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ÖBB brings the Light of Peace to Vienna: A sign of hope!
On December 22nd, 2025, ÖBB will bring the Peace Light to Vienna. It will be distributed at selected train stations on Christmas Eve.
ÖBB brings the Light of Peace to Vienna: A sign of hope!
On December 22nd, 2025 it's that time again: The Light of Peace reaches Vienna! For the 39th time, ÖBB is bringing the light, which is traditionally lit in the Church of Jesus' Nativity in Bethlehem, to the Austrian capital. This year a child from Bethlehem took on the honorable task of lighting it. This valuable tradition can be traced back to 1986, when the campaign was launched in the ORF regional studio in Upper Austria. The good news of Christmas peace is announced every year.
Florian Mitter from Vorderweißenbach, this year's Peace Light Child, is responsible for transporting the Peace Light to Austria. After the light has been lit, it is taken from Linz to Vienna by the ÖBB Railjet. The arrival at Vienna Central Station is imminent and will be ceremoniously accompanied by Sabine Stock (ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG), Michaela Huber (ÖBB-Operative Services), Claudia Brey and Erich Pirkl (ÖBB-Immobilienmanagement). Delegations from the Red Cross and the Vienna Fire Brigade also take part in this festive event, which gives the event a special touch.
The spread of the light of peace
The ORF Peace Light has already begun its journey around the world. It illuminates not only Austria, but also numerous countries, including Ukraine, Spain, Scandinavia and even the United States. On Christmas Eve the lights will shine in many households across Austria. What is particularly noteworthy is that ÖBB has acted as a reliable partner since the peace light campaign began in 1986. They transport the light from Linz to all parts of the country. New this year is the use of the Koralm Tunnel for transport.
In Upper Austria, the Peace Light is distributed not only to the cities, but also to Hallstatt and Aigen-Schlägl. There it is even handed over to the shipping captain! For many ÖBB employees, distributing the Peace Light is not only a tradition, but also a matter of the heart that keeps the spirit of Christmas alive.
Pick-up times in Vienna
If you are unable to attend the ceremonial handover at the main train station, you can pick up the peace light on Christmas Eve at the following ÖBB train stations:
- Wien Floridsdorf: 08:00 – 12:00 und 12:30 – 15:00 Uhr
- Wien Hauptbahnhof: 06:45 – 22:30 Uhr
- Wien Heiligenstadt: 07:45 – 12:00 und 12:45 – 15:15 Uhr
- Wien Meidling: 06:45 – 22:25 Uhr
- Wien Mitte: 08:30 – 13:00 und 13:30 – 15:30 Uhr
- Wien Praterstern: 08:30 – 12:30 und 13:00 – 15:00 Uhr
- Wien Westbahnhof: 08:00 – 17:00 Uhr
With the peace light in hand, the Viennese can enjoy the contemplative time with their families and carry on the idea of peace and hope. The peace light not only shines on Christmas Eve, but also unfolds its warmth and message all year round.
The Peace Light, which is now passed on to over 30 European countries, has also found a permanent place in Vienna and not only inspires the little ones. Press ÖBB reports on the emotional surrender and the meaning of this custom. Also Peace Light ORF highlights the international dimensions, while Wikipedia traces the long history of the peace light campaign.