Christmas in Austria: Festive Markets & Winter Charm

The Yes Getaways Christmas in Austria package includes round-trip flights, 7 nights of hotel accommodation (3 Vienna, 3 Salzburg, 1 Vienna on return), an airport transfer on arrival in Vienna and on departure from Vienna, 2 train tickets in the highest available class (Vienna to Salzburg and Salzburg back to Vienna), and all taxes and fees related to the booking. Breakfast, guided tours, and city taxes are not included. 

The highest available train class is included for both connections. The Vienna to Salzburg train takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. The Salzburg to Vienna return train takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Both trains depart from and arrive at central stations. All hotels in this package are selected for their proximity to the historic center and Christmas markets in both cities. No additional transfers between train stations and hotels are included.

Please note: Train tickets are booked in the highest available class offered by each rail operator whenever possible. As availability varies by route and travel date, the final class of service is subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

The train tickets included in this package are for a fixed departure coordinated with your hotel check-in and check-out dates. If you would like to travel on a different train time or on a different day, contact the Yes Getaways team before booking and we will check what is possible. Changes to train schedules after booking may incur additional costs depending on the fare type and availability at the time of the request.

No. Vienna and Salzburg are both compact, walkable cities with excellent public transport. The Christmas markets, historic sights, and all hotels in this package are reachable on foot or by tram. A car would be impractical in both city centers. The two train connections between cities are included, and airport transfers are arranged at both ends.

The package includes 3-star hotels as standard, with upgrades to 4 and 5-star available. All properties are selected for their location in or near the historic center within easy reach of the main Christmas markets. The package price varies depending on the hotel selected. In Vienna, all properties are typically in the 1st district or along the Ringstrasse, within walking distance of Rathausplatz, Stephansdom, and the main market areas. In Salzburg, all properties are generally in or near the Old Town, within walking distance of Cathedral Square and Mirabell Palace. Exact options are shown when you click a date in the booking calendar. Contact the Yes Getaways team to discuss preferences before booking.

Breakfast is not included by default, but can be added during the booking flow. 

Yes, round-trip flights are included. You fly into Vienna and return home from Vienna. The package price varies depending on your departure airport. Other departure cities are available on request. Checked luggage is not always included and depends on the airline and fare type. Confirm what is included and add luggage if needed when booking. Seat selection and cabin class upgrades can be arranged as paid add-ons, subject to availability.

⚠️ Please note: If your itinerary includes a transit or layover in the United Kingdom, you will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Entry requirements can change, and it is the traveller's responsibility to verify current visa, passport, and transit requirements before departure through their government's official travel advisory website.

No. City taxes are not included and are paid directly at each hotel. 

Vienna has several markets running through December. The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is the largest, with hundreds of stalls in front of City Hall. The Schönbrunn Palace market adds imperial grandeur. The Belvedere Christmas Village and Spittelberg market are worth an afternoon each. Salzburg has one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. The Cathedral Square market (Domplatz) has operated since the 17th century. The Mirabell Palace market and the Hellbrunn Adventure Advent are popular alternatives. All markets in both cities typically run from late November through the 26th of December.

Yes. Vienna and Salzburg are outstanding destinations year-round. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is busy, warm, and festival-heavy, particularly in Salzburg during the Salzburg Festival in July and August. Outside of December, the Christmas markets are not operating but the cities, architecture, museums, and food are worth the trip in any season. Contact the Yes Getaways team and we will build the same two-city itinerary for your preferred dates.

No. All activities are optional and at additional cost. Popular add-ons include a Schönbrunn Palace tour with skip-the-line tickets in Vienna, a Danube and Wachau Valley tour from Vienna, an Austrian wine tasting, a boat trip on the Danube, and a half-day tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg. Tours can be added during the booking process or after booking by contacting the Yes Getaways team.

Both cities are cold in December. Vienna averages 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), often overcast with occasional snow. Salzburg is slightly colder and snowier at -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F), surrounded by the Alps. Snow is more likely in Salzburg than in Vienna. Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat, and comfortable walking shoes. The cold is part of what makes both cities feel like Christmas.

US and Canadian passport holders do not currently need a visa for Austria, a Schengen Area country. Stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period are permitted without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. ETIAS, a pre-travel authorization for Schengen Area travel, is not yet mandatory. When it launches, we will contact you in advance. Entry requirements are the traveler's responsibility and can change.

⚠️ Please note that if your itinerary includes a transit or layover in the United Kingdom, you will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Entry requirements can change, and it is the traveler's responsibility to verify current visa, passport, and transit requirements before departure through their government's official travel advisory website.

Yes to all three. The Yes Getaways team can add extra nights in Vienna or Salzburg, include Prague, Budapest, or a day trip to Hallstatt, or adjust the itinerary. If you are travelling solo, the package price is based on two travelers sharing a room and a single supplement applies. You can check solo pricing by changing the number of guests from 2 to 1 in the booking calendar before clicking See Dates and Prices. Contact the team directly and we will make it easy.

The land portion of your package is refundable if cancelled at least 14 days before your travel date. Airfare is non-refundable from the moment it is issued. Travel insurance with cancellation cover is strongly recommended for a December holiday trip. For general support, contact the Yes Getaways team at our regular number, available every day from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Outside office hours, an emergency number is provided in your trip documents. For local emergencies in Austria, dial 112.