How far in advance to book hotels for Vienna/Salzburg for December

I would book as soon as you know your dates. That's a busy time of year. In my experience, hotel prices tend to go up, not down.

I just yesterday booked my hotel for Nov. in London.

Hi Sara, I booked hotels for those two cities last year in July when I suddenly found out my daughter could go with me to the Christmas Markets. I looked up options for the first week of December, and the inventory was definitely low for my criteria of having a hotel very close to the main city center. Especially for weekends, don’t delay. (I’ve already booked mine for the Christmas Markets for 2026.)

Its high season in both, and in both I suspect the well located moderately priced (under $250) will go fast.

I just checked a hotel i like in Salzburg and Booking.com said it was sold out 16 - 19 December. But the hotel website had rooms. For 220€ no cancelation, no breakfast, no smiles. So check with the hotels directly.

The last hotel I stayed at in Vienna, that i thought was okay, was sold out on the same dates.

NOW - for the best price and best location. We go to the Xmas Markets every other yr and we book at least a yr in advance. Vienna & Salzburg are VERY popular Xmas Market destinations - the best, most convenient hotels book fast.