Every year me and my friends from university try to meet up somewhere around the world since we’re all based in different countries. Last year we decided to do a Christmas trip and spend New Year’s Eve somewhere, anywhere, preferably somewhere cheap.

We didn’t really care where, easy access was priority number one so when Vienna popped to mind with all its winter glory and class, we all got booking. We soon realised that it wasn’t going to be a trip easy on the wallet but there are always ways around it and it looked so damn Christmas-y that it was worth it.

We spent a week in the winter wonderland of my dreams and I fell completely in love with Vienna’s aristocratic architecture and classical music scene that I haven’t stopped bragging about it, and it’s now been a year. If you’re looking for a Christmas escape easy on the eyes, Vienna is great option and here’s why:

Christmas markets

December in Vienna is filled with Christmas markets and this was at the top of my must-visit list. I hadn’t done much research beforehand, I simply asked around and walked the city centre and before I knew it, I had stumbled upon a Christmas market. Dozens of wooden stalls surrounded the square with all sorts of goodies, roasted chestnuts, Christmas ornaments, books, pretzels, hot dogs and all the typical market shenanigans. The light decorations alone were enough to get anyone in the mood and I may have gone back two or three times. I just love markets, okay?

If you want some advice on which ones to look out for, this article is a pretty good guide on the different types there are.

More than gluhwein

It won’t be a Christmas market if mulled wine isn’t served and Vienna goes a step beyond the German hot drink and offers its Christmas punch called Weihnachtspunsch. That’s a mouthful I know so I just went by ‘Christmas punch’. Numerous flavours are offered including non-alcoholic options and it usually comes it a collectible mug. You pay a little extra to get the mug and get a cheaper refill. If you don’t want to keep the mug, you return it and you get your change back.

Advent concerts

I can’t think of a better place than the kingdom of classical music to listen to a Christmas concert. There are dozens of recitals and choir concerts to choose from. Special Strauss and Mozart performances are on and they won’t be hard to find. People dressed as famous composers usually stand outside the Vienna State Opera selling tickets to such concerts.

I was hesitant at first as I’m always cautious not to get ripped off at tourist attractions but it turned out phenomenal. The concert was at the stunning Schönbrunn Palace and was well worth the money. If there was one thing I would suggest to do over Christmas in Vienna, it would be this. No doubt about it.

Operas

This you’d need to plan well in advance and it’s a bit more costly. I looked for last-minute tickets for any opera that was on as I wanted to experience watching one in the world-famous building but everything was sold out. There are some standing tickets sold on the day for a very cheap price but you had to queue for 3-4 hours for a chance to get them and my Cypriot freezing bum wasn’t up for that. One day I’ll do it the proper way :)

Tour the opera house

If you can’t catch a performance you may as well do a tour of the opera house. It’s a much cheaper option and a guide takes you through the ins and outs, from backstage to the King’s room and the ballrooms. I can’t begin to describe how beautiful this building is. I was in awe the whole time and could picture women in ballgowns and pinned up hair sipping champagne and waltzing the night away. Would definitely re-do this!

It’s chilly and beautiful

For most of Europe, going to a cold destination is no biggie. For Cyprus residents, or for me at least, craving to bundle up and feel the crisp Christmas weather, Vienna will not disappoint. As I’m writing this, it’s nearly the end of November and I’ve yet to take out my winter coat so the idea of gloves hugging my cup of mulled wine at Vienna’s lit up squares, sounds perfect.

It will be very cold but it will also be beautiful and clean and lit up and cosy.

The New Year’s Eve street party

Every December 31, Vienna’s city centre holds a massive street party with live music, DJs, vans selling alcohol and plenty of cheer. Outside the City Hall, the crowds gather for the countdown into the New Year as fireworks are blasted into the sky. At the stroke of midnight classical music erupts and couples begin to waltz. What an Austrian and classy way to enter the year.

The New Year’s Eve ball

Inside the City Hall, it’s a completely other vibe as the annual end of the year ball and dinner takes place. Viennese debutants dressed in white and black open the ball and live orchestra tunes bring waltz sounds to life. Half an hour before midnight soloists sing the best songs from Viennese operettas and at 12pm, the midnight waltz is on.

This will certainly be a unique experience, one you need to plan and save up for well in advance. There’s more information on this site.

The epic New Year’s Concert

Every January 1, my grandfather Frixos would turn on RIK1 to watch the iconic New Year Concert by the Wiener Philharmonic Orchestra. Growing up, I didn’t pay much attention to it but it was always in the background and now I’ve associated it with heartfelt family memories on the first of the year. So, being in Vienna on January 1 and knowning that a few roads down the same musicians my granddad would listen to were performing live was something really sweet for me. This has also gone on the list of things that I want to do once.

Ice skating and Carousel

They say that the Viennese love to ice skate, I mean I enjoy it too but I’m terrible at it. If it’s your kind of fun, there are dozens of ice rinks set up across the city. A 6,000 sq.m ice rink is set up over Christmas between the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Inter-Continental Hotel, so knock yourself out.

The Prater is Vienna’s amusement park with a large London Eye-like ride with stunning views of the city and several other fun rides. It also has a restaurant on site where I tried my first venison and I guiltily enjoyed it.

***

It may seem like spending Christmas in Vienna is a pricey holiday but there are ways around it. I spend my days eating schnitzel, my last meal of 2018 was at a Chinese restaurant because it was the only place that had any last-minute tables left and you know what? It was perfect.

But you don’t have to deprive yourself to have fun in Vienna. I still went to the Prater and to museums and watched an amazing Christmas concert. The city has so many gorgeous sights to see that even walking around is pretty amazing. Vienna you’ve been a dream.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!