Vienna lights up 30 shopping districts for Christmas

Christmas lights are shining again across 30 shopping streets and districts in Vienna, with new installations at the Neuer Markt square, Hietzinger Altgasse street and Yppenplatz square, ORF reported.

Mayor Michael Ludwig and Vienna Chamber of Commerce President Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits switched on the lights at Neuer Markt on November 12. Installation work began in mid-October.

Thirteen areas in Vienna’s first district are illuminated. At Neuer Markt, lit trees and Sisi stars, inspired by Empress Elisabeth’s star jewellery, have featured since 2023. This year, floral-design reindeer have been added, using about 10,000 extra lights.

At Hietzinger Altgasse, 32 trees have been decorated with energy-efficient LED strings at the initiative of local businesses. The street reopened in March 2025 after a redesign as the district’s first shared-space zone.

The new “Lichterzauber im Grätzl” project has brought Christmas lights to Yppenplatz, following a request from local businesses for more light and a more welcoming evening atmosphere. Twelve trees in front of businesses are lit. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce says the lighting is intended to improve both the sense of security and the quality of time spent in the square. If the project proves successful, it could move to another Vienna neighbourhood next year.

The lights across Vienna cost about 900,000 euros, including installation, removal, storage and electricity. Local businesses cover a substantial share, while the city and the Vienna Chamber of Commerce are subsidising 50 percent of the costs this year. The chamber says the lighting is intended to encourage Christmas shopping and support local businesses.