Christmas in the Air by Vienna's Stephansdom
luminous chandeliers near Stephansdom
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the cobblestone paths leading out from Stephansdom (Vienna's grandest cathedral) are filled with some of the city's most beautiful holiday decorations. A major highlight is the enormous chandeliers made of tiny lights on the broad stone path leading from Stephansdom to the Hofburg Palace. Stopping for a Gluhwein (hot spiced wine) at the Lions Club stand along the walkway in the evening provides a great opportunity to admire the lights from below.
Rotenturmstrasse
Another decorative construction of note is the large red spheres (also made of lights) lining the Rotenturmstrasse (between Stephansdom and Schwedenplatz). The spheres are also best viewed at night. Aside from the numerous decorative sights and the Gluhwein stand, there is also free entertainment in the form of street performers around Stephansplatz. Regular performers include holiday carolers, pianists, and human statues. To get to the Stephansdom area efficiently, take the U1 metro line to Stephansplatz.
