Christmas Confidential: Holiday secrets in Vienna

When the streets of Vienna are aglow with Christmas lights and the scent of punch and cookies wafts through the air, the city is at its most beautiful. But away from the well-known Christmas markets, there are numerous secret places where the Viennese Advent season lights up in a special glow—from festive events in historic villas to culinary experiences above the rooftops of Vienna.

Winter Escape at the Rosewood Vienna

The Winter Escape at the Rosewood Vienna is a prime location for exclusive Christmas parties and special events during Advent season. High above the rooftops of Vienna's city center, their rooftop garden transforms into a luxurious retreat from November 14 to December 28, combining stylish elegance with an intimate atmosphere. Whether for small, private celebrations or special corporate events—the venue impresses with its stunning views and excellent cuisine. The Winter Escape is above all an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the center, offering a perfect backdrop for festive moments with an exclusive ambience.

The Atmosphere Rooftop Bar on the 8th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna invites guests to enjoy themselves daily from November 7, 2025, to January 4, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. With breathtaking views of the city lit up for Christmas, guests can sample traditional Austrian specialties such as Buchteln and goulash, as well as mulled cider or punch.

A special highlight: Heated ski gondolas from the area around Salzburg offer space for four to six people. Raclette with Swiss cheese is served in this cozy atmosphere.

At lofty heights

From November 17, 2025, to January 16, 2026, the Danube Tower in Vienna invites you to enjoy festive moments high above the city. In the Tower Restaurant and Tower Café, guests can enjoy Christmas menus and buffets with panoramic views, accompanied by punch, music, and festive decorations.

Advent magic in the Klimtvilla

The Klimt Villa opens its doors in festive splendor on the four Sundays in Advent—on  November 30, December 7, 14, and 21—and invites you to enjoy the atmospheric magic of Advent from 12 to 7 pm. Visitors can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of the historic villa and be inspired by a varied program.

Short introductions to the history of the Klimt Villa and the special exhibition "Klimt lost" take place at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 pm. These last about 15 minutes and do not require registration. Between 3 and 6 p.m., live music in front of the villa's impressive staircase creates a festive atmosphere. A small art market awaits guests in the Klimt Villa salon, offering creative and special gift ideas for Christmas. Culinary delights such as homemade mulled wine, punch and hearty snacks can be enjoyed in front of the outdoor staircase to round off the visit in a relaxed atmosphere.

Moët & Chandon Impérial Igloos

Since November 1, 2025, Moët & Chandon and the Barbaro family of restaurants have been inviting guests to an exclusive winter location in the inner courtyard of the "Trattoria Martinelli" in Vienna. The glass Impérial Igloos, surrounded by a pine forest, offer space for up to 10 people per igloo. The food is prepared by chef Daniel Kellner. Guests can choose between à la carte dishes and a dinner experience menu.

Part of the proceeds support "Licht ins Dunkel": 1 euro per glass of champagne goes to the charity. In addition, the Impérial Outdoor Bar invites you to enjoy champagne, Hennessy punch and Italian snacks from 4 pm—without reservation and also for a good cause. The Igloos can be booked until March 30, 2026.

Winter market at the Riesenradplatz

What would the pre-Christmas period be without a visit to Austria's largest winter market? For its 16th anniversary, the winter market on Riesenradplatz is once again welcoming numerous visitors under the motto "The Prater rocks" from November 21, 2025 to January 6, 2026.

As in previous years, this year's winter market on Riesenradplatz offers a colorful mix of live music, a wide range of culinary delights and homemade punch. This year, the guest garden of the Luftburg-Kolarik in the Prater will be transformed into a "winter castle"—where visitors can expect numerous organic snacks and a special sales party for Christmas trees.

Opening hours:

Mon - Fri 12.00 - 22.00 hrs
Sat., Sun. and public holiday 11.00 - 22.00 h

Vienna Marriott opens Christmas market

From November 14 to December 26, the Vienna Mariott Hotel will also be creating a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere. In the "Santa's XMAS Factory", visitors can expect traditional Christmas flair with an American touch. In the middle of the hotel lobby, visitors can enjoy delicious punch, sweet creations such as cookies or chocolate curd and various types of gingerbread. On Advent Saturdays, the “Voices of Marriott” provide additional Christmas magic with live music.

Swedish flair on the roof

Experience the Swedish Christmas spirit high above the rooftops of Vienna? This is possible on the roof terrace of the "IKEA" furniture store at Westbahnhof. From November 13 to December 20, it will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Here, visitors can enjoy Swedish mulled wine and cinnamon buns. To the sound of well-known Christmas carols, visitors can relax in cozy cabins or in the lounge area, enjoy the view over the city, and snuggle up in warm blankets.

Opening hours:

Mon. - Thu. 14.00 to 20.00
Fri. 14.00 - 20.00
Sat. 12.00 - 20.00 h

Christmas magic at the Bohemian Prater

Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy winter markets, the Bohemian Prater offers Christmas fun right next to the Laaer Forest. From November 28 to December 21, visitors can enjoy various rides such as the children's carousel, the disco autodrome, and the children's roller coaster, as well as a variety of Christmas market stalls offering culinary treasures. This Christmas market is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m.

All information at: boehmischer-prater.com/winterzauber

Other federal states

Burgenland: Christmas village Mörbisch

On November 22, 2025, the Winter Wonder Mörbisch opens its doors and transforms the lake stage into a magical winter wonderland with the largest nativity scene in the world. Visitors can expect a festively lit Christmas village with regional culinary delights, arts and crafts and atmospheric entertainment, including projection shows and concerts. A children's program, magic shows and romantic backdrops of lights make the event an experience for the whole family. The winter wonder is open until January 4, 2026.

All information at winterwunder.at.

Salzburg: Winter market at "Rosewood Schloss Fuschl"

Nestled in the picturesque setting of the turquoise-blue Lake Fuschl and surrounded by mountains and forests, "Rosewood Schloss Fuschl" invites you to a special winter market from Fridays to Sundays from November 29, 2025 to January 21, 2025. Guests can expect a mixture of culinary delights, handicrafts and regional entertainment.

All information at rosewoodhotels.com/festive-season.

Carinthia: Silent Advent on Lake Wörthersee

During Advent, from November 21 to December 21, the bay of Pörtschach is transformed into an atmospheric place that combines contemplation and tradition. A path of lights in the lake, open fireplaces and Carinthian choirs create a special atmosphere along the promenade. The Advent market offers arts and crafts, regional specialties and events such as the Krampus run on November 21 or the Pink Christmas Festival from December 12 to 14, that turns Pötschach into a sea of lights. Visitors can also take part in torchlight hikes, Christmas boats, and children's programs, or enjoy the view of the winter lake landscape and the sea of stars on romantic Advent rides.

All information at kaernten.at.