Christmas & New Year Tours in Austria

What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Austria

• What are the must-visit Christmas markets during an Austria Christmas & New Year tour?

  The Christmas markets of Austria transform city squares into winter gathering places. Vienna's markets stand out with the Schönbrunn market set against the Habsburg summer palace backdrop. The Freyung market in Vienna's center draws visitors with local crafts and decorations. Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt surrounds St. Stephen's Cathedral with traditional stalls while Linz's Old Town square brings together vendors selling regional specialties. A TourRadar traveler noted "The Christmas markets in Vienna were absolutely magical especially the one at Belvedere Palace with its stunning lake views."

• What's the average temperature during Christmas & New Year in Austria?

  Winter temperatures in Austria change based on location. Vienna sees temperatures from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F). Mountain areas like Innsbruck and Salzburg get colder with readings near -10°C (14°F). The Wachau Valley stays a bit warmer. Mountain resorts like Leutasch where Hotel Hubertushof stands provide reliable snow conditions. According to a TourRadar traveler "The snowy conditions in Salzburg during Christmas were perfect creating a true winter wonderland atmosphere around Hohenstauffen Hotel."

• Which cities offer the best New Year's Eve celebrations in Austria?

  Vienna stands out with its New Year's Eve Trail (Silvesterpfad) which creates celebration zones across the historic center especially near St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Prater. Salzburg puts on fireworks above the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Innsbruck blends mountain scenery with city festivities. The ibis Innsbruck hotel provides a good base for celebrations. A TourRadar traveler noted "Celebrating New Year's Eve in Vienna's historic center was magical especially with the midnight fireworks display over the Danube."

• What special holiday meals and treats can I expect on an Austrian Christmas & New Year tour?

  The holiday season brings out Austria's rich food traditions. Visitors can try the Linzer Torte from Linz Viennese Glühwein and seasonal pastries. Hotels like the ibis Innsbruck serve special Christmas Eve dinners. Market stalls offer roasted chestnuts fresh pretzels and various wursts. River cruise companies Viking and A-ROSA create holiday menus with local dishes. One TourRadar traveler shared "The Christmas dinner at Hotel Caroline in Vienna was exceptional featuring traditional Austrian dishes and seasonal specialties."

• What are the best accommodation options for a Christmas & New Year tour in Austria?

  Lodging choices in Austria range from city hotels to mountain retreats. Vienna's Hotel Caroline puts guests in the city center while Salzburg's Hotel Hohenstauffen shows traditional hospitality. The Hotel Hubertushof in Leutasch offers rooms with mountain views. River ships like the A-ROSA FLORA combine travel with holiday spirit on the Danube. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Hotel Hohenstauffen in Salzburg was perfectly located for exploring the Christmas markets and offered wonderful festive decorations throughout."

• How far in advance should I book an Austrian Christmas & New Year tour?

  The holiday season requires early planning with bookings needed 6-8 months ahead. Popular spots like Vienna's Hotel Caroline and Viking's Christmas Market cruises often fill up by late summer. This applies especially to higher-end rooms and special events like New Year's galas. A TourRadar traveler suggested "We booked our Vienna Christmas markets tour through AmaWaterways 7 months ahead and were glad we did as many similar tours were fully booked by autumn."