Things to Do in Austria in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Austria
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas markets peak season - Salzburg's Christkindlmärkte and Vienna's Schönbrunn Christmas Market operate daily with Glühwein at €3-5 and handcrafted ornaments from local artisans
- World-class winter sports conditions - ski resorts like St. Anton am Arlberg have 180-250 cm (71-98 inches) base depth with 85% of runs open
- Concert season at its finest - Vienna State Opera and Salzburg's Mozarteum offer daily performances, with standing room tickets available from €4-8
- Thermal spa weather perfection - soaking in 38°C (100°F) thermal baths at Bad Gastein while snow falls creates an unforgettable contrast
Considerations
- Extremely short daylight hours - sunrise at 7:45am, sunset at 4:15pm gives only 8.5 hours of daylight for sightseeing
- Weather-dependent transportation delays - mountain roads close frequently, and trains to Hallstatt can face 30-60 minute delays due to snow
- Peak tourism pricing - hotel rates increase 40-60% during Christmas market season, with Vienna city center rooms averaging €180-300 per night
Best Activities in December
Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Adventures
December marks the official start of Austria's legendary ski season. Resorts like Innsbruck offer reliable powder with temperatures perfect for snow sports at -5°C to -2°C (23-28°F). Mountain temperatures are ideal for all-day skiing without overheating, and fresh snowfall happens 18-20 days in December. Ski lifts operate 8:30am-4:00pm, maximizing the limited daylight hours.
Christmas Market Cultural Tours
Austria's Christmas markets reach their absolute peak in December, operating daily from late November through December 24th. Vienna's markets stay open until 10pm, perfect for evening visits when temperatures drop and the atmosphere becomes magical. The cold weather at 0°C to -5°C (32-23°F) keeps Glühwein steaming and creates that authentic winter market feeling that's impossible to replicate in warmer months.
Thermal Spa Wellness Retreats
December's frigid temperatures make Austria's thermal spas absolutely magical - soaking in 36-42°C (97-108°F) mineral-rich waters while snow falls around you. Bad Gastein and Therme Wien offer the perfect contrast to winter weather. The cold air makes the warm water feel even more therapeutic, and December's stress levels make spa treatments particularly appealing.
Classical Concert and Opera Experiences
Vienna's concert season peaks in December with special Christmas and New Year programming. The cold weather drives locals indoors, creating an authentic audience atmosphere. December features unique seasonal performances including Christmas concerts at Schönbrunn Palace and special holiday programs at Salzburg's concert halls. Indoor venues are perfectly heated, offering a luxurious escape from December's harsh weather.
Winter Castle and Palace Tours
December transforms Austria's palaces into winter wonderlands. Schönbrunn Palace and Salzburg's Hohensalzburg Fortress offer heated indoor tours while grounds are covered in snow, creating postcard-perfect photo opportunities. The short daylight hours mean outdoor palace gardens are less crowded, and interior tours showcase elaborate Christmas decorations unique to December.
Traditional Austrian Cooking Classes
December is perfect for learning Austrian winter cuisine - warming dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and seasonal Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Cooking schools in Vienna and Salzburg offer special Christmas baking workshops. The cold weather makes hearty Austrian food more appealing, and you'll learn traditional holiday recipes passed down through generations.
December Events & Festivals
Salzburg Christmas Markets (Salzburger Christkindlmärkte)
Multiple markets throughout Salzburg's Old Town featuring local craftspeople selling hand-carved nativity scenes, woolen mittens, and traditional Austrian Christmas cookies. The Residenzplatz market operates in Mozart's birthplace square with live classical music performances daily at 6pm.
Vienna New Year's Concert Preparations
Throughout December, Vienna State Opera and Musikverein host rehearsals and preview concerts leading up to the famous New Year's Concert. These performances feature the same orchestra and repertoire with significantly lower ticket prices and fewer crowds.
Krampuslauf Traditional Festivals
Ancient Alpine tradition where costumed Krampus figures parade through mountain towns like Salzburg and Innsbruck. These dramatic processions feature hand-carved wooden masks and bells, representing pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations still practiced today.