christmas day in vienna

How do the locals celebrate christmas day?

Any suggestions what to do in vienna on that day?

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Christmas Day is a day for the family - many visit to others on this day.

If good weather permits, perhaps a nice walk in a park.

Most tourist sights are open on Christmas Day.

A good place to go is Palace Schonbrunn- tour the Palace- the Christmas Market there is open too!

Then perhpas a nice walk in the Schonbrunn park.

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Hi vertical

I will be in Vienna on christmas day with 2 friends and we are having difficulty booking a nice restaurant for christmas lunch. Most good restaurants seem to be closed on christmas day.

Could you kindly recommend some nice restaurants that will be open and serving christmas lunch on 25 December 2005.

Thanks for your help.

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You do not mention where you stay-

but check out this website

www.cafe-wien.at

click on Eng ( english) in top left corner.

You will see their numerous restaurants and cafes across the top .They are located in various parts of the city.

One suggestion is the Residenz Restaurant at Schonbrunn Palace- you can visit the Christmas market there too.

Cafe Landtmann on the Ring not far from the City Hall is also interesting.

But the others are too.

You will also see their menus there too.

But, be certain to make a reservation! This is a busy day for those places open. If you can eat early ( before 12:30)or late after (14:30)- better service less crowded -

Enjoy!

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Hi vertical,

thanks for answering most queries.

I like this idea of visiting the christmas market at schonbrunn and having lunch at residenz restaurant. How far is it from naschmarkt because that%26#39;s the area we will be staying in. Do you think we could be served without a reservation if we go let%26#39;s say at about 3.00pm cause we have not fixed a plan yet. And one last question, please, do restaurants in vienna serve fixed set menus on christmas day or the usual a la carte menu? thanks a lot

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You will probably be somewhere near to the U- 4 subway ( U-bahn stop at Kettenbruckengasse 8 Naschmarkt area)

You can take U-4 in the direction- Hutteldorf

you have a choice of two stops both about the same distance from Schonbruun- The Schonbrunn stop or the Hietzing stop. You will come to the Schonbrunn stop first- not more than 5-10 minutes on the subway.

Then a walk through Schonbrunn Park ( 10 minutes) to the Palace.

You will probably find a place after 3 but who knows- many will go there for a drink and cake and to get warm.

I believe they will serve a normal menu on that day, but call just to be sure.

Many restaurants will serve a fixed menu Christmas Eve.

Alternative to walking through the Park is to take the #58 streetcar from the Westbahnhof to just in front of the Palace.

take U-4 to U-3 then with U-3 to the Bahnhof- then the 58.

Have fun!

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Thanks for the information on Christmas dinner in Vienna. What about Christmas Eve -is there somewhere you recommend to experience a true Austrian Christmas? What information do you have on Christmas concerts at Stephensdom and/or the Christmas Eve Mass?

What are the best Christmas markets to visit?

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I really can not sugest something for Christmas Eve.

I have always had a family dinner at home or with friends.

Most traditional here is a special meal of fish, usually Karp.

Many restaurants will be closed as the Holiday is really celebrated Christmas Eve and staff gets the evening off.

I would suggest that you check ith your hotel as many have a special evening for guests.

perhpas someone else has other ideas.

Most all Churches have a late evening service.

Perhaps beginning at 23:00 ( 11 PM) They are normally over filled with people. late comers standing everywhere.

Stephans has services also - filled - go early if you wish a seat.

I know the Augustiner Church has a Christmas Day mass- Concert at 11.

I think their music is about the best.

for more info on all events in the city go to

www.info.wien.at

click on english then on events- enter the dates you want info on -

It will give you good information.

Enjoy your visit!

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Best Christmas Markets-

my opinion

Schonbrunn,

Freyung

Karlsplaz

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For concerts look at recent posts on this forum regarding concerts at Stephansdom with website info

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My Wife and I are staying in Wien this Christmas, can anyone tell me what there will be to do and if many restaurants / bars will be open on the 25/26 December.