented reality experience that takes you inside Tutankhamun's burial chamber in the Valley of the Kings.
Hear the voice of excavator Howard Carter guide you as you uncover wonderful treasures that have been nearly untouched for a century.
Discover the concept of immortality in ancient Egyptian culture and learn about hieroglyphic writing in this interactive journey that goes beyond a simple event.
- Availability: Constant
- Validity: 1 Day
- Starting Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Price: €29/Adult
- Book or Learn More
13. Go Ice Skating
Ice skating in Vienna is a winter activity that's enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
Popular venues like Rathausplatz and the Vienna State Opera have ice rinks set up for the season, usually starting in November.
It's a good idea to arrive early on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as the rinks are frequently crowded.
Before you hit the ice, make sure to pack your gloves and layers to stay warm.
Ice skating to the tunes of Beethoven and Schubert gives this activity a uniquely Viennese flair.
When you need a break, head to a nearby stall for some chocolate cake, hot chocolate, or Maroni (roasted chestnuts).
Ice skating in Vienna is a must-do activity if you happen to be in the city during the winter because of the absolutely magical atmosphere.
