Another month that feels like the child staring through the sweet shop window while December gets to buy all the nice things. Though November in Vienna brings its own pleasures. In particular, you can enjoy the Christmas flair without so many crowds.
- Book a classical concert experience* for November
- See also:
Activities for November 2026
Here are a few suggested activities and events specific to November, beyond the usual museums, concerts, tours, etc.
My quick tip
With the Christmas markets opening across the month, create your own seasonal Viennese evening experience.
First visit a market at dusk for hot punch and a local dish or snack.
Then take in one of the special concerts* put on for visitors in historical venues to give you a flavour of the light classical music made popular in Vienna. We enjoyed Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in the central Karlskirche church, for example.
Christmas markets and lights
(The Rathauspark one Christmas)
Yes, the Christmas season seems like it ought to begin in December. However, the celebrations start much earlier in Vienna.
On the positive side, this means November offers seasonal spirit with fewer crowds than you get later.
Those responsible tend to switch on Vienna’s Christmas lights sometime in the middle of the month (it was November 21st in 2025, and the giant tree on Rathausplatz square had already lit up a week earlier).
The city’s seasonal lights take a relatively upmarket approach, especially the white chandeliers in the very centre of town.
Anyway, LED joy is all well and good, but the real fun starts with the Christmas markets.
(The market at Belvedere)
The main markets always begin opening in November. Check that link for official start dates as they become available. In 2025, the first market opened on November 6th, with most following on November 14th, and the rest of the big ones opening a week later.
Those main markets continue through to at least December 23rd. The huge Christkindlmarkt, for example, typically opens until December 26th.
While the full advent atmosphere does indeed come in December, it’s not a bad idea to pop into a market before then.
The markets get much busier close to Christmas, so a November visit means you have more space to enjoy the baked, cooked and crafted delights (of which there are many).
Look out, also, for little bonus markets. For example:
- Palais Niederösterreich hosts the lovely So Schmeckt NÖ Adventmarkt, with food, drink, crafts and other items from the province of Lower Austria (2026 dates TBA)
- The Weihnachtsquartier exhibition and market brings together loads of independent designers, small producers, and other creatives (November 27th to 29th)
Exhibitions in November 2026
(The prestigious Albertina always has a major exhibition in November)
With all its museums, Vienna hosts numerous exhibitions at any one time. But, now and then, a couple stand out from the crowd. And those top exhibitions often appear later in the year.
My highlights
It’s still early for full schedules, so I’ll update this through the year. I already know of, for example:
- Picasso and Bacon come together for the big year-end exhibition at the Albertina, which also has a solo exhibition for Shara Hughes and showcases the women artists in its collection
- Two particular joys at Lower Belvedere: solo exhibitions for Erna Rosenstein and Erika Giovanna Klien
- Take a last look at the mastery of motion and illusion in the works of Victor Vasarely and Marc Adrian at the Albertina Modern (until November 8th), but enjoy the art of Franz West from November 6th and Australian art from November 24th
- Explore the art of Herbert Boeckl and Hans Josephsohn at the Leopold Museum, as well as photos from the 20s and 30s that promote a new objectivity
- We have the final days of the Eran Shakine art exhibition at the Jewish Museum (until November 8th), as well as a continuing look at the biographies of those condemned to a life of exile during the Nazi era
- Discover the cultural history of colour, as illustrated by several centuries of fashion at the Wien Museum. They also begin their biographical exhibition for artist Franz West (from November 6th)
- The Technisches Museum takes us through various issues concerning lifestyle and consumer choices in the context of resource use & sustainability
- The Neue Burg hosts an exhibition by the Kunsthistorisches Museum that tells a tale of murder, politics and intrigue in ancient times
Also check the listings page for more suggestions from these museums and others.
Bonuses
- Bonus 1: the 22nd edition of Vienna Art Week brings together numerous players in the art space for tours, talks and more (November 6th to 13th)
- Bonus 2: the Photo+Adventure fair and festival (November 14th and 15th) is big on travel photography, for example, which means lots of photo exhibitions from top photographers covering various locations and/or themes
- Bonus 3: the ROTLICHT festival (2026 dates TBA) celebrates analogue photography with exhibitions and an event programme
Watch the stars
(Just one entrance to the huge complex that hosts Comic Con; press photo © Reed Exhibitions / G. Szuklits)
November offers a big opportunity for those who favour scifi, fantasy, Japanese pop culture, comics and/or cosplay: Vienna Comic Con at the VIECON / Messe Wien complex remains my favourite event of the year (November 21st and 22nd).
The public panels with star guests are probably the highlight. Last year, for example, we had Elijah Wood as the headliner.
Other guests included Kevin McNally, Clive Standen, Craig Parker, Brian Krause, Ross Marquand, Jessica Szohr, Manu Bennett, Josh Herdman, Lucy Martin, and Peter Williams.
As well as film, book and TV stars, the event also features numerous professional artists, illustrators, screen voices, and cosplayers. And huge exhibitor, merchandise and art halls, a Star Wars parade, and heaps more.
See you there. I always attend both days.
…and watch more stars
Vienna’s most prestigious film festival also occupies a few days in November. The Viennale runs from October 22nd to November 3rd in 2026.
This international event has all the characteristics of a leading film festival: special guests, prizes, pre-release screenings, and more.
Pretty things
(The MAK, host of the Blickfang fair)
The Christmas markets include a great deal of unique craft items, and the theme of crafted joy continues at other events:
- The Art&Antique fair at the Hofburg palace (2026 dates TBA) brings together numerous Austrian and international art dealers and galleries. A chance to view (and acquire) everything from the latest contemporary designs to works from antiquity
- The “Presse”-SCHAU fair (2026 dates TBA) in the Marx Halle typically covers design and lifestyle themes including watches and jewelry, travel, mobility, crafts, and more
- The Kunst & Design Markt (2026 dates TBA) has a large selection of small-scale designers, artists and producers selling fashion, jewellery, furnishings, chocolate, and much more. Hosted at the Ottakringer Brewery
- The international Blickfang design fair (November 6th to 8th) displays the work of independent designers in various fields…from fashion to furniture. You can buy what you see and, most importantly, usually discuss the pieces with the designers themselves
- Cream Vienna promises a celebration of the good things in life: quality not quantity as a motto and featuring products, creative cuisine, and top wines (November 28th and 29th)
Music with a difference
(I watched and enjoyed Blackboxed Voices at a previous Wien Modern performance; press photo © Tobias Leibetseder)
Vienna is the home of classical music, with concerts everywhere. But among the pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and their ilk is a thriving modern and alternative scene.
- The Wien Modern festival (2026 dates TBA) highlights the work of contemporary composers and performers with some of the world’s top orchestras participating
- The KlezMORE festival (2026 dates TBA) celebrates this traditional form of Jewish music with performances, readings, films, and more
- Voice Mania (2026 dates TBA) brings A Capella singing from around the world to Vienna
Food & drink
(“Souvenirs” from my last trip to the Craft Bier Fest)
The Advent season also brings fine fare in liquid and solid form. On the fair & festival front, for example:
- The Vegan Planet fair rolls into Vienna (November 21st and 22nd)
- Beer lovers should find their way to the Super Bier Fest (possibly under a different name & 2026 dates TBA), when various breweries offer up their wares for the discerning consumer of the amber nectar
Seasonal tip(s)
Maroni?
(Roast chestnuts and more)
As the temperatures fall so the Maronistands rise up like mushrooms, peppering the city with their little huts and heated ovens.
This is your chance to travel back in time for some original fast food: Maroni (roasted chestnuts). And, I should add, various potato-based roasted snacks the medieval Europeans sadly missed out on.
Bon Appetit, as they don’t say in Vienna (try “Mahlzeit” or “Guten Appetit”).
A warm water dip?
(This way to the thermal spa)
Should the weather turn ugly, you might warm yourself in the welcoming embrace of warm water. Given the absence of a tropical coastline in Vienna, two strong options are:
- Schwerelos floating centre: let go of your stress by floating in a large salt water tub in the very middle of town
- Therme Wien: Vienna’s thermal spa complex, reachable on the U1 subway that leaves from the centre
Alternatively, simply drop into a coffee house. See you inside; I’ll have a slice of something unfeasibly unhealthy, please.