There’s something truly special about winter in Austria. The crisp mountain air, snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling lights, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine floating through the air. It all feels like stepping into a Christmas card.

From the grand palaces of Vienna to the cozy lakeside villages of the Salzkammergut, Austria transforms into a winter wonderland of Christmas markets every December. Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted ornaments, sipping hot Glühwein, or listening to live carolers in the town square, the spirit of the holidays comes alive here like nowhere else.

There’s nothing like Europe in winter: festive markets, twinkling lights, historic castles, and snow-dusted streets. As a travel advisor, I’ve planned countless European trips, from couples anniversary celebrations to multi-family group trips, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right itinerary can turn a vacation into a magical, stress-free experience.