Christmas Day In Vienna 2025 – Dinner, Events and Activities
Christmas Day in Vienna is quieter and more reflective than what many visitors expect — after the festive rush of Christmas Eve, the city slows down. As a local, I love that 25 December is a gentle mix of tradition, warmth, and calm: cafés and hotel restaurants are among the few places humming with activity, while major sights remain beautifully lit and peaceful. It’s not about big crowds or frantic shopping — it’s a day to soak up Vienna’s winter charm, enjoy good food, and relish time in historic corners of the city.
Weihnachtsbrunch
If you want to do brunch on 25 December — local style — here are some good Christmas brunch options, or places that tend to run holiday brunches. These are especially popular with locals who enjoy a relaxed, festive midday meal. Note that early reservation is highly recommended.
Lusthaus Wien
A quiet palace pavilion inside green Prater, the Lusthaus was once a kaiser’s hunting lodge, first mentioned in 1560. When you settle in for brunch there, the setting plays a big part. There’s a mix of historic elegance and relaxed comfort — you sense the old-world weight of the place, but not in a stuffy way. The architecture is graceful; the restaurant blends the legacy of its past with contemporary touches. On Christmas day, the place takes on a soft, social, slightly festive tone as families, couples, and friends gather under the vaulted roof. The walk from the U1 station Praterstern, or from the final stop of tram line 1, leads you through the various meadows and paths of the Prater, past the Jesuitenwiese and the Heustadlwasser. Address: Café Restaurant Lusthaus, 1020 WienBrasserie Sophie (Christmas Brunch)
If I were spending Christmas Day in Vienna, one of the places I’d quietly hope to end up for brunch is Brasserie Sophie. Nestled in the Anantara Palais Hansen on Schottenring, right by the Ringstrasse, it feels just right for a festive morning that’s elegant but not over the top. You walk in from the street of the Börseviertel, and the light spills into a spacious brasserie with high ceilings, a graceful mix of polished wood and soft upholstery, and a sense of calm energy. Address: Schottenring 24 (at Anantara Palais Hansen), 1010 Vienna&flora
One of the most vibrant and modern brunch-places in Vienna’s 7th district, &flora is run by a team committed to creativity, sustainability, and a “root-to-leaf” cooking philosophy. Chef Parvin Razavi brings together Austrian, Oriental, and international influences, and the atmosphere is fresh, relaxed and arty — think bright rooms, natural materials, and an open, welcoming energy. On public holidays (like December 25th), &flora is open for à-la-carte breakfast and lunch. Address: Breite Gasse 9, 1070 Vienna
Christmas Markets
The following Christmas markets are still open on the 25th December:
- Schönbrunn Christmas market – set against the stunning backdrop of the Schönbrunn Palace, offering uniquely imperial atmosphere.
- Belvedere Christmas Village – romantic market set against the illuminated Upper Belvedere of the Belvedere Vienna.
Viennese Dream Christmas Market (Rathausplatz) – beautifully decorated and still buzzing with festive charm.
Enjoy one of the last mugs of Punsch this season, roam along regional arts and crafts, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Find out more about these markets in my Vienna Christmas market guide.
Ice Skating
The Vienna Ice Dream (Wiener Eistraum) is a seasonal ice-skating rink set up in front of Vienna’s City Hall (Rathausplatz) and in the Rathauspark. It’s not just a flat rink — there are four large ice areas and romantic “ice path” trails through the park, plus a “Sky Rink” viewing platform. Skates can be rented on site (they have a wide range of sizes and even warmlined skates), and there are lockers and skate-sharpening services. It’s a very atmospheric, “winter wonderland” experience — especially magical around Christmas, with lights, the Rathaus as a backdrop, and seasonal music. For 2025, the Ice Dream is open on 25 December, from 10:00 to 22:00. Address: Rathausplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
The Wiener Eislaufverein (WEV) is one of Vienna’s most historic and largest ice rinks. According to local listings, it has about 6,000 m² of ice. It’s located in a very central-ish spot: near the Stadtpark and close to the Vienna Konzerthaus. Unlike the seasonal Ice Dream, WEV is more of an “ice sports club” rink: it supports figure skating, hockey, speed skating, but also runs public skating (“Publikumslauf”). On the 25th December the ice skating rink opens from 9 am to 8 pm. Address: Lothringer Strasse, 1030 Vienna
Schönbrunn Light Garden
The Schönbrunn Light Garden transforms the palace gardens into a dazzling evening spectacle, with thousands of lights illuminating the trees, fountains, and paths in vibrant colors. Unlike typical Christmas markets, it combines artful light installations, projections, and music to create an immersive, almost fairytale-like experience. Its unique blend of historic architecture, garden design, and modern light artistry makes it a magical attraction for both families and photographers. Note that many people want to combine a visit to the Christmas market at Schönbrunn with the Light Garden, especially after dark, making evenings (like around 25 December) particularly attractive. The garden opens from 4.30 pm to 10 pm.
Attend Christmas Music Events in Vienna
Attending a Christmas music event in Vienna on Christmas Day is a chance to experience the city’s deep-rooted musical traditions in their most authentic setting. Many concerts feature seasonal works by composers like Mozart, Haydn, and Handel, connecting you directly to the festive spirit that has been celebrated in Vienna for centuries. The historic venues, often churches or elegant halls, provide an intimate and atmospheric backdrop that enhances the music. It also offers a reflective and joyful way to spend the holiday, combining culture, community, and the warmth of live performance.
1. Wiener Minoritenkirche
An evening at the Wiener Minoritenkirche offers a refined classical music experience in an intimate church setting. The String Quintet of Wiener Kammersymphonie is joined by trumpeter Michael Bednarik for a program that includes Mozart’s Overture to Der Schauspieldirektor, Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major, Bellini’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major, arias from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, and Handel’s Suite in D Major for Trumpet and Strings. The combination of strings and trumpet brings a clear, balanced sound to the historic space, allowing each work’s character and elegance to come through. The performance provides a quiet, engaging way to experience a range of classical repertoire in a historic Viennese venue.
Note: Vienna Unwrapped readers receive an exclusive 10% discount with the code UNWRAPPED.
2. String Quartet Concert
Visiting the String Quartet concert at Haus der Musik in Vienna on 25 December offers a rare opportunity to enjoy high-quality chamber music in a world-class, interactive museum setting. The intimate venue allows listeners to experience the nuanced interplay between the musicians up close, making the music feel immediate and personal.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik, KV 525 – 1st movement: Allegro
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – String Quartet No. 19 in C major “Dissonance Quartet”
- Joseph Haydn – Emperor Quartet, Op. 76 No. 3 – 2nd movement: “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser”
- Joseph Haydn – String Quartet Op. 33 No. 2 “The Joke”
- Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4 – 1st movement: Allegro ma non tanto
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Ode to Joy
- Franz Schubert – Ave Maria
- Franz Schubert – String Quartet No. 14 in D minor “Death and the Maiden”
- Johann (Son) Strauss – The Blue Danube
- Johann Strauss – Radetzky March
Program is subject to change
3. Christmas Concert at Haus der Industrie
Set in the grand festival hall of the Haus der Industrie, the Vienna Royal Orchestra offers an evening filled with classical masterpieces that capture the holiday spirit. With dancers from the Vienna State Opera, singers of international repute, and an ambiance that reflects the imperial tradition of Vienna, this concert provides a truly regal experience for this Eve.
- Date: 25th December 2025
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Venue: Haus der Industrie, Vienna
4. Opera: Hansel and Gretel
Watching the opera Hansel and Gretel at Wiener Volksoper on Christmas Day is a magical way to celebrate the holiday with music and storytelling. Composed by Engelbert Humperdinck in the late 19th century, the opera blends the rich harmonic language of Wagner with accessible melodies and folk-inspired themes, creating a work that is both sophisticated and delightfully charming. The enchanting fairy-tale story, brought to life by a full orchestra and skilled singers, is complemented by imaginative stage designs that transport audiences into a storybook world of forests, gingerbread houses, and magical creatures. With its warm, elegant venue and festive atmosphere, the performance offers a joyful and immersive experience for both children and adults, making it a cherished holiday tradition in Vienna.
- Date: 25th December 2025
- Time: 6 pm
- Venue: Volksoper, Währinger Strasse 78, 1090 Vienna
5. Vienna Boys Choir
Experiencing the Vienna Boys Choir Sunday Mass in Vienna on Christmas Day offers a uniquely spiritual and musical celebration of the holiday. With centuries of tradition, the choir delivers angelic voices performing sacred music, often including works by Mozart, Haydn, and other classical masters, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere. The performance takes place in a historic church, where the acoustics and architecture enhance the clarity and warmth of the voices, making the music feel transcendent. Attending this Mass combines cultural heritage, festive tradition, and a reflective, communal experience, offering a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas in Vienna.
- Date: 25th December 2025
- Time: 9.15 am
- Venue: Wiener Hofburgkapelle, Hofburg – Schweizerhof, 1010 Vienna
3. Atmospheric Christmas Day At St. Stephens
Traditionally, many Viennese visit the traditional Mass (Christmette) at 11.00 pm or midnight of the 24th December. Besides hearing the Christmas gospel children’s and adult choirs sing traditional Christmas songs, such as Silent Night, Holy Night. On 25th December, however, some churches like St. Stephen’s hold various church services:
10:15 a.m. Pontifical Mass with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Coronation Mass
Soloists, Vienna Cathedral Choir, Vienna Cathedral Orchestra, Organ
4:30 p.m. Second Christmas Vespers with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn
Johann Baptist Gänsbacher: Christmas Vespers in D major
St. Stephen’s Vocal Ensemble, Vienna Cathedral Orchestra, Organ
9:00 p.m. Late Mass with Cathedral Preacher Ewald Huscava
Sound works on the grand organ; Cathedral Organist Ernst Wally
comprehensive trip plan
Need a comprehensive trip plan for your Christmas holiday in Vienna and surroundings? Find out more in Vienna Travel Planning
Vienna Unwrapped Partner Guides
Local Connections
Taking you a step further: To apply the insight provided here my local partner guide Claudia and her team take over when you arrive in Wien. From meeting the Spanish Riding School’s Lipizzaner horses backstage and crawling through the attic of St. Stephen’s Cathedral to exploring neighbourhoods where locals still play cards in cafés.
Themed Small Group Tours
