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!
Contact us right now to make your winter fairy tale in Austria a reality this year!
