Winter Vacation from Dubai to Snowy Austria: A Frosty Escape

Christmas is the most magical time of the year in Europe, eagerly awaited not only by children but also by adults.

Preparations for the holiday begin a month in advance. Each street in the city undergoes a remarkable transformation, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of magic and become a part of the festive cheer.

Christmas and New Year in Europe are primarily associated with vibrant markets and bustling fairs, which we wrote about last year. This time, we invite you to set off in search of winter adventures in snowy Austria!

Christmas and New Year in Austria: A Celebration You’ll Remember Forever

Perhaps no other country in the world cherishes its traditions as meticulously as Austria. Here, every holiday is an event woven from thousands of significant details, and you won’t find such a magical atmosphere in any other city around the globe.

Vienna, in particular, is breathtaking during the festive season: the city’s unique architecture is illuminated with Christmas lights, and the Christmas markets filled with the scent of punch and sweets, along with numerous concerts, balls, and parties, make it one of the most popular winter destinations.

Vienna is an excellent choice for a Christmas holiday with children. There are dozens of activities planned for young guests, including the opportunity to bake gingerbread cookies right in the Town Hall or create your own candle and go pony riding at Karlsplatz.

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction during this time is the markets and festive bazaars. However, Austria offers many other options for an unforgettable holiday:

Christmas in the Mountains

For those whose winter holidays evoke images of abundant snow and skiing or snowboarding, a trip to the mountains is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas. Austria indeed offers a wealth of options.

One of the oldest towns that has transformed into a ski resort over time is Kitzbühel. Its pedestrian streets, charming shops, and festive Christmas markets, combined with stunning views of the snow-covered mountains, create an unparalleled holiday atmosphere. With more sunny days than any other ski resort in Austria, Kitzbühel is truly special.

For a family-friendly getaway, Zell am See is an ideal choice. This small town showcases typical alpine architecture, and the charm is enhanced by the nearby lake and the view of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Here, you won’t find noisy parties, allowing you to fully enjoy a peaceful and secluded holiday in nature.

Relaxing at the Thermal Springs

For those who enjoy luxurious spas, a trip to Austria’s thermal springs is highly recommended.

The highest thermal resort in Salzburg (1,100 meters above sea level) and the first public spa resort in Austria is Felsentherme Gastein. Built directly on the mountainside, it is supplied by 18 springs, delivering over 1 million liters of pure water to the resort’s pools every day.

In the town of Ötztal, you’ll find the Aqua Dome, whose highlight is three UFO-shaped pools that give swimmers a sensation of weightlessness. Additionally, there’s a children’s area featuring a water park, waterslides, and playrooms.

Another perfect destination for winter relaxation is the Dachstein Glacier. This is the highest mountain in Styria, offering breathtaking views of the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Here, you can experience Austria’s highest suspension bridge, the attraction known as the “Stairway to Nowhere”, and a fully glass cable car. Of course, there are luxurious thermal springs here as well, where you can unwind after thrilling mountain adventures.

New Year Celebrations with Imperial Style

If you’re heading to Austria for New Year’s, consider celebrating at the famous Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, alongside the president and the mayor of the country. However, gaining access to this event is not an easy task. You’ll need to ensure you purchase tickets well in advance and adhere to the dress code: formal floor-length gowns for women and tailcoats for men.

The renowned Le Grand Bal is definitely worth it! Each year, 2,500 guests from around the globe gather here to listen to beautiful music and enjoy exquisite Austrian cuisine among truly high society.

A worthy alternative to Hofburg could be a gala evening at the City Hall, the Historical Museum, the Palais Ferstel, or other iconic venues in the city.

A Magic Night at the Opera

At the Vienna State Opera, there’s a cherished tradition: every year on December 31, the operetta “Die Fledermaus” is performed. This festive occasion, accompanied by the enchanting music of Johann Strauss, promises to leave only delightful memories. However, tickets for this event sell out quickly, so it’s best to arrange for them in advance.

Another significant musical event in the city is the New Year’s concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, which takes place on January 1 at the Musikverein. Getting tickets to this concert can also be a challenge, but you can watch a live broadcast on the square next to the City Hall.

An Unforgettable Train Journey

One of the most unusual ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Vienna is to take a short trip on the luxurious Majestic Imperator train right on New Year’s night.

In the spacious carriage of Emperor Franz Joseph, guests will enjoy plenty of music and delicious treats. At midnight, the train makes a stop on a bridge over the Danube, allowing passengers to take in a spectacular fireworks display in celebration of the New Year.

River Cruise

Celebrating New Year’s on the Danube is truly a Viennese option, especially for those who don’t mind the cold.

The festive program lasts eight hours (from 7-8 PM until 3-4 AM) and includes a boat cruise featuring a delicious gala dinner, live music, and lively dancing.

Festive Dinner at a Restaurant

Some might think that dining at a restaurant is too cliché an idea for celebrating Christmas or New Year’s. But that certainly isn’t the case in Austria.

The most famous establishment in Vienna, where every visitor dreams of dining, is Piaristenkeller – a monastery cellar with more than 300 years of history. Here, you can not only enjoy a meal while listening to music but also visit a museum showcasing the hats of Emperor Franz Joseph.

In another popular spot, Kardos, you can try authentic Austro-Hungarian cuisine, while Palmenhaus offers an exquisite menu accompanied by music from top DJs.

Planning a Trip to Winter Austria

Rich in diverse landscapes, Austria is beautiful at any time of year, but it has a special atmosphere in winter.

It’s definitely worth visiting during the Christmas or New Year holidays to experience the charming village of Hallstatt, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, or to explore the historic city of Innsbruck and the Tyrolean village of Alpbach. Be sure to take a stroll through the Christmas markets and enjoy a dog sledding adventure in Salzburg.

Austria offers a wide range of winter activities – from incredible snow adventures in the mountains to an extraordinary journey on a luxurious train right on New Year’s Eve. Start crafting your own exciting itinerary and leave the visa arrangements to the specialists at The Visa Services. With our experience, obtaining a visa to Austria from Dubai can take as little as 2–3 weeks from the moment of application!

FAQ:

What’s the best way to get around Austria in the winter?

Austria has a well-developed public transport system, with trains and buses connecting major cities and ski resorts. During the winter season, daily ridership exceeds 1.5 million passengers. Car rental is also popular, with over 300,000 vehicles rented in 2023, but winter tires are mandatory, and driving in winter conditions requires experience.

What activities can I plan for winter in Austria?

Austria is famous for its ski resorts. In 2023, more than 17 million tourists visited Austria, with about 60% coming specifically for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. You can also visit Christmas markets, which attract over 3 million tourists each year, go ice skating, or enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine in cozy cafés.

What’s the weather like in Austria during the winter?

Winters in Austria are usually cold and snowy, especially in the mountainous regions. Temperatures can range from -10°C to 5°C. Last year, popular ski resorts like Ischgl and Kitzbühel saw an average of 6 meters of snow during the season, making Austria one of the top destinations for winter sports.

When should I start planning a winter holiday in Austria?

It’s recommended to start planning your trip 1-3 months in advance. This gives you enough time to get your visa, book accommodation, and secure flights at the best prices. For example, in 2023, around 65% of tourists who planned their winter holidays early saved up to 30% on flights and accommodation.

Is it true that it’s more difficult to obtain a visa for Europe before Christmas?

It’s more accurate to say that there may be an increase in the processing times for visas. Europe is a popular destination not only in the summer but also during the Christmas season. The number of applications increases, and available slots become limited. However, this is not an issue for our specialists, especially if you submit your visa application in advance