As Winter approaches, the city of Vienna transforms into a magical wonderland filled with festive lights and decorations. One of the most cherished traditions in this enchanting capital are the Vienna Christmas markets, known locally as “Weihnachtsmärkte.” These markets bring families, friends, and visitors together to celebrate the spirit of the season in style.
We’ll take you on a journey to explore Vienna’s most popular Christmas markets, highlighting their unique offerings and fascinating histories. From the iconic Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt to the charming Spittelberg Market tucked away in the old streets, each market offers delightful treats and treasures for every taste. Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere that envelops this beautiful city during the holiday season.
Guide to the Top Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and its Christmas markets are among the best in Europe. In this section, we will introduce you to some of our favorite Vienna Christmas Markets, each offering a unique and festive atmosphere.
In this article, we have focused on the Viennese Christmas markets that we have personally visited. All these charming Christmas markets are free to enter.
Tip: We highly recommend buying a Vienna City Card, which can provide free public transportation and discounted admission fees to cultural attractions. Download their app and digital city guide, iVie before you go.
1. Christkindlmarkt
Also known as the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Christkindlmarkt is the oldest and most renowned Vienna Christmas market, held since 1294. This huge Vienna Christmas Market takes place in front of the stunning City Hall at Rathausplatz.
Christkindlmarkt captivates visitors with a wide variety of stalls and entertainment options. This market is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with numerous attractions designed specifically for children.
There’s a large ferris wheel, and an illuminated walking trail with numerous nativity scenes. We couldn’t resist the heart shaped mugs, which you can buy from a stall near the famous Heart Tree.
Visitors gather there to share their love and special moments. This unique display is another splendid aspect of the market, showcasing the true spirit of the season.
This huge Viennese Christmas Market is open from 10am-10pm daily. There are toilet facilities located within the market and underground on the Ringstrasse.
- Ice-skating: There’s a large ice-skating rink that offers fun for people of all ages.
- Heart Tree: The Herzerl tree is adorned with a whole host of illuminated red hearts.
- Children’s workshops: Kids can learn how to make Christmas decorations and sing advent carols in the children’s hut.
2. Maria Theresien Christmas Market
With a prime location on Maria-Theresien-Platz next to the Kunsthistorische Museum (Art Museum) and Naturhistorisches (Natural History Museum), this is another popular Viennese Christmas market.
The 19th century Maria-Theresa memorial statue is surrounded by elegantly decorated stalls selling festive ornaments and gifts.
- Local products: Sample a range of gourmet Austrian foods, such as Wiener schnitzel and apfelstrudel.
- The public conveniences are located fairly close to the Naturhistorisches – make sure to bring 0,50 euros to use them.
- The opening hours are 11am-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11am-9pm from Sunday to Thursday.
3. ART ADVENT Christmas Market
Another incredible market is the ART ADVENT, also known as Karlsplatz Christmas Market. It is set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the baroque-style St. Charles’ Church (Karlskirche).
This market specializes in unique, handmade products, making it the perfect place to find a special gift for friends and families. Enjoy the traditional wooden fairground rides, perfect for families and children.
There are public conveniences conveniently located in the market itself. This sustainable Christmas market is open from 12am-8pm daily.
- Artisanal products: Local artists and craftspeople showcase their work, available for purchase to give your Christmas presents a personal touch.
- Food and drink: Enjoy delicious local treats like Glühwein, a warm, spiced wine, and roasted chestnuts.
- Children’s activities: from writing workshops to candle making and story telling.
4. Belvedere Christmas Market
Situated in front of the magnificent Belvedere Palace, the Belvedere Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque locations to experience Vienna’s festive atmosphere. This market on Prinz Eugen-Straße is slightly smaller than some others, offering a more intimate and romantic setting.
Buy a traditional snow globe from one of the stands – they originated in Vienna! After browsing the stalls, head to Café Goldegg on Argentinierstraße. Opened in 1910, this traditional Viennese café is popular with locals. Try the wiener schnitzel or the beef goulash, both are delicious.
- Unique gifts: Explore the artisanal stalls for original and beautifully crafted gifts for your loved ones.
- Scenery: The stunning palace serves as a fantastic photo opportunity, creating lasting memories of your visit.
- Opening hours are from 11am-9pm Monday to Friday and 10am-9pm Saturday to Sunday.
5. Schonbrunn Palace
The backdrop to this beautiful Viennese Christmas market is Schonbrunn Palace. Although it takes around 30 minutes to get here from Vienna city centre, it is well worth it.
As you walk through Parade Court, you’ll come across a large Christmas tree and a handcrafted nativity scene with over 250 figurines. The tree is adorned with twinkling fairy lights and ornaments, creating an eye-catching, shimmering display.
Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market is open from 10am to 9pm daily until 4 January. There are toilets to the right of the gates as you enter, with a 0,50 euro charge.
- Festive decorations: Explore the artisanal stalls for original and beautifully crafted gifts for your loved ones. We picked up several papier-mâché tree ornaments here.
- Scenery: The stunning palace serves as a fantastic photo opportunity, creating lasting memories of your visit.
- The Court Carousel: set it in motion by pedalling!
6. Am Hof Advent Market
With a convenient location in the 1st District in the centre of Vienna, Am Hof is popular with locals at Christmastime. As such, it can get quite crowded at Am Hof market. We suggest going early – the market opens from 10am to 9pm from Friday to Sunday and runs until 23 December.
- Foodie focus: Enjoy a tipple at the Champagne Bar or a kartoffelpuffer (potato pancake) at one of the other stands.
- Cute souvenirs: This year, the ceramic mugs at Am Hof Advent Market are some of the coolest going!
- Around 75 stalls, some of which are miniature shops that you can go inside!
7. Old Viennese Christmas Market
Also known as Freyung or the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, this traditional Viennese market focuses on craft items and fine food. It’s located a few minutes walk from Am Hof Advent Market, so you can easily combine the two in one visit.
This picturesque market is also quite packed at certain times of the day, so go early if you want to browse with ease. The market is open from 10am to 9pm until 23 December. There are no public toilets at this market – head to the ones near Am Hof instead.
- Farmer’s market: a good variety of spice cakes, meats and cheeses.
- Historic surroundings: flanked by the 12th century Scottish Church (Schottenkirche).
- Nativity scene: 150 foot long mural painted on the back of the stalls.
8. Spittelberg Christmas Market
For a unique ambiance, head to the Spittelberg district in Vienna at Christmas. Here, the narrow cobbled streets are teeming with trendy shops and bars.
We highly recommend booking a table at TIAN Bistro for dinner. Located at Schrankgasse 4, Tian specializes in sustainable vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Their plant based cooking is the best we have ever had! Founders Christian Halper and Paul Ivić have created an incredible Sharing Chef’s Garden tasting menu using organic ingredients and rare vegetables. The philosophy is about using the whole vegetable, from root to leaf.
Enjoy a selection of natural wines chosen by André Drechsel and Nico Hammerl, awarded Sommelier Team of the Year 2023 by Gault& Millau. TIAN also have a Michelin starred vegetarian restaurant in the centre of Vienna – TIAN Wien at Himmelpfortgasse 23.
Spittelberg Christmas Market is open from 2pm to 9pm from Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 9.30pm on Fridays, 10am to 9.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 9pm on Sundays.
- Eco-friendly market: focusing on fair-trade, locally produced and organic items.
- Beautiful architecture: most of the buildings are in the Biedermeier style, dating from 1815 to 1848.
- Interesting souvenirs: LED wax lights, unique piggy banks, hand-knitted merino clothing.
Other Viennese Christmas Markets
There are several other Christmas markets in Vienna, which we either didn’t get time to visit on this occasion or visited briefly. These include:
- University Campus (Altes AKH) – hugely popular with locals, due to its focus on food and covered seating. This is a good place to go when it’s really cold! Open from 2 pm to 11 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 11 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to 8 pm on Sundays.
- Prater (Winter Market Riesenradplatz) – features live music, a ferris wheel and flying chair ride and is open from 12 noon to 10 pm on Fridays and 11 am to 10 pm from Saturday to Sunday.
- Advent Im Gartenpalais Liechtenstein – a smaller market in a picturesque setting, open from 4 to 9 pm on Fridays and from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Hirschstetten Advent Market – located in the beautiful Botanical Gardens in the 22nd District, and open from 10 am to 8 pm.
- Michaelerplatz (K.U.K. Weihnachtsmarkt) – a small market located on the edge of the Hofburg Palace, open from 10 am to 8 pm.
- Stephansplatz Christmas Market – next to St Stephen’s Cathedral, with around 40 stalls and open from 11am to 9pm.
- Advent Delights Market (Mahlerstrasse) – not taking place this year due to renovation work, but will reopen in 2024.
Vienna Festive Atmosphere and Decorations
When visiting the Vienna Christmas markets, you immediately notice the delightful festive atmosphere and stunning decorations. The markets are adorned with beautiful Christmas lights, illuminating the streets and adding a majestic glow to the city.
The festive atmosphere, exceptional decorations, and captivating displays set the Vienna Christmas markets apart, making them a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
One of the best places to see Christmas lights in Vienna is in the MuseumsQuartier. Spanning 90,000m2, this Viennese cultural hub is lit up beautifully for Winter im MQ. Head to Museumsplatz from 4-11pm on Fridays or 2-11pm from Saturday to Sunday to admire the illuminated building facades.
You can also book tickets to Austria’s largest garden of lights, Illumina. It takes place at Laxenburg Palace Park from 24 November 2023 to 11 February 2024. The park is around 35 minutes from central Vienna and those without a car can buy shuttle bus tickets.
Culinary Experiences at the Viennese Christmas Markets
When visiting the Vienna Christmas markets, you will be delighted by a wide variety of delicious food options. The market stalls are filled with traditional Austrian foods that are sure to entice your taste buds and provide a memorable culinary experience.
One of the popular snacks found at the market are potato spirals. These thinly sliced and seasoned potatoes are served on a stick, making for a tasty and convenient snack as we browse through the market. Additionally, you shouldn’t miss the chance to savor the sweet and aromatic gingerbread cookies. These traditional treats come in various shapes and sizes, often adorned with festive icing and decorations.
Of course, your exploration of the markets’ culinary delights would not be complete without sipping on some hot punch. This warm and fragrant beverage, typically made with spices and fruits, provides a comforting warmth and adds to the festive spirit. In addition to hot punch, many food stalls offer various types of mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep us cozy during our market visit.
Here are just a few of the many enticing food options you may encounter at the Vienna Christmas markets:
- Schnitzel: A classic Austrian dish consisting of breaded and fried meat, typically served with potato salad or french fries.
- Bratwurst and Sausages: Available in various flavors including cheese-filled and spicy varieties, these can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or in a hearty sandwich.
- Kaiserschmarrn: A sweet, shredded pancake-like dessert, served warm with powdered sugar and fruit compote.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped over boiled potatoes, accompanied by pickles and onions, offers a gooey and satisfying treat.
As you explore the many food stalls at the Vienna Christmas markets, you are sure to come across numerous other culinary surprises and temptations that will make your visit a truly unforgettable experience.
Activities and Entertainment
Live Music Experiences
During your visit to Vienna Christmas markets, one of the most captivating experiences was enjoying the live music. We were thrilled to attend a mesmerizing Christmas concert at the market, which truly put us in the holiday spirit. Throughout the season, many talented musicians and choirs perform at various venues within the markets, creating a festive atmosphere with their melodic tunes.
Outdoor Activities
At the Vienna Christmas markets, there are plenty of outdoor activities for all ages. For example, the Rathausplatz ice rink and curling in the MuseumsQuartier are not to be missed. There are many fun fairground rides at the Prater Christmas market.
Cultural Activities
During the Christmas season, Vienna’s historic sites and cultural venues provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying the holiday spirit. While exploring the city’s unique markets, don’t forget to immerse yourself in these remarkable landmarks and treasures.
We recommend visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) and the Museum of Natural History. These two premier museums, situated opposite each other at Maria-Theresien-Platz, are home to a vast collection of artworks, artifacts, and natural wonders.
Where to Stay in Vienna
No visit to Vienna would be complete without a stay at the historic Hotel Bristol, located at Kaerntner Ring 1. This world-class hotel, located directly opposite the Vienna State Opera, offers exclusive accommodations, blending the elegance of bygone years with state-of-the-art amenities.
The Hotel Bristol has many original Art Deco features, as well as an elegant Lounge and Bar, and has been going strong since 1892. Part of The Luxury Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, it’s a stone’s throw from here to the city centre.
We stayed in the Chinoiserie Opera Suite, which is extremely spacious and boasts fabulous views of the Opera House. There are two beautiful marble bathrooms and an oval salon decorated with precious antique chinoiserie. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the hotel, with omelettes and poached eggs cooked to order.
Travel and Transport Information
We flew to Vienna with Austrian Airlines, but there are many airlines flying into Vienna International Airport. We then took the CAT (City Airport Train) which takes just 16 minutes into Wien Mitte. The ticket price was included in our Vienna City Card.
As you explore Vienna’s Christmas markets, it’s essential to know how to navigate the city and get around efficiently. Luckily, Vienna’s public transport system is well-designed and easy to use, making it simple to visit many of the magical markets during your stay.
For most city center Christmas markets, a short walk is usually all it takes to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Vienna’s city center is pedestrian-friendly and perfect for a leisurely stroll with a warm beverage in hand.
The public transport system in Vienna consists of buses, trams, and metro (U-Bahn) lines, and it is an excellent option for reaching Christmas markets not located in the city center. Thanks to Vienna’s extensive transport network, you can easily access all markets, even those positioned on the outskirts of the city.
Here is a quick overview of the transport methods available:
- Metro (U-Bahn): The most convenient and fastest way to travel within the city. It operates from 5:00 am to 12:30 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. Tickets can be purchased at the station or on the Wiener Linien app.
- Trams: A reliable and comfortable way to travel around Vienna. With over 30 lines, trams can bring us close to numerous Christmas markets throughout the city. Trams typically run between 5:00 am and midnight, with some lines offering night service.
- Buses: Buses complement the tram and metro systems, connecting less central locations. Most buses run between 5:00 am and midnight, but there are also night buses available.
When using public transport, consider these ticket options:
- Single ticket: €2.40
- 24-hour ticket: €8.00
- 48-hour ticket: €14.10
- 72-hour ticket: €17.10
- Weekly pass: €17.10 (valid from Monday to the following Monday at 9:00 am)
In summary, navigating Vienna during the Christmas market season is a breeze, thanks to the city’s efficient public transport system and pedestrian-friendly city center. Remember to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful scenes Vienna has to offer during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts on the Vienna Christmas Markets
The Vienna Christmas markets transform the city into a Winter wonderland, complete with ice-skating rinks, snow-covered pathways, and warming treats to indulge in. With every step you take, the Christmas spirit comes alive and offers an unforgettable experience.
Overall, the range of activities and entertainment opportunities at the Vienna Christmas markets made our visit an unforgettable experience. By exploring these Vienna Christmas markets, you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere that makes the city even more magical during the holiday season.
Like this Vienna Christmas markets guide? Pin for later or share with friends.
Read Next: