Christmas Trips · CONCERTS
The 15 best christmas & advent concerts you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Spend one hour with Classic Ensemble Vienna in St. Peter’s Church, a Baroque landmark in central Vienna. Hear Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik, selections from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and works by Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert. Arrive early for the best seat in your ticket section.
“A Lovely Evening In Vienna. Amazing Concert With Very Talented Quartet.”
Spend one hour with Krakow’s Royal Chamber Orchestra in the historic Dębinski tenement house at Sławkowska 14. Expect polished classical and Christmas music, a small glass of wine, and an intimate concert setting near the Old Town. The hall is reached by stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
“A very accomplished ensemble of musicians who demonstrated considerable skill in this short concert. Selection of music ranged from well-known classical music to familiar Christmas pieces. The arrangements were very good and of a high standard, played exceptionally well. The programme was somewhat dry and would have benefitted from some introduction and explanation as nobody spoke or introduced the musicians or the mysical items.”
Spend about an hour with Classic Ensemble Vienna in baroque St. Peter’s Church, hearing a string quartet perform Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Strauss, and other classical favorites. The concert is intimate and atmospheric, but traditional Christmas songs are not guaranteed, and church seating can be tight and cold.
“It was a good show, but I should have really done more research. I went in thinking it was a Christmas/New year concert and the majority of music played was strauss”
Ride the funicular to Salzburg’s 900-year-old Fortress Hohensalzburg, enjoy dinner at its panoramic restaurant, then hear Mozart, Bach, Haydn, and Vivaldi performed by the Salzburger Advent Ensemble. Choose classic or VIP dining, with vegetarian meals available on request.
“What a beautiful setting for a wonderful evening. From the view of castle at night, and the ride up the funicular, it was great. Dinner was very good. Excellent food and service. The view of the city from our table was nice. And the concert afterwards was so wonderful. Thanks for a great evening.”
Spend about an hour with a professional string quartet, soprano, and trumpet in Vienna’s intimate Capuchin Church near the State Opera. Expect festive carols, familiar classical music, warm woodwork, strong acoustics, and an optional combo visit to the Habsburg Imperial Crypt beneath the church.
“El ave María me impresionó mucho ,así como la cripta . Los músicos para mí poco entender lo hicieron genial”
Ride the funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg for a 90-minute Advent concert featuring Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and traditional Salzburg music. The 8 pm program includes the Salzburg Advent Ensemble, castle views, and festive decorations. On December 25 and January 1, concerts run at 5 pm and 8 pm.
“The venue itself was incredible, but the exceptional performance of these virtuosos was purely an exquisite experience. I wished they could have played a few more encores. Nobody wanted the concert to come to an end! It was the highlight of our time in Salzburg.”
Begin with dinner at Hohensalzburg Fortress’s Panorama Restaurant, reached by included funicular. Choose classic, VIP, or Golden VIP dining, then hear a Best of Mozart concert with traditional Salzburg Christmas carols in historic fortress rooms. Smart casual dress is suitable.
“Dinner is delicious and concert is great. Just a reminder that the ticket offer you to visit the castle which will be closed at 5pm. The restaurant opens at 5:30pm which end up half an hour waiting time.”
Spend two hours in Rome’s St. Paul’s Within the Walls with the Orchestra of I Virtuosi dell’Opera di Roma, soprano Ms. Testa, tenor Mr. Gentili, and baritone Mr. Utzeri. Choose a New Year’s Eve or January 1 concert featuring Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Rossini, and Strauss.
“It was a surreal experience to attend the concert on a new year’s eve in the church. Loved it”
Spend 65 minutes with soprano Libuse Moravcova Myratska, tenor Josef Moravec, violin, and organ in Prague’s St. Martin in the Wall Church. Hear Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Schubert, Massenet, Mascagni, and Czech and world Christmas carols in a historic, temperature-controlled setting.
“Un très agréable concert dans une église sobre à la température tempérée. De belles performances musicales. Je recommande.”
Spend 90 minutes with the Dresden Residenz Orchestra in the Zwinger’s Wallpavillon. Under Prof. Igor Malinovsky, the musicians perform festive classical works, waltzes, and operetta melodies linked to Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart. Seating is open choice, with a drinks bar on site.
Spend two hours with the Residence Soloists in Schleißheim Palace, 13 kilometers north of Munich. Hear familiar classical works in the Baroque Hall or palace arcades, with assigned seating and an intermission. Exchange your online ticket at the box office before the concert.
“Concert fabuleux. Quelques difficultés pour échanger les billets électroniques contre les tickets papier indispensables pour assister au concert (Personnel d'accueil et de contrôle ignorant la procédure !).”
Spend New Year's Eve in Dresden's Wallpavillon with the Dresden Residenz Orchestra and selected soloists. Expect 90 minutes of Johann Strauss and Franz Lehár waltzes, operetta favorites, and classical music in a Baroque hall, followed by easy access to Theaterplatz fireworks.
“Skøn nytårskoncert i de smukkeste omgivelse - alt fungerede fint, og information var oplevelsen var perfekt”
Ride Salzburg’s funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress for a 90-minute evening concert of Mozart, his contemporaries, and traditional Advent music. The December setting, city views, small concert hall, and included return ride make this a memorable night out, though seating comfort and sightlines can vary.
“The performance and the setting were wonderful. Unfortunately, they are the world’s most uncomfortable chairs which detracted from the experience. Also unclear what the “first class” ticket got us.”
Spend 90 minutes at Rome’s Capuchin Convent with a Christmas concert by the Schola Romana Ensemble, then visit the museum and crypt. Choose a self-guided audioguide in 13 languages or a VIP English tour for up to 10 people.
“The details don’t clearly include that there is a brief museum tour and crypt visit before the concert. The concert was lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The music is Christmas music sung during the baroque period, 15th century.”
Meet at Chopin Gallery on Sławkowska Street, then enter Dębiński House for a one-hour Christmas concert by Krakow musicians. You’ll hear seasonal music in a candlelit hall, enjoy wine or water, and admire an ornate 19th-century staircase. English and Polish are available.
“Miła, cudowna i przyjemna atmosfera, wspaniałe miejsce i niezapomniane świąteczne melodie. Wielkie brawa dla muzyków 🤗😍”
Pick a market, a lights run or a night in the snow.
