Help: If you had a choice between Berlin or Vienna for Christmas?

We were in Vienna last Christmas and it was fantastic. The city has many Christmas markets and plenty to do and see. You can always do a day trip to Salzburg as well very easily and cheaply on the new Westbahn train service.
Have to say, we have been to Vienna many times and have never run out of things to do and see there--truly it is a wonderful city!

As was said, Vienna is quite small but you can make the trip to Salzburg. Their Christmas market is much smaller than Berlin's. Berlin is spectacular with great markets (authentic) a carnival, concerts in churches, and tons of history. Do both!

I love both cities although have only ever been to the Christmas markets in Vienna, which are fabulous. We have never run out of things to do in Vienna but of course Berlin is bigger with more things to do and see. One thing to consider perhaps - you may be aware that the Christmas markets, at least in Vienna, finish either 23rd or 24th. Is it possible you could do both?

I would choose Vienna. It's prettier and more traditional. Berlin is a more modern city.

Thank you everyone for your posts! This is exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate all your responses and can make a more informed choice now. THANKS!!!

Berlin is more modern, but it has a stunning variety of Christmas markets. 50 in the city alone. We were there in late November 2011 for my birthday, and I was in love with the fact that all the markets were so different. Some were very traditional, others were cheesy. There were hipster party-kid markets selling absinethe gluhwein and Balkan Beats CDs and super classy stunningly beautiful markets with upscale shopping and food. That said, Vienna is a wonderful city. I've only been there in the summer, but I'd love to see what it's like around Christmas, I'm sure it's spectacular. But since both cities will give you plenty of the market experience, I'd go towards Berlin OR only stay in Vienna for half your time and spend the rest in Salzburg or Munich.

What about a few days in Vienna and a few in Salzburg? I was in Austria during xmas some yrs ago and it was beautiful! Vienna is an amazing city ANYTIME of year (!) and it was especially pretty in mid-late December (I arrived something like 12/15). The Chriskindlmarkt (sp!) beneath the Rathaus (parliament bldg) is very pretty, especially at night. Tons of stands selling gifts, food, crafts, rides and games for the little kids, etc. It was great fun. And Salzburg is VERY pretty at xmas, too. It's just 3 hrs by train from Vienna and gives a nice contrast to Vienna. The market there, too, is great fun (it snowed while we were there, which made it even more festive). And, as Munich and Salzburg are very close (around 1.5 hrs by train), you could possibly see the xmas markets there, too. Perhaps fly into Vienna and out of Munich?? Munich is another awesome city. I've been there in late Dec., too, and loved it. The market on the Marianplatz--great! I happen to love Berlin (although I was there in early Fall, not in Dec.) and it IS a fascinating and historic city with so much to see and do. But as others have pointed out in this string, it IS a very modern looking city (with good reason, most of what you are seeing IS brand new!). I just happen to think that Vienna's culture, old-world feel, atmosphere, architecture, etc. just lends itself to a winter/holiday trip. But, of course, you can't go wrong with either Vienna OR Berlin; 2 world-class cities you're family is sure to enjoy.