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A Jonathon Hawes Luxury Guide to Austria in Winter
Austria in winter is pure magic—from the Christmas markets to the cozy, firelit meals and fairytale streets. Whether you’re here to shop, ski, or simply soak in the atmosphere, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve stepped into a holiday postcard. And if you do it right? You’ll be back next Christmas.

A 5-Day Itinerary for Christmas Magic, Indulgent Food & Timeless Elegance

There’s something about Austria in winter that feels utterly cinematic—the baroque architecture dusted with snow, the glow of Christmas markets in every square, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the air. It’s the kind of place where you wrap yourself in cashmere, wander through glittering streets, and end the day with a plate of warm Kaiserschmarrn and a glass of Austrian wine.I’ve spent time in Austria in both summer and winter, but there is nothing quite like Christmas Time here. The Viennese know how to do elegance, Salzburg is pure fairytale charm, and the Alps? Postcard-perfect. This guide is all about luxury, atmosphere, and those little festive details that make an Austrian Christmas so special.

Where to Stay: The Best Luxury Hotels in Austria

Austria does grand hotels beautifully, but the country is also home to cozy, intimate retreats that feel like stepping into a dream.

Vienna: Old-World Glamour Meets Modern Indulgence

  1. Hotel Sacher Wien – If you’re in Vienna for Christmas, this is where you stay. Steps from the Opera House, perfectly decorated for the holidays, and home to the original Sachertorte.
  2. Palais Coburg Residenz – A palatial 19th-century residence transformed into a five-star boutique hideaway. It has only 34 suites, impeccable service, and one of the best wine cellars in Europe.
  3. Rosewood Vienna – Effortlessly chic and understated, this hotel has a rooftop bar with some of the best views of the city.

Salzburg: Storybook Elegance

  1. Hotel Goldener Hirsch – Austrian charm at its finest. Cozy, historic, and right in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, this hotel feels like Christmas wrapped in a bow.
  2. Hotel Sacher Salzburg – The Salzburg counterpart to Vienna’s Sacher, with classic, old-world interiors and a perfect location along the river.

Alpine Escapes: Mountain Magic & Festive Luxury

  1. Almhof Schneider (Lech am Arlberg) – One of Austria’s most iconic luxury ski hotels, family-run and effortlessly elegant. This is where you go for a white Christmas in the mountains.
  2. Severin’s – The Alpine Retreat (Lech am Arlberg) – A boutique, ultra-luxurious chalet-style retreat where the service is discreet, the atmosphere is dreamy, and the fireplaces are always roaring.
The Best Christmas Markets in Austria

Austria’s Christmas markets are on another level—they’re elegant, festive, and completely magical. Here are the best ones:

Vienna

  • Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz – The most famous, held in front of Vienna’s neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall). Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, and the most beautiful lights.
  • Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market – More refined and less crowded, set against the imperial beauty of Schönbrunn Palace. The handmade crafts here are stunning.
  • Art Advent at Karlsplatz – If you’re looking for something more artisanal and curated, this design-forward Christmas market is it.

Salzburg

  • Salzburg Christkindlmarkt – Set against the baroque backdrop of Salzburg’s Cathedral, this is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.

Innsbruck

  • Old Town Christmas Market – With the Alps as a backdrop, this is one of the most beautiful settings for a Christmas market.
Where to Eat: Austria’s Best Restaurants for Winter Indulgence

Austria’s food is hearty, rich, and absolutely perfect for cold weather. Whether it’s elegant Viennese fine dining or a cozy alpine tavern, here’s where you should be eating:

Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Elegance

  1. Steirereck (Vienna) – Two Michelin stars, an absolutely stunning setting in Stadtpark, and a tasting menu that reinvents Austrian cuisine.
  2. Konstantin Filippou (Vienna) – Elegant, modern, and a must for seafood lovers.
  3. Ikarus (Salzburg – Hangar-7) – A truly unique concept, where a different world-class chef curates the menu every month.

Cozy, Traditional Austrian Dining

  1. Plachutta Wollzeile (Vienna) – The best Tafelspitz (boiled beef with horseradish and potatoes) in Austria.
  2. Zum Schwarzen Kameel (Vienna) – Classic, old-school Vienna, with perfect schnitzel, an elegant café setting, and a fabulous deli counter.
  3. St. Peter Stiftskulinarium (Salzburg) – Europe’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 803 AD. Cozy, candlelit, and incredibly atmospheric in winter.
  4. Griggeler Stuba (Lech am Arlberg) – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the mountains, with fireplace-lit dining and a perfect winter tasting menu.
Where to Shop: The Best Luxury Stores in Austria

For Home & Tableware (Ina Garten Would Love These)

  • Lobmeyr (Vienna) – The most exquisite, hand-blown crystal glassware.
  • Viennese Silver Factory (Vienna) – Old-world, elegant silverware that feels straight out of a palace.
  • Augarten Porcelain (Vienna) – If you want luxury Austrian porcelain, this is where you go.
  • R. Horn’s (Vienna) – A classic Austrian leather goods store with perfectly crafted handbags and accessories.

For Gourmet Food & Specialty Stores

  • Demel (Vienna) – The most beautiful historic pastry shop, known for handmade chocolates and cakes.
  • Meinl am Graben (Vienna) – An elegant food hall and gourmet grocer, where you can stock up on fine Austrian wines, chocolates, and delicacies.
A 5-Day Winter Itinerary in Austria

Day 1: Vienna – Christmas Magic & Imperial Elegance

  • Check into Hotel Sacher Wien
  • Brunch at Café Central (because is it even Vienna without a coffeehouse breakfast?)
  • Shop at Lobmeyr & Augarten Porcelain
  • Afternoon at the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
  • Dinner at Steirereck

Day 2: Vienna – Shopping & Cozy Dining

  • Breakfast at Demel (because pastries.)
  • Visit Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
  • Lunch at Plachutta Wollzeile
  • Wine at a hidden Viennese wine tavern
  • Dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Day 3: Salzburg – A Storybook Christmas Scene

  • Train to Salzburg, check into Hotel Goldener Hirsch
  • Visit the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt
  • Explore the Old Town & stop for hot chocolate
  • Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Day 4: Alpine Luxury in Lech

  • Morning in Salzburg, then head to Lech
  • Check into Almhof Schneider
  • Apres-ski & afternoon by the fireplace
  • Dinner at Griggeler Stuba

Day 5: Last Cozy Moments

  • Brunch at the hotel
  • One last walk through the snowy village
  • Head back to Vienna for departure
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London is a city I’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, but one of my most cherished trips was spending Christmas here a couple of years ago with Triet and his parents. There’s something about London during the holidays—the twinkling lights down Bond Street, the perfectly wrapped parcels from Fortnum & Mason, the scent of mulled wine in the air—that makes it feel like stepping into a Dickens novel, only with better tailoring and excellent cocktails. Whether you're after classic British refinement or something a little more modern, here’s my take on the very best London has to offer.