Family activities in/around Vienna during the upcoming Christmas / New Year Season 2006??

We will be hosting some friends (family with two youngish boys) and would like to plan about 7 days worth of activities. As we are new to Vienna ourselves, we would appreciate some suggestions. We are also a family with two young boys (all kids range from 6 to 12 years old). All speak English as our mother tongue (our family is struggling to learn, but let’s assume we don't get too far by then).

Thanks for the help.

Answers:
vienna in general is the most boring place for kids - i suggest you take them ice-skating, movies or museums. if they are to have fun, you should consider getting to a ski resort.

but the BEST thing would be to stay at a farmhouse-turned-guesthouse in the outskirts of vienna for the full time, the kids and you will have the times of your life. there's so much liveliness, friendliness (and yes, german doesn't quite remain a barrier outside wien) and enough activities to keep you occupied. you'll get everything from natural beauty to christmas culture to sports & adventure, all in one low-cost package.

Other answers:
Vienna has great Christmas markets before Christmas.
I was in Vienna last new years and in one shopping mall there was a huge lego christmas tree which my little brother (6 years old) liked looking at but thats not really an activity.
There are some good museums in Vienna.

Vienna has great Christmas markets before Christmas.
I was in Vienna last new years and in one shopping mall there was a huge lego christmas tree which my little brother (6 years old) liked looking at but thats not really an activity.
There are some good museums in Vienna.

More Questions & Answers...