11 Best Vienna Christmas Markets

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Last updated: 6th December 2025

We both love a Christmas market, I mean who doesn’t love those cute wooden chalets and twinkling lights? To get in the festive mood we decided to visit Vienna’s world famous ‘Christkindlmarkts’ for a long weekend. It’s Austria’s romantic capital city and is simply gorgeous and glittery for Advent. Vienna’s prettiest squares and parks are transformed into fairytale festive wonderlands. We can tell you the markets are so dreamy, they have a wonderful festive atmosphere and lived up to our expectations. Join us in this guide we’ll share our 11 top picks of the best Vienna Christmas markets.

 

About Vienna’s Christmas Markets

Vienna is one of world’s culture rich capital cities, full of imperial splendour from the former Austro-Hungarian empire. Famous for palaces, baroque buildings, glamorous coffee houses and of course classical music. More composers have lived in Vienna than any other city in the world including Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss.

Christmas is a big deal in Austria, just like it is in Germany. Vienna’s sparkly and magical Christmas markets attract around 3.5 million people every year, most of those are domestic tourists. Vienna’s tradition of celebrating Christmas during the four weeks of Advent dates back to the middle ages, when in 1296 King Albrecht I opened the first official Christmas market.

Choosing from the 20+ official ‘Christkindlmarkts’ is the hardest part, we didn’t realise there would be so many and it meant we were ridiculously spoilt for choice. Oh and there’s also pop-up stalls seemingly around every corner, the whole of Vienna really joins in the celebrations.

We’ve been to quite a few European Christmas markets including Stockholm, Prague and Berlin but Vienna’s is on another level! Easily the best Christmas market we’ve ever visited. We spent 3 days Christmas market hopping, let us show you the top 11 Vienna Christmas markets.

 

 

11 Best Vienna Christmas Markets

1. Rathausplatz Market

Top of our list is Vienna’s most famous Christmas market – the iconic Rathausplatz Christmas Market in front of the city’s striking neo-Gothic City Hall (Rathaus). It’s also Vienna’s biggest and busiest festive market, with more than 150 wooden stalls, a huge ice-skating rink, and fabulous light installations. We felt instantly Christmassy here – Rathausplatz is 100% guaranteed to get you in the festive mood!

The centrepiece is the magnificent Christmas tree, dripping in hundreds of glittering lights. Even the surrounding trees sparkle, including the adorable Herzerlbaum – a giant maple tree decorated every year with around 200 glowing red hearts. It’s impossibly romantic and one of the most popular Instagram spots in Vienna during winter.

Families will love the traditional carousel, the mini amusement park and the cute reindeer train, while grown-ups can head inside the City Hall for gingerbread-making workshops, crafts and family-friendly activities.

Of course, we kicked things off with steaming mugs of Weihnachtspunsch, a spiced rum-based punch that’s Austria’s answer to glühwein – but stronger! Like all Vienna Christmas markets, you’ll pay a small deposit (Pfand) for the festive mug, which you can return later to get your money back. We chose to keep ours as a cheap and authentic souvenir because each market has its own design and they change every year. Rathausplatz often has a cute boot-shaped mug, perfect for collectors.

We loved simply wandering between the stalls, especially the ones piled high with Viennese sweet treats. We sampled Austrian classics like Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread biscuits) and warm apple strudel, which tasted even better in the chilly winter air. With more than 150 stalls, the choice can feel a little overwhelming – you’ll find everything from hand-painted glass baubles and snow globes to scented candles, carved wooden toys and heaps of festive trinkets.

It’s pure magic: the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread drifting through the air, while the sound of Christmas carols from live choirs and bands completes the atmosphere. Just be prepared for big crowds – its central location means it gets very busy, especially in the evenings. At times it can feel a bit like you’re being gently moved along on a festive conveyor belt!

We think Rathausplatz is easily the best market for atmosphere and lights, but if you want more unique or artisan gifts, you’ll shop better at smaller markets like Karlsplatz. We couldn’t resist picking up some gorgeous Christmas cards featuring snowy scenes of Rathausplatz to send home, plus a couple of gingerbread rolling pins as fun souvenirs.

Oh, and don’t miss the huge ice rink, one of Vienna’s biggest – it winds beautifully through the park and looks incredible lit up at night.

 

 

2. Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village

Just a short walk from Rathausplatz is another of Vienna’s big festive highlights – the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village. It sits beautifully between two of the city’s grandest museums, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, whose almost-identical facades face each other across the square. In the centre stands the impressive statue of Empress Maria Theresa, surrounded by cute wooden chalets set within formal imperial gardens. With this backdrop, it’s easily one of Vienna’s most picturesque Christmas markets. After Christmas Day, the market transforms into a lively New Year’s Village.

One of the nicest things here is the more relaxed atmosphere. It’s not as overwhelmingly busy as Rathausplatz, and its 70 stalls are spread out along the garden paths, making browsing much more enjoyable. You’ll find plenty of original gift ideas too – think leather-bound notebooks, handmade paper goods, beeswax candles, small oil paintings, and other traditional Austrian handicrafts.

Foodies are in luck as well. Maria-Theresien-Platz is known for its hearty sausages and comforting winter dishes. Garth was tempted by the soups served in bread bowls, but ultimately went for a classic sausage with sauerkraut. Expect queues at the food and punch stalls in the evenings, especially on weekends.

With twinkling lights, cosy wooden chalets, and festive brass-band tunes floating through the air, it’s everything you want from a Christmas market – plus another hot glühwein to warm your hands as you wander. We noticed that markets labelled ‘Christmas Village’ tend to have a similar look and feel; that’s because several of them are run by the same organiser.

When we visited in the evening it started to snow, which made the whole place feel properly magical. We picked up some delicious chilli, pesto and truffle cheeses to take home – the perfect edible souvenirs.

 

 

3. Wintergarten at MuseumsQuartier (MQ)

Just a short stroll from Maria-Theresien-Platz is Vienna’s most alternative Christmas experience — the Wintergarten at the MuseumsQuartier (MQ). This one is best visited after dark, when colourful light projections illuminate the courtyard’s modern museum buildings with bold graphics, patterns and animations. It’s instantly clear this is not your traditional Christmas market: no tinsel, no Santas – just creativity, design and seriously cool vibes.

The MQ crowd skews young, artsy and hip, and we loved it for exactly that reason. Think live DJs, chilled-out beats and a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere where people come to hang out as much as to shop or drink. It almost feels like a winter pop-up festival inside a cultural quarter.

Instead of mulled wine huts, you’ll find pop-up bars serving organic Christmas punch, festive cocktails and craft beer. Food options are limited – we only spotted a vegan kebab stall – but the drinks scene more than makes up for it. For gift shopping, there’s an open-air design market plus the excellent MQ Point shop, which is full of clever, creative and design-led items that museums always do so well.

To keep things cosy, there are large igloo-style tents where you can warm up and escape the cold. MQ also has fun extras you won’t see at other markets, like curling lanes and even remote-controlled car racing tracks – brilliantly quirky touches that add to its playful personality.

MuseumsQuartier is definitely Vienna’s coolest Christmas market — contemporary, cosy and full of energy, with a slight nightclub vibe thanks to the music and lighting. If you’re looking for something different from the traditional markets, this is the perfect contrast.

 

 

4. Spittelberg Christmas Market

The Spittelberg Christmas Market offers a completely different vibe from Vienna’s grand square markets. Tucked away in Neubau, an arty and historic neighbourhood close to the MuseumsQuartier, this market winds through three narrow, cobbled pedestrian streets – Schrankgasse, Spittelberggasse and Gutenberggasse. More than 100 independent stalls line these lanes, making it one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the city.

We loved how artisan and eclectic the stalls felt. You’ll find high-quality fashion, arts and crafts from around the world, not just Austria – everything from cosy Christmas jumpers to Scandinavian paper light shades and beautifully crafted woodwork pieces. It’s a brilliant place for unique gifts you won’t find in the more commercial markets.

Food is a big part of the Spittelberg experience too. There are loads of international street food options, plus plenty of organic and vegetarian choices. We were seriously tempted by the homemade gingerbread biscuits and pastries … but in the end, we went for apple strudel – well, when in Austria!

What makes Spittelberg stand out is its romantic, intimate feel. It’s off the typical tourist trail, and you can tell it’s a favourite with locals, especially in the evenings when people meet up after work for a drink and a wander. It does get busy at night, so mornings are the quietest time to explore. Be sure to wander all three streets – it’s easy to spend a few hours browsing, drinking punch and soaking up the cosy atmosphere.

And if the weather turns, you’re in luck: this neighbourhood is home to some of Vienna’s best restaurants, perfect for ducking inside when the rain starts.

 

 

5. Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Just outside Vienna’s city centre sits one of the most stunning and prestigious Christmas markets in the city – the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market at the Upper Belvedere. Set against the lavish Baroque façade of the palace, built in 1717 for Prince Eugene of Savoy, this market has an elegance and grandeur that feels straight out of a fairytale.

The beautifully decorated wooden stalls look especially charming against the palace’s ornate white and gold exterior. Everything here feels romantic, intimate and refined, making it a perfect choice if you want a less crowded, more magical Christmas market experience.

Belvedere is impressive at any time of day, but it’s extra special at twilight. As the sky darkens, the festive lights start to shimmer and the palace glows in warm golden tones. The reflections of the lights in the fountain pool in front of the palace create a picture-perfect scene – one of the most atmospheric and photogenic moments of any Vienna Christmas market.

A visit here feels calm and enchanting rather than hectic, and it’s ideal for slow strolling, soaking up the scenery and enjoying the elegance of Vienna’s imperial past.

With just 40 stalls, Belvedere is one of Vienna’s cosiest Christmas markets. The stalls have a boutique, curated feel, selling quality arts and crafts – from classic snow globes and woolly hats to handmade ceramics, jewellery and beautifully scented soaps. There are plenty of savoury snacks too; we both tried the delicious Käsekrainer hotdogs (the ones with melted cheese inside!). They’re really tasty … though admittedly a lot of bread!

We loved the Belvedere market precisely because it isn’t as crowded as the big city-centre markets. The atmosphere felt relaxed, romantic and full of charm. We also enjoyed listening to the oompah-style brass bands and choir performances that brought even more festive spirit to the palace courtyard.

Before visiting, give yourself time to wander through the palace’s landscaped gardens – it’s a lovely way to appreciate the full grandeur of the Belvedere complex, especially as the sun sets.

If you’ve got extra time, you can also combine your trip with a visit inside the Belvedere Palace Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, including his world-famous masterpiece ‘The Kiss’.

 

 

6. Stephansplatz Christmas Market

Right in the heart of Vienna’s city centre, at the base of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you’ll find the Stephansplatz Christmas Market. With around 40 wooden stalls, it’s one of the smaller festive markets in the city, but its location makes it one of the most iconic. Expect the usual Christmas favourites – glass ornaments, handmade decorations, chocolates, sweets and other classic knick-knacks. Food options are more limited than at the larger markets, but you’ll still find sausages and hearty soups served in bread bowls, perfect for warming up on cold evenings.

The giant Christmas tree beside the cathedral is a real showstopper, sparkling beautifully against the Gothic stonework. But be warned: because of its central location right next to Vienna’s main shopping streets, this modest market gets extremely busy, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

The surrounding streets, however, are worth the crowds. The pedestrian shopping avenues around Graben and Kohlmarkt have the most elegant Christmas lights in Vienna. Think huge outdoor chandeliers, cascading white-and-gold lights and classy, understated decorations – absolutely no tacky colours here!

We combined our visit with a trip up the cathedral for panoramic views of the city. You can either take the tiny lift to the North Tower, or tackle the 343 steps of the South Tower, which is a bit higher. The reward? Incredible views over Vienna and a close-up look at the cathedral’s 230,000 colourful glazed tiles arranged in a striking zig-zag mosaic pattern. You can even peer down onto the Christmas market below. Fun fact: St. Stephen’s is home to the second-largest church bell in Europe, the Pummerin.

Inside the cathedral during Advent, you can experience their Advent Concert Series, featuring Christmas carols and beautiful chamber music by composers like Mozart and Schubert — a magical way to escape the cold and soak up some culture.

After browsing the market, we walked from St. Stephen’s towards the State Opera House, passing under the breathtaking display of sparkling outdoor chandeliers – one of our favourite festive walks in Vienna.

 

 

7. Am Hof Advent Market

Close to the Stephansplatz Christmas Market market, you’ll find the smaller Am Hof Christmas market. Located on a really pretty square with some gorgeous Baroque buildings like the Kirche am Hof church. With around 70 stalls, this one of the smallest Viennese Christmas markets and good for a cozy, local atmosphere. The stall holders here sell top quality, delicate Austrian arts and crafts gifts including ceramics, jewellery and leather bags. The vendors even have to pass a selection process like they do at the Karlsplatz market. What’s nice about these stalls is that you can go inside the wooden cabins to browse unlike the other markets.

Am Hof is great for food and drink, there’s even a champagne and oyster stall here, plus its own Am Hof Christmas Bock beer for sale. Food treats include baked potatoes, sausages and waffles. We thought there appeared to be more tables to stand at to enjoy your food treats. Oh and apparently Am Hof market has the most quirky of all the glühwein & punch mugs, so we kept ours to take home. 

Split into 2 around the statue – one half is arts and crafts, the other is a food court complete with campagne bar … we thought this was the best market for food. 

 

 

8. Altwiener (Freyung) Christmas Market

Just a few steps from Am Hof you’ll find Vienna’s oldest continuously running Christmas market, dating back to 1772. The Altwiener Christmas Market on pretty Freyung Square is often described as the city’s most authentic festive market – and we completely agree. Set on a charming triangular cobbled square, it feels intimate and relaxed, with around 70 stalls you can browse without battling big crowds. It’s no surprise this is a favourite with locals.

The focus here is on traditional, handcrafted gifts. We spotted beautiful nativity sets, hand-carved wooden toys, blown-glass Christmas ornaments, artisan candles, and plenty of Viennese craft souvenirs – all perfect for meaningful presents that aren’t mass produced.

Freyung usually hosts an organic farmers’ market, and during Advent it runs alongside the Christmas stalls. So you can pick up smoked meats, local cheeses, and other gourmet treats along with festive favourites like hot apple wine (Apfelglühwein), punch, and rich hot chocolate.

Families will love the Punch and Judy puppet shows in the mornings and early afternoons, while adults can enjoy live music performances in the evenings. Don’t miss one of the market’s highlights – Austria’s longest nativity scene, a remarkable 46-metre-long painted tableau stretching across the back of a row of stalls.

And for photographers like Garth, Freyung might just be the most picturesque Christmas market in Vienna. With its elegant surrounding buildings and warm festive glow, it’s almost impossible to take a bad photo here.

 

 

9. Art Advent on Karlsplatz

If you’re looking for proper handmade Christmas gifts – the kind made by real artists rather than imported by the crate then Art Advent on Karlsplatz is your market. Like at Am Hof, there’s a strict selection process: only makers who design and create their own products get a stall, and every food vendor must be fully organic. Love that. It means the 70 or so stalls are packed with genuinely unique finds – hand-spun woolly hats, original art prints, ceramics, artisan soaps, and even locally produced honey. And because everything is organic, even the food feels like a Christmas treat you don’t have to feel too guilty about. Vegan options too

What really makes this market shine is its setting in front of Karlskirche, a stunning Baroque church that gives the whole square a magical, theatrical backdrop. Draped overhead are simple festoon lights, criss-crossing the square like a giant spider’s web — understated, but absolutely gorgeous. The big fountain is emptied for winter and filled with hay bales where kids can climb, tumble and pet the farm animals. For a moment we thought we were walking into a live nativity scene… turns out it’s just a festive petting zoo. Add storytelling sessions and crafty workshops, and you’ve got one of the most family-friendly markets in the city.

Visit at twilight or after dark for peak atmosphere. We arrived just as the sky turned inky blue and were greeted by the sound of a musician playing a portable organ — totally unexpected and completely charming. Even the Glühwein mugs here look chic: classy illustrated designs you’ll definitely want to keep (we did!).

We both agreed Art Advent on Karlsplatz is one of Vienna’s most beautiful Christmas markets. It’s all about simplicity, rustic charm and a cosy, creative vibe — plus the fact your euros support independent artists and organic producers. A refreshing, authentic alternative to the more traditional markets.

Phil was mesmerised by the quirky mechanical merry-go-round and the kids’ mini rollercoaster – very Glastonbury energy and totally brilliant.

 

 

10. Christmas Market on Michaelerplatz 

Right in the heart of the city, the Michaelerplatz Christmas Market might be small, but it’s undeniably one of Vienna’s most elegant. The stalls are all dressed in crisp white and gold, giving the whole place a classy, minimalist feel that fits perfectly with the grand imperial backdrop of The Hofburg. It’s the kind of market that makes you stop and go “wow” before you’ve even had your first sip of Glühwein.

We adored the picture-perfect scenes here – horse drawn carriages clip clopping past the palace, lanterns glowing softly, and that magical hush that makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into a Christmas movie set. And the red heart-shaped Glühwein mugs? Utterly adorable. Naturally, we kept them for our ever-growing collection of Christmas mugs. How could we not?

Michaelerplatz may be tiny, but it’s big on charm – a perfect quick stop for festive photos and a romantic drink under the lights.

 

 

11. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

Hop on the U-Bahn and in just 20 minutes you’ll arrive at one of Vienna’s most elegant festive sights – the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market. Set against the golden façade of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs and the largest palace in the city, this market oozes imperial glamour. The palace and its vast gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and fun fact: back in 1752, this very estate was home to the world’s first zoo.

With around 80 stalls, the market feels chic and upmarket, but still wonderfully warm and romantic. The huge Christmas tree in the centre of the courtyard is beautifully decorated and twinkles away as dusk falls. The air is filled with the comforting aromas of punch, toasted almonds, and freshly baked pretzels – exactly the kind of festive perfume that makes you want to stay for hours.

The gifts on offer lean towards handmade and locally produced treasures: wooden nativity sets, delicate glass ornaments, artisan candles, homemade jams, and other foodie treats great for souvenirs. The food here is top-notch too – we devoured a giant cheese-topped pretzel, and tried Bratkartoffeln (crispy rosemary potatoes with sour cream). We may also have walked around armed with a crisps on a stick because when in Vienna… why not?

One stall stood out instantly – the one selling cinnamon decorations. You can smell it from metres away, like someone bottled pure Christmas and released it into the air.

During our visit a live choir performed carols in the courtyard, filling the space with joyful echoes. Standing there with a warm mug of punch, listening to the harmonies bounce around the palace walls, really did feel like the most wonderful time of the year.

A practical note: Schönbrunn is extremely popular and attracts lots of tour groups arriving by coach (you’ll see them lined up near the station). Visit earlier or later in the day if you prefer a calmer atmosphere. We highly recommend adding Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market to your December itinerary – it’s magical, majestic and stays open into January for New Year celebrations.

 

 

Vienna Christmas Markets Practical Information & Useful Advice

Summary of the 11 Best Vienna Christmas Markets

• 1. Rathausplatz – Biggest and busiest market – great the buzzy atmosphere and gorgeous lights, but shop elsewhere for more unique gifts.
• 2. Maria-Theresien-Platz – Another big market between 2 museums. Less crowded than the main Rathausplatz Christmas market.
• 3. MuseumsQuartier – a contemporary and alternative Vienna Christmas market.
• 4. Spittelberg – Winding through 3 narrow streets. Best for adults and couples.
• 5. Belvedere Palace Christmas Market – 40 stalls – Best for a longer visit to wander around the grounds and gardens. Fab photo opportunities at dusk.
• 6. Stephansplatz Christmas Market – Perfect for a quick pit stop from shopping. Very small and a busy one.
• 7. Am Hof Advent Market – Great for food and unique gifts and art.
• 8. Altwiener (Freyung) Christmas Market – Oldest market, best for presents and less tourists. One of the most authentic markets.
• 9. Art Advent on Karlsplatz – Rustic and arty for the most unique handmade gifts and great for children and families.
• 10. Schönbrunn – Gorgeous market in front of the Imperial palace.
• 11. Michaelerplatz – Small and elegant market in front of the Hofburg Palace.

 

 

Vienna Christmas Market Food Guide

We totally pigged out on the Christmas street food, as there’s just so many treats to try, here are some of our favourites:

Savoury

• Maroni – Roasted chestnuts cooked over open fires. Naturally sweet, warming, and the perfect hand warmer on a cold Vienna night.
• Käsekrainer – A classic Austrian cheese-filled sausage – crisp on the outside, gooey cheese inside. Best with grated horseradish and mustard. A must-eat..
• Bratwurst – Traditional grilled sausage, usually served in a Semmel (bread roll) with ketchup, mustard or both (Käsekrainer’s plainer cousin).
• Bratkartoffeln – Pan-fried crispy potatoes – golden on the outside, soft inside. Often served with sour cream or garlic dip.
• Kartoffelpuffer – crispy potato pancakes (similar to hash browns or latkes). Usually served with garlic sauce or sometimes with applesauce on the sweet side.
• Potato Spirals – Freshly cut spiral potatoes deep-fried on a stick. Basically crisps but hot and salty.
• Gebrannte Mandeln – Sugar roasted almonds – crunchy, caramelised, and dangerously addictive..
• Suppen im brotteig – Soup served in a bread bowl. Popular flavours – goulash, pumpkin, vegetable cream soups.
• Schinkenfleckerl – A warm, comforting Austrian dish of pasta with diced ham, onions, and cream. You’ll often find it at winter food huts..
• Ofenkartoffeln – A big oven baked jacket potato served with fillings like sour cream, herbs, cheese or bacon.
• Langos – Hungarian deep fried flatbread. Savoury versions come with garlic, cheese or sour cream. Some stalls also sell deep fried hot dogs, which we loved!
• Raclette – Swiss melted cheese scraped onto bread or potatoes, with toppings like ham, pickles and onions. Rich, gooey and amazing.

Sweet

• Lebkuchen – German style gingerbread with honey, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Comes in all shapes and sizes – great souvenirs..
• Kaiserschmarrn – Fluffy shredded pancake pieces, dusted with powdered sugar. Traditionally served with plum compote, but at markets often given in takeaway bags.
• Heisse Bauernkrapfen – Large, fluffy fried doughnuts with a slightly crispy rim and soft centre. Sometimes served with jam or powdered sugar.
• Krapfen – Round doughnuts (Austrian Berliner-style) filled with apricot jam, chocolate or nougat.
• Schaumrollen – Crispy pastry horns filled with sweet meringue or whipped cream.
• Baumkuchen – A layered “tree cake” traditionally from Hungary/Transylvania. At markets it’s usually served sliced off rotating spits and coated in cinnamon sugar.
• Weihnachtskekse – Traditional Austrian Christmas biscuits, buttery and bite sized – often homemade recipes, sold in bags or tins.
• Strudel – Austrian layered pastry with a sweet filling – apple strudel (Apfelstrudel) is the classic, look out for Topfenstrudel (sweet curd cheese) too.
• Pretzel – Large bakery pretzels – sometimes sweet with apple, marzipan, walnut, or savoury with cheese or ham.
• Waffeln – Fresh waffles dusted with powdered sugar, Nutella, or fruit sauces.
• Nusstangerl – Nutty pastries coated in a sweet glaze, usually filled or topped with hazelnuts.

Drinks

• Weihnachtspunsch – Austrian Christmas punch – fruity and warming, with flavours like berry, orange, cherry, amaretto. Often spiked with rum or gin.
  Kinderpunsch is the alcohol free version.
• Glühwein – Traditional German mulled wine with spices – the essential Christmas market drink (plus the mug is always worth keeping!).
• Lumumba – Hot chocolate with a shot of rum, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Pure comfort.

 

Map of Christmas markets in Vienna

Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Vienna Christmas Market Tips

• Tip #1: Take cash, most stalls take cards, but some don’t.
• Tip #2: Dress up warm and in layers, it gets very cold in the evenings, pack your thermals too.
• Tip #3: Wear comfortable warm shoes or boots as you’ll be doing lots of walking.
• Tip #4: Skip breakfast and go to the markets on an empty stomach.
• Tip #5: Collect one mug from each Christmas market as the perfect souvenir to take home. 

 

Vienna Christmas Markets FAQ

• When do the Christmas markets start in Vienna? Most Vienna Christmas markets open from mid-November, with many running until 23–26 December. A handful of the big ones – like Schönbrunn and Rathausplatz — stay open into early January for New Year celebrations.
• Are the Vienna markets open on Christmas Day? Most markets close early on Christmas Eve, and very few are open on Christmas Day. If you’re in Vienna over Christmas, Schönbrunn is your best bet for festive strolls on the 24th or 25th.
• What are the opening times? Most markets open around 10am and close between 9–10pm, with some staying open a little later on weekends. Each market is slightly different, so it’s worth checking times before you go.
• Is it crowded at the Vienna Christmas Markets? Yes – Vienna’s markets get very busy, especially on weekends, evenings, and in the run-up to Christmas. For a calmer experience, go on weekday mornings or afternoons.
• What Christmas movies were filmed in Vienna? Hallmark fans will love ‘Christmas in Vienna’ (2020), filmed around the city’s prettiest festive spots including Rathausplatz.
• What’s a fun Christmas fact about Vienna? The snow globe was invented in Vienna in 1900 by Erwin Perzy. A happy accident that became a Christmas classic!
• Are the Vienna Christmas Markets suitable for children? Absolutely. Many markets have carousels, puppet shows, craft workshops and plenty of sweet treats. Schönbrunn and Karlsplatz are especially family friendly.
• What’s the best way to get around the Vienna Christmas Markets? Lots of markets are walkable in the city centre, which makes market-hopping easy. To reach the more spread-out ones — like Schönbrunn or Belvedere — use the excellent U-Bahn or trams. Fancy something festive? Take a Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) ride for the full fairy-tale experience.
• What’s the weather like at the Vienna Christmas Markets? Expect cold temperatures – usually around 0-5°C  so wrap up warm in layers, hats and gloves. Snow isn’t guaranteed but often makes an appearance, adding to the magical atmosphere.

 

How we did it

• We stayed for 3 nights at the Flemings Selection Hotel Wien-City it was the perfect location, easy to walk to all the markets.

 

Pin our Vienna Christmas Markets guide for reference

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