It’s again that magical time of the year – the city is all dressed up in festive lights, the Christmas markets are open and the delicious aroma of Glühwein and Punsch is in the air. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, especially in Vienna, the city transforms into a fairytale-like dream place that inspires Christmas cheer and excitement for the holidays.
I love to capture that wonderful time of the year and I think a fun Christmas in Vienna photoshoot is a wonderful experience. I do have some favorite Christmassy spots around the city that I love so here they are, a little bit of inspiration for your Christmas photos in Vienna.
1.The Christmas bow by the Opera
One of the most iconic and beloved spots among Instagrammers, travelers, and locals is the giant Christmas bow by the Opera. The area is already so dreamy with the Opera house, Hotel Sacher, and Kärtner street that it makes it a must-spot even if you just want to walk around and get some Christmas spirit.
2. Stephansplatz
There are many Christmas markets around the city but you’ll definitely not miss the most central one right in the heart of Vienna with the beautiful Vienna Christmas tree, Stephansplatz transforms into a dreamy festive spot, surrounded by elegant shops, cafes, restaurants, inviting tourists from all over the world to take a cup of Punsch while enjoying the city’s festive lights. Of course, there are many people at the square so it’s not easy to catch a photo without crowds, but if you go earlier during the day and look for a less crowdy corner, you’ll surely find some spot.
3. The Christmas market am Hof
Walking from Stephansplatz you can make a tour through some of the prettiest and most central Christmas markets in the city. Within a 5 min walk, you can reach the cozy market at am Hof while enjoying the beautiful lights at Kärtner street and Graben. This market is often not so crowded during the day so it is a nice spot to catch some photos with a cup of Punsch which is a must during Christmas time.
4. The Christmas market at Freyung
Just a few minutes away is the next very nice Christmas market, where you can find nice and original gifts, delicious snacks and drinks, and a lot of Christmas mood and inspiration. Make sure to catch a photo by the entrance for some extra charm.
5. The Christmas tree by Cafe Landtmann
You can continue walking towards the biggest and most famous Christmas market by the Rathaus. It is another short walk away and on the way there you will see a big and beautiful Christmas tree by the iconic Cafe Landtmann that is so cute for photos.
6. The Chrismas market at Rathaus
Of course, you can’t miss the most famous Christmas market by the Rathaus. You will find a very cute carousel, plenty of Christmas lights and decorations, beautiful Christmas gifts, and delicious food, snacks, and drinks. My tip is to go earlier so you can get a nice photo with the carousel. For that extra cuteness, get cotton candy or candy canes for the photo, it looks wonderful.
Visiting these spots will get you plenty of Christmas photos and content. I really like this route and recommend you go a bit earlier to avoid crowds. Most Christmas markets open already at 10 am. Of course, you might want to visit them later in the afternoon as well to enjoy the lights when they turn them on.
Hope you enjoyed this little list of my favorite spots in Vienna for Christmas photos. Big thanks to my amazing models with whom we explored the spots and gathered some inspiration for the most wonderful season.
Enjoy Christmassy Vienna and hope you get plenty of nice photos and Christmas cheer.