Anyone who has strolled through the city center in recent days has surely already noticed the preparations for winter. The massive chandeliers on the Graben and the giant red balls on Rotenturmstraße are already suspended from their cables, waiting to be turned on. On Thursday, November 12, 2026, electricity will finally flow once again through the city’s approximately two million LEDs.
While many markets don’t open until a day later, the shopping streets take the lead in the festive celebrations. The official kickoff takes place right on time at 5:00 p.m. at the Neuer Markt, at the corner of Kärntner Straße. Here, the distinctive Sisi stars will also light up; their engraved patterns are illuminated from within and make for a wonderful winter photo opportunity.
Our route recommendation for your first holiday lights stroll
During our tour last year, we realized: It’s worth taking a short stroll through the First District right after the lights are turned on. That way, you can enjoy the lights before the real hustle and bustle of the Advent weekends in December begins. It’s best to start right at the Neuer Markt, where you can soak up your first wintery impressions.
From there, the route winds leisurely toward the Graben. The massive light chandeliers are a true Viennese classic and stretch like a luminous canopy over the promenade. When you then turn onto the Kohlmarkt, a completely different visual experience awaits you, because instead of classic shapes, a golden shower of lights seems to cascade down the building facades here.
Of Red Ornaments and Glowing Trees
If you’re looking for a warm mug of punch afterward, it’s best to stroll on over to Rotenturmstraße. There, huge red light balls hang, lending the alley a very warm atmosphere on the way to Schwedenplatz.
There’s plenty going on outside the Ringstrasse as well. Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere should check out Servitengasse in the 9th district. Here, nearly 10,000 small lights are wrapped around the tree trunks, creating a very dense blanket of light in the narrow streets.
By the way: If you want to stay up to date on exciting places, event discounts, and news in and around Vienna, feel free to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or our WhatsApp channel!
