Enjoy a magical Christmas in Vienna

Vienna is a magical city at any time you might choose to travel there, but the Austrian capital
properly comes alive at Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year gets underway early
here, with decorations coming out as early as September, and Christmas-themed attractions
dominating the streets by October. Not that we're complaining - Vienna knows how to throw a
good party, and there's something about the metropolis that simply seems to thrive during the
winter season. Here are our top things to do while you're waiting for Santa Claus to come and
pay you a visit.

Visit a Christmas market

If we're honest, you would have to stay inside your hotel room if you didn't want to visit a
Christmas market during the winter in Vienna. The main streets are so dominated by stalls
selling mulled wine, Christmassy knick-knacks and chocolate goodies that you're bound to find
yourself in the middle of one purely by accident. Expect to do plenty of shopping for friends back
home, set to a background of gorgeous music provided by live bands. Get something hot inside
of you while you enjoy the warm and wonderful atmosphere.

Get religious at this special time of year

Remember that Christmas isn't all about turkey and presents with a visit to St Stephen's
Cathedral, an awe-inspiring building in the very heart of the city. Its spire dominates the skyline -
a great medieval landmark that can be spotted from many places within Vienna. And, since
Christmas is all about religion, what better place to visit at this special time of year? Purchase
goulash in a bread bun from the Christmas market outside its doors before taking a look around
the incredible exterior - the Romanesque towers and multi-coloured tiled roof are particularly
remarkable. Upon venturing inside, take in the holy atmosphere and beautiful stained-glass
windows for a reminder of what Christmas is all about. If you're feeling brave, you can even take
a trip to the top of the steeple to say hello to the resident gargoyles and wish them season's
greetings. Plus, the view is simply stupendous.

Take a trip to the opera

There's nothing more Christmassy than dressing the family up and going for a night at the
opera. Vienna is famed for its fantastic opera house, which can be found in the city centre and
advertises performances for most days of the year. In December, these often feature a
Christmas twist. Visiting the opera needn't be expensive in this city of culture and wonderment.
Ignore the prices of the best seats in the house, and instead opt for the traditional - and much
more fun - standing area at the back of the stalls. You'll enjoy a great view and you'll feel much
more part of the operatic culture. Visitors must arrive at least 2 hours earlier than the
performance to be sure of securing these as they're very popular since they're priced at just
three or four euros. Be sure to tie a ribbon to the leaning beam to secure your place when you
reach the stalls - this is a long-held tradition and, if you don't have a ribbon, staff will supply you
with one.