Schönbrunn: Christmas Market, Palace Tour, & Concert

Experience the Magic of Vienna’s Christmas at Schönbrunn Palace

This tour offers a beautifully curated evening that combines the festive atmosphere of the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market with a special after-hours visit to the Imperial Palace. It concludes with a free-seating classical concert by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra, performing works by Mozart and Johann Strauss.

Starting at just a reasonable price, this one-day experience is perfect for those looking to enjoy a richly cultural and musical evening in Vienna. The tour is accessible, includes a culinary voucher, and offers the chance to explore the iconic Schönbrunn Palace grounds after hours. A key consideration is the significant walking involved, so comfort and stamina are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Includes Christmas Market visit, palace tour, and classical concert
• Culinary voucher can be redeemed at food stands at the market
• Concert features works by Mozart and Strauss, with free seating
• Palace visit after hours offers a unique glimpse into Vienna’s royal history
• Tour lasts one day and is suitable for all with wheelchair accessibility
• Pickup at the Schönbrunn Orangery from 10:00 AM, vouchers collected then

The Festive Spirit at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market radiates holiday cheer with its charming stalls, festive lights, and seasonal aromas. The market operates from November 8th to December 23rd, open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with shorter hours on Christmas Eve and through early January.

Visitors receive a culinary voucher upon booking, which can be redeemed at the food stands situated directly in front of the palace. This voucher includes one mug, a hot drink, and a dish, offering a tasty taste of local holiday treats. The market’s lively atmosphere makes it a vibrant setting for holiday shopping and culinary exploration.

Visiting Schönbrunn Palace After Hours

The highlight of this tour is the exclusive after-hours visit to the Imperial Palace. This offers a rare opportunity to explore the magnificent rooms and historic interiors outside of regular visiting hours. The tour provides insights into the palace’s history, making it a meaningful complement to the festive experience.

Given the size of the grounds and the number of visitors, a degree of walking is involved, which is important to keep in mind. The opportunity to experience the palace’s grandeur with fewer crowds enhances the visit, making it more personal and relaxed.

Enjoying the Schönbrunn Palace Concert

The evening concludes with a classical concert performed by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra. Attendees are seated on free seating, so arriving early can help secure a preferred spot. The concert features famous works by Mozart and Strauss, performed by talented musicians and opera singers.

The concert venue allows you to feel close to the performers, and the music provides a perfect festive and cultural ending to the evening. No cameras or flash photography are permitted, ensuring a respectful environment for the performance.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point for the tour is the reservation office of the Schönbrunn Orangery, where tickets and vouchers are collected from 10:00 AM. The exact coordinates are 48.184913635253906, 16.31675910949707.

The tour includes audio guides available in seven languages, including English, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Italian, making it accessible for international visitors. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, accommodating guests with different needs.

Pacing and Physical Considerations

While the tour offers a rich experience, some reviews highlight the significant amount of walking involved — from collecting tickets to moving around the market, palace, and concert venue. Proper footwear and a good level of fitness help maximize enjoyment. The timing is structured to allow ample exploration, but flexibility is limited, so participants should be prepared for a full and active day.

Why Choose This Tour for Your Vienna Visit

This experience stands out because of its combination of cultural, culinary, and musical elements within the iconic setting of Schönbrunn Palace. It offers an authentic holiday atmosphere, with the opportunity to see the palace after hours, and enjoy world-class classical music performed by the palace orchestra.

On top of that, the culinary voucher adds value by allowing guests to sample local Christmas market specialties. Its accessibility and flexible cancellation policy make it a dependable choice for those seeking a memorable winter evening in Vienna.

Limitations and Considerations

While the experience is highly praised, some reviews mention the acoustics of the concert hall, noting that seating in sections B or C may result in less optimal sound quality. Also, the large grounds and multiple stops mean that guests must be comfortable with walking and managing their schedule accordingly.

Cameras are prohibited during the concert, so the focus should be on enjoying the live performance. The shorter hours on December 24th and the early close date on January 6th** should be considered when planning the visit.

Final Thoughts on the Schönbrunn Christmas Market, Palace Tour, & Concert

This tour provides a well-rounded winter evening experience at one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks. The combination of festive markets, historical palace exploration, and classical music appeals to visitors seeking cultural depth and holiday cheer.

It is especially suited for those who appreciate music, history, and culinary delights, and are prepared for some walking. Its accessible and flexible booking options make it a convenient choice for a memorable holiday outing in Vienna.

If you want to enjoy Vienna’s holiday spirit in a setting filled with royal grandeur and musical tradition, this tour delivers an authentic and elegant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the culinary voucher?
The voucher can be redeemed at the food stands of the Christmas Market and includes one mug, one hot drink, and one dish.

When and where do I collect the voucher?
Vouchers are available from 10:00 AM at the reservation office of the Schönbrunn Orangery, located at the specified coordinates.

What are the opening hours of the Christmas Market?
From November 8th to December 23rd, the market runs from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. On December 24th, it operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and from December 25th to January 6th, it is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Can I take photos during the concert?
No, flash photography and cameras are not allowed during the concert to preserve the performance atmosphere.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the entire experience last?
The experience is scheduled for one day, with the concert and palace visit taking place in the evening.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Highlights include visiting the Christmas Market, enjoying the after-hours palace tour, and listening to famous works by Mozart and Strauss performed by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra.

What should I be prepared for?
Guests should be prepared for a significant amount of walking around the grounds and palace, and plan accordingly with comfortable footwear and sufficient time.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It suits those who value cultural and musical experiences, enjoy festive atmospheres, and want to explore Vienna’s iconic palace in a special holiday setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby