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Bach's Christmas Oratorio by candlelight, gospel in the church around the corner or ringing in the new year with a great orchestra: between Advent and New Year, live music has its most beautiful season. Here are the highlights in Germany and Vienna – with ticket tips, hotels within walking distance and easy travel by train. One thing up front: the best dates sell out early, so now is the time to book.
Christmas Oratorio at St. Thomas Church, Leipzig
Bach was cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig – hearing his Christmas Oratorio where he worked is the highlight of Advent for many music lovers. In 2026 the St. Thomas Boys Choir (Thomanerchor) and the Gewandhaus Orchestra perform it on 11, 12 and 13 December at St. Thomas Church. Tickets: prices depend on seating category and ticket seller – check the current price directly with the seller. Getting there: about a 15-minute walk from Leipzig Hauptbahnhof through the old town. Where to stay: the centre around the market square – the Christmas market is right outside.
Advent in Dresden: Kreuzchor, Frauenkirche and Striezelmarkt
In December all of Dresden is a stage: the Dresden Kreuzchor sings at the Kreuzkirche during Advent, the Frauenkirche hosts Advent concerts, and outside awaits the Striezelmarkt, one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. Dates are published in the programmes of the Kreuzchor and the Frauenkirche – many concerts sell out weeks ahead. Getting there: Dresden Hauptbahnhof or Dresden-Neustadt, then tram to the old town. Where to stay: the old town around Neumarkt and the Frauenkirche.
Gospel and Christmas concerts near you
Not every Christmas concert needs a trip: gospel choirs, Christmas shows and carol concerts tour churches and halls all over Germany in December. Check your city's event calendar – there are often afternoon shows that work well for families with children.
Berliner Philharmoniker New Year's Eve Concert
To see out the year, the Berliner Philharmoniker and chief conductor Kirill Petrenko give their New Year's Eve concert at the Philharmonie Berlin – in 2026 on three evenings from 29 to 31 December, with pianist Alexander Malofeev as soloist. No ticket? According to cinema listings, the concert is also shown live in many cinemas. Getting there: S-Bahn/U-Bahn Potsdamer Platz, then a few minutes on foot. Where to stay: around Potsdamer Platz or Tiergarten – hotels fill up fast for New Year's Eve, so book early.
Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert
The world's most famous concert takes place on 1 January in the Golden Hall of the Wiener Musikverein. On 1 January 2027 the conductor is Tugan Sokhiev. The same programme is also performed as a preview on 30 December and as a New Year's Eve concert on 31 December. Tickets are allocated by lottery: you can only register in February on the Vienna Philharmonic's website – so for New Year 2026/27 the draw is already over. Our tip: register in February for 2027/28, and this winter choose one of the many New Year's Eve and New Year's concerts by other ensembles in Vienna, often with Strauss and waltz programmes. More about the city in our Vienna guide.
Getting tickets and hotels right
- Be early: Christmas and New Year's Eve concerts often sell out weeks ahead – buy only from official sellers.
- Book your hotel at the same time: prices rise fast around Christmas markets and New Year's Eve. Free-cancellation rates keep you flexible.
- Take the train: no icy roads, no parking, and early saver fares are cheap. Trains are busy between Christmas and New Year – reserve a seat.
- Give a concert: tickets for a concert in the new year make a gift that fits in no box.
Note: Dates, performers and prices are taken from event listings (as of October 2026) and may change. Please check the promoter's latest information before booking.
More English guides: The Concert Scout in English