Vienna at Christmas... things to do...

We will be a party of 9 in vienna from 22nd December - 29 December and looking for some Uniquely austrian things to do while we are there.

i would love any and all suggestions.

we would like to see an opera or two but there is so much choice, we dont know where to begin. (also, there are 9 of us, and lets just say that some are more enthusiastic about opera than others.)

also -- the idea of a %26quot;Ball%26quot; is intriguing. aparently these are constantly being held in Vienna. god, i am so new to this that its sad. i do have a trusty guide book (the Fodors one) but its so much info to digest that i am just confused.

anyway, besides the main tourist attractions like musiums/palaces i%26#39;d like to know what you recomend seeing/doing.

thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.

CMM.

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You have probably already looked at the list of attractions on Trip Advisor and this is a good place to start to arrange your trip.

Many attrctions are near to each other and perhaps your big group would want to %26quot;split up%26quot; to see some things and meet at a cafe for a coffee or hot chocolate at a fixed time.

Vienna has some thing for most everyone.

Unfortunately no Balls that I know of until New Years.

Have you looked at the schedule of the Volksoper? Not as heavy as the State Opera! Much less expensive too

Look to

www.volksoper.at ( english version too)

Mozart - Magic Flute 12/25

Wiener Blut ( Vienna Blood) 12/26

Tickets in all price ranges from 70 euros downward.

A Vienna tradition.

If your group includes children- perhaps Hansel and Gretel performed then too!

Be certain to experience a Vienna cafe. You can sit as long as you wish- read a free newspaper, including english editions

Sample the coffee, hot chocolate and most of all the pastry. It is addictive.

Good places to %26quot; People Watch%26quot; and see local traditions.Also to rest feet.

Cafe Central, Diglas, Landtmann are just a few names. Many have good music in the afternoon and early evening too!

Go to a Heuriger, a vienna wine tavern.

Grinzing at the end of Streetcar #38( 30 minutes travel) is easy to reach and has many places- just walk along the street until you find one you like.

Only problem, every tourist in Vienna will be doing the same.

Less crowded and more locals- the area Neustift am Walde. Several traditional heuriger with good wine and food.

Again, walk along the street- look in and decide your choice.

Some will have music too!

A fun time is to just walk along the streets of the First District ( City Center) Look up at the architecture styles. Look into the small side streets.

It is very safe day and night.

Visit the Hofburg Library- entrance on Josefplatz near to the Riding School.

Few tourists , but a fantastic building to see and the books- an unbelieveable extra.

The main city cemetary seems a strange recommendation, but this is not a usual place.

Memorials to many famous people in one area

millions of grave sites with all manner of memorials . Many family members will have decorated the graves for the Season.

Easy to reach by the streetcar #71. Just the ride about 1/2 hour throgh many districts of the city gives you a unique look to the regular lives of the people.

Many more things too but do not know your interests- thus you see my bias in these recommendations.

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Hi cmm,

vertical made an excellent recommandation - however please be aware that in Austria Dec.24 (afternoon)-25-26 are holidays so lots of restaurants, museums, palais, etc. will be closed.

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lin23 makes a good point about closings during 24-26 days.

Most all things begin to close just after noon on the 24th. Christmas markets close in late afternoon.

It may be best to make a reservation for an evening meal at your hotel.

Austrians celebrate this Holiday on the 24th evening with a gala dinner, exchange of small gifts and often a late evening visit to Church.

The 25th will find many tourist sights reopened- but this is varied- example the Albertina Museum is open some others closed.

Many restaurants in the city center are open.

Banks and store closed.

It may be well to get more information from the city tourist office regarding openings.

For Austrians , a day to visit family and friends.

The 26th- again a Holiday, but I believe you will find much more open tourist sights, restaurants. Banks and stores closed.

The 27th - a normal day.