There are plenty of beautiful places to visit during the holiday season, but Vienna feels especially magical when experienced through music. For choirs, a trip to Vienna during Advent offers the chance to perform in spectacular historic venues, share music with local communities, and experience the city's famous Christmas traditions together.
And then there are the moments that aren't on the itinerary: walking through a Christmas market as snow begins to fall, warming up with a mug of Glühwein, or watching a group of young singers take in Vienna's holiday lights for the first time.
Take the Stage at Vienna City Hall
One of the highlights of Vienna Advent Sing is performing at Vienna City Hall, where choirs from around the world come together throughout the day.
Taking the stage in this magnificent venue is a special experience in itself. People come from across Vienna to hear the visiting choirs perform, creating an exciting atmosphere as singers share their music with an appreciative audience.
Experience Vienna in a Winter Wonderland
For groups traveling from warmer parts of the world, winter in Vienna can feel like stepping into a Christmas movie.
There's something unforgettable about bringing a group of high school students from California to Vienna and watching snow begin to fall as the city glows with Christmas lights. Bundle up and head to one of Vienna's many holiday markets, and suddenly the cold weather becomes part of the adventure.
There are more than 20 official Christmas markets in Vienna, spread throughout public squares, palace grounds, and neighborhoods. Each has its own atmosphere, making the markets an easy way to spend an afternoon or evening experiencing the city.
And for visiting choirs, there's an added opportunity: singing for fellow visitors at one of the larger markets. It's a chance to share music outside the concert hall and bring a little holiday cheer to people enjoying the season.
Warm Up With a Mug of Glühwein or Kinderpunsch
No visit to a Vienna Christmas market is complete without trying a warm holiday drink.
Glühwein—the famous mulled wine made with red wine, spices, citrus, and sweetener—is a holiday market staple. But school groups have another great option: Kinderpunsch, a non-alcoholic "children's punch" that's perfect for warming up after time outside.
The drink comes in a special market mug, which can make the experience even more fun for a group. Return the mug and receive a small deposit back, or keep it as a souvenir. Collecting mugs from different markets can even become a fun tradition throughout the trip.
Share Music With the Local Community
The most meaningful musical experiences aren't always the biggest performances.
In addition to festival concerts, Vienna Advent Sing gives groups opportunities to share their music with people in the local community. School groups can perform at a local school, while adult groups have the opportunity to give a goodwill concert at a local senior home.
These exchanges offer something different from performing on a formal concert stage. Singers have the opportunity to meet local people, share music, and experience a more personal connection with the community they're visiting.
It's a wonderful reminder that music can be a way to connect people across languages, ages, and cultures.
Make Vienna Part of the Music
A holiday choir tour to Vienna isn't just about attending a festival. It's about experiencing a city where music and tradition are part of everyday life.
Perform beneath the lights of Vienna City Hall. Sing for visitors at a Christmas market. Share music with local students or seniors. Watch snow fall over the holiday lights. Warm up with a mug of Kinderpunsch and take home the mug to remember it all.
Vienna Advent Sing brings these experiences together in one memorable holiday journey. MCI handles the logistics of the tour so group leaders can focus on what matters most: the music, the singers, and enjoying the experience together.