The events in Vienna in December offer a variety of highlights around Christmas and New Year's Eve - after all, there are more than 20 Christmas markets to visit in Vienna alone. But there's also plenty to discover besides the festivities: We provide a colorful collection of events that you shouldn't miss during your visit to Vienna. And if you don't have a Vienna Welcome Card yet, it's high time you did, because you can benefit from discounts on some of the to-dos. 

Artfluence in the Heidi and Horten Collection: In the footsteps of René Magritte 

The extensive private collection of Heidi Goëss-Horten, which has been on display in a new museum since 2022, mainly shows works of modern art ranging from Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee and René Magritte to Egon Schiele. You can also admire the colorful pop art works of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The collection offers a profound insight into the art of the 20th and 21st centuries and the Heidi Horten Collection offers special guided tours with the Artfluence events that take place every now and then. This series of events has quickly become a crowd favorite and invites you to discover the story behind the gallery's top 10 artists. On December 12, 2024, you can follow in the footsteps of the famous surrealist René Magritte. You will be accompanied by an expert and get to know the world of the painter and his artistic deceptions. Fancy some modern art? Then you can even save 20% on admission to the Heidi Horten Collection with the Vienna Welcome Card. 

Die Fledermaus at the Volksoper: Viennese tradition on New Year's Eve

If you're looking for an original Viennese tradition on New Year's Eve, you've come to the right place with Die Fledermaus! On December 31st, the Volksoper Vienna is staging two performances of Johann Strauss' famous operetta, which is wild and funny. The story about excessive celebrations, intrigues and lots of mistaken identities also offers a large portion of humor. “Happy is he who forgets what cannot be changed”, according to the lyrics of the most famous piece - something everyone can probably confirm after a night of partying on New Year's Eve. And if you want to continue partying after the waltz, you can explore the New Year's Eve trail in the city center, where numerous stages and DJs provide top entertainment all night long. The streetcar will take you into the city in no time and the Vienna Welcome Card includes public transport! 

Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace: Christmas against an imperial backdrop

The numerous Christmas markets are of course also part of the events in Vienna in December. One highlight in a breathtaking setting is the Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace, which offers magical moments from November 8, 2024 to January 6, 2025. Here you will experience a glittering Christmas backdrop, cozy huts to drink mulled wine and a variety of attractions for the whole family, including an ice rink. The village character of the market and the imperial backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace make for unforgettable moments. It's no wonder that this Christmas market has quickly become a favorite among locals, as it is a little more rustic than many other more touristy markets. Bonus tip: If you still fancy a visit to Schönbrunn Palace after your Christmas experience, the Vienna Welcome Card offers a 5 euro discount on a normal price ticket. 

Musical Flashdance: 80s revival at the Wiener Stadthalle

The legendary music film that won Oscars, Golden Globes and Grammys is coming to the musical stage in Vienna. From December 16 to 20, 2024, the Wiener Stadthalle will be showing the cult musical Flashdance. Here you can experience the lifestyle of the 80s with rousing dances and unique catchy tunes such as “What a Feeling” and “Gloria”. The story about big dreams and true love is still touching today and with a mixture of lively sounds and rousing choreography, Flashdance offers an unforgettable musical evening in this two-and-a-half-hour reinterpretation.

Bake Christmas cookies with Grandma: every cookie recipe succeeds with this baking course 

What would the run-up to Christmas be without cookies? We would definitely be missing something! If you feel the same way and would like to learn how to bake the best Christmas cookies yourself, then you've come to the right place at Omas in der Vollpension. The baking academy at the Vollpension is a special baking course where the grandmas and grandpas will teach you how to conjure up various delicacies while having lots of fun. The baking courses in December are completely tailored to the theme of Christmas and cookies and, in addition to learning how to make classics such as rum balls or vanilla crescents, also offer a vegan course option. If you've now got a taste for baking, you can enjoy a 20% discount on a full-board baking course with the Vienna Welcome Card and fill your belly with homemade treats. 

This Human World Film Festival: human rights on the big screen 

The 17th edition of the This Human World Film Festival will take place from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Every year, the international film festival for human rights shows high-quality productions that deal with human rights and socio-political problems and challenges worldwide. The visually stunning films cover a broad spectrum and always offer an impressive cinematic experience. Here you can experience journeys into new worlds, insights into society and stories from the past. This Human World becomes a place for discussion and reflection, where visitors, NGOs and human rights experts come together to exchange ideas and find inspiration.

Beer nights at the legendary U4: rocking the Viennese way

Not in the mood for traditional Christmas celebrations? Then you've come to the right place! The legendary U4, which Falco loved to visit and immortalized in his hit “Ganz Wien”, will be transformed into a stage for one of Vienna's oldest rock bands in December. On three evenings, from December 20 to 22, 2024, you can celebrate beer nights with Alkbottle and lose yourself in the band's Viennese hard rock charm. Alkbottle was the cult band of the 90s and is now back where it all began: in Vienna Meidling! The band was the first to sing in Viennese dialect to the sounds of hard rock and heavy metal, making Austrian music history in the process. Seven years after their last concert, the “Bottle Buam” are now back on the U4 stage to celebrate Christmas with you ... or beer nights! 

For more Vienna inspiration and discounts on the city's best sights, grab the Vienna Welcome Card  so that you can benefit from the numerous discounts in Vienna in December. Want to plan your journey? Here we show you the quickest way to get from the airport to the city. And if you're wondering whether a visit to the Sisi Museum is worthwhile, you'll find the answer in this article.