Updated on December 22nd, 2024.
The long weeks of anticipation often come to a head on Christmas Eve in the family circle. But where to go on December 24th in Vienna if you are not planning to celebrate with family or friends? And where to go afterwards, if you haven’t had enough partying? After the busy and eventful weeks of December, as well as the many events in 2020, which were more popular than ever, many venues are understandably closed. We have therefore come up with a worthy programme for the classic gap yearner before the presents are exchanged and the Christmas after-hours.
Going out on December 24th in Vienna
If you are one of those people who’s not into the Christmas spirit yet, or if you have not yet tested all of Vienna’s Christmas markets for their punch, you may be wondering what to do on December 24th in Vienna. Some Christmas markets offer the opportunity to soak up the Christmas atmosphere with a glass or two of punch until 4 p.m. We recommend the one in front of the magnificent backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace. And the classic one at Rathausplatz, which opens at 10 a.m. and doesn’t close until 6:30 p.m.
But perhaps a visit to the museum is the right start to Christmas Eve. At the Albertina, visitors can marvel at the masterpieces of the current Robert Longo and Chagall exhibitions or the classics from Michelangelo to Monet from 10 am to 2 pm. Incidentally, Longo designed the special editions of the popular Sacher Artists Collection this year. Alternatively, it is always an exciting idea to visit one of the two former court museums on Marien-Theresien-Platz. Both the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum are open on 24 December from 9 am to 3 pm.
Traditionally, people sing and play music to their hearts’ content under the sparkling Christmas trees of this country. Of course, we do not want to presume to judge the musical level of the performances. However, for those who like it a little more professional, there is a range of concerts to choose from. Schönbrunn not only offers the aforementioned Christmas market, but also classical concerts at the Orangery on 24 December. However, you have to be quick to get tickets for this, as they are in high demand. If you are looking for something a little more hearty, then Slavko Ninic and the great Wiener Tschuschenkapelle are just the thing. Exuberant Balkan and world music is staged at Porgy & Bess with plenty of charm and humour, and it has already become a new classic of the Viennese Christmas season.
Which Bars and Restaurants are open in Vienna on the 24th of December?
What would Christmas Eve be without its sumptuous temptations? However, if you feel like letting someone else do the cooking or mixing this year, we have some good news for you. Fortunately, there are some bars and restaurants in Vienna that are open on 24 December, welcoming their guests in the Christmas spirit and then doing the washing up too.
Thell
Since 1973, the restaurant on Schönbrunner Straße has been an iconic pioneer in terms of international gastronomic flair in Vienna. Since the beginning of 2023, it has no longer been operating under its original name Motto, but under that of its founder: Thell. As we have already reported, not much has changed. Thell is still the best restaurant in the city and traditionally opens its doors at 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve for a happy get-together. In addition to drinks, snacks and a great atmosphere, DJ J’Aime Julien’s fine sounds ensure a lively end to the Christmas festivities and an extended gift-giving session in the company of good-humoured people.
Schönbrunner Straße 30 (Eingang Rüdigergasse 1), 1050 Wien | thell.restaurant
Meissl & Schadn
A classic Viennese Christmas evening, for example, promises the stronghold of Viennese cuisine par excellence on the Ring: Meissl & Schadn. Where else would you expect to find schnitzels in different variations leaving the kitchen every minute, a three-course menu of salmon, fish soup and either carp or beef dish awaits you on Christmas Day between 6 and 10 p.m. for a reasonable €100. Please note: à la carte dishes cannot be ordered on 24 December!
Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Wien | meisslundschadn.at
December 24th in Vienna: Café Bellaria
The oldest coffee house in the capital that is still in operation opened in 1870 and can look back on a lively history. A meeting place for the political, business, art and literary communities, it is a genuine piece of Viennese history in the first district. It also opens its doors to the hungry and thirsty at Christmas. Reservations are recommended and can be made until 12:30. So, guests can enjoy the authentic but modern atmosphere of the Viennese café with a fine breakfast and a good hot drink of their choice.
Bellariastraße 6, 1010 Wien | cafebellaria.at
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ringstraßenhotel is treating its guests to particularly festive menus in its two restaurants throughout the whole of December. Pastamara – Bar con Cucina will be delighting guests with Sicilian Christmas specialities. From delicious pasta dishes to traditional desserts, the restaurant showcases the culinary diversity of the largest Mediterranean island. At Dstrikt Steakhouse, meanwhile, visitors can enjoy extraordinary meat creations of the highest quality. As with practically everywhere, don’t forget to book a table!
Schubertring 5-7, 1010 Wien | ritzcarlton.com
What about public transport in Vienna on the 24th of December?
Particularly at Christmas time, it is quite usual to have a glass or two. After all, it is a time for celebration. To get from A to B, it is helpful to use public transport. In addition to taxis, the Wiener Linien public transport company is there to help. But since the drivers of our underground trains, buses and trams should also be able to enjoy a peaceful Christmas if possible – and of course demand is correspondingly lower – they (rightly) reduce their frequencies on Christmas Eve. Public transport runs according to the Saturday timetable until 6 pm. And after that, trams and buses run at 15-minute intervals. The underground, on the other hand, runs all night.
