visit vienna christmas markets

Vienna Christmas Markets 2024 | Dates, Locations & Must-Knows!

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Vienna’s Christmas Market scene is a tough one to beat.

With over a dozen stunning markets ranging from cute and cozy to grand and elegant, the magical city that is Vienna becomes even more impressive in the festive season, with market stalls popping up all over in the city’s squares and courtyards.

Little wonder why it’s one of the most popular Christmas market destinations in Austria!

Looking to learn more about Vienna’s Christmas markets, or perhaps need some guidance on planning your own trip there?

In this post, we’ll be covering…

Practical Info for Vienna Christmas Market

Why Visit Vienna for Christmas Markets?

Christmas markets in vienna to visit.

We hope you find it helpful and interesting!

NOTE: This is a Christmas market we haven’t personally visited yet, so all the information below is taken from official sources for your reference! If you have any personal tips from first-hand experience to add, let us know in the comments so we can improve this guide!

Practical Info for Vienna’s Christmas Markets 2024

Here are some quick must-knows for Vienna’s Christmas Market scene this year …

Dates: Exact dates depend on the market, but there are markets scheduled from Nov 8, 2024, to Jan 6, 2025. See our list of Austrian Christmas Market Opening Dates for each market’s exact opening dates.
Official website: Find more info here

In need of a place to stay? Here are some quick hotel recommendations:

Budget: Check prices and availability
Mid-Range: Check prices and availability
Luxury: Check prices and availability

Wondering if Vienna’s Christmas markets are worth visiting? Here are some reasons to add it to your list!

Unlike smaller towns which only have one main Christmas market, Vienna has over a dozen Christmas markets scattered around the city for you to visit, meaning it’s pretty impossible to get bored.

Stunning locations

Besides offering a wide variety of markets, Vienna also happens to host them in some of the most grandiose venues on the continent, from royal palace courtyards to sprawling, world-famous squares.

It’s Vienna

Vienna is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world (which we can definitely confirm after several visits).

And while we still haven’t seen the magic of Vienna at Christmas time for ourselves, we can only imagine how wonderful the entire city would look illuminated in lights!

There’s really no bad time to visit Vienna, so a Christmas trip here would definitely be a great choice.

Vienna has several Christmas markets for visitors to see during the festive season. Here are some highlights:

Viennese Dream Christmas Market

Official Website

With Vienna’s neo-gothic City Hall as its backdrop, it’s little wonder why the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in Rathausplatz is one of the city’s most famous Christmas markets.

With 150 stalls plus festive decorations scattered around the surrounding park, this is also Vienna’s largest Christmas market.

While a visit here involves dodging some serious crowds in peak season, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of tasty food stalls, and chalets selling all kinds of wonderful gifts.

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

For another Christmas market in Vienna with an elegant and gorgeous backdrop, be sure to visit the glittering Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace.

This beautiful Baroque palace is home to over 40 festive stalls throughout the Christmas market season, with plenty of handcrafted gifts, decorations, and (naturally) delicious foods to stock up on.

Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square

Sandwiched between Vienna’s Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, the picture-perfect Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square is another Vienna Christmas market highlight.

Besides its breathtaking atmosphere (made all the more magical through light projections on the square’s facades), you’ll find the usual Christmas market classics here like gifts and culinary crowdpleasers.

k.u.k. Weihnachtsmarkt am Michaelerplatz

This small Christmas market can be found in the shadow of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, with a cozy cluster of white stalls selling decorations, toys, gifts, and most importantly, Christmas market treats!

Christmas Village Former General Hospital

For a cozier Christmas market in Vienna, the Christmas Village Altes AKH is a great option, with richly decorated stalls arranged along narrow walkways selling glühwein and gifts.

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

This Vienna Christmas Market takes place in front of one of the city’s top attractions: the glorious Schönbrunn Palace, which is decorated at Christmas time with a towering tree and over 60 stalls selling handicrafts and tasty festive treats.

Christmas Market at Spittelberg

For a less touristy alternative to Vienna’s main Christmas markets, the Christmas Market at Spittelberg offers up a wide assortment of handmade gifts in a beautiful setting – a historic heritage district filled with narrow streets and fairytale architecture.

Art Advent at Karlsplatz is one of Vienna’s most special markets, not just because of its glorious location in the shadow of Vienna’s Karlskirche, but also because of its unique focus on arts and crafts.

Here, you’ll find handcrafted products/art that you won’t find elsewhere in the city, all in one seriously magical location.

Wintermarkt Riesenradplatz

Located in Vienna’s famous Prater Gardens, this “Winter Market” is one of the top Christmas destinations in the city, with plenty of live performances and a program full of entertainment for guests of all ages.

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt

Another key player in Vienna’s Christmas market scene is the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, which has been taking place for over thirty years in various locations across the city.

This traditional Christmas market can be found in the Freyung, surrounded by tall historical buildings that are guaranteed to transport you to another world.

One highlight to look out for? A lengthy nativity scene that is said to be the longest in the entire country!

Am Hof Advent Market

This lovely Vienna Christmas Market is known for its cozy ambiance, delightful selection of food and drink, as well as its wide variety of stalls selling handicrafts and gifts.

You’ll even find a special Kunsthandwerkmarkt here, where there are stalls selling truly unique handmade goods (in contrast to the mass-produced products you might find in some of the more popular Christmas markets in the city).

Christmas Market on Stephansplatz

This mega-central Vienna Christmas Market can be found in one of the busiest tourist areas of the city: Stephansplatz, just outside of the towering Stephansdom, one of the key highlights of Vienna’s skyline.

At this market, you’ll find dozens of stalls selling the typical Christmas market classics, from decorations and food products to plenty of to-go culinary offerings.

Advent Genussmarkt

Foodies, rejoice! There’s a special Vienna Christmas market just for you – the Genussmarkt near Vienna’s State Opera, which focuses on regional delicacies from local producers, ranging from cheese and sausage to ready-to-consume options like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

PS: As a bonus, this Vienna Christmas Market is covered, making it an excellent rainy day option.

We hope you enjoyed this Vienna Christmas Market Guide!

Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions about your trip – we’re always happy to help.

A Detailed Guide to the 10 Best Vienna Christmas Markets

Heading to Austria in December? Read on for my guide to the best Vienna Christmas markets!

Vienna is an incredibly beautiful city any time of year – the palaces, operas, and beautiful architecture left over from its imperial past leaving a lasting mark on the city.

However, Vienna transforms into magical winter wonderland as the holiday season approaches. Imagine walking through streets lined with Baroque architecture, each building telling its own centuries-old story, now illuminated by the gentle glow of Christmas lights.

I’ve visited well over 15 Christmas markets in 10 countries now, and Vienna is seriously in my top 4 favorite Christmas markets I have ever visited. The city goes all out at Christmastime, putting on over 20 different markets in the city center and outlying suburbs.

These markets are full of lights, decorations, charming stalls, holiday music playing overhead, fun activities, and delicious food and drink to enjoy, set in gorgeous squares, palace courtyards, or near soaring churches.

It’s easy to lose track of time, immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of a Viennese Christmas, where history and holiday cheer intertwine seamlessly.

Of course, 20 Christmas markets is a lot, and frankly, some of them are must-visits and others you can skip. So, in this guide, I’m sharing what it’s like to visit the Vienna Christmas Markets, which 10 markets are must-visits, plus what to eat, buy, see, and do at the different Christmas markets in this gorgeous Austrian capital.

2024 Dates for the Vienna Christmas Market

Dates for the 2024 Christmas market season in Vienna haven’t been announced yet, but they are likely to be very similar to the dates for 2023. Each market in Vienna has slightly different opening dates and hours, with a few markets opening on November 10, while others not opening until Nov 17 or 18 (and one – the ArtAdvent – not opening until Nov 24).

Most markets close on December 26, though a few close on December 23. And while some of the Christmas markets officially end on December 26, the New Year’s Market at the same spot is open from Dec 27-Jan 4.

Opening hours for the markets also vary by location, but generally markets open between 10am-12pm, and close between 9pm-11pm.

I’ll keep this post updated as soon as dates for 2024 have been announced (which is usually in early fall).

An Overview of All the Markets in Vienna

There are 8 main markets in the city center, plus another 10+ located outside farther outside the center of Vienna.

To be honest, most of the markets outside of the city center are not worth visiting. Many of them are pretty small and basic, are more designed for locals to go enjoy some drinks together, and actually take a decent bit of time and effort to get to. However, there were two markets that I thought were fantastic and worth visiting, which will be included on this list.

I’m usually an “I want to see and do everything!” type of person, especially with the Christmas markets, but for Vienna, I’d really just focus on the 10 markets on this list!

Drinks at the Vienna Christmas Market

Hot drinks are an integral part of any European Christmas market, and Vienna is no exception.

All over the city, you can find drink stands where you can buy gluhwein (hot, mulled wine), other alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic hot cider, or hot chocolate. When you buy your drink, you also pay a small deposit for the mug it is served in. In Vienna, the deposit was usually 4-5 euro.

Each Christmas market in Vienna has its own unique mug, and let me tell you, it is extremely festive strolling around the market as you sip a hot drink from an adorable boot-shaped mug.

When you’re done with your drink, you can return the mug and get your deposit back, or you can keep the mug as a souvenir. We collected mugs from Christmas markets all over Europe, and it’s seriously the funniest souvenir and one of my favorite aspects of the markets.

Pro Tip: If you are going to keep your mug, you can still go up and exchange your dirty one for a clean one – this is very common.

Stephensplatz and Belvedere Palace were the main Christmas markets where you could get these cute boot mugs, but I also saw some at Maria-Theresien-Platz as well.

A Breakdown of the 10 Top Vienna Christkindlmarkts

1. rathausplatz.

No post about Vienna’s Christmas festivities can start without discussing the biggest market in the city, found at Rathausplatz, aka City Hall Square.

A large lit archway welcomes you to the incredible Christmas festivities going on at the square, where, in addition to dozens of booths selling gifts, food, and drink, you can participate in many Christmas activities and admire the huge variety of decorations. Trees all around the square are heavily strung with lights, and the whole square just glows.

For example, there is an ornate and beautiful carousel and Ferris wheel here, which are popular for rides for children and adults. Many other markets have kiddie-sized rides; Rathausplatz is the only one in Vienna with “full-sized” rides.

Another extremely popular activity here is the ice skating rink, one of the funnest rinks I think I’ve ever seen. Instead of just a big circle rink to skate on, Rathausplatz’s rink is many interconnecting passageways that you can “explore” as you skate through. The ice paths merge and intersect, so you can do a lot of different paths as you skate around.

Tickets are €10 for adults (less for seniors and children), and €9 for ice skate rentals. It’s highly recommended to buy your entrance tickets online (as time slots do sell out)

On the far side of the square is a walkway lined with lighted trees, archways, and decorations, such as a lit reindeer and an advent wreath. In the far corner, you’ll find a series of small nativities from around the world displayed.

And of course, you can’t help but spend a few minutes admiring the incredible Town Hall and massive Christmas tree that create the most beautiful backdrop for the market. Don’t miss the little nativity right underneath the tree!

Plan for a couple of hours to enjoy the Christmas markets at Rathausplatz – you’ll definitely need it! I’d also recommend coming here at nighttime, as the light displays are fantastic.

The Am Hof Christmas market is a delightful market on a little square in the heart of Vienna. This market specializes in handicrafts, with stalls full of unique, handmade gifts, decor, art, and useful products for your home. It was fascinating strolling around the market and admiring people’s creativity and ingenuity.

I stopped by this market twice – once during the day and once at night. Daytime was much quieter and it was easier to peruse the stalls and admire the different things for sale. But I also loved stopping by at night, when a canopy of lights was visible above overhead.

3. ArtAdvent at Karlsplatz

The ArtAdvent Christmas Market on Karlsplatz was a delightful surprise. First off, the Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) which is adjacent to the square is incredible, with its stately pillars and dome! This architecturally remarkable church is a definite highlight of the market.

Besides the church backdrop, the ArtAdvent market is a cross between artisanal displays and organic food offerings, and fun children’s areas. There are multiple kid’s rides, and the fountain in the square is dried up and filled with hay for kids to play in during the holidays, with a small farm area with sheep and goats to watch.

This was another market that really shone in the unique and handmade goods for sale. A lot of cute or pretty things caught my eye, like handmade and hand-painted ceramics tableware, pitchers, and serving ware, these cute skinny candles all twisted up in a little package, or these hand-carved and hand-painted wooden animals.

4. Stephansplatz

Besides the Rathausplatz Market, the Stephansplatz Christmas Market felt like the most “traditional” and central Christmas Market in Vienna. Why? Well, it’s in a very central area of Vienna and surrounds perhaps the most prominent cathedral in the city.

And the St. Stephan’s Cathedral is truly stunning; it’s a gorgeous, tall cathedral with a colorful tiled roof. Forty market stalls surround the perimeter of the cathedral, and all the stands have a cute lit flower decoration on the top. At nighttime, the cathedral shines with a purple glow!

This is one of the markets in Vienna that serves drinks in adorable red boot mugs. You can buy many of the traditional Christmas goods here, but what really stood out were these intricate shapes made out of chocolate, and these colorful and intricate metal ornaments:

5. Maria-Theresien-Platz

Maria-Theresien-Platz is an incredibly grand square surrounded by the gorgeous buildings that hold the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum of Vienna. In the middle of the square is a massive statue honoring Archduchess Maria Theresa, a powerful ruler during the Habsburg Empire.

Over 70 stalls surround and radiate out from the square, filled with a fun variety of treats, toys and stuffed animals, ornaments, and winter gear.

6. Spittelberg

The Spittleberg market is very unique in that it is set up along narrow streets and alleyways of a small neighborhood in Vienna (the Spittelberg neighborhood), giving it a very homey and cozy feel.

Spittelberg actually goes up and down several streets, with paper stars being a prominent decoration. A few unique products for sale here included a knife display, a stall selling candles made by dipping hot wax in water, and a maplewood nativity display with a vast array of pieces to create a whole nativity village scene – a popular tradition in Europe.

The market goes up and down at least 4 parallel streets in the neighborhood, including Stiffgasse, Schrankgasse, Spittelberggasse, and Gutenbergasse. I’ve pinned the location of the market on the Market Map towards the bottom of this post, and it’ll be clear all the streets that the market is on once you get to the general area.

7. Altweiner Market

The Altwiener Market is the oldest Christmas market in Vienna, having originated as early as 1772! This market is held on Freyungplatz, in the shadow of the Schottenkirche church, and is the smallest market in central Vienna.

This market does have a large Christmas tree at the far end, and a stage with a set program. Most nights in December and half the nights in November have live music, so it’d be a really fun spot to come when there are performances.

I had a really lovely interaction with a lady selling paper stars in this market. I love these beautiful, colorful paper stars common in European Christmas markets, and there weren’t a lot of people at her stand for a few minutes, so she unfolded a bunch of stars to show me and we talked about how pretty they all were.

Despite this fun moment, the Altwiener was probably my least favorite market – if you are running out of time, this would be first one I’d skip.

8. University Campus Altes-AKH Market

The AKH Market was so happy, quirky, and delightful. Located in the courtyard of an old hospital, the market entrance greets you with a funky, modern-art-esque Christmas tree (that you could actually go inside and sit on benches in the middle!)

There were a lot of big gathering areas with tables for eating, drinking, and hanging out, as well as several different activities to enjoy. For example, there was a small area with three different kiddie rides, as well as an area to play curling.

The far back corner had a large firepit, which felt fantastic in the cold night air. Colorful strands of lights were strung above the walkways and there were colorful projections on the trees, creating a vibrant and jolly atmosphere.

The whole area just felt extremely fun – I liked this market a lot!

9. Schonnbraun Palace

The final two markets on this list are the two outside the city center, and are both at gorgeous palaces, as only seems right in Vienna.

Schonnbraun Palace is an enormous, and I mean enormous palace, chock full of Imperial grandeur. The Christmas market is in the courtyard of the palace as you walk up to the entrance, and the stalls are arranged in a very large circle, creating a lot of open space in the middle of the market.

It was stunning to see the massive palace as the backdrop to the market. The large Christmas tree in front of the palace is very pretty, and there’s a small nativity display right at the base of the tree. This picture frame in the middle of the market was also a fun touch!

This market is pretty far outside the city, but I think it’s worth it to come down. While there were some people here just for the market, a lot of people came to visit the palace itself and just stopped by the market as they were coming or going.

10. Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is a lot smaller than Schonnbraun, but I think this palace was just a little bit prettier, as the Baroque design of the palace led to more embellishments, sculptures, and designs on the exterior of the palace walls.

The market here was also quite a bit smaller than the market at Schonnbraun, and there was no central Christmas tree.

However, the vibe was fun and lively, there were some cute rides for kids, and this market was one of the few with the adorable red boot mugs (the picture from the Christmas Market Drinks section, above, was taken here).

Other City Lights and Decorations

Besides the plethora of fun, exciting, and unique markets, one final reason that Vienna truly shines ( ahem ) at Christmastime are the insanely gorgeous light displays on streets in the city center.

These streets are all adjacent to or just around the corner from Stephansplatz – here are a few noteworthy streets you must stop by at nighttime:

Graben Street

Karntner Street

Rotenturm Street

Streets off of Graben Street

Multiple streets that intersected with Graben Street also had incredible decorations:

My Favorite of the Markets (+ How Long Do You Need)

I really enjoyed all the markets. But if I had to choose my favorites, I’d say Belvedere, Rathuasplatz, AKH, Artadvent, and Stephensplatz were top of the list (which I realize is half of them – ha!).

If you only have one day in Vienna, these are the markets I’d go to first. Start with Stephansplatz, swing down to ArtAdvent and Belvedere, then cross the city to the AKH market, and finish up at Rathausplatz.

Vienna is a big city and there are a lot of Christmas markets and decorations to enjoy. I spent 2 full days in Vienna and spent all my time on Christmas markets. You could maybe fit one or two visits to attractions between the markets, but you could also easily spend all your time on the markets as well. One day is not enough to see all the markets, and you’ll need several days if you want to do markets + sightseeing.

This was my first time in Vienna, and I absolutely will be back as soon as I can. I adored Vienna, it was so insanely beautiful and everything was so grand, and the city goes all out at Christmastime. This is a top bucket list spot for Christmas markets in Europe, for sure!

Map of Christmas Markets in Vienna

What to Eat at the Vienna Christmas Market

There are a lot of delicious food options in Vienna, and while there are different novelties and specialties at individual markets, these are the most common foods you’ll see all over the different Vienna markets:

Spaetzle : Chewy egg pasta, almost like small dumplings. In Vienna, they were also topped with crunchy bacon.

Soup in a Breadbowl: There were three different soups available at soup stands in Vienna: Goulash (pictured here), garlic soup, and creamy pumpkin. They were all really good, but goulash was my favorite.

Cost: €8-11

Fried Potato Wedges With Garlic Cream Sauce: These were SO fantastic

Sausages and Bratwurst: There was a large variety of sausages available at the different markets, and were often served in a crusty bun.

Cost: €5-10

Potatoes with Raclette: Raclette (a type of cheese that is melted under a broiler and then scraped onto your plate) was very common in Vienna, and served with small potatoes or a large baked potato. This one was also topped with garlic sauce – amazing. Cost: €10

Chocolate Covered Fruit on a Stick: A delicious sweet treat very common at Christmas markets around Europe.

Langos : This Hungarian dish was fairly common in Vienna. A circle of dough is fried and served plain, or topped with a creamy sauce, cheese, and chopped onions (there are other topping combinations you can get, too).

Baumkuchen : Another popular Hungarian treat is baumkuchen (known as chimney cake in English), which is dough cooked around a hot iron. It can be eaten plain, or the interior can be lined with nutella.

One thing I somehow never ended up trying and getting a picture of in Vienna is schnitzel . This classic German dish is a thinly pounded slice of meat that is breaded and fried. It can be served with applesauce or potatoes.

Goods for Sale at the Christmas Markets in Vienna

There are so many interesting and pretty things to admire and buy in Vienna at Christmastime. Many of the markets have more artisanal goods or unique stands, which I’ve somewhat highlighted in their sections.

The following are some of the most common and typical goods you can find throughout Vienna, and variations are usually found in more than one market in the city.

Vienna really has some of the biggest selection and variety of goods of any Christmas market I’ve visited.

Practical Information

There are no entrance fees for the market.
Austria is part of the EU and the Schengen Zone, and uses the euro as currency.
Cards are accepted at some stands, but most stands only take cash. You definitely need to have a good supply of euros with you as you explore the markets.
The local language is German, but most locals working in the markets generally speak very good English.

How to Fit Vienna Into Your Europe December Itinerary

Vienna’s location in central Europe makes it a great addition to a Central Europe December trip. While Germany, France, and Switzerland are home to the most well-known Christmas markets, this part of the continent also serves up some fantastic holiday markets and events.

On this trip, I started in Budapest and visited the Budapest Christmas Markets , then took a train 2.5 hours north to the Bratislava Christmas Market in Slovakia, then took a train 1 hour west to Vienna, then went 2 hours south to the Graz Christmas Markets, then another 2.5 hours south to the Ljubljana Christmas Market and the Lake Bled Christmas Market in Slovenia , before ending the trip at the amazing Zagreb Christmas Market.

This was a fantastic route and I loved the Christmas markets and cities that I visited – I’d highly recommend it!

And if you really want to jump over to Western Europe (which truly is incredible), I can also highly recommend the Cologne Christmas Market in Germany, the Strasbourg Christmas Market and Colmar Christmas Market in France, the Basel Christmas Market in Switzerland, and the Luxembourg Christmas Market in Luxembourg.

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Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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Vienna Christmas Market Guide (Map + Dates 2024)

Milena Yordanova
August 21, 2024

A complete guide to the best Vienna Christmas markets for 2024 (+ opening times, a map with all the locations, must-eat foods and the best hotels to stay).

With its imperial charm and stunning architecture, Vienna is beautiful in every season. Yet, if you look for a truly magical setting, visit the city in the winter.

From the end of November, countless Christmas markets (called Weihnachtsmärkte) pop up all over the city. The prettiest squares are turned into fairytale Christmas villages. Stalls are stuffed with mouth-watering treats and handcrafted goods. The aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread wafts through the air. And all you need is just a mug of wine to warm yourself in the freezing cold.

The Christmas markets in Vienna are a centuries-old tradition. In 1298 Albert I of Germany granted the privilege of holding a December market to the city. During the years new ones appeared turning the city into a magical place during Christmas time.

Best Christmas markets in Vienna 2024

There are 12 main Christmas markets in Vienna. Most of them are located in the Old Town or along the grand boulevard Ringstrasse. Thus you can easily tour them on foot.

However to get to the ones at the Prater and Schönbrunn Palace you’ll need to use public transport.

Find a map of all the markets at the end of the article.

The best Vienna Christmas markets 2024

Christmas World at Vienna City Hall
Stephansplatz Christmas Market
Belvedere Palace Christmas Village

Art Advent Karlsplatz

Maria-Theresien Platz Christmas Village
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

Am Hof Advent Market

Old viennese christmas market, christmas village altes akh, christmas market spittelberg, winter market riesenradplatz, winter at museumsquartier (mq), when do the christmas markets start in vienna.

Most of the markets start in the middle of November (11th-22nd November) and continue until 23rd December. Some of them are open on Christmas Day, too. To be sure that all the markets will be open during your visit, plan your trip after 20th November.

If you’re visiting the city after Christmas, there will be a few Weihnachtsmärkte that are still open (see below). And only the ones at the Prater, Maria-Theresien Platz and Schönbrunn Palace continue a week after New Year.

Vienna Christmas market dates 2024

From 16 November to 23 December 2024 Every day from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM 24 and 25 December – Weihnachtsmärkte at Rathaus, Stephansplatz, Belvedere Palace, Maria-Theresien Platz, Prater and Schonbrunn Palace Between 26 and 31 December – Prater and Schonbrunn Palace Between New Year’s Eve and 6 January – Prater and Schonbrunn Palace

If you’re interested in a particular market, please check its exact opening times (see further in the article).

It’s hard to visit all the 12 Vienna Christmas markets. Not that I didn’t try of course. However, if you want a quick glimpse of Vienna at Christmas time don’t miss the following 6 below.

Christmas World at the City Hall

Although there are many awesome Christmas villages, one wins hands down in every aspect. It’s the Christmas World (Wiener Weihnachtstraum) at the City Hall (Rathaus). This is the biggest, the prettiest and the most popular one. So make sure it’s number one on your list. Yet, be prepared for a lot of crowds, especially in the evenings.

The beautiful Rathaus all lit up and the giant Christmas tree create a magical atmosphere. More than 150 stalls offer tempting foods, warm drinks and beautiful decorations. Plus, the 3,000 m² ice rink with Christmas music in the background ensures a unique ice-skating experience.

If you look for mouth-watering seasonal treats, this is the place to go. It has the biggest range of traditional Viennese foods.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt Opening times From 16 November to 26 December 2024 Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM 24th December – only until 07:00 PM Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien, Austria www.christkindlmarkt.at

Christmas Market Stephansplatz

Located at the foot of St. Stephen’s Cathedral right in the heart of the city, this market is hard to miss. More than 40 stalls offer high-quality products from all over Austria. A giant Christmas tree sparkles against the dramatic backdrop of the lit up cathedral.

The Christmas Market at Stephansplatz is the best place for a drink and people watching. It’s not so crowded as the one at the Rathaus. Plus, it offers a great variety of mulled wine and punch.

Weihnachtsmarkt am Stephansplatz Opening times From 16 November to 26 December 2024 Daily from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM 24th December – from 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM 25th and 26th December – from 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM Address: Stephansplatz 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

Located off the hustle and bustle of the Historic Centre, this Weihnachtsdorf features original handicrafts and culinary delights. With the impressive Baroque backdrop of Belvedere Palace, this is one of the most romantic markets. It’s the perfect stop for a warm drink with your loved one.

Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere Opening times From 16 November to 31 December 2024 Daily from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM 24th December – from 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM From 25th to 30th December – 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM 31st December – from 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM Address: Prinz Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Wien, Austria

Featuring a petting zoo and craft tents, Art Advent Karlsplatz is the best Christmas market in Vienna for kids. The gorgeous Baroque Karlskirche all lit-up with a spiderweb of fairy lights provides a truly festive atmosphere. The pond in front of the church is dried and filled with hay and there are some pretty cute sheep and pigs you can pet.

Art Advent Karlsplatz is the place to go if you also look for organic food and handicrafts made by local artists.

Christkindlmarkt am Karlsplatz Opening times From 15 November to 23 December 2024 Daily from 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM Address: Karlsplatz, 1040 Wien, Austria divinaart.at

Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz

It is located between the impressive twin buildings of the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art. With its more than 70 booths, it’s one of the largest Christmas markets. It’s the ideal place if you look for original gift ideas or to taste some culinary delights. Plus, it is open longer than most. On 27 December it turns into a New Year’s Village.

Weihnachstdorf am Maria Theresien Platz Opening times From 16 November to 6 January 2024 Daily from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM 24th December – till 04:00 PM From 25th December to 6th January – till 07:00 PM 31st December – till 06:00 PM Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria

Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace

Although it’s situated out of the city centre, the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace totally worths a visit. Moreover, if this is your first time in Vienna, a tour of the imperial palace is a must. If you have the chance, visit the market in the evening when everything is illuminated and the atmosphere is truly magical.

As the Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz, it also stays open after Christmas.

Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn Opening times From 8 November 2024 to 6 January 2025 Daily from 10 AM to 9 PM 24th December – till 4 PM From 25 December to 6 January – till 7 PM Address: Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Wien, Austria www.imperial-markets.at

More Xmas markets in Vienna

If you have more time left or you are just looking for markets off the beaten path, try these ones. They are smaller and offer an alternative experience in comparison to the popular Christmas villages.

If you look for quality artisan gifts, this is the place to go. At Am Hof Advent Market you’ll find delicate jewellery, ceramics, leather items and many other handmade goods. As it comes to food, it offers a great variety of ham, sausages, baked potatoes and waffles.

Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof Opening times From 16 November to 23 December 2024 Daily from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM Address: Am Hof, 1010 Wien, Austria

Located on a picturesque square, Altwiener markt is just a stone’s throw away from Am Hof Advent Market. In fact, this is one of the oldest and most authentic Christmas markets in Vienna. It dates back to the 18th century and it still keeps this traditional feel. So if you look for a more authentic experience, add Altwiener markt to your list.

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Opening times From 24 November to 23 December 2023 Daily from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM Address: Freyung, 1010 Wien, Austria www.altwiener-markt.at

Featuring a children’s railway, an old-fashioned carousel and two curling lines, this market is great for families. Another of the highlights of Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH are the local craftsmen. They gather from all around Vienna to demonstrate their skills such as candle making, sewing bags and many more.

Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH Opening times From 16 November to 23 December 2024 Daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Address: Alserstrasse/Spitalgasse, Hof 1, 1090 Wien, Austria

Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg is located in the artsy district of Neubau. It spreads over three tiny cobblestoned streets in a charming area full of Biedermeier townhouses. The festively decorated Schrankgasse, Spittelberggasse and Gutenberggasse are the perfect settings for a romantic walk.

More than 100 stalls offer amazing handmade seasonal gifts and delicious foods. It’s one of the most popular markets among the locals, too.

Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg Opening times From 16 November to 23 December 2024 Monday – Friday – from 02:00 PM to 09:00 PM Saturday and Sunday – from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM Address: Spittelberggasse, Schrankgasse, Gutenberggasse, 1070 Wien, Austria www.spittelberg.at

Winter Market Riesenradplatz is probably the best place for kids. It’s located in the Prater, a huge amusement park famous for its Giant Ferris Wheel. So if you look for a little fun along with the traditional mulled wine and tasty foods, this is the place to go. Plus, it’s still open in the first week of January.

Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz Opening times From 16 November 2024 to 6 January 2025 Monday – Friday – from 02:00 PM to 09:00 PM Saturday and Sunday – from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM 24th December – from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM 31st December – from 12:00 PM to 02:00 AM Address: Riesenradplatz, 1020 Wien, Austria www.wintermarkt.at

To enjoy the Advent season in a more hip way, visit the Winter at Museumsquartier. Magical LED projections, DJ beats, hot punch bars – it’s the most unique market in the city. So grab your friends and a mug of Glühwein and enjoy alternative Vienna at Christmas time.

Winter im MQ Opening times From 16 November to 23 December 2024 Monday – Friday – from 04:00 PM to 11:00 PM Saturday and Sunday – from 02:00 PM to 11:00 PM Address: MuseumsQuartier Wien, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria

Schönbrunn Palace – it’s one of the most popular attractions with long queues. Buy your tickets in advance from the official website or use Vienna Pass to skip the line.

Spanish Riding School – one of the most popular activities in Vienna, so book tickets in advance here .

Giant Ferris Wheel – if you don’t have a Wien Pass, book tickets ahead to avoid waiting in line.

Attend a classical music concert – tickets for the most popular concerts sell out fast, so book as early as you can ( see all concerts here ).

Best hotels near Vienna Christmas markets

Where to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets? If you’re visiting the city in December, stay near Karlsplatz. There are two Weihnachtsmärkte at a short walk – at Karlsplatz and Belvedere Palace. Plus, you can easily reach every point of the city from Karlsplatz metro station (U1, U2 and U4 metro lines cross here).

Find more information in my full guide to where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors .

An elegant hotel with an ideal location, right next to Opera House. Karlsplatz metro station and 3 Christmas villages are less than a 5min walk. Spacious rooms with large bathrooms. Why book – central location, big rooms, great restaurant on site

A very convenient location, next to Karlsplatz metro station and 2 Christmas villages. Comfortable rooms, perfect for a family stay at Christmas time. Why book – central location and spacious family rooms

Fantastic, perfectly equipped apartments less than 2min walk from Karlsplatz. Why book – modern and secure apartments, close to supermarket

What to do in Vienna in December

Christmas concert in st. peter’s church.

If you like classical music, don’t miss the concert of the Classic Ensemble Vienna in St. Peter’s Church. Enjoy an evening filled with interpretations of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and many more.

For more concerts check out my guide to the best concerts in Vienna .

Visit Europe’s biggest city spa

Winter is the best time to enjoy some spa relaxation. Spa Therme Wien features 26 naturally heated pools and 24 Finnish saunas and steam baths. Plus, there is a restaurant and even a library!

Although it looks a bit far from the city centre, you can reach it in only 15min with the U1 metro line.

Strudel Show

If you’re visiting the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace, don’t miss the Apple Strudel Show. You’ll discover how the original Viennese apple strudel is made in the court bakery at the palace. And the best part is that at the end of the show you can taste a piece of it!

Don’t forget to book your Apple Strudel Show ticket in advance.

Where: Schönbrunn Palace’s Café Residenz Daily 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM at the top of the hour Duration: 15-20 min

Vienna Christmas market food

There are plenty of mouth-watering foods to try at the markets. Unfortunately, I managed to taste only a few of them. But hey, at least I have a good reason to come back.

Mulled wine and punch

Mulled wine (Glühwein) is a traditional must-try drink. Every market offers different kinds of mulled wine, some better than others. It comes in a decorated mug for which you have to pay a deposit. You’ll get the deposit back once you return the mug.

Every market features its own design and usually, the best mugs are at Am Hof Advent Market. So if you want to take a mug as a souvenir, better check several places and then decide.

Bratwurst is a must eat. It’s a delicious type of sausage usually served in a bun with mustard and ketchup. Bratwurst is a great option for a quick lunch or even dinner.

Brioche dough that comes with different fillings – apples, marzipan, walnuts, etc. And it’s huge. I had difficulties eating one all by myself, even when I had it instead of lunch.

Nusstangerl

It’s another heavenly pastry – a glazed dough with hazelnuts.

Mohnzelten is my favourite one. It’s a soft dough stuffed with poppy seeds filling. So, if you’re a fan of poppy seeds, like me, don’t miss this pastry.

A traditional gingerbread cookie, that can be found in all kinds of sizes.

Delicious sweet chestnuts roasted over open fires.

It’s a soft doughnut filled with nougat, vanilla or chocolate cream.

How to get to Vienna Christmas markets

The Central train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) is about 2km away from the historic centre. To get to the heart of the city, Stephansplatz, just take metro line U1 (9min journey). Check timetables and book train tickets online at ÖBB official site .

If you’re arriving by car, it’s best to choose accommodation with available parking. Another option is to use car parks (see more info about parking in Vienna ).

The closest airport is Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat). To get to the city centre:

take the CAT (City Airport Train) – you will be in the city centre in just 15min
another option is to take the S-Bahn (suburban train) – this is the slowest option

Vienna Christmas markets map

To help you navigate, I prepared a detailed map with all the markets . You can use it during your trip, you only need internet access.

The main markets are marked in red and green, the smaller ones – in yellow.

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17 Comments

Thank you for this lovely guide! We spent a magical Christmas in Vienna last winter. We were very happy with our hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth – it has a perfect location for the markets.

Hi Maria, I’m glad you enjoyed Vienna in December!

Hi Milena, my name is Dave from rivercruiseking.com. I have been to well over 650 Christmas markets around Europe and lead trips thru AmaWaterways and have been making Christmas market pilgrimages for well over 20 years. I just wanted you to know that your blog above is fantastic. You did a really good job presenting everything that people like to know.. and is very helpful. I will be sharing your link with them and hope you get lots of followers. You have one in me.

I am not personally a member of Get Your Guide, but I recommend you all in many of the cities I bring my guests and clients to. Be sure that I will be recommending you to all of my guests who come to Vienna!

Thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate it. 🙂

This information is extremely helpful in planning my trip for December 2020 using Vienna as my base. We absolutely love the Christmas Market information, highlighted on the map and public transport info. Thank you…J

Hi Josie, I’m happy it was helpful to you. Have a great time in Vienna! 🙂

Hello do you know if the markets will be going ahead this year?

Hi Laura, According to the official website of each Christmas market and the Vienna Tourist Board – yes. However, I’m not sure what will happen if the coronavirus situation gets worse. 🙁

I would like a brochure including hotels

Hi Stuart, There is a section with recommended hotels in the article, and you can also check my guide to where to stay in Vienna .

Thank you so much for this page, it was extremely useful!!!!

Thank you for your comment, Eva! 🙂

Do I need to purchase tickets ahead of time or at the markets or do you just walk into them?

Hi Lillian,

All markets are free to visit, so no tickets are needed.

Hi Milena, the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn will take place in 2024/25. More Information you find at: https://www.imperial-markets.at/maerkte/weihnachtsmarkt-schloss-schoenbrunn . If you could update your description would be great. We hope to see you all at the new Christmas Market at Schönbrunn All the best The Imperial Markets Team

Thank you so much for this new information. I updated the article. In fact, I will be visiting Vienna again this year for the Christmas markets and I am more than happy that this market will take place, as it is one of my favourites! 🙂

10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Vienna [with Map]

Vienna is a city of Christmas markets.

Starting in November, a walk through the center is no longer possible without the smell of mulled wine, gingerbread and langos.

Here we have collected the 10 most famous markets in Vienna, from the city center to Christmas markets popular among locals.

1. Christmas Market at City Hall Square

Weihnachtsmarkt am Rathausplatz in Vienna in Austria

The largest Christmas market in the city is set up against the backdrop of the neo-Gothic Vienna City Hall . At the entrance to city hall square there is a meter-high archway with candles, through which you enter the market. Over 150 wooden stalls sell handmade wooden toys, Christmas tree decorations, Christmas candles and much more.

The carousel and reindeer train make children's hearts beat faster, and those who want to can go ice skating. Concerts are held next to the big Christmas tree. The second landmark of this Christmas market is the heart tree. They say there should be one or two kisses at the kissing square with the heart tree in the background...

Metro station : Rathaus

2. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

Every year at Christmas time, Schönbrunn Palace is romantically illuminated, providing an impressive background for the Christmas market. Glittering and colored lights invite you to stroll through the 80 wooden stalls on Schlossplatz.

The festively lit Christmas tree conveys a special atmosphere, and Christmas carols and gospels are sung daily on the stage in front of it. Children can look forward to the Christmas workshops and the children's museum.

Subway station: Schoenbrunn

3. Karlsplatz Christmas Market

Weihnachtsmarkt Karlsplatz in Vienna in Austria

The ART ADVENT market on Karlsplatz is a somewhat different Christmas market, here contemporary arts and crafts are promoted. You can watch glass blowers at work or take part in candle making. The entire gastronomic offerings are certified organic and ecological.

There is a large straw landscape for children to run around in. St. Charles Church in the background creates the appropriate Christmas atmosphere. The Soluna Rising and Dreamdancer groups provide entertainment.

Subway station: Karlsplatz

4. Belvedere Castle Christmas Market

Every year at Christmas time, an elegant Christmas market is set up directly in front of the magnificent baroque Belvedere Palace on Schlossplatz. The castle shines in magnificent lights, fine handicrafts are sold in the 40 stands and huts.

National and international gospel choirs and music groups ensure a Christmas atmosphere. Children love the children's nostalgia carousel and the reindeer train, as well as the Christmas workshops.

Subway station Südtiroler Platz or Karlsplatz, from there it's a fifteen minute walk.

5. Maria Theresa Square Christmas Village

Every year, right on the Ring in the park between the Art History Museum and the Natural History Museum , the Christmas Village on Maria Theresa Square is held. It is considered to be the most atmospheric of its kind in Vienna.

It is a memorial to Empress Maria Theresa, who had 16 children, whom she cleverly married off to benefit her politics. The fountains are decorated for Christmas and the two illuminated museums provide an impressive backdrop for the many large and small, festively decorated Christmas trees and 70 stalls.

Austrian brass and tower horn groups, gospel choirs and other musicians provide the appropriate musical framework at selected times.

Subway station: Museumsquartier

6. Museum Quarter MQ

The artistically designed winter market in the MQ is illuminated for Christmas with static and moving light projections. At the WAMP, Vienna's only open-air design market, extraordinary one-offs are presented, the Christmas quarter exhibits the products of over 100 designers, from fashion and jewelry to accessories, art and graphics.

Concerts and cultural events provide the artistic setting. If you want, you can visit the curling rink or try micro extreme bowling, a mixture of skittles, bowling and golf. The punch stands are located in six glowing ice pavilions.

7. Spittelberg Christmas Market

One of the most romantic and atmospheric Christmas markets is set up every year in the pedestrian zone around Spittelberggasse in Vienna's 7th district. Against the backdrop of historical buildings in the middle of the small alleys of the originally preserved baroque suburb, the market conveys the flair of a wintry village. It is known for its wide range of handicrafts, over 100 exhibitors offer their goods.

There are puppet shows and music workshops for children and of course Santa Claus will come and distribute nuts and fruit.

Subway station: Volkstheater

8. Christmas Market at the Hof

Where the art & antique market is held on the weekends between March and November, the Christmas market at the Hof is held beginning November 15th. Against the backdrop of historical buildings from various eras, 78 stands invite you to stroll.

The products sold are just as classy as the surroundings, as the market is in close proximity to Graben, which is known for its exclusive shops. The huge Christmas tree creates the right atmosphere. In a glass container that can be seen from all sides, you can design your own stamps and postcards in a photo box.

The market is famous for its Zirben-Punsch - Zirben are pine cones and its specially brewed Christmas Bock beer.

Subway station: Schottentor

9. Stephansplatz Christmas Market

Every year during the Christmas season, this elegant and noble Christmas market is set up around St. Stephen's Cathedral in the heart of Vienna. With their uniform lighting and simple elegance, the 40 stands, all of which offer high-quality products, form a beautiful unit with St. Stephen's Cathedral in the background.

As a classic among Vienna's Christmas markets, great importance is attached to tradition and reflection. The large Christmas tree in front of the cathedral underlines this atmosphere.

Subway station: Stephansplatz

10. Riesenradplatz Winter Market

Every year, Prater is transformed into a huge Christmas market of a different kind. According to the motto "Prater Rocks", entertainment of all kinds is offered here in the background of Christmas decorations.

The carousels are presented in festive decorations, live concerts take place on the stage of the winter market, gospel, pop, soul and much more. Unlike most Christmas markets, this one does not end at Christmas but continues until January 6th of next year.

Subway station: Messe-Prater

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Top 10 shopping malls in vienna [shopping centers & outlets], 10 best shopping streets in vienna [with map], 10 best markets in vienna: from food to flea markets [with hours], 16 must-have souvenirs from vienna: what and where to buy.

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14 Best Vienna Christmas Markets: Where to Go and What to Eat in 2023

Vienna Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe, in fact, many people visit Austria in the winter just for its Weihnachtsmärkte. Vienna is a beautiful city, full of Baroque, Gothic, and modern architecture, grand palaces, huge museums, formal gardens and parks, wonderful large boulevards, pedestrian-only streets, and narrow alleyways.

We spent a month in Vienna with our kids, combining Christmas markets with holiday concerts, a trip to the ballet, and of course all the magical other things to do in Vienna, from palaces to historic cafes. We loved celebrating the holidays here and found it an easy place to jump right into the Christmas spirit.

You can visit this amazing capital year-round, but unlike many European destinations that start to close down as the weather turns cold, Vienna starts to come alive! This is one of the things we love about Vienna .

Vienna is full of Christmas cheer- you’ll find pedestrian walkways covered in lights, stands of treats and snacks, mugs of hot mulled wine, and lots of live performances around town. If you’re lucky you may get a dusting of snow to add to the festive spirit.

There are quite a few Christmas markets within the city center and many others just outside that are well worth a visit, such as the Prater, Schönbrunn, and Belvedere.

Which is the best Vienna Christmas Market? That depends on whether you’re looking for great shopping, incredible Christmas lights with an ornate palace as a backdrop, or a boisterous atmosphere.

We’ve covered 14 different Christmas markets in Vienna including our family’s favorites, what to expect from each market, as well as some of the traditional food and drink to look for in these markets. We’ve also included an address for each of the Christmas markets so you can map out where you’d like to go. When there is a website for a specific market, we’ve included that as well.

You can also take a day trip to nearby towns to experience their Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets). We’ll also discuss Austrian Christmas traditions and tips for what to expect at the Vienna Christmas markets.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of this post, download free Mobile Wallpaper images to satisfy your wanderlust!

If you are interested in budget travel to Europe, join our free Facebook Group: Europe Travel with Families on a Budget .

Best Christmas Market Tour in Vienna Learn about Austrian Christmas Traditions on a Walking Tour

Vienna Christmas Market Tour

Table of Contents

When Do Vienna Christmas Markets Open?

While each market has its own opening and closing dates each season, they are generally open from mid-November until December 23rd. Some markets will transform into New Year’s Markets which are generally smaller than the Christmas markets, and remain open until January 1st.

If you are traveling to Vienna to spend time at the Christmas markets, assume all the markets will be open by November 20th, and plan to visit them prior to Christmas Eve.

Most markets are open from around 11 am until 9 pm. If you are looking to buy things, the afternoons are great, as there tend to be fewer crowds at this time. But it is not until it gets dark and the lights come on that things really become magical.

Keep in mind that it gets dark around 4:30 in Vienna in December, so that gives you plenty of time to enjoy the Christmas lights at the evening markets while attempting to stay warm with your hot mug of punch.

A Guide to Christmas Markets in Vienna

Vienna Christmas Markets are truly magical experiences that ring in the holiday spirit. There are delicious treats, warm drinks, and often large groups of cheerful visitors. Crowds can get shoulder-to-shoulder at some markets, so come prepared with a bit of patience. Even at markets with a more open-plan design, there can be lines for drinks and popular food vendors.

These markets are great for last-minute Christmas shopping, but most people visit to socialize and enjoy the lights, the performances, and the holiday food stalls.

These Christmas markets are spread across central Vienna- and you can walk between many of them, for others you’ll need to take public transportation. Don’t worry, Vienna is an incredibly safe city , even at night. It has a great, easy-to-use transit system that will have you zipping around town in no time. For details, check out our full guide on how to get around Vienna .

1. Spittelberg Christmas Market

❄️ Family Favorite: Best Shopping, Most Unique Gifts

This is one of our favorite Weihnachtsmärkte in Vienna. Set amongst the narrow streets and historic townhouses of Spittelberggasse, Gutenberggasse, Stiftgasse, and Schrankgasse, you will find popup shops, as well as year-round specialty stores filled with art, goods, crafts, chocolate, candies, clothing, and more.

We found the goods on sale here to be more artisan and unique than at many of the larger markets. There are also upscale stores along the streets in this neighborhood, so keep an eye on them as well. We popped into Schokov for gourmet chocolates that Santa may have snuck into our family’s treat-filled shoes on Christmas.

This market is one of the more narrow markets, which is why people love it- the old town atmosphere, but it can also translate into tight crowds. This market is bigger than it first appears, make sure to explore the surrounding streets or you’ll miss parts of it.

Grab a mug of hot mulled wine and explore the stalls and stores. Take your empty mug to the next stand for a refill, or return it and get a refund for the mug. Love the mug you got? Take it with you as a souvenir!

Spittelberggasse, Schrankgasse, Gutenberggasse, 1070 Wien, Austria www.spittelberg.at

2. Museumsquartier Christmas Market

❄️ Less Traditional, Modern & Hip

Just around the corner from the Spittleberg Christmas Market, you’ll find the MQ, or Museumsquartier which hosts its own market. This is a very different vibe- here you’ll find laser light shows, and DJs spinning into the evening, ending at 11 pm.

Come back during the day to visit the fabulous museums here, and don’t miss the MQ Point shop, which is the best museum shop we found in Vienna.

MuseumsQuartier Wien, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria www.mqw.at

3. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

❄️ Family Favorite: Best Museum/Market Combo

Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Hapsburg family and is now a museum. This is a huge complex that includes the palace itself (make sure to take a tour), and even a zoo.

The Schönbrunn Christmas Market, or Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn, is located in the entry courtyard of the Schönbrunn Palace, about 12 minutes outside of the Vienna city center by car or 25 minutes on public transportation. While this market is farther out, this is a great market to browse at the end of the day, after exploring the Schloss Schönbrunn Museum, the Imperial Carriage Museum, and our kids’ favorite (we went twice!), the Children’s Museum Schönbrunn Palace.

There are also holiday events here, including a kid’s craft hut. When you arrive, check the activity board in front of the hut and check about reserving a spot. They often have large groups of schoolchildren coming in, so you will need to check ahead. Our kids had a fantastic time crafting marzipan snowmen. There is a small charge for each activity, generally around 5€.

With lots of stalls from arts and crafts, to jewelry and holiday gifts, to food and drink, this is one of the larger markets. They also advertise having gifts that are only available here- I assume with the palace name, though I didn’t specifically note any. There is also a robust schedule of performances and live music. The large Christmas tree, all the lights, and the Schönbrunn Palace as a backdrop make this a great place to get into the holiday mood! This market also stays open through the new year, and transitions from Christmas to New Year’s Market.

Visiting Schönbrunn Palace is one of our favorite things to do in Vienna in December . This palace is just magical and has an amazing children’s museum.

Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Wien, Austria www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at

4. Christmas Village Altes AKH

❄️ Local Feel, Great for Families with Young Kids

This Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH is on the campus of Universitat Wien. It’s fantastic for younger kids, with a small railway, a carousel, and lots of craftspeople demonstrating their trades. This narrow market is a bit off the beaten track, and you’ll find more food than other gifts here. Alserstrasse/Spitalgasse, Hof 1, 1090 Wien, Austria www.weihnachtsdorf.at/en_us/campus-universitaet-wien/

5. Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof

❄️ Small, High Quality Products

The Wiehnachtsmarkt Am Hof is a small market in a ritzy part of town, which showcases high-quality gifts. There is a section of Kunsthandwerkmarkt, where everything is truly handmade. We actually spent quite a bit of time here on New Year’s Eve, where they had a great live band. This square is where the wine market was held as far back as the 14th century.

Am Hof, 1010 Wien, Austria www.weihnachtsmarkt-hof.at

6. Michaelerplatz Christmas Market

❄️ Small Market, Best for Treats

This is a small setup of a few stands on the circle just outside the Hofburg Wein. This is a very convenient location- when you are exiting the Sisi Museum or are finishing a visit to the Spanish Riding Stable, you’ll find yourself here. If you’ve just gotten some slices of delicious cake to-go at Demel, you’ll also find yourself here.

We stopped here at least twice to warm up with some delicious treats at the stands. We highly recommend the Stanglkropfn mit Apfel- warm puff pastry on a stick interspersed with slices of baked apple.

Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria www.kuk-weihnachtsmarkt.at

7. Traditional Christmas Market at the Freyung

❄️ Best for Traditional Charm

This Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is one oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in Vienna. While smaller than many of the other markets, this one focuses on decorations and has wonderful craft demonstrations and live music.

This market is also a great alternative if you are looking for foodie gifts, like chutneys, sauces, mustards, and schnapps. Tucked up against an old Scottish church, the market has a great events program of live music, kids’ shows, and demonstrations that run through November and December and peak with its New Year’s Eve party.

Freyung, 1010 Wien, Austria www.altwiener-markt.at

8. Rathausplatz Christmas Market

❄️ Most Popular, Most Lights, and Most Crowded (but we love the ice rink)

Called Wiener Weihnachtstraum, or Christmas World, this is one of the most popular Christmas markets. It is sometimes also called the “Viennese Dream Christmas Market”. This market takes place in the park in front of the Vienna Rathaus, or City Hall. The Rathaus is a magnificent building, its tower, which can be seen from much of the city, is an icon of Vienna.

There are lots of holiday lights and installations of holiday decorations, including a large outdoor skating rink that winds around the trees. There is a small carousel for the kids, and the Rathaus is lit up at night for a great atmosphere.

This market has more of a “Christmas theme park” feel, and less “old-town village” traditional feel. This market in particular has made an effort in the last few years to showcase less souvenir kitsch and more sustainable products. You’ll hear traditional Christmas tunes, and find a huge variety of food stalls.

Centrally located in front of the Rathaus, and with ice skating available for all ages, this is one of the most popular Christmas markets. As a result, it is often crowded. This is one of the larger Holiday Markets, but it only runs until Christmas. The ice rinks stay open until the larger rink is opened in mid-January.

Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien, Austria www.wienerweihnachtstraum.at

9. Advent Genussmarkt bei der Oper

❄️ Small, Great for a Warm-up Snack

This is a small market with mostly food stalls. This is a great place to stop and grab a snack on your way into the larger pedestrian mall, as you head from the tram toward Stephansplatz.

Across from the Vienna State Opera House on the Kärntner Straße side, you will find an alley all wonderfully decorated with lights. You’ll see vendors hand-frying sticks of spiral-cut potato chips, chestnuts and sausages roasting, and lots of sweets. We stopped here for a delicious Austrian take on fried dough called Langos.

Mahlerstrasse 6 1010 Wien, Austria www.adventgenussmarkt.at

10. Stephansplatz Christmas Market

❄️ Small but Central, Great for Socializing with Friends

Stephansplatz is the square around St. Stephans Church in the middle of the main pedestrian walkway in central Vienna. This makes it a very popular meeting point, and landmark in this shopping corridor.

The Christmas Market at Stephansplatz is one of the smaller markets on our list. However, given its central location, it is a great place to wander through at the end of your day and relax. This market is located on the south side of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and wraps around the backside. Here you will find mostly artisan booths, as well as mulled wine and a few food booths.

Stephansplatz 2, 1010 Wien, Austria www.weihnachtsdorf.at/en_us/stephansplatz/

11. Christmas Village at the Maria Theresien Platz

❄️ Large Market, Convenient to Sightseeing Locations

This is one of the larger Christmas markets and is in a very convenient location if you’re making the tourist rounds. It’s located in the plaza between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, both of which are worth visiting.

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria www.weihnachtsdorf.at/en_us/maria-theresien-platz/

12. Art Advent Market by the Karlskirche

❄️ Handmade Goods, Organic Food

The Christkindlmarkt am Karlsplatz requires that all vendors make their own merchandise, so you’ll find some of the best gifts here. As an added bonus, all the food and drinks sold here are organic.

Karlsplatz, 1040 Wien, Austria divinaart.at

13. Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

❄️ Family Favorite: Best Palace Atmosphere, Less Crowded

The Belvedere Night Market, or Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere, set between Schloss Belvedere and the Große Bassin (the pond just to the south), is a wonderful place to meet friends, warm up after an afternoon of exploring the palace and grounds, or just get into the holiday spirit.

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market is located in front of the Upper Belvedere Museum- famous for its collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, and its beautiful gardens. It is located south of the city center but is easy to reach by tram, train, or Uber.

We stayed in Fasanviertel, a neighborhood in Landstraße next to the Belvedere, and just walked over. You can enter where Karolinengasse ends at Prinz-Eugen-Straße, or walk from the train station at Wien Quartier Belvedere Bahnhst, across the street, and enter the Belvedere Gardens.

This market is smaller than some but has a good mix of food, drink, and crafts, and the pond is lit up at night, making for lovely strolls. It has an open plan, and is less crowded than many of the other Christmas markets in Vienna, part of the reason it is one of our favorites.

Prinz Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Wien, Austria www.weihnachtsdorf.at/en_us/schloss-belvedere/

14. Prater Christmas Market

❄️ Family Fair Atmosphere

Called the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz this Christmas market is at the Prater, a large park famous for its giant enclosed Ferris Wheel built in 1897. Entrance to this amusement park is free, then you’ll pay for each ride or attraction that you visit. This market features all the traditional foods and tons of Christmas lights.

The largest Ferris Wheel in Austria, a ride in one of the cars is a great way to get views over the city and is comfortable in all weather since the cars are closed to the elements. Ferris Wheel tickets are 13€ for adults, 5€ for kids.

This market features live music at 7 pm Wednesday through Sunday and is open until January 8th, one of very few that stay open into the New Year.

Riesenradplatz, 1020 Wien, Austria www.wintermarkt.at

Take a Christmas Tour of Vienna

A Christmas tour of Vienna not only will take you to several Christmas markets in one evening, but you will also learn about Austrian Christmas traditions and local specialties. This is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, especially at the beginning of your trip, when you can make note of places to return to.

Vienna Christmas Market Group Tour

🌟 Rating: 4 1/2 Stars ⏳ 3 Hours ✅ 4 Markets, Drinks 🔎 Check Rates

This group tour of Vienna’s Christmas markets includes four lovely Christmas markets which are quite different. You’ll start at Mariahilfer Kirche, then visit Spittleberg market, then the MuseumQuartier market, and then end in the Christmas Village at the Maria Theresien Platz. As you move around the markets you’ll hear about Austrian Christmas traditions, and how locals celebrate the season.

“ We were able to see some of the markets that were more intimate with organic food and drinks from local merchants. Also were given information about the city’s history and current day-to-day practices. A great way to start our vacation!” ingrid_S ( Read more reviews )

Drinks and snacks are included in this tour, so you’ll be sure to taste some of the most traditional foods at these markets. This tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, guests must be 18 or older for alcoholic drinks (non-alcoholic are also available).

Book Now: Vienna Christmas Market Group Tour

Private Vienna Christmas Market Walking Tour

🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours ✅ Private, 3+ Markets 🔎 Check Rates

On the private tour, you’ll get some of the history of Vienna as you walk through the Old Town while learning about Christmas traditions and visiting Christmas markets. You’ll start at the Art Mart at Karlskirche, pass along the Graben where you’ll see St. Stephens, see the Hofburg, and visit the most traditional Christmas Market at Freyung.

“ She informed us of the history of the Christmas Markets and the traditions of Vienna. We enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend Bridgette and the tour to everyone.” jason_D ( Read more reviews )

You’ll end your tour at the Rathausplatz, the largest of the Christmas markets, where you can continue to explore on your own. Because this is a private tour, it can be customized to your interests.

Book Now: Private Vienna Christmas Market Walking Tour

A walking tour is a great way to learn about Vienna and see all the amazing Hofburg sights. We rounded up all the best Vienna walking tours for any time of year.

Enjoy a Day Trip to Nearby Austrian Christmas Markets

Vienna is a central location for holiday spirit- but you may also enjoy getting out to smaller towns in Austria where you can visit their Christmas markets. Here you’ll find more of a small village Christmas atmosphere which makes for a great day out, especially in these picturesque towns where you are likely to see snow!

Christmas Tour to Hallstatt and Salzburg

🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 12 Hours ✅ Three Towns, Private Tour 🔎 Check Rates

On this tour, you’ll start with the 4-hour drive to the lakeside town of Hallstatt. The tower of this town is often featured as the iconic Austrian village, with mountains rising behind. Here you will have a short walking tour, visit Christmas markets, and enjoy lunch.

After lunch, you’ll continue on to St. Gilgen, located on Lake Wolfgang, which is also known as Mozart Village. While Mozart never visited here, his mother was born here, and his grandfather worked here.

“ Great trip, beautiful places, and amazing couple who run the tour! I would redo this tour again without hesitation and use the same couple. It was perfect.” marleny_s ( Read more reviews )

Your final stop on this tour is the beautiful town of Salzburg, known as the home of Mozart, and where many of the scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is known as one of the best in Austria.

Book Now: Christmas Tour to Hallstatt and Salzburg

Christmas Tour to Graz

🌟 Unrated ⏳ 10 Hours ✅ Private, 5+ Markets 🔎 Check Rates

This Christmas tour visits Graz, Austria, an often overlooked city with a well-preserved city center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only 2 1/2 hours drive from Vienna, you’ll have a walking tour of Graz.

Along with visiting 5 to 7 Christmas markets in Graz, you’ll stop in a traditional Brötchenbar (sandwich shop), and then take the Schloßbergbahn, a funicular rail car, up to the famous clock at the top, with wonderful views of the city.

Book Now: Christmas Tour to Graz

There are so many easy day trips from Vienna- we highly recommend a day to visit Bratislava , and Budapest, and a day (or two) to walk around Salzburg .

Why Visit Vienna Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Vienna are a tradition going back hundreds of years. The city was first given the “privilege” of hosting a December market in 1298 by Albert I. Each year the city takes great pride in its Christmas decorations, and its schedule of performances and live events, leading up to the city-wide celebration on New Year’s Eve.

These markets are also called Christkindlmärkte or Weihnachtsmärkte. Over the years, the markets have changed a bit, with increased emphasis on sustainability. Many of the markets go through a judging process to approve vendors.

Vienna’s Christmas markets are full of festive holiday cheer. There are lots of holiday lights, often a large Christmas tree, sometimes an advent calendar counting down the days to Christmas, and even live performances.

When the sun goes down around 4:30, and the weather is cold, these markets are a great place to be social and festive and embrace the holiday season.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Shopping is a big part of Viennese Christkindlmärkte! You’ll find everything from souvenir items to handmade gifts. Some Christmas markets have higher quality goods than others but don’t worry, we’ve got them all listed below!

Food and Drink

The food and drink is what brings you back to Vienna’s Christmas markets over and over. At the end of the day, whether it’s a hot baked potato or a warm glass of Glühwein (traditional mulled wine), there’s something warm and filling waiting for you. Friends and family meet up to try different dishes and enjoy a hot beverage together. There’s even Kinderpunsch for the kids!

One of the ways the markets have become more sustainable is through the mugs in which they serve the wine or punch. You buy a drink and the price includes the cost of the mug. If you like it you can keep it, or return it and get a refund.

You also don’t have to return the mug to the stall where you got it, so as you are walking, if you need a refill or want to return it, you can do so at any drink stall you pass. They will wash them and use them for the next customer, cutting down on the waste of disposable cups.

Tips for Visiting a Vienna Christmas Market

Ready to start visiting Vienna’s famous Christmas markets? Here are our top tips to make sure you’re prepared and ready to enjoy some traditional holiday fun.

Most vendors at Vienna’s Christmas markets only take cash. Some stalls with more expensive gifts may take cards, but all food and drink vendors rely on cash. Try to have small bills or exact-change to keep the line moving.

Pay a Deposit For Your Mug

When you purchase a beverage- whether alcoholic or not, it will come in a souvenir mug. Some markets have mugs exclusive to them (marked with the specific market), while others share mugs across markets. These are all intended to be souvenirs and are marked with the current year. When you purchase your first drink, you will pay a deposit for the mug (4 to 6 €).

If you’d like a second drink, simply hand in your original mug and they’ll fill a fresh mug for you with your new drink. If you’d like to keep the mug and take it home, go ahead! Or you can return the mug to any drink stall at that market and get your deposit back.

Learn a Few Words in German

A few words in German will go a long way toward communicating, as many vendors, while pleasant, are moving through long lines. Knowing whether you want your bratwurst “mit soße” (with sauce) for example, will make everyone’s life easier. Same with knowing your basic numbers- “zwei Glühwein bitter” (two Glühwein please), though English will do in a pinch. A “danke” goes a long way!

Dress Warmly

Vienna gets cold after the sun goes down! While it can be hard to eat with thick gloves on, dress warmly to keep out the chill. We often found ourselves clutching warm mugs and stamping our feet to stay warm.

Expect Crowds

Vienna’s Christmas markets are popular! Expect crowds as soon as the sun sets. Some markets are narrower (like Spittelberg), which leads to shoulder-to-shoulder bottlenecks. Other markets, like the palace markets, have stalls arranged in a larger semi-circle, so you can move around with ease, but may still find lines for popular food stands.

Stand and Eat (or Drink)

There are both tall and shorter tables distributed around the Christmas markets, but there are generally no places to sit. You are expected to stand and eat or drink, or rest your plate on the high table. Bathrooms are available at the palace markets, but harder to find at the neighborhood and street markets. Older folks may struggle with not having seating available to take a rest.

Check for Live Performances

Many of Vienna’s Christmas markets have a robust schedule of live performances, from choirs to caroling. Check the website for each market to see details, or just show up an see what happens!

What to Buy at a Vienna Christmas Market

There is a variety of gifts and souvenirs available at each Vienna Christmas market. You’ll find a lot of jewelry options, as well as Christmas ornaments in all sorts of materials from blown glass to laser-cut wood. Ceramics stalls tend to have everything from teacups to ceramic angels. You’ll find woven headbands, scarves, and other textiles.

You will also find a lot of souvenir items marked with the Vienna name, from ornaments to snow globes. In the more traditional markets, you’ll find small wooden houses and traditional nativity pieces. At the more artistic markets, you’ll find more blown glass, candle holders, and knit and leather pieces. You’ll also see a fair amount of edible gifts like jams or chocolates as well.

We had our eyes out for a special nutcracker to take home and were surprised to not find these among the Christmas market stalls.

Favorite Vienna Christmas Market Food and Drink

You’ll find a variety of food and drink options at the Vienna Weihnachtsmärkte. These are a few of our favorites to keep an eye out for. You’ll find punch-style drinks available both with and without alcohol, as well as beer and hard spirits. You’ll find hearty meals ranging from noodles to potatoes, and even soup in bread bowls, often with meat or cheese included. Don’t forget to bring cash to pay for your food and drink.

This mulled wine is the most traditional drink you’ll find in a Vienna Christmas market. Sometimes it is simply called “Glühwein”, other times you’ll have your choice of Glühwein “Roser”, “Weiss” or “Uhudler”(a wine unique to Austria), meaning red, white, or rosé! Red is more traditional, but all are delicious. A mug of Gluwein is around 5€, plus deposit.

Kinderpunsch

This is the Glühwein version for the kids! It’s basically a hot fruit punch with a slice of fruit in it. It can be quite sweet, but it’s hot and lets the kids get into the Christmas drink action. Mugs are usually around 3€.

Other Traditional Drinks

You’ll see lots of other drinks on the menu including Sisi Punsch (cherry punch with Amaretto), Marillenpunsch (apricot punch with rum), as well as apple and chocolate versions. You’ll also see Glühwein Alkoholfrei (alcohol-free), as well as “bio” versions that use organic wines.

Spaetzle or Nocken

Spaetzle is the German word for a traditional style pressed dumpling or egg noodles, made by pushing dough through a strainer to make short odd-shaped pieces. Kaese Spaetzle or Kasnocken (Austrian) is the original mac and cheese, usually served with caramelized onions on top.

You will also find it served with meat and cheese (like bacon), pulled pork, or a red sauce or pesto. However you have it, you really cannot go wrong. Hot, hearty, and cheesy, it is sure to warm you up on a cold winter’s eve.

Wurst and Hot Dogs

Vienna-style sausages and hotdogs are typical Viennese market fare. Wurst is a thick sausage, and there are literally hundreds of kinds, and typically served on a sliced roll, with mustard, sauteed onions, and other toppings.

Hotdogs are thin and longer than in the United States and are either served in a link or stuffed into a hollowed-out roll with mustard, ketchup, and mayo. You may also see a hotdog listed “mit brot”, or “with bread”, this does not mean that it comes on a roll. You will literally get a hotdog and then be handed a separate piece of bread.

Baked Potatoes

Called an Ofenkartoffel, baked potatoes are a hearty meal- they are large potatoes that come stuffed with all sorts of ingredients including cheese, corn, and even ham.

Gross Krapfen

This translates literally to “large donut” and they are as big as your face. These are similar to a yeast donut, without the hole in the middle. You can choose the filling and often watch them fill it right in front of you. Watch your kid’s face light up when you hand them this one!

These are like a large, flat fried dough, but often served covered in garlic butter. Fresh, they are delicious.

This tangy, melty cheese is often associated with Switzerland, but you’ll find it in various iterations in the Viennese Christmas Markets. You can get it with ham or bacon on top of a slice of bread, or as we prefer, drizzled over boiled potatoes.

Again, expect these to be as big as your head. You can choose traditional with salt, apple cinnamon, donut-style, white chocolate, poppyseed, and more. We love the traditional best, but the other flavors are always tempting.

How is Christmas Celebrated in Vienna?

There are many Christmas traditions in Vienna, including advent calendars and wreaths, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes.

Christmas Traditions at Home

Most typical Austrian families set up a nativity scene and trim the Christmas tree on December 24th. The tree lights are turned on for the first time, then the family gathers to sing Christmas carols. The Christmas tree comes down on January 6th after Epiphany, or All Kings Day.

Christmas trees are easy to buy from vendors on the street in Vienna, but because they are not usually set up until Christmas Eve, they are not held in large stands and watered like most Americans are used to. They are set up on a simple wooden cross, with the idea that the tree will last on its own from Dec 24-Dec 6, with perhaps a spritz of water.

Santa Claus, Krampus and ChristKind

In Austria, December 6th is St. Nicholas Day. On this day, both St. Nick and his scary buddy Krampus visit homes to see who has been naughty and who has been nice. In some villages, Krampuslauf is celebrated, where people dress up as Krampus in a village parade. It is on this day that children’s shoes are filled with peanuts, chocolates, and other treats.

On Christmas Eve, Austrian children believe it is not St. Nick, or Santa Claus who brings the presents, but the Christkind, or Christ child, in the form of an angel.

Plan Ahead for Christmas Closings

Typically Christmas is celebrated in Vienna on Christmas Eve with family, at home. You will find most stores and restaurants are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and also December 26th, which is St. Stephens Day.

If you want to have dinner out on Christmas Eve, plan ahead, check restaurant hours, and make a reservation. We also highly recommend doing any grocery shopping ahead of the start of the holiday. Stores will typically close early on Christmas Eve and be closed until the 27th.

We had a delicious traditional Austrian meal for our Christmas Eve dinner at Weißgerber Stube starting at 1:30 pm. There were very few other people there, and the restaurant closed at 3:30.

FAQ: Vienna Christmas Market

There is really no reason to visit all the Vienna Christmas Markets. Choose the ones that complement your other plans around the city, and enjoy them. There is no prize for visiting them all, and you’ll start to find that many have the same goods for sale, and you will have personal favorites based on either atmosphere or the food available.

Very little is open on Christmas Day in Vienna, so plan ahead for all meals, as most of the city will be closed. Ubers, buses, and trams will still run if you need to move around the city.

Maybe! Snow is not guaranteed in Vienna at Christmas. When we visited, we had a few dustings of snow, but mostly it was just cold. If you take a day trip out to Salzburg, you will see the peaks of the Alps covered in snow.

There You Have It: Vienna Christmas Markets

There are so many wonderful Christmas markets in Vienna- choose a few to visit and enjoy all the delicious food and warm mugs of Glühwien, while finishing up your Christmas shopping (and perhaps picking up a gift or two for yourself). We’ve covered the highlights of each market so you can decide which markets are best for you, and which foods to look for when you visit.

Don’t forget to take a Christmas Market Tour to learn about Austrian culture while trying a few local specialties. Visiting a Vienna Christmas market is such a fun part of the holiday- even if it’s cold out, you’ll be filled with Christmas spirit in no time!

Waker von Berg is the co-founder of Sharing the Wander. He is a life-long traveler and problem solver specializing in long-term travel and family travel. He is an adventurer and gearhead who loves researching how to make traveling easier. Waker and his family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

The 10 best Vienna Christmas Markets to visit

David Angel

The Vienna Christmas Markets are among the most enchanting in Europe. There are so many of them in beautiful settings, from grand palaces to splendid Baroque churches and picturesque squares to side streets – and even the former Imperial Stables.

Christmas is all about the magic, and the Vienna Christmas Markets have it in spades. As well as their amazing settings, they also give you a full-on immersion of the senses.

The smell of sizzling sausages and potato spirals to the warmth of a glug of glühwein fortifying you against the winter cold. The wooden huts are adorned with fairy lights, while the sounds of choirs or brass bands make it uniquely Vienna.

Here’s our run-down of the best Christmas markets in Vienna , with full descriptions, photos and special tips.

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Table of Contents

Vienna Christmas Markets Dates 2023-24

19th November to 4th January 2024 – though final individual Market days vary.

Best Vienna Christmas Markets

1. rathaus vienna christmas market.

Image of the Rathausplatz Christmas Market Vienna

The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is by far the most popular Christmas Market in Vienna.

It’s also the most photographed, with the archway of lights framing the spire of the City Hall (Rathaus) with the words ’Frohe Weihnachten’ – Merry Christmas – in lights above.

It’s beautiful at any time of day, but best of all in the twilight ‘blue hour’ when the lights first come on.

We took our five-year-old along in the hope it would be one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna for kids, and our hunch was proved right.

The Rathausplatz Market has plenty to occupy anyone, with around 150 stalls selling a huge range of food and drink and some high-quality arts and crafts (glassware, carved wood, ceramics – much of it Christmas-themed, of course).

Image of the Burgtheater from the Rathausplatz Christmas Market Vienna

The Market had some of the better food stalls around the Vienna Xmas markets, with great choices of giant pretzels, astronomically calorific (but very good) cream cakes and my son’s favourite, krapfen , or jam doughnuts.

Add in the ubiquitous aroma of mulled wine and punch and the sausage grills, look around you and savour one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Image of the visitor train at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market Vienna

The Park either side of the Market has even more Vienna Christmas attractions to explore. On one side, there’s an ice rink and skating course you can follow.

Our Little Man was far more interested in the other side of the Park, which has a lovely old carousel and traditional ferris wheel, which he thought were wonderful. His eyes also lit up when we spotted the Tree of Hearts, a tree hung with hundreds of lit red hearts.

If you’re on a fleeting trip to the city, and you’re pushed for time, this is probably the Christmas Market Vienna has that you absolutely should not miss, so do whatever you can to get here.

Location : Rathausplatz

Getting there : Trams 1, 71 and D stop right outside the main entrance to the Market on Universitätsring. Alternatively, the U2 Metro line stops at Rathaus, just behind the City Hall on Landesgerichtstraße.

Best for : overall spectacle with lights, also one of the best Christmas Markets for families

Close To : Burgtheater (right across the street), and the adjacent Volksgarten park. The early medieval Minoritenkirche is a couple of minutes’ walk around the corner from the Burgtheater, and two of the top cafes in Vienna, Café Landtmann and Café Central. Tip: you’re far more likely to get a table at Café Landtmann.

See Also : 13 of the Best Christmas Cities In Europe

2. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt – Freyung Christmas Market

Image of the Freyung Christmas Market Vienna

This delightful Market takes you back, as its name suggests, to traditional Christmas in Vienna.

It’s one of the most intimate of the Vienna Christmas Markets, with rows of wooden stalls huddled together in a triangular section of the Freyung square, surrounded by several Viennese palaces and the Baroque Schottenkirche.

It’s a wonderfully atmospheric Market and if the weekend crowds at the nearby Rathaus Christmas Market are too much, this is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Although it’s one of the smaller Viennese Christmas Markets, its stalls are greatly varied. There are some fantastic Christmas decoration stalls, and also some selling winter clothes, spirits and luxury chocolates.

You can also get some excellent beer, glühwein or schnapps here. The oompah-style brass band playing the first time I visited really added to the ambience.

Just across the street, you’ll also find a row of farmers’ market stalls selling some excellent produce, especially sausages and cheeses.

The site of the Christmas Market across the square is usually occupied by the Freyung Organic Farmers Market, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the rest of the year.

Location : Freyung

Getting there : It’s a three-minute walk from Schottentor U-Bahn station (line U2) to the Christmas Market at Freyung. Numerous trams and buses also stop at Schottentor. The 1A bus also drops you right next to the Freyung Market.

Best for : traditional atmosphere, ideal if you’re looking for somewhere not too crowded, and some of the best Christmas shopping we found anywhere in Vienna.

Close to : It’s next to the Schottenkirche (Scots Church), named after Scottish and Irish missionaries who helped spread Christianity through Central Europe.

The 17 th century Baroque church is well worth a look, and film buffs may well want to take a look inside (as I did) to see where the great Austrian-German film director Fritz Lang was baptized.

The adjacent Schottenstift (Scots Monastery) dates back to the 12 th century and houses a museum of religious art.

3. Am Hof Christmas Market

Image of the Am Hof Christmas Market Vienna

Am Hof – meaning ‘at court’ – is the epicentre of Vienna Innere Stadt, the city’s historic core.

Over the centuries it has grown into one of the loveliest squares in Vienna, with some gorgeous buildings, from the Baroque façade of the older Kirche am Hof to the Zentralfeuerwache, surely the most fanciful fire station you will ever see, topped with extravagant Baroque statues.

The square, with lights emanating from the Mariensäule column, makes for one of the most enjoyable Vienna Christmas Markets.

It’s one of the best Vienna markets for food, with some excellent cheeses, a very good baked potato stall and another selling baumkuchen, the sugary spiral chimney cakes familiar to anyone who has visited the Prague Christmas Markets (where they are known as trdelnik).

Location : Am Hof

Getting there : It’s in the heart of old Vienna’s Innere Stadt, and the closest U-Bahn stop is Herrengasse, on the U3 line.

Best for : Its setting in one of the most beautiful squares in Europe , some excellent food and drink stalls and the walk-in craft stalls, which you rarely see in European Christmas Markets.

Close to: Freyung’s Christmas Market is a 200-metre walk away. Judenplatz, the hub of Jewish Vienna, is even closer, and houses Rachel Whiteread’s moving, impressive Memorial to Victims of the Holocaust. The Stephansdom, Graben and the eternal queues outside Café Central are all within a five-minute radius of the square.

4. Karlsplatz Christmas Market

Image of the Karlsplatz Christmas Market Vienna

We all loved the Christmas Market in Karlsplatz, set outside the elegant Karlskirche Baroque church, and made a couple of return visits.

Our five-year-old was particularly enamoured with the whole experience, and reckons it’s the best Vienna Christmas market for kids.

This is largely down to the huge area of hay where he and various other kids ran and rolled amok for a while, before he got to cover me head to toe in it.

There are also farm animals – goats and alpacas – which the kids can pat and pet.

Our son also loved the quirky merry-go-round with seats made out of bathtubs, barrels and all kinds of recycled metal. We ended up buying a pile of tokens for him so he could ride on several of the seats.

The official name of the Christmas Market at Karlsplatz is Art Advent, and most of the stalls are given over to Austrian arts and crafts.

The goods – including some gorgeous Christmas decorations and ceramics – are all high quality, and produced by the stallholders themselves.

The food stalls at the Market all seemed to be organic, and we saw a few ‘no palm oil’ signs, which is heartening.

Location : Karlsplatz

Getting there : Karlsplatz Metro station on the U2 line is 200 metres from the Market. Tram 2 stops 300 metres away on the Kärntner Ring.

Best For : Kids, families and craft stalls.

Close To : Staatsoper, Musikverein Concert Hall and Café Museum (each no more than a 5-minute walk)

5. Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market

Image of the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market Vienna

The Vienna Christmas overload (which I mean in the best possible way!) continues at the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market.

The square and Market are located between two near-identical palaces, one housing the splendid Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Vienna Historical Art Museum), the other the utterly outstanding Natural History Museum Vienna (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien).

This was the first Vienna Christmas Market I visited, and its location is stupendous. I went on a bone-chillingly-cold sunny afternoon, so there was only one thing for it, a mug of piping hot glühwein (mulled wine) in my Christmas stocking-shaped mug.

There was plenty of other food on offer, the best of which was the delicious wild boar slab (for want of a better word) which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Image of food stall selling wild boar at the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market Vienna

As with the other main Vienna Christmas markets, there are many great Christmas gifts to be found, from hand-woven scarves and winter hats to painted glass lamps and hand-carved wooden toys.

Location : Maria-Theresien-Platz is on the Burgring, which (with several name changes) runs around the Innere Stadt, or city centre.

Getting there : Volkstheater U-Bahn U2 and U3 is a two-minute walk away, as are the 1, 2, 71, 46, 49 and D tram stops around the corner.

Best For : Great location, ideal for tying in with a visit to one or more Vienna museums.

Close to : You couldn’t really ask for more. The Hofburg Palace and its museums (including the Weltmuseum Wien and Haus der Geschichte Österreich (Museum Of Austrian History) are just across the Burgring, while the MuseumsQuartier, featuring the excellent MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art) and Leopold Museum, is two minutes’ walk away in the opposite direction.

It’s also very close to the Spittelberg and Rathausplatz Christmas Markets.

6. Michaelerplatz Christmas Market

Image of Michaelerplatz Christmas Market Vienna

The Michaelerplatz is a small junction dominated by part of the Hofburg Palace and the elegant spire of the Gothic St Michael’s Church. It’s also the start and end point of many fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) rides, which adds to the atmosphere.

Each of the Vienna Christmas Markets has its own unique angle, and the Michaelerplatz market is branded ‘KUK’, standing for ‘kaiserliche und königlich’- imperial and royal. And why not? It’s right next to the Imperial Apartments and Treasury.

Image of horses and fiaker carriages at the Michaelerplatz Christmas Market Vienna

The Market may well have gained the Kaiser’s seal of approval. We visited twice at night, when the illuminated stalls and buildings looked magnificent.

The stalls differ from the other Viennese Christmas Markets in that they are all white with gold lettering, but the fare on offer is familiar, with some high-quality gifts, including winter clothing, jewellery and some beautiful traditional toys.

There is also beer, punsch, glühwein and sausages. I must say that the bread roll that came with my sausage was distinctly un-imperial, with every last vestige of moisture and freshness long departed from it. It made me chuckle, but old Franz Josef wouldn’t have been too pleased.

Location : Michaelerplatz, Innere Stadt

Getting there : Herrengasse U-Bahn – through which the U3 line runs – is no more than. 100 metres from the square. Otherwise buses 1A and 2A stop within a few steps

Close to : The Stallburg Christmas Market is barely a minute away on Reitschulgasse, and the Spanish Riding School is across the street from there. Kohlmarkt, one of the main upmarket shopping streets in Vienna, runs off the square to Graben – both these streets have lovely Christmas lights.

In the opposite direction, the Volksgarten park is a two-minute walk away, with the Rathausplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Markets also close by.

7. Stephansplatz Christmas Market

Image of Stephansplatz Christmas Market Vienna

One thing all the best European Christmas markets have in common is an amazing setting. The Stephansplatz Market stalls are huddled beneath the Gothic windows of the vast, imposing Stephansdom , the largest church in Vienna and, indeed, Austria.

They are tightly packed together around the narrow square, with a bit of everything, from some great handicraft stalls to mulled wine, beer, grilled sausages, gingerbread – all you could ever want from an Austrian Christmas Market.

It’s one of the smaller Vienna Christmas markets, but very close to several (Michaelerplatz, Stallburg) others, so you could visit this and a few others in a day without rushing at all.

While you’re there, it’s worth a climb up the Stephansdom tower for impressive views over the Cathedral’s superb tiled roof and the Vienna skyline – it’s just a pity that you can only see out of series of windows rather than fresh air. I strongly suggest laying off the mulled wine until after you get back downstairs.

Location: Stephansplatz, around the side and back of Stephansdom (St Stephen’s Cathedral)

Getting there : The U1 and U3 both stop at Stephansplatz station, and buses 1A, 2A and 3A also stop very close by.

Best for : Its magnificent setting below the walls of the impressive Gothic Cathedral

Close to : The famous Ankeruhr clock is a couple of minutes’ walk away in one direction, and Graben, one of the main Vienna shopping streets, is a few metres away in another. The Vienna Jewish Museum and Kaisergruft – the resting place of the Habsburgs – are also a short walk away.

8. Schönbrunn Christmas Market

Image of the Schönbrunn Christmas Market Vienna

The courtyard of the Schönbrunn Palace is the stage for one of the outlying Vienna Christmas Markets, in suburbs a few miles west of Vienna city centre. It’s one of the best-known Austria Christmas markets, and it’s one of the most popular, packed even when I visited on a supposedly quiet weekday night.

Image of a stall at Schönbrunn. Christmas Market Vienna

Vienna is one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe because it has places like this and the Belvedere (see below). The Palace – the summer home of the Habsburg Imperial dynasty – makes for an amazing backdrop, with stalls selling some wonderful crafts (glassware, ceramics, some exquisite hand-made toys) and an endless array of food and drink.

After a Debreziner spicy sausage, a krapfen and beer I stood in line waiting at the kartoffelnspiral (spiral potato) stall, listening to a Viennese choir entertaining the throng.

Image of a spiral potato maker at a food stall in Schönbrunn Christmas Market Vienna

I was so lost in my Christmas reverie that I realised I had been standing in the queue for almost 25 minutes, with my spiral spuds still a very distant prospect. The same thing happened when I returned with my wife and son a few days later. But bah humbug, what a wonderful place to experience the Christmas magic.

Location : The forecourt of Schönbrunn Palace, around 500 metres from Wien-Westbahnhof.

Getting there : Schönbrunn station is on U-Bahn line U4 and is also easily reached by tram (numbers 10, 49 and 52 pass very close by).

Best for : the palatial backdrop, food and also a great way to end a family day out in the area

Close to : The Schönbrunn Palace is one of the main Vienna attractions, and you can follow several guided tour routes through the complex. You can also take a free walk in the gorgeous Schlosspark, up to the Gloriette with its commanding view of the Palace.

We also had a great time dressing up as Habsburg aristocrats in the Children’s Museum, located at the west end of the Palace (entrance via the courtyard).

The adjacent Tiergarten is home to Vienna Zoo , a good ten-minute walk from the entrance to Schloss Schönbrunn. Trams 10, 49, 52 and 60 will save you much of the hike. The same trams run up the hill to the north one stop to the Vienna Technical Museum (Wien Technisches Museum) – alight at Penzinger Straße.

9. Stallburg Vienna Riding School Christmas Market

Image of the Stallburg Christmas Market Vienna

It’s one of the most striking Christmas Markets in Austria, in an incomparable setting. The Stallburg is Renaissance-era stables complex for the handsome white Lipizzaner horses of the famous Vienna Spanish Riding School . The arcades on the upper floors and the temporary ceiling are lit red and orange, while a flying Pegasus casts an eye over the scene below.

We visited this Market when it first opened in December 2019, and it’s due to open again in 2021. There’s a large central bar area, with a small number of Christmas market stalls around the edge of the courtyard selling luxury food and drink.

The Lipizzaner residents cast the occasional glance out of their quarters – sorry, stables – adding a serene and stately presence to proceedings. You won’t spend very long in the newest Christmas Market in Vienna, but it’s well worth dropping by for a little while.

Location : Reitschulgasse 2

Getting there: The U3 stops at Herrengasse station, less that 200 metres away the other side of Michaelerplatz. The 1A and 2A buses also stop next to Michaelerplatz.

Best for : the stunning setting

Close to : The Hofburg Palace, Imperial Treasury, the rest of the Spanish Riding School and superb Austrian National Library are all within 100 metres of the Stallburg. If shopping is your thing, there are plenty of upmarket boutiques along Kohlmarkt and around the corner on Graben.

10. Spittelberg Christmas Market

Vienna is far and away one of the best cities for Christmas Markets, and most of them do follow a tried-and-tested formula. Setting with grand palace or church – tick. High quality handicrafts selected by a jury – tick.

This is all great, but it’s a pleasure to be whisked away to something a little different sometimes. And that’s just what the Spittelberg Christmas Market has to offer.

Spittelberg is a small residential area a few minutes’ walk from the MuseumsQuartier. It’s completely different in feel to the other Vienna Christmas Markets, with no grand stage or vista. Spittelberg is a cluster of narrow streets with three- and four-storey Biedermeier (early 19 th century) apartment houses, with the Weihnachtsmarkt spread over several streets, alleyways and courtyards.

There’s more of an emphasis on food and drink at the Christmas Market in Spittelberg than at the other Markets in the city. The local bars, cafes and shops tend to blend into the Market, so it’s somewhere you could end up lingering for quite some time, as we did. Most of the craft stalls were selling clothing when we visited (in December 2019), but we did manage to find some beautiful wooden toys for Our Little Man.

Location : The Market is spread across three main streets – Schrankgasse, Spittelberggsasse and Gutenberggasse. These are located between Burggasse to the north and Siebensterngasse to the south, and between Stiftgasse to the west and Breitegasse to the east.

Getting there : Tram 49 is the closest you can get by public transport, and the Stiftgasse is right next to the Spittelberg Market area. Otherwise, the U2 U-Bahn line stops at Volstheater and MuseumsQuartier, and the U3 calls at Volkstheater and Neubaugasse. These are all around five minutes’ walk from Spittelberg.

Best for : after all the palatial and imperial grandeur, a lovely homely neighbourhood Christmas Market.

Close to : The MuseumsQuartier is two minutes away, and the Natural History Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum are a few minutes further on. The Volkstheater is also just to the north.

See Also : Brno Christmas Market Guide & Zagreb Christmas Markets Guide

About the Author: David Angel , a Welsh photographer, writer, and historian, has over 30 years of experience exploring and photographing Wales. As former Art Director and Commissioning Editor for Visit Wales, he has explored every corner of this extraordinary country, climbed its mountains, and walked hundreds of miles along the breathtaking Welsh coastline and landscapes. He now uses a lifetime of experience to write comprehensive guides to help people like you discover and explore the best of Wales. He is a native English speaker and fluent in Welsh.

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Vienna Christmas market Austrian National Tourist Office / Rainer Mirau media_content.tooltip.skipped

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Skiing and Winter
Christmas Markets in Austria

Christmas Markets in Vienna

Step into the joy of Christmas with the beautiful streets of Vienna as your backdrop. Punch and chestnut stands draw customers with seasonal treats and stallholders get shoppers in the Christmas spirit with handcrafted goods.

The Christmas markets in Vienna truly are an age-old tradition. The forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages, when in 1296 Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or "Krippenmarkt". Since then, the character and prevalence of these markets has changed considerably. Nowadays, over 20 official Advent markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats.

Christmas Markets

Viennese dream christmas market.

The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall is an unforgettable highlight for those eager to get into the spirit of the season. The unique backdrop gives this market a charm of its own, and the delicious aromas are sure to lull all visitors into the seasonal joy. Inside the City Hall on the ground floor, there is an area dedicated to children, where they can learn how to make Christmas cookies or candles. You can also listen to international choirs singing carols with free entrance on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Where: On the square in front of the City Hall When: 11 November - 26 December 2023

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

Explore baroque lifestyle and traditional handicrafts. The popular Christmas Village Belvedere Palace is set against the glorious baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence, one of Vienna‘s most beautiful and significant sights. More than 40 festively decorated market stalls offer traditional handcrafted goods, elaborate Christmas decorations and special culinary delights. Where: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße When: 17 November - 23 December 2023 Opening hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 9 pm; Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 9 pm; 24 December 11 am – 4 pm; 26 - 30 December 11 am – 7 pm

Plus : New Year's Market (31 December 2023 11 am - 6 pm)

Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square

Experience impressive Viennese buildings and traditional customs at the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square this winter, located between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art. There is no escaping the Christmas atmosphere with festively decorated market stalls and a vast array of culinary delights.

Where: Maria Theresien Platz When: 15 November - 23 December 2023 Opening times: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm; Friday & Saturday 11 am – 10 pm; 24 December 11 am – 4 pm; 25 - 30 December 11 am – 7 pm

Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna

The Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna (Vienna's Former General Hospital) will enchant the visitor with its traditional Viennese atmosphere. The lovingly designed and decorated market stalls located along the many narrow alleyways offer beautiful Christmas gifts as well as delicious Glühwein . Where: Universitätscampus, Alserstrasse When: 10 November - 23 December 2023 Opening times: Monday - Wednesday 2 pm – 10 pm; Thursday, Friday 2 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11 am – 8 pm

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

Approximately 60 exhibitors present handicrafts and original gifts such as hand-made Christmas decorations and nativity sets for visitors to admire and purchase right in front of the famous Schönbrunn Palace . The fragrance of freshly baked Vanillekipferl and hot punch fills the air and creates a wonderful atmosphere. Where: Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace When: 18 November 2023 - 4 January 2024

18 November – 23 December 2023 | 10 am to 9 pm 24 December 2023 | 10 am to 4 pm 25 December 2023 – 4 January 2024 | 10 am to 6 pm

Christmas Market at Spittelberg

The Spittelberg is a revitalized heritage district from the Biedermeier period with narrow side streets. Throughout the festive season, you will find objets d'art, ceramics, warm jumpers, rugs, and jewellery made of silver, enamel, and brass at the Christmas Market at Spittelberg . Where: Spittelberg district When: 16 November - 23 December 2023 Opening times: Mondays – Thursdays 2 pm – 9 pm; Fridays 2 pm – 9.30 pm; Saturdays 10 am – 9.30 pm; Sundays and holidays 10 am – 9 pm

Christmas market in Vienna / Karlsplatz Austrian National Tourist Office / Harald Eisenberger media_content.tooltip.skipped

Additional Christmas Events & Markets in Vienna:

Art Advent - Art & Crafts on Karlsplatz
Winter Market on Riesenradplatz
Old Viennese Christmas Market (German-language only)
Am Hof Advent Market (German-language only)
Christmas Market on Stephansplatz
Advent Delights Market next to Vienna State Opera House (German-language only)

Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace Austrian National Tourist Office / Christian Kremser Schloß Schönbrunn media_content.tooltip.skipped

Advent in the city centre of Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral Austrian National Tourist Office / Filmspektakel.at Wien Stephansplatz media_content.tooltip.skipped

Christmas lights on the Graben in Vienna Austrian National Tourist Office / Harald Eisenberger media_content.tooltip.skipped

Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz Austrian National Tourist Office / Christian Kremser media_content.tooltip.skipped

Christmas lights on the Kohlmarkt in Vienna Austrian National Tourist Office / Harald Eisenberger media_content.tooltip.skipped

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The “silent night” carol, christmas markets in linz & upper austria.

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Christmas & New Year's Eve

The most attractive Christmas markets

From mid-November until Christmas, Vienna's most beautiful squares are transformed into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of Christmas baking, hot punch and toasted almonds wafts through the air. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that spread the Christmas cheer in Vienna.

A tall arched gateway with candles welcomes visitors at the entrance to the Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square. The traditional Christmas Market offers Christmas gifts, Christmas tree decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats, confectionery, and warming drinks. At the Vienna Ice World at the Christmas Market , ice skaters can put on their skates and make rounds through the romantically illuminated City Hall Park. A special attraction for couples in love is the tree of hearts. For children, there's a 12 meter-high multi-level carousel and in the park a Christmas world with reindeer train, nativity scene trail, children's chalet, and a designated skating ring.

Not far from here is the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, between the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and the Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna . Over 70 booths offering traditional handicrafts and original gift ideas are set up here during Advent. The romantic Christmas Village on the University Campus is also a popular meeting point during the run-up to Christmas, especially for students. With a children's railway and an old-fashioned carousel, the Christmas Market on the Campus is also a big hit with families. Two curling lanes are also available.

The Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung in the city center is committed to tradition. A Christmas market was held here as early as 1772; today, it is a place to buy handicrafts, glass decorations, traditional mangers and ceramics. Festive Advent music can be heard on the square from 4.00 pm. Top-quality handicrafts can also be purchased a couple of steps further along at the Am Hof Christmas Market . Christmas music and choral singing provide the perfect atmosphere.

Imperial flair in front of palaces

The Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace charms visitors with its imperial backdrop. The atmospheric market offers traditional crafts, handmade Christmas decorations, an ice skating rink, curling rinks and a wide range of activities for children, including a carousel, Ferris wheel, children’s train and the traditional handicrafts workshop. The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace delights visitors with its baroque setting. The unique palace park offers the perfect setting for this tranquil Christmas market with fine arts and crafts and culinary delights. The Advent market at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace is still an insider tip for anyone looking for a tranquil atmosphere. There is a historic carousel game for younger visitors.

In addition to a varied range of children’s activities, the Art Advent on Karlsplatz also offers arts and crafts for sale. Further variety is provided by art installations, show workshops and live bands. All of the food on offer is organically certified. There are also numerous booths full of handicrafts in the idyllic tiny alleyways of the Biedermeier district at the Christmas Market on Spittelberg as well as numerous other vendors with unique culinary gift ideas. The Christmas market on Spittelberg is run as an eco-event, with sustainable, local, Fairtrade and organic products.

Video about 6 charming Christmas markets in Vienna

Enjoyment and tradition

The Christmas Market on Stephansplatz focuses on contemplation and tradition, with around 40 booths at the foot of St. Stephen's Cathedral offering high-quality products from Austria. The Advent food market at the opera is all about culinary delights. Lebkuchen (gingerbread cakes), cheese, meat products, punch and wine from regional producers make gourmets’ hearts skip a beat.

Entertainment is the word at the Winter Market on Riesenradplatz under the slogan “The Prater rocks”. There are children's adventure rides, musical live acts from Gospel to Soul and Pop and a humorous show program here until January 6.

Christmas markets in parks & gardens

The Christmas market in Türkenschanzpark offers a soothing park atmosphere with a festive touch. The Turkish fountain is surrounded by stands offering food and crafts such as glass blowers, jewelers and much more. The offering for children includes a crafts workshop at weekends. The Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens also draws visitors in to its Christmas market with a Christmas exhibition . The market itself offers organic food and drinks, delicacies from the local region, Christmas gifts and Christmas tree decorations.

You can find a Christmas markets Guide in ivie, the digital city guide for Vienna on your smartphone. Download now for free:

ivie for iOS

ivie for Android

Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square

November 16 – December 26, 2024 Daily 10.00 am – 10.00 pm December 24, 10.00 am – 6.30 pm Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna www.christkindlmarkt.at

Vienna Ice World at the Christmas Market: November 16, 2024 – January 7, 2025, daily from 10.00 am – 10.00 pm December 24, 10.00 am – 6.30 pm; December 31, closed

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

November 13 – December 26, 2024 Su-Th 11.00 am – 9.00 pm, Fr & Sa 11.00 am – 10.00 pm December 24, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm December 25+26, 11.00 am – 7.00 pm Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna www.weihnachtsdorf.at

New Year Market: 12.27.-12.31.2024 11.00 am - 7.00 pm, 12.31. 11.00 am - 6.00 pm

Christmas Village on the University Campus

November 15 – December 23, 2024 Mo-We 2.00 pm – 10.00 pm, Th-Fr 2.00 pm – 11.00 pm Sa 11.00 am – 11.00 pm, Su 11.00 am – 8.00 pm Alserstrasse/Spitalgasse, Hof 1, 1090 Vienna www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung

November 15 – December 23, 2024 Daily from 10.00 am – 9.00 pm Freyung, 1010 Vienna www.altwiener-markt.at

Christmas Market Am Hof

November 15 – December 23, 2024 Mo-Th 11.00 am – 9.00 pm, Fr-Su & hols. 10.00 am – 9.00 pm, food until 10.00 pm Am Hof, 1010 Vienna www.weihnachtsmarkt-hof.at

Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn

November 8, 2024 – January 6, 2025 Daily from 10.00 am – 9.00 pm December 24, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm, December 25 - January 6, 10.00 am – 7.00 pm Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Vienna www.imperial-markets.at

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

November 15 – December 26, 2024 Mon – Fri: 11am – 2pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays: 10am – 2pm 12.24: 11am – 4pm 12.26: 11am – 7pm Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien www.weihnachtsdorf.at

New Year Market: December 27 – 31, 2024 11am – 7pm; 12.31: 11am – 6pm

Advent at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace

November 15 – December 23, 2024 Mon – Fri: 2pm – 9pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays: 11am – 9pm Fürstengasse 1, 1090 Wien www.adventimgartenpalais.at

Art Advent – Art & Crafts on Karlsplatz

November 15 – December 23, 2024 Daily from 12.00 noon – 8.00 pm, food until 9.00 pm Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna www.artadvent.at

Christmas Market on Spittelberg

November 16 – December 23, 2024 Mo-Fr 2.00 pm – 9.30 pm, Sa, Su & hols. 11.00 am – 9.30 pm Spittelberggasse, Stiftgasse, Schrankgasse, Gutenberggasse, 1070 Vienna www.spittelberg.at

Christmas Market on Stephansplatz

November 8 – December 26, 2024 Daily from 11.00 am – 9.00 pm December 24, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm, December 25+26, 11.00 am – 7.00 pm Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Advent food market at the opera

November 15 – December 31, 2024 Every day from 12 pm – 9 pm 12.24: closed; 12.31: 12 pm – 1.30 pm Mahlerstraße 6, 1010 Wien www.adventgenussmarkt.at

Winter Market on Riesenradplatz

November 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025 Mon – Fri: 12 pm – 10 pm Sat, Sun & public holidays 11am – 10pm 12.24. 10am – 5pm, 12.31. 12pm – 2pm Riesenradplatz, 1020 Wien www.wintermarkt.at

Christmas market in Türkenschanzpark

November 15. – December 23, 2024 Mon – Fri 3pm – 10pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays: 12pm – 10pm Türkenschanzpark, 1180 Wien www.weihnachtimpark.at

Christmas exhibition at the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens

November 14 - December 23, 2024 Thurs-Sun 10am-10pm Quadenstraße 15, 1220 Wien www.wien.gv.at

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Visit the 2024 Vienna Christmas Markets: Tips + Map

Disclaimer: Real-life human experiences. Written by a human. Created for humans. (Travels at Missy does not use AI for our articles. All posts and information are 1st hand experience. AI data-scrapping tools are expressly forbidden from using Travels with Missy content for AI Training).

The Vienna Christmas Markets 2024 dates have been released ! One of the earliest starting Christmas Markets in Europe , you’ll find them kicking off at the beginning of November. I’ve been so excited to tick these off my European Christmas Markets for the longest time and let me tell you they did not disappoint.

The Christmas Markets in Vienna are spread out across the city, you’ll have your choice of a Christmas Market set in the shadow of 2 castles, a remarkable city hall, and the modern Museum Quartier, as well as a handful of other picturesque areas. In terms of settings and backdrops, I think the Vienna Christmas Markets win hands down.

Visiting the Vienna Christmas Markets was my first time to the city and to the country of Austria, and although my stay was incredibly brief (just around 32 hours), I managed to tick off all the Christmas Markets in Vienna, took a guided walking tour, visited the stunning National Library and toured Schönbrunn Palace. Phew. It was a lot, but I’m definitely going to return to Vienna again, it’s a fantastic city, and made a great first impression.

Top Vienna Christmas Market Tours 2024

One of the highlights of the Vienna Christmas Markets is visiting the stunningly beautiful Schönbrunn Palace . Not only is the palace gorgeous, but you can enjoy the stunning Christmas Markets on the grounds and an incredible orchestral Christmas concert with the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra . Don’t miss out on the incredible Christmas concert that takes place in the UNESCO Heritage Schönbrunn Orangerie .

Vienna Christmas market map

To view a list of each pinned location, click the icon at the top-left corner. For an expanded view, click the button located at the top-right. To save to your personal Google Maps account, simply click the star icon . Once saved, access the map by opening Google Maps on your device, clicking the ‘Saved’ button, selecting the “Maps” icon on the bottom of the screen, and then choosing you’ll find this map listed.

Tips for the Vienna Christmas Markets

ATMs are available at all of the Vienna Christmas Markets and that’s because cash is king. Most of the stalls that served food and drink displayed signs of ‘cash only’.
Bring wet wipes. Mulled wine and all the delicious food can get sticky pretty quickly.
Dress appropriately. Hats, scarves, and gloves are a must. And a good warm jacket is essential.
Getting around Vienna is really easy with lots of trams, trains, and buses that will take you between places. It’s also incredibly walkable. I covered 28,000 steps in a single day – with a number of transport added in too.

Viennese Traditional Mug

With lots of places to choose from to drink your mulled wine, or punsch as it’s known in Vienna.

These adorably Vienna Christmas Market-themed mugs are a great souvenir to collect from each of the markets you visit around Europe. Each market you visit in Vienna has their own variation. I’m a big fan of the shoe-shaped mug that you’ll find in a few of the Christmas Markets in Vienna.

When you purchase a drink, you’ll also pay a €5 deposit fee . This is called a pfond . Most of the pfond for the decorative mugs were either €4 or €5. When you’ve finished your drinks and you want to return your mug, just bring it back to the cashier at the drink stall and they’ll give you your money in cash.

And if you want to keep your cute little mug, well you’ve paid the deposit of €5 so now its yours to keep! A cute little souvenir from the Vienna Christmas Markets.

Below you’ll find examples of the types of Viennese traditional mugs from this years Vienna Christmas Markets.

Rathausplatz christmas Markets

Whilst doing my research, time and time again, Rathausplatz was described as the best of the Vienna Christmas Markets . The setting against the dramatic city hall, the Rathausplatz Christmas Markets are the largest in Vienna , with an ice-staking rink and lots of adorable chalets selling food, drinks, and crafts.

Above the Wiener Christkindlmarkt entrance is an enormous archway that welcomes you to beautiful Rathausplatz, and it’s not just for tourists, but also for the two million Viennise that live in the city and from around the country.

In the center of Rathausplatz is a stunningly beautiful two-floor carousel that is breathtaking to watch, especially against the contrast of the ornate Rathausplatz building. I was quite envious of anyone who had the excuse of going on it, it would have felt a bit odd going on it by myself.

Ice Skating at Rathausplatz Christmas Markets

The ice-skating rink adjoins the side of the Rathausplatz Christmas Market and the prices were as follows:

Adult Ticket – €10

Child Ticket – €7

Ice Skates (unless you have your own with you) – €5.50 – €9 depending on your shoe size.

Admission is free for the ice-skating rink in Rathausplatz Christmas Markets after 9.30 pm , but you’ll have a limited time on the ice. Skates are discounted too after 9.30 pm.

The ice-skating rink is around until February at Rathausplatz if you are visiting after the Vienna Christmas Markets have finished.

You’ll also find the beautiful ‘Tree of Hearts’ which is decorated with dozens of illuminated hearts. Occasionally you’ll see a gigantic heart whizz across the night sky, and its beating heart flickers the hearts brighter and brighter.

Best Time to Visit the Rathausplatz Christmas Markets

I visited during the week an hour before closing in mid-November and found the Rathausplatz Christmas Market to be quite quiet. They were still busy, but I didn’t feel like I was being pushed from stall to stall and could take my time exploring.

The best time is of course in the evening when the Christmas Markets in Vienna are illuminated. You don’t have to wait long in the months of November and December with sunset usually just after 4 pm and darkness shortly after.

Dates: The Rathausplatz Christmas Market starts on November 16th, 2024 until December 26th , 2024 .

Opening Times: Open daily from 10 am until 10 pm.

Schönbrunn Palace

It’s impossible not to be wowed by Schönbrunn Palace. The former imperial palace of the royal family of the Austrian Empire, the Habsburgs, made Schönbrunn Palace their stunning home just outside the city limits of Vienna.

In front of Schönbrunn Palace, you’ll find a good selection of Christmas Market stalls, and the best local artisan stalls selling handmade Christmas ornaments, notebooks, Christmas wreaths and so much more.

The Christmas Markets of Schönbrunn Palace are in my opinion the best. The selection of food stalls was perhaps the most varied, with everything from wursts, and bretzels twice the size of your head, and lots of punsch stalls.

The market stalls were the best in terms of local artisan-produced goods, there were so many stalls in the Schönbrunn Palace that I wanted to buy from. From beautiful ornate Christmas figurines, wreaths, and beautiful ceramic flowers. Come prepared to add a few more pounds to your suitcase.

Head to Schönbrunn Palace in the early afternoon and spend the time visiting the incredible gardens of Schönbrunn Palace before heading indoors and taking a tour of the palace. And just as the sun starts to set, spend the next couple of hours eating and drinking your way around the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market as they start to illuminate.

At 8 pm attend the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery , where Mozart once played, and listen to the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra perform a superb Christmas concert.

Dates: The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Markets start on 18th November 2023 to the January 4th, 2024. (Still awaiting 2024 dates to be released).

Opening Times: Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

Schönbrunn Palace is open from 10 am until 5 pm daily.

Maria-Theresien-Platz

There was something about the Chrismas Village at Maria-Theresien Square that I just loved. It was one of my favorite Christmas Markets in Vienna.

I think what I loved about it was that it focused heavily on food and drink. There are a number of stalls selling handicrafts too, but the emphasis here seemed to be catching up with friends, and definitely a more local feel.

And I think that’s something about the Vienna Christmas Markets isn’t that they’re just for tourists, far from it. The markets in Vienna have been created for the people of the city, and have welcomed people from around Austria and far beyond to their beautiful Christmas Markets.

The Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Markets are sandwiched between the Natural History Museum and the fine arts museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. This is one of the coziest of Christmas Markets in Vienna and a great place to have a couple of drinks and bites to eat at. I loved it!

Dates: The Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Markets are open from the 13th of November 2024 until the 31st of December 2024.

Opening Times: Open from 11 am until 9 pm daily . On the weekends they extend their opening hour until 10 pm. After December 25th, the times change slightly and close at 7 pm.

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Belvedere Palace is where I honestly expected to bump into a real-life princess. The setting of the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market is beautiful. These Vienna Christmas Markets are set in the very romantic gardens of Belvedere Palace which is now an incredible art museum with artworks from Klimt & van Gogh on display.

Spend an early afternoon exploring the museum, before heading out to the stunning grounds and wait for the light to start fading before enjoying the Christmas Markets in Belvedere Palace.

The grounds of Belvedere Palace are outstanding. I felt like I was in a mini-Versailles as I walked around, expecting to bump into some ladies in hoop dresses from the 18th century.

The Christmas Markets in Belvedere Palace are enchanting and I think the setting really adds to them. I went during the day, and like most of the Christmas Markets in Vienna, they’re best visited during the evening when they’re lit up in all their glory.

With a number of stalls selling warm apple punch and different types of food, the Belvedere Palace Christmas Markets are gorgeous and I would imagine even more stunning in the evening.

Dates: The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace starts on the 15th of November 2024 until the 31st of December 2024 . The Belvedere Palace Christmas Village will then turn into the New Year’s Eve Village and run until the 31st of December 2024 , finishing at 6 pm.

Opening Times: The Belvedere Christmas Market is open from 11 am until 9 pm each day. They do open an hour earlier on the weekends at 10 am. If you’re planning on visiting

St Stephen’s Square Christmas Village

Set beneath the soaring St Stephen’s Church you’ll find a small city-center Christmas Market. This Christmas market weaves around the base of the Gothic church and is perfectly situated in the heart of the city of Vienna. Nearby the streets are decorated so beautifully with enormous baubles on one of the main shopping streets of Vienna, Graben.

You’ll find a lot more stalls to grab a mulled wine at than to eat at. The St Stephen’s Square Christmas Market gives off the impression that it’s nice to stay at for a drink, but then you move on elsewhere. Cute, but there are better Christmas Markets in Vienna to visit.

St Stephen’s Square Christmas Markets operate from the 8th of November 2024 until 26th December 2024 . These also happen to be some of the earliest start dates for the 2024 Vienna Christmas Markets.

Spittelberg Christmas Markets

So, I thought I had found the Spittelberg Christmas Markets but apparently whilst writing this post, I most definitely hadn’t. My Google Maps took me close, but not close enough.

The Spittelberg Christmas Markets are apparently some of the coziest markets in Vienna set along a restored alleyway that dates back to Medieval times. Linger along the street, sipping on a hot drink and browse the stalls. And let me know how they are.

What I did find were the nearby MuseumQuartier Christmas Markets which were just drink stalls, an art installation and a curling game. There was a great vibe here and it was fun to watch the curling game and find one of the more unusual Viennese traditional mugs.

More Christmas Markets in Vienna

There are a smaller amount of Christmas Markets in Vienna that are more spread out, or have later opening dates.

Am Hof Christmas Market
Prater has a small Christmas Market set up, which if you’re planning on visiting is a bonus.
University Campus Christmas Markets

Vienna christmas market food

One of the best things about any of the European Christmas Markets is the food! And the Vienna Christmas Markets are no exception. You’ll find a huge number of things to nibble on as you make your way from market to market.

Lángos – A Hungarian fried dough that can be served with a number of toppings. Sour cream and grated cheese seemed to be a popular option.

Maroni – Roasted chestnuts.

Sausages/Hot-Dogs – Different variations and fillings.

Überbackene Brote – Toasted open-face sandwiches with a variety of toppings. Cheese/Ham/Leek & Black sausage/onions.

Bread Soup Bowls – various flavors of soups presented in a bread bowl.

Ofenkartoffel – Baked potatoes with different toppings.

Käseraclettebrot – Raclette cheese melted onto bread, toppings can be added like bacon or truffle.

where to stay in Vienna for christmas markets

Vienna seems like a really accessible city to get around. There are plenty of options of hopping on a tram, bus or train to your destination, and the city is quite flat.

I stayed a 10-minute tram ride from Rathausplatz , and you can easily walk around the city, often times Google Maps was telling me it was faster to walk than get local transport.

A ring road, or boulevard runs around the perimeter of the older part of the city and the newer part.

Stadtaffe Chic Hostel Vi e – I stayed in Stadtaffe Chic Hostel Vie during my trip as I was in Vienna for such a short period of time and wasn’t planning on spending any time relaxing as I had a lot to tick off my list. The hostel was fantastic and actually restored my faith in what a good hostel can look like and be. Clean, modern, and has a great location.

Flemings Selection Hotel Wien-City – A mid-range hotel a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Rathausplatz and line U2 – the location is superb.

Ritz-Carlton, Vienna – Complete your perfect Vienna Christmas Market in the most perfect and dreamy luxurious hotel in Vienna. Chic, modern and with splashes of glamour throughout, this is a bucket-list hotel if ever there was one.

Meet Missy…

Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram .

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To find out where and when these markets are on, what exactly they offer and guided market tours use my up-to-date Christmas market guide 2024 and map for my home city.

Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz

Find out more in Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz .

Christmas Market at Freyung

Take the opportunity to roam the stalls offering ginger bread, roast chestnuts, hand painted vintage signs, fashion jewellery, hand made regional wooden toys and beeswax candles. On some late afternoons you can listen to regional advent choirs or a Viennese bugle band performing on a small stage.

If you like to try regional snacks visit the farmers' market on Fridays and Saturdays on the other side of the street.

Dates : 15th November to 23rd December 2024 Opening Times : daily 10.00 am to 9.00 pm Location : Freyung square, 1010 Vienna

Christmas Village and New Year's Market at Belvedere Palace

Vienna Christmas market at Belvedere Palace

Dates : 15th November to 31st December 2024; Opening Times : Monday to Friday 11.00 am to 9.00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10.00 am to 9.00 pm; 24th December: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm; 26th to 30th December 11.00 am to 7.00 pm; 31st December 11.00 am to 6.00 pm; CLOSED on 25th December (tbc) Location : Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna

Christmas Village at Altes AKH

Vienna Christmas market at Altes AKH (Former General Hospital)

Dates : 15th November to 23rd December 2024 Opening Times : Mon to Wed 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm, Thursday and Friday 2.00 pm to 11.00 pm; Saturday 11.00 am to 11.00 pm; Sunday 11.00 am to 8.00 pm Location : Alser Strasse / corner of Spitalgasse, Court 1; 1080 Vienna

Christmas and New Year's Market at Schönbrunn Palace

Vienna Christmas Market Schonbrunn Palace

Other than that, the hand-made Tyrolean nativity scene, Austrian traditional crafts and the Christmas gifts by Schönbrunn's own limited edition are something to watch out for. Foodwise, that market serves fabulous warm dishes, from 'Bauerngröstl' (hearty type of hash) and cheese raclette to sweet Kaiserschmarren.

If Schönbrunn Palace is on your sightseeing list plan a comfortable extra hour to visit the market.

Dates : 8th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (Christmas Market and New Year's Market), Opening Times : 8th Nov to 23rd December 10.00 am to 9.00 pm; 24th December 10.00 am to 4.00 pm; 25th December to 6th January 10.00 am to 7.00 pm Location : in front of Schönbrunn Palace's main entrance

Christmas market at Stephansplatz

Vienna Christmas Market at St. Stephen's Cathedral

Dates : 8th November to 26th December 2024 Opening Times : until 23rd December 11.00 am to 9.00 pm; 24th December 11.00 am to 4.00 pm; 25th and 26th December 11.00 am to 7.00 pm Location : in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral ( Stephansdom )

Christmas Market at Spittelberg

Dates : 16th November to 23rd December 2024 Opening Times : Monday to Thursday, 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm; Friday 2.00 pm to 9.30 pm; Saturday 10.00 am to 9.30 pm; Sunday and public holiday 10.00 am to 9.00 pm Location : Spittelberggasse, 1070 Vienna

Christmas Market Am Hof

Dates : 15th November to 23rd December 2024 Opening Times : Monday to Thursday 11.00 am to 9.00 pm, Friday to Sunday and public holiday 10.00 am to 9.00 pm, Location : Am Hof square, 1010 Vienna

Organic Christmas Market at Karlsplatz

Vienna Christmas Market: Church St. Charles Borromeo

If you travel with children and want to take some time off for strolling around the market, you can leave them safely with a well trained team to do Christmas arts and crafts.

Dates : 15th November to 23rd December 2024 Opening Times : daily, 12 noon to 8.00 pm; arts and crafts childcare program at the large yurt daily from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm at the Sternenwerkstatt Location : Karlsplatz, 1010 Vienna

With 20+ Christmas markets spreading across Vienna how will you cover your favorites during your stay? A digital itinerary can blend your top choices with your preferred sightseeing and cultural program. Find out more about Vienna Unwrapped's trip planning services .

Christmas Village and New Year's Market at Maria-Theresien-Platz

Vienna Christmas Market Maria Theresien Platz

Dates : 13th November to 31st December 2024 Opening Times : Sunday to Thursday 11.00 am to 9.00 pm; Friday and Saturday 11.00 am to 10.00 pm; 24th December 11.00 am to 4.00 pm; 25th to 30th December 11.00 am to 7.00 pm; 31st December 11.00 am to 6.00 pm Location : Maria-Theresien-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna

Funky Christmas at MQ

Things to do in Vienna December: Museumsquartier

Location : Museumsquartier (opposite Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Natural History) Dates : 11th November to late December 2024 (TBC) Opening hours : Mondays to Fridays 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 1.00 pm to 11.00 pm;

Christmas Markets Tour

If you are short on time you can do both Christmas market hopping and sightseeing in one go. Besides, the tour groups are quite small and the local guide loves sharing Austrian Christmas traditions . Find out more.

Vienna Christmas Market Map

More Things to Do in Vienna December Visit Vienna Tourism Calendar back to Vienna Unwrapped homepage

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Your ultimate guide to vienna christmas markets – updated for 2023.

Vienna - Belvedere palace at the christmas market in dusk

Editor Update: While this information is correct at the time of publishing, things can always change. Please research before making plans to attend.

This Ultimate Guide to Vienna Christmas Markets covers all the essentials, including opening dates, locations, what to buy, what to eat, and nearby hotels. This post is huge so if you’re in a hurry or looking for something specific, please take a look at the “Table of Contents” to navigate. Otherwise, sit back with a warm mug of glühwein and enjoy.

A festival of light, advent traditions, christmas trees and festive food, am hof christmas market, art advent – arts & crafts market on karlsplatz, belvedere palace advent market, campus of the university of vienna/altes akh christmas village, christmas market and new year’s market schloss schönbrunn, christmas market in türkenschanzpark, christmas market on stephansplatz, christmas and new year’s villages on maria-theresien-platz.

Gourmet Market Next to Vienna State Opera

Haas & Haas Winter in the City

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Vienna is an elegant city. Coffeehouse culture, classical music, and gorgeous Baroque architecture are just a few of its many charms. For many, the highlight of the city is wandering through the holiday markets. I don’t usually think There’s something absolutely irresistible about sipping warm Punsch, nibbling on gingerbread, and shopping for gifts for friends and family back home.

Vienna Christmas Markets, which begin opening in mid-November, have more than enough to tempt even the biggest Grinch. There are some 20 or so Christmas markets with a total of around 1,000 stalls in Vienna. And that doesn’t include the countless small temporary markets, charity stalls, and punch stands.

It isn’t only tourists that are attracted by the profusion of Advent markets and pretty Christmas lights – locals enjoy visiting the markets for a mug of hot punch with colleagues after work, or to do some gift shopping with friends. More than eight million visitors to the city’s Advent and Christmas markets were recorded in 2015.

>>> More reasons to love Europe in winter!

In the evenings during the lead-up to Christmas, the Advent markets and beautiful decorative lights in the streets transform Vienna into a glittering sea of color. As the festive season approaches 40 or so shopping streets around the city are illuminated by decorations of all shapes and sizes, including giant chandeliers on Graben and huge red globes on Rotenturmstrasse. When the lights are officially switched on at the end of November, 2.2 million bulbs threaded along 20 kilometers of streets create an unforgettable Yuletide setting. (The majority of the city’s Christmas lights use environmentally friendly LED and energy-saving lamps.)

Arches of Lights at the Christmas Markets in Vienna

Children count down the days until Christmas on their Advent calendars. Covered in pretty winter-time designs, the calendar has 24 small numbered doors that the little ones open every morning from December 1-24 to reveal pictures, sayings, sweets, or other surprises.

An Advent wreath is an important part of the build-up to Christmas. It is traditionally woven from fir branches and decorated with four candles, although more modern designs are also available. Every Sunday in Advent one of the candles is lit – one on the first Sunday, two on the second, and finally all four on the last Sunday before Christmas.

Baking is a typical Advent activity, and traditional favorites include Christstollen (a loaf-shaped cake packed with dried fruits), Zimtsterne (star-shaped cookies with cinnamon), Vanillekipferl (small vanilla-flavored crescents made of shortbread and chopped and groundnuts), Anisbögen (aniseed-flavored cookies), and Lebkuchen seasoned with fragrant spices. Delicious Christmas cookies are on sale at the various Advent markets, and in the city’s patisseries and confectioners.

Merry Christmas written in German on gingerbread hearts at a Christmas market close up

<<<If you need a little pep in your step before hitting the markets, A Beautiful Experience of Vienna’s Coffeehouses may be just what you need.

Christmas trees are another festive tradition in Vienna City, and evergreens such as firs and spruces decorated with candles, baubles, lights, angels, and tinsel are put up at Advent markets and in churches in the capital in the run-up to Christmas. The annual Christmas market on Rathausplatz is home to Vienna’s tallest Christmas tree, usually standing around 30 meters. Residents of the city normally put up trees at home shortly before Christmas. The colorfully wrapped presents under the tree are opened on Christmas Eve (December 24).

Just before or after the gifts are unwrapped most families sit down to a sumptuous Christmas meal. The menu is a matter of family tradition and often includes fish – especially carp – or goose, as well as cold dishes and fondue. It goes without saying that a plate of Christmas cookies will appear on the table at some stage. After the festive season, Christmas tree collection points are set up around the city. The trees are used as feedstock at a biomass power plant.

Churchgoers celebrate Midnight Mass late on Christmas Eve. Many churches put up cribs recreating the Nativity scene from the stable in Bethlehem, complete with figurines of Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Three Kings, as well as a donkey and other animals. The most charming Nativity cribs can be found in the crypt at the Peterskirche church in the first district, while each year the Lainz Game Reserve sets up a crib featuring life-size wooden figures (Lainzer Tor entrance).

On Christmas Day (December 25) most families spend the day at home and enjoy Christmas lunch together, and St Stephen’s Day (December 26) is traditionally a time for visiting relatives. Both days are public holidays. Shortly before the turn of the year, Vienna springs back to life again as thousands of partygoers hit the New Year’s Eve Trail. At midnight the giant Pummerin bell at St. Stephen’s Cathedral rings in the New Year – and then the countdown to next Advent begins!

Crusty goose leg with braised red cabbage and dumplings

Vienna Christmas Markets

The holiday markets are like a fairytale – an enchanting winter wonderful that is an essential part of Christmas in Vienna. And with such a wide variety to choose from, there really is one for everyone.

Traditionalists make a beeline for the large Advent markets in the city center, such as the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz (Town Hall), or the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung.

The Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn (at Schönbrunn Palace) and the Christmas Village in front of the Belvedere Palace have a distinctly imperial feel, as does the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, located between the Natural History Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

For anyone looking for beautifully handcrafted artworks, the Art Advent Arts & Crafts Market on Karlsplatz, Spittelberg Christmas Market, and Am Hof Advent Market are the places to go. The WeihnachtsQuartier in the MuseumsQuartier is a magnet for fans of designer goods.

Foodies will be in their element at the Advent markets on Mahlerstrasse and in the courtyard of specialist tea store Haas & Haas.

For all this diversity, Vienna’s Advent markets also have plenty in common: they each offer a wide selection of products as well as a mouthwatering choice of food and hot drinks, including spiced teas, drinking chocolate, mulled wine and punch, besides hearty snacks and sweet treats.

Am Hof, 1010 Vienna

Among the wide selection of arts and crafts on offer at the Am Hof Advent Market are traditional ceramics, jewelry, silk paintings, woodwork, mirrors, and handmade soaps. There’s even a champagne and oyster bar.

Overhead view of the Vienna Christmas Market am Hof

Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna

Beautifully crafted quality creations from over 70 designer-makers exhibiting stained-glass ware, musical instruments, jewelry, silk paintings, woolen hats and scarves, natural cosmetics and lots more. For the kids, there’s a workshop where they can make their own Christmas gifts, a train ride, a petting zoo, and hay bales to lark around on. All of the food and drink at the market is certified organic.

Upper Belvedere, Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna

At the Christmas market in front of the splendid Baroque Belvedere Palace, merrily decorated stalls offer traditional handicrafts as well as other more contemporary gifts from Austria’s federal provinces and neighboring countries. Visitors can warm themselves up with hot punch and mulled wine, and enjoy a sausage or local favorite like Schinkenfleckerl (a classic winter pasta and ham dish). Brass bands, gospel choirs, and other ensembles provide entertainment, and there are a vintage carousel and mini railway for the kids.

Altes AKH/University Campus, Alserstrasse/Spitalgasse, 1090 Vienna

Around 50 stalls in the attractive grounds of the old General Hospital form an atmospheric Christmas Village offering handmade jewelry, candles, soap, leather goods, woodwork, and ceramics. Revelers looking for mulled wine, hot punch and a wide selection of Christmas eats won’t be disappointed. Two curling lanes, a children’s carousel, and a Christmas train ride provide further entertainment.

Schönbrunn Palace, Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse, 1130 Vienna

About 80 stallholders from Austria and neighboring countries display a varied selection of traditional arts and crafts, handmade Christmas tree decorations, nativity scene sets and other beautiful items made from natural materials. Hot punch and Christmas biscuits are in plentiful supply and there’s music from choirs, gospel groups and brass bands from Austria and abroad.

Kids can do handicrafts under the supervision of expert craftspeople in the Christmas workshop, make biscuits in Schönbrunn Bakery or take a tour of the Schloss Schönbrunn Experience children’s museum. A New Year’s market with traditional lucky charms, delicious food, hot punch and mulled wine is held on the same site after Christmas to Jan 4, 2023.

Culture and Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace

Corner of Peter Jordan-Strasse and Dänenstrasse, 1180 Vienna

Handicrafts, seasonal food, and drink and a carousel in the charming surroundings of Türkenschanzpark – with live music on Sundays.

Stephansplatz (by Churhausgasse), 1010 Vienna

At the Christmas market outside St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the old town, beautifully decorated stalls specialize in high-quality arts and crafts.

Stephansplatz Christmas market around the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. Two market stall under the 18th century Baroque statue of St. Francis trampling on a beaten Turk.

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna

The square between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum is home to the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, where illuminated Christmas trees and music from gospel choirs and Austrian brass bands makes for the perfect festive setting. Christmas gifts on the market stalls include wooden and glass handicrafts and jewelry, watercolors and oil paintings. Food and drink stands serve up seasonal favorites like hot punch and mulled wine. After the Christmas Village closes, from December 27 to 31, 2023 the New Year’s Village will take its place on Maria Theresien Platz

Vienna Christmas Market at Maria Theresien Platz

Gourmet Market Next to Vienna State Opera

Mahlerstrasse, 1010 Vienna

Up-market tea store Haas & Haas puts on this Christmas food market (also known as The Pleasure Market) under the glass-covered promenade on Mahlerstrasse. Opposite the Opera house and right next to the Ringstrassen Galerien mall, the 15 stands tempt passers-by with their cheeses, wines, charcuterie, marzipan and nougat, Austrian specialties, and hot punch.

Courtyard of Haas & Haas tea store, Stephansplatz 4, 1010 Vienna

Purveyors of fine teas Haas & Haas hold a cozy winter market in the welcoming covered courtyard of their store right behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visitors can warm their hands in front of braziers and enjoy a mug of hot homemade punch or mulled wine, a hearty bowl of soup, or grill skewers over the fire.

Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna

The white stands at the K.u.k. Christmas Market on Michaelerplatz in front of the Hofburg carry primarily Austrian products including candies, tin figures, handmade cribs and much more.

Freyung, 1010 Vienna

Freyung is one of Vienna’s most beautiful squares, and Christmas markets have been taking place there since 1772. Today, visitors to this small but excellent market can treat themselves to a waffle and a mug of hot apple must (apple wine), punch or hot chocolate while they peruse a fine selection of arts and crafts. The stands offer a wide choice of Christmas tree decorations, nativity scene sets, glass decorations, ceramics, basket ware, and toys. There are Advent music and children’s activities, plus, on weekends, arts and crafts demonstrations.

Spittelberggasse, Burggasse, Schrankgasse, Stiftgasse, Siebensterngasse, 1070 Vienna

Over 100 stalls with eclectic products from Austria and surrounding countries in one of Vienna’s more Bohemian districts. The market is known for its romantic cobblestone streets, high-quality handicrafts, and food and drink including traditional gingerbread, Christmas biscuits, cakes, pastries, and teas. The kids’ activity program consists of puppet theater, fairy tales, biscuit baking, and candle making. On Sundays, parents can leave the little ones in the safe hands of the staff at the Christmas workshop.

Snow falling at night at the Spittelberg Christmas Market in Vienna

Small Vienna Ice World Nov 10, 2023-Jan 7, 2024

Rathausplatz and Rathauspark, 1010 Vienna, www.wienerweihnachtstraum.at

The city’s biggest Christmas market brings the enchanting romance and nostalgia of the season to life, with around 150 colorful stalls offering handicrafts, gift ideas, confectionery, hot drinks including punch and mulled wine, sausages, and snacks. A huge Christmas tree adorned with hundreds of environmentally friendly LED lights takes pride of place in front of City Hall. The tree is presented by one of Austria’s provinces as a gift to the capital.

It goes without saying that the biggest Christmas market isn’t necessarily the best Christmas market in Vienna. Rathausplatz is very touristy and extremely crowded, especially during the evening and on weekends.

Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) surrounds the Christmas Market – 4,000m² of ice skating trails on Rathausplatz and through the Rathauspark, the small Vienna Ice World, with an innovative lighting concept that creates a true winter wonderland. There is also more than enough to keep children entertained, including games, a carousel, and a reindeer train.

Ice skating at night at the Vienna Christmas Markets

Savoyenstrasse 2, 1160 Vienna

This small market on the Wilhelminenberg hill has magical views over the city.

MuseumsQuartier, 1070 Vienna

A winter wonderland designed like no other, with specially created artistic light installations and much more: Winter im MQ provides an alternative Advent ambiance, while the MQ Point shop in the main entrance to the complex stocks unique winter products and is packed with unique gift ideas.

Turns into a NYE wintermarket – Open Nov 18, 2023-Jan 7, 2023

Riesenradplatz, Prater, 1020 Vienna

This Winter Market in the Prater – branded “The Prater Rocks” – offers lots of fun for all the family with a kids’ winter train ride, the giddy heights of the chain carousel, and live music from pop to soul. All accompanied by warming Christmas drinks and tasty snacks.

Near Am Hof, Freyung, Michaelerplatz, Rathausplatz, and Stephensplatz

Park Hyatt Vienna

Am Hof 2, 01. Innere Stadt, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Near Belvedere Palace

Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna

Rennweg 16, 03. Landstraße, 1030 Vienna, Austria

Near Karlsplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz, Museumplatz, Spittleberg, and the Vienna State Opera

Le Meridien Vienna

Robert-Stolz-Platz 1, 01. Innere Stadt, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Near the Rooftop Bar at the Ritz

Ritz Carlton, Vienna

Schubertring 5-7, 01. Innere Stadt, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Exterior of Park Hyatt Hotel in Vienna, Austria

Temporary Christmas Markets and Other Advent Events

Hietzinger Tor entrance, Hietzinger Hauptstrasse, 1130 Vienna

Schönbrunn Zoo offers free children’s tours on each Sunday of Advent (starting at 2.30pm at the Hietzing information center and lasting approximately one hour; children must be accompanied by an adult). On December 8 and 9, 2018, the ORANG.erie becomes a Christmas crafts workshop open from 9 am to 4 pm, and on both days children can also bake cookies in the kitchens of the Tyrolean Farmhouse between 1 pm and 3 pm. On December 24 – when the main family celebrations take place in Austria – special Christmas activities are put on from 9 am to 4 pm, to occupy the kids during their agonizing wait for gifts later in the day.

Blumengärten Hirschstetten, Quadenstrasse 15, 1220 Vienna

The Christmas exhibition in the heated greenhouses operated by the municipal gardens agency in the 22nd district offers a packed program featuring music and culinary highlights.

Ludwig-Koessler-Platz, 1030 Vienna

This small, welcoming Advent market is set in the well-preserved, heritage-listed tram depot that houses the Wiener Linien Transport Museum, which exhibits historic and modern transport vehicles throughout the year, and tells the story of public transport in Vienna. Hot punch and roasted chestnuts can all be enjoyed in a festive atmosphere, while gift ideas abound – toy railway streetcars and subway trains, Viennese tram Christmas tree decorations, and nostalgic calendars. There is also a children’s play area and a curling rink.

Petersplatz, 1010 Vienna

The show’s exhibits are sourced from private collections and presented in the church’s crypt, under the title “Nativity scenes from around the world”. On weekends there are accompanying events exploring themes related to nativity displays and Christmas.

Arsenal, Objekt 1, 1030 Vienna

The square in front of the Museum of Military History will be filled with medieval handicrafts and concession stands, jugglers, swordsmen, dancers, fire breathers and entertainers. The children’s program includes fairy tales, a carousel and arts, and crafts.

Lainzer Tiergarten, Lainzer Tor entrance, Hermesstrasse, 1130 Vienna

A Nativity display featuring life-size wooden figures at the Lainzer Tor entrance.

Marx Halle, Karl-Farkas-Gasse 19, 1030 Vienna

Design market for dedicated followers of fashion, design fans and more, with gift ideas that are not to be found on every street.

Coburgbastei 4, 1010 Vienna

From Thursday to Saturday, punch, delicious wintertime treats, and lounge music await in the Palais Coburg. Blankets and heat lamps keep the cold at bay.

freiraum quartier 21, Arena 21, Ovalhalle, MQ, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna

A paradise for connoisseurs of the finer things in life opens in the halls of MuseumsQuartier on the first weekend of Advent, with fashion, jewelry, ceramics, small interior furnishings, books and many more creations from Austrian and international designers. Entry to the 1,000m² indoor market is free.

Guided Tours of the Holiday Markets

If you’re visiting Vienna’s magical Christmas markets for the first time, traveling solo, or have a limited amount of time, a guided group walking tour can be a fun way to get a taste of Vienna’s festive holiday spirit. On this 2-3 hour tour , you’ll visit four of the top Christmas markets in the city, where you’ll enjoy some cookies and rum.

Looking to add a memorable day trip to your Vienna stay? Gottweig Abbey is only an hour away!

If group tours aren’t your thing, you can still get in the holiday spirit with a private tour through some of Vienna’s most picturesque squares. Leave the navigating to someone else so you can concentrate on relaxing and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere and learn about the Austrian Christmas traditions.

Uniworld offers a collection of holiday river cruises that let you celebrate the season in incredible style. You can unpack once then cruise along the mighty Danube through three nations – Germany, Austria, and Hungary – each one decked in all their holiday finery.

Double staircase and portrait of Maria Theresa on the Uniworld S.S. Maria Theresa river cruise ship

The capital’s Advent markets are laden with Christmas goodies including candles, baubles, arts and crafts, cribs, toys, gifts and Christmas decorations. Each market has its own character, from intimate to high tech, and each artist has his or her own story to tell.

Highlights include:

Blown glass ornaments
Handcrafted wooden toys
Handknit ornaments
Snow globes (Snow globes were invented in Austria!)
Nutcrackers
Handcrafted jewelry and hairpins
Beeswax candles
Honey and jam
Austrian Schnapps
Nativity scenes

Traditional Christmas dolls in sweaters sold at the Vienna Christmas Markets 2018

You knew we’d get here eventually right? So let’s talk about the mouthwatering selection of food and hot drinks to enjoy at the Christmas markets, including spiced teas, drinking chocolate, mulled wine and punch, plus yummy snacks and sweets.

Glühwein – hot mulled wine
Kartoffelpuffer – potato pancakes
Krapfen – yeast dough pastry, filled with jam (sweet) or sauerkraut (savory)
Raclette – bread with warm cheese
Bauerngröstl – bacon, egg, and potato fry up, usually topped with a fried egg
Käsekrainer – sausages stuffed with cheese
Bratwurst – grilled or fried sausage
Vanillekipferl – light, crescent-shaped biscuit made with butter and almond flour
Kaiserschmarrn – a dessert made from pancake batter
Waffeln – waffles
Lebkuchen – a gingerbread-like cookie
Bratkartoffel – pan-fried potatoes
Heisse Bauernkrapfen – farmhouse donuts
Maroni – roasted chestnuts
Suppen im brotteig – soup in bread bowls
Strudel – layered pastry with a sweet filling
Schinkenfleckerl – pasta and ham

Variety of strudel at the Vienna Christmas Markets

There you have it – everything you need to know about the Vienna Christmas Markets for the upcoming holiday season.

Have you been to a Christmas market? What’s the best thing you ate or drank there? Let us know in the comments below.

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Nelia Nunes

I am a mom of 2 who travels a lot for work (I work in the event/conference/tradeshow industry). I grew up and currently live in Northern California.

5 thoughts on “ Your Ultimate Guide to Vienna Christmas Markets – Updated for 2023 ”

I love Vienna! I was there 2 years ago in the Spring, but I would love to visit during the holidays and experience the magic. Your pictures are beautiful and I love how you describe it as “Whoville-ian”! Don’t get me started on those Christmas cookies! I need to make those Vanillekipferl!

Thank you! While the sights, smells, and tastes of Vienna at Christmas are absolutely intoxicating, I imagine its just as lovely and elegant in the Spring.

I lived in Europe for two Christmas seasons in 2003 and 2005, and I remember a couple markets here and there, but I don’t think they were anything like they are today! I even spent one of those Christmases in Vienna where my cousin was listening, and it was beautiful in all its glittery glory but I need to go back and take advantage of these markets!

Me too! I’d go back tomorrow if I could. 🙂

Visiting the CHristmas Markets in Vienna are high on my wish list! Vienna is one of my favorite European cities and I’d love to experience the magic of the holidays there.

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10 Best Vienna Christmas Markets

If you’re planning to visit Vienna in either late November or December, chances are you’ll end up stumbling upon at least one major Christmas Market.

This post provides useful details about the best and most festive markets in this city, including information about when they open and what you can expect to find at each location.

With over 1 million tours given, the guides of Free Tours By Foot have a lot of experience traveling and visiting some of the most historic and beautiful cities in the world, including Vienna.

Whenever possible, we ask for their opinions when compiling these articles, as they usually know which markets are best.

1. Christkindlmarkt

This is arguably the biggest and most well-known Christmas market in Vienna.

As you wander past the hundreds of booths selling all kinds of festive goods, you’ll likely spot the Tree of Hearts in the nearby Rathaus Park.

Located at the Rathausplatz in front of Town Hall, it’s relatively easy to find this massive holiday marketplace.

Dates: November 16th - December 26th, 2024
Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Christkindlmarkt closes early at 6:30 pm on December 24th

Visitors can enjoy ice skating during opening hours, and the skating rink actually remains open much longer than the Christmas market itself, closing on January 7th, 2025.

The nearby Rathaus Park is also home to the Tree of Hearts, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel.

The park itself typically features a lighting display for the holidays, giving you plenty of reason to at least take a quick walk through the area either before or after visiting Christkindlmarkt.

What do they sell?

Christkindlmarkt is mostly known for its food stalls, including traditional holiday favorites such as roasted chestnuts, Fladenbrot, chocolate-covered strawberries, and Christmas punch.

There are also some arts and crafts booths, novelty toys, and various other trinkets and baubles.

How to Get Here

There are a variety of ways to get here, especially by public transport. Here are the easiest methods:

Bus Lines: 1a and 48a
Subway Lines: U2 and U3
Tram Lines: 2, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, and 49

2. Schönbrunn Palace

This one should be easy to find if you’re planning to tour the city, as it’s located right in front of Schönbrunn Palace, which is often included on many free Vienna walking tours.

Like Christkindlmarkt, you’ll also find a giant Christmas tree at this market as well.

Although there aren’t typically as many stalls here, you can still expect dozens of vendors to choose from.

Dates: TBD for 2024. Last year dates: November 18th - January 4th
Hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
This market closes at 4 pm on December 24th
Hours change to 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on December 25th
This Christmas market transforms into a Neujahrsmarkt (New Year’s market) on December 27th.

There is usually an open-air stage near the Christmas tree where you can expect to see a choir singing Christmas carols and other festive favorites.

You’ll likely also spot a large Nativity scene nearby.

If you’re looking for Christmas decorations or unique gifts, this is one of the best Christmas markets in the city.

You’ll find dozens of stalls offering a variety of arts and crafts, candlemakers, potters, wood carvers, and other artists producing one-of-a-kind items.

You can also expect to find plenty of vendors selling food, including a festive favorite known as kaiserschmarren.

You’ll also find warming foods such as soup, dumplings, and more.

Since this market is just outside one of the top tourist destinations in the city, there are plenty of ways to get here using public transportation or even a hop-on hop-off bus tour . Here are the closest stops:

Bus Lines: 10A, 56A, 56B, 58A, 58B
Subway Lines: U4
Tram Lines: 10, 60

3. Belvedere Palace

This is yet another Christmas market you’re likely to stumble upon simply by taking a free Vienna walking tour, as it’s right next to the Belvedere Palace.

Compared to some of the other options on this list, you’ll find that this market is a bit smaller than others, with around 15-20 stalls selling a variety of goods.

Dates: 2024 dates TBD. Last year dates: November 17th - December 31st
Weekday Hours: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Weekend Hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Closes at 4 pm on December 24th
Closes at 7 pm on December 25th, 26th
Turns into a New Year’s Market on December 27th

You’ll typically find a carousel and even a reindeer train nearby, giving the kids something to do while you’re shopping.

If you haven’t seen the Belvedere yet, they house an excellent collection of art that you might want to see as well.

This Christmas market offers a variety of options including both food and gifts.

Visitors can expect stalls selling jewelry, wooden toys, drinking horns, and other handcrafted items.

There are also vendors selling mulled wine, kaiserschmarren, and other traditional Austrian dishes.

Located near one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna, there are several different ways to get here using either public transportation or even hop-on hop-off bus tours .

Here are some of the closest stops:

Subway Lines: U1
Tram Lines: D, O, 18, 71

4. Spittelberg

If you’re looking for another fairly big Christmas market, Spittelberg is one of the better options in Vienna.

They typically have hundreds of vendors selling an interesting mix of both gifts and festive dishes.

One thing that sets this location apart from other markets is that it isn’t located in a public square, but rather you’ll find the booths lining the streets of the neighborhood.

Dates: November 16th, 2024 - December 23rd, 2024
Mon - Thur Hours: 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday Hours: 2:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday Hours: 10:00 am - 9:30 pm
Sunday Hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Since the area of this market is more confined, you won’t find the same kind of attractions here that you will at other Christmas markets, and it’s probably a better spot for visitors shopping on their own.

You will find a lot of art galleries, bars, and other little shops lining the streets, and the buildings themselves date back hundreds of years, providing a unique atmosphere for the holidays.

Shoppers can expect to find a mix of arts and crafts, blown glass items, leather goods, and more.

You’ll find food booths as well, selling all kinds of interesting dishes including roasted almonds, pulled pork sandwiches, and arancini.

Perhaps the best thing about the Spittelberg Christmas market is that it has been certified as an environmentally-friendly event!

Although this market isn’t right next to a popular landmark, there are still quite a few public transport stops located nearby, including the following options:

Bus Lines: 2A and 48A
Subway Lines: U3
Tram Lines: 49

5. Karlsplatz

Also known as Art Advent, this Vienna Christmas market focuses mainly on artistic gifts and trinkets.

Like many other markets on our list, you’ll find this one in a large plaza that is often included on some free Vienna walking tours.

You can expect to find around 80 vendors selling various goods, and there will be plenty of food and drink for shoppers as well.

Dates: November 15th, 2024 - December 23rd, 2024
Hours: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm daily

Although this Christmas market is located in a fairly large public square, there aren’t a whole lot of additional activities to enjoy beyond shopping.

Families will find arts and crafts activities and a carousel nearby.

As the name implies, Art Advent actually requires vendors to create the products they sell, ensuring a wide variety of unique and artistic gifts such as clothing, jewelry, and more.

The food stalls sell a few traditional dishes such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, but you can expect far more vendors to sell different foods such as potato goulash and raclette.

Since this is a public square, there are a lot of public transportation stops nearby, including the following:

Bus Lines: 4A
Subway Lines: U1, U4
Tram Lines: 1, 62, BB

6. Maria-Theresien-Platz

Located between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum, this is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Vienna.

You can expect around 70-75 booths to be selling a variety of arts, crafts, and of course festive foods.

Like some other markets, this one turns into a New Year’s Market on December 27th.

Dates: November 13th, 2024 - December 31st, 2024
Sun - Thur Hours: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri - Sat Hours: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Closes at 7 pm from December 25th - 30th
Closes at 6 pm on December 31st

Since this market is between two museums, you can of course visit them and take in some excellent art and natural history.

There are also two fountains in this public square, but beyond that, there aren’t any particularly festive activities here.

The Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market features a variety of vendors, including candlemakers, wooden toys, and even snow globes.

You’ll also find plenty of food stalls selling all kinds of local dishes such as sausage, pastries, mulled wine, and even chocolate-dipped fruits.

Thanks to its central location, you’ll find plenty of public transportation options. Here are the closest stops:

Bus Lines: 48A
Subway Lines: U2, U3
Tram Lines: D, 1, 2, 46, 49, 71

7. Stephansplatz

You’ll find this Christmas market right next to Stephansdom, also known as St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Set amidst the beautiful Gothic architecture, you will find a giant Christmas tree and at least 40 stalls selling a variety of holiday gifts and festive foods.

Even better, there are frequent horse-drawn carriages offering service in the area, allowing you to easily travel from one end to the other while still feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Dates: November 8th, 2024 - December 26th, 2024
Hours: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Closes at 7 pm on December 25th and 26th

Aside from the Christmas tree and the carriage rides, there are also a lot of excellent shops in the area where you can continue shopping if you haven’t quite found what you’re looking for in the holiday marketplace.

There are also a lot of great Christmas light displays nearby, giving you something to enjoy on your walk back home.

The Stephansplatz Christmas market has some of the best variety of all the markets in Vienna, including gifts such as snow globes, homemade wool hats, handmade decorations, candles, and more.

When it comes to food, there’s a nice mix of holiday favorites like roasted almonds and local dishes like hot sausages, potato fritters, and even bread bowls with hot soup inside.

This is another market close to a major landmark, so it should be accessible in a variety of ways, including hop-on and hop-off bus tours.

Bus Lines: 1A, 2A, 3A
Subway Lines: U1, U3

8. Altes AKH

This is one of the better Christmas markets for families and visitors who just want to enjoy some great food in a festive marketplace.

They focus mostly on food and drink, but the locale is also perfect for kids.

In addition to all the food stalls, there are also a lot of great restaurants around here serving authentic Austrian meals, so you won’t have much trouble finding something good to eat!

Mon-Wed Hours: 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thur - Fri Hours: 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturday Hours: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sunday Hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

One of the reasons this market is great for kids is that there is a playground nearby.

They also regularly have special holiday activities such as a Christmas train, pony rides, and more.

Best of all, Altes AKH doesn’t tend to be as crowded as other markets, so it’s usually safer for families.

When you’re done enjoying all the activities with your children, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the festive food stalls or a restaurant in the area.

While they don’t have a lot of traditional holiday booths, you will find a few selling things like clothing, jewelry, and other specialty items.

For the most part, this Christmas market is all about the food, and there’s plenty to choose from.

In addition to traditional fare such as sausages, you can also expect to find festive drinks such as Christmas punch, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and more.

This is a bit further from the city center, but it’s still quite easy to get here using public transportation.

Bus Lines: 13A
Subway Lines: U2, U6
Tram Lines: 5, 33, 43, 44

9. Hirschstetten Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a more unique setting, this Christmas market is actually located in a botanical garden.

While you’re enjoying the wonderful flora on display, you’ll also have the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping!

There are roughly 50 stands available at this holiday market, ensuring you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Dates: TBD for 2024. Last year dates: November 23rd - December 23rd
Thur - Sun Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

This event usually has a theme related to the holidays, and they often hold festive musical performances at 5 p.m. every day.

There are also usually at least a few small rides, making this an excellent option for kids.

The botanical garden is decorated for the holidays, giving visitors a beautiful visual feast while they enjoy some Christmas shopping.

There is a good mix of market stalls here, including both festive foods and unique handmade gifts.

Visitors can also expect a variety of decorations and knitted clothing items, making for the perfect memento.

When it comes to food, all the traditional fare is available such as Christmas punch, roasted chestnuts, holiday biscuits, and more.

You can also of course expect popular Austrian dishes like sausages and baked potatoes.

While there aren’t a lot of easy ways to get here, there are at least two decent public transportation options to consider.

Tram Lines: 26

10. Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz

Although this isn’t the biggest Christmas market in Vienna, it is a popular option thanks to the fact that it’s located next to the giant Ferris Wheel.

This is an excellent spot for families but be warned that there aren’t a lot of market stalls despite the noteworthy location.

In total, you can expect about 20 stands to be available, mostly offering festive food and drink.

Dates: November 16th, 2024 - January 6th, 2025
Weekday Hours: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Weekend Hours: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Closes at 5 pm on December 24th
Open from 11 am - 2 am on New Year’s Eve

The main attraction here is of course the Ferris wheel, and you can expect it to be quite busy.

In addition to that, you can also expect plenty of musical performances throughout the season from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday each week.

Madame Tussauds is nearby, but most people will probably stick to the other amusement rides that are typically set up in the area.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift, this might not be the best Christmas market in Vienna.

However, if you’re in the mood for family fun and good food, this is one of the best options in the city.

You can expect a variety of festive favorites including hot chocolate, Christmas punch, and chocolate-covered fruit.

They also have Austrian standards like sausage, goulash soup, and more.

Since Prater and the giant Ferris Wheel are popular destinations, there are plenty of easy ways to get here by public transportation.

Bus Lines: 5B and 80A
Subway Lines: U1 and U2
Tram Lines: 5 and O
City Trains: S1, S2, S3, S4, S7

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This Winter, Visit Not One But Three Christmas Markets In Vienna

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Vienna's Christmas markets offer a wide selection of delicious delicacies and seasonal presents, with over 20 recognized markets to choose from.
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of City Hall is a memorable highlight with its distinctive setting and mouthwatering scents.
The Christmas Market at Spittelberg offers a charming old-town vibe with artisanal and unique merchandise, making it one of the top Vienna Christmas markets.

With its dazzling lights, beautifully adorned trees, festive cuisine, and customs, Christmas is a magnificent and festive time of year around the world . A trip to one of Europe's top Christmas markets is a great way to get into the holiday mood. Everything seems so amazing because of the scent of the many booths, the sugared almonds, the music, and the steaming hot Glühwein with all of the holiday cheer that surrounds it. Some of the greatest Christmas markets and festivals in Europe can be found in Austria .

Vienna's Christmas markets are indeed a centuries-old custom. The origins of the current celebrations may be traced back to the Middle Ages when Vienna's inhabitants were allowed to organize a December Market, or Krippenmarkt, by Albrecht I in 1296 . The nature and ubiquity of these marketplaces have evolved significantly since then. People tend to think that there is just one Christmas market in Vienne. However, these days, there are more than 20 recognized Christmas markets that provide a wide selection of delicious delicacies and seasonal presents. Here are the most famous and best three Christmas markets in Vienna.

10 Christmas Markets Around The World Worth Booking A Flight For

Get ready for a festive experience unlike any other because these Christmas markets are worth the special trip.

Visit The Famous Viennese Dream Christmas Market

For those who are ready to embrace the spirit of the season, the Viennese Dream Christmas Market takes place in front of the City Hall and is a memorable highlight. This market has its own appeal due to its distinctive setting, and the mouthwatering scents will entice every visitor to experience the delight of the season.

Children can make Christmas cookies or candles in a special area located on the first level of City Hall.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the visitors of this Christmas market in Vienna may also enjoy free admission while listening to foreign choirs sing Christmas songs.

This is one of the most well-known Christmas markets; it is called Wiener Weihnachtstraum, or Christmas World.

The Vienna Rathaus, or City Hall, is front and center of the park where this market is held. The beautiful Rathaus and its tower, which is visible from most parts of the city, are symbols of Vienna.

There are several holiday light displays and ornament installations, along with a sizable outdoor skating rink that circles the trees. The Rathaus has a charming ambiance at night with a miniature carousel for the younger crowd.

This market feels less like a classic old-town village and more like a Christmas theme park. In the past several years, this industry in particular has worked to highlight more ecological items and fewer kitsch souvenirs.

Traditional Christmas music will be playing, and there will be a wide range of food vendors. This Christmas market in Vienna is frequently crowded. Though it is only open until Christmas, this is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe and Vienna .

Dates: From November 11 to December 26, 2023

Spend Some Time At Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

Situated against the magnificent baroque backdrop of the renowned home, one of Vienna's most prominent and beautiful attractions is the well-known Christmas Village Belvedere Palace. More than forty brightly adorned market stalls provide traditional handicrafts, lavish Christmas decor, and delectable food.

Nestled between the Große Bassin and Schloss Belvedere, the Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere, also known as the Belvedere Night Market, is a great spot to get together with friends, warm up after a day spent touring the castle and gardens, or simply get into the spirit of the holidays.

The Upper Belvedere Museum , renowned for both its exquisite gardens and collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, provides the backdrop for the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market. Despite being south of the city center, it is conveniently accessible by tram, rail, or Uber.

Christmas market visitors can approach the Belvedere Gardens by walking across the street from Wien Quartier Belvedere Bahnhst train station, or they can enter where Karolinengasse terminates at Prinz-Eugen-Straße.

Even though it is smaller than some, this Viennese Christmas market offers a nice selection of crafts, food, and drink, additionally, nighttime strolls around the illuminated pond are delightful.

One of the reasons it is one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna is that it is open concept and less congested than many of Vienna's other Christmas markets.

Dates: From November 17 to December 23, 2023

Traditional Austrian Christmas Food Is Only One Reason To Visit This Country

Austria might be the Christmas capital of the world, but its food should also give it the title of 'Christmas Food Capital of the World.'

Don’t Skip The Christmas Market At Spittelberg

With its winding side alleyways, the Spittelberg is a restored Biedermeier-era historic neighborhood. The Christmas Market in Spittelberg offers objets d'art, pottery, cozy sweaters, carpets, and jewelry crafted from brass, silver, and enamel throughout the holiday season.

It is one of the top Vienna Christmas markets. Amidst the winding lanes and charming townhouses on Stiftgasse, Gutenberggasse, Spittelberggasse, and Schrankgasse are pop-up shops and permanent specialty businesses brimming with merchandise, artwork, handicrafts, chocolate, sweets, apparel, and more.

Compared to many of the larger markets, the items for sale here were more artisanal and distinctive. Visitors can also pass by the fancy shops that line the streets in this neighborhood.

Due to its smaller size and charming old-town vibe, this market is one of the more popular ones, yet it may also result in crowded spaces. This market is larger than it looks at first; if winter visitors of Vienna do not investigate the nearby streets, they will miss some of it.

Dates: From November 16 to December 23, 2023

Take a sip of steaming mulled wine and peruse the shops and booths. Later, either return the empty mug and receive a refund for it or take it to the next stand to obtain a refill. Bring it along as a memento!

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Visiting Vienna

Christmas markets: dates and opening times 2024

You’re wrapped up warm all ready to splash out on strawberries that foolishly fell into some chocolate. Not to mention a mug of mulled wine to chase away the winter cold. Around the corner, and…is the market even open?

Book a concert experience * in the Viennese Advent
Vienna in December
Vienna at Christmas
Things to do in the evening
Hotels near the main Christmas market

When do the markets start in 2024?

Kunsthistorisches Museum and Christmas market

(The market on Maria-Theresien-Platz with the Kunsthistorisches Museum behind)

Traditionally, the markets start in early to mid November and all the major markets open by the last week of the month.

I’ll add dates announced on the official market websites as I spot them across the year. At the time of writing, we have:

I always suggest going late afternoon or early evening. This avoids the peak crowds and leaves time for other evening activities , particularly one of the popular Mozart & Strauss concerts held in historical venues.

All locations normally stay open until at least December 23rd.

Expect several markets to continue through the Christmas public holiday period as well. One or two may even stay open until late December or early January, often in the form of a New Year market .

In 2024, for example, the following markets open for at least some days after December 23rd:

Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz (until December 26th)
Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz (until January 6th)
Schönbrunn (until January 6th)
Stephansplatz (until December 26th)
Belvedere (until December 31st)
Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz (until December 31st)
Advent Genussmarkt (until December 31st)

Always check official sites on a case-by-case basis, though, given dates and times can change at short notice.

You may find other markets around the city and not mentioned have different dates to any given above: I don’t check every one, just the important locations for visitors to Vienna.

Opening hours 2024

Stephansplatz with the market and cathedral at night

(The Stephansplatz market in front of the cathedral)

Most markets open sometime between 10am and midday, then close sometime between 8pm and 10pm.

2pm to 10pm (Mon – Weds)
2pm to 11pm (Thurs, Fri)
11am to 11pm (Sat)
11am to 8pm (Sun)
11am to 9pm (Mon-Thurs)
10am to 9pm (Fri-Sun and public holidays)
Food & drink were served an hour longer
11am to 9pm (weekdays)
10am to 9pm (weekends)
11am to 4pm (December 24th)
11am to 7pm (December 25th to 30th)
11am to 6pm (December 31st)
10am to 9pm (provisional)

Genussmarkt

Midday to 9pm (1.30am the following day on New Year’s Eve)
Closed on December 24th

Hirschstetten

Thursdays to Sundays only
10am to 8pm
Midday to 8pm

Maria-Theresien-Platz

11am to 9pm (Sun to Thurs)
11am to 10pm (Fri and Sat)
Closed earlier on December 24th (4pm), 25th to 30th (7pm) and 31st (6pm)

Spittelberg

2pm to 9.30pm (Mon-Fri)
11am to 9.30pm (Sat, Sun and public holidays)

Stephansplatz

11am to 9pm
Closes at 4pm on Dec 24th
Closes at 7pm on Dec 25th and 26th

Wintermarkt

Midday to 10pm (weekdays)
11am to 10pm (weekends and public holidays)
11am to 5pm on December 24th
On Dec 31st, from 11am until 2am the following day

Other markets have yet to clarify their times. Here last year’s details for those I review at Visiting Vienna…

Last season’s opening hours

Christkindlmarkt (rathaus).

10am to 10pm
Closed at 6.30pm on December 24th
10am to 9pm
Closed at 4pm on December 24th
10am to 6pm (from December 25th)

Weihnachtszauber

3pm to 9pm (Thursdays and Fridays)
midday to 9pm (Saturdays)
midday to 7pm (Sundays)

For those main or central markets that did not open in 2023, here the opening times the last time they took place.

Michaelerplatz

May have closed earlier on December 24th(?)

Best Christmas Markets in Munich (2024): A Complete Guide

By: Author Caroline Ikeji

Categories Europe , Germany

Looking for the best Christmas Markets in Munich? If you’re visiting Munch this December, you’re in luck because there are so many amazing Christmas Markets all around the city! Here is a guide to the all the best Munich Christmas Markets, along with tips to visit!

I never really saw what the big deal was about Christmas Markets, because there aren’t that many in the US (and most of the ones here are meh). But when I finally made it over to Europe to experience a true European Christmas Market, I finally got all the hype.

Y’all, the Christmas Markets in Europe are on a whole different level, and some of the best of the best are located in Munich. Going to the Christmas Markets is one of the best things about visiting Munich in winter .

The Munich Christmas Markets are absolutely magical, with plenty of festive vibes, delicious food, and tons of vendors selling unique handcrafted goods. There are so many markets in the city that there’s a Christmas Market for everyone – whether you’re looking for something traditional, something offbeat, or even something in between.

One of the coolest things about all the markets here is that many of them are set up at some of the main attractions in the city. So, basically you can visit them while ticking off some of the top things to do on your Munich itinerary !

There are so many markets, and so little time. So, if you’re looking for the best Christmas Markets in Munich, then you’re in luck! Keep on reading for the top Christmas Markets to hit up, along with everything you need to know about visiting, including what to eat, drink, and buy!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Pictures & Words is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.

A Few Things to Know Before Visiting the Munich Christmas Markets…

Pay attention to opening dates : All of the markets have different opening and closing dates, so pay attention before planning your trip. In general, most of them open the last week of December and stay open until the days leading up to Christmas.
Most of the markets close by Christmas: While opening dates vary between markets, many of them close before Christmas, so plan accordingly.
Bring cash : While there are some vendors that accept credit cards, most are cash only so be sure to have some cash on hand. I like to take out Euros at the airport ATM upon landing. Avoid currency exchange booths, as those have the most unfavorable rates.
Wear layers : It’s pretty chilly in Munich during Christmas market season, especially at night. However, I found that indoor places such as museums and restaurants liked to blast their heater and it got HOT. Be sure to pack layers that you can take on and off quickly!

There’s a deposit for those gluhwein mugs : So technically, you’ll pay a few extra Euros (usually €3-4) as a deposit for those gluhwein mugs, so you’ll find yourself paying more than the sign says. You can take them back to get your money back, or you can just keep the mugs and take them home – they make excellent souvenirs!
Bring a tote : If you plan to do lots of shopping, definitely bring a tote. You won’t have to juggle a ton of smaller bags (and it’s better for the environment). Carry a packable tote bag with you (I like the ones from Baggu because they’re super sturdy and durable) to have in case you end up buying allll the things (as you likely will be tempted to!)
Learn a few basic German phrases: While some of the vendors at the Christmas Markets speak English, not all do so it’s helpful to know a handful of basic German phrases. Either way, it’s always appreciated by the locals, so practice a bit on Duolingo before your trip, or have Google Translate handy.

Best Christmas Markets in Munich to Visit in 2024

There are tons of Christmas Markets all over the city of Munich! There’s a market for everyone, each with a different vibe and feel.

The sheer amount of markets can be a bit overwhelming, so make a plan! You won’t get to all of them, so prioritize the ones you really want to go to, and go from there.

If you want to visit some of the best Munich Christmas Markets in one go and have someone else do the planning for you, you can book this highly-recommended Munich Christmas Market Food Tour . You’ll visit some of the top markets in the city, and taste the best traditional food, with all tastings included.

In any case, here are my picks for the best Christmas Markets in Munich:

Munich Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz square

The Christmas Market at Marienplatz is Munich’s original market, as well as the largest. It’s also one of the largest and oldest in Europe, dating back to the 14th century.

There are over 130 vendors set up here, selling everything from handicrafts, traditional snacks and sweet treats, gluhwein, and more. There’s also live holiday music from the balcony of the town hall, carolers under the Christmas tree, and various craft workshops for kids.

It’s hands-down one of the best Christmas Markets in Munich, as well as the city’s most popular Christmas market. Expect to see crowds here at all hours of the day.

However, you can’t do much wrong with the setting, with the twinkling Christmas tree standing in front of the Gothic facade of the Neus Rathaus. If you only have time to visit only one Munich Christmas Market, make it this one. It is simply stunning!

The market also spills over into a few of the side streets, as well as the courtyard of the Neus Rathaus, which is a good place to duck into to escape from the crowds. There are a handful of booths here, as well as a post Christkindlmarkt post office, where you can get your letters and postcards stamped with a special Christkindlmarkt stamp!

While you’re here, be sure to also climb up to the top of the tower Peterskirche. You’ll have to climb up 300 steps, but you’ll get an amazing view of Marienplatz and the Christmas Market below. It’s especially gorgeous around dusk, when you can start to see the lights come up, and the Christmas tree sparkle!

Location: Marienplatz 2024 Dates: November 25-December 24

Sternenplatzl at Rindermarkt

Technically, this is a part of the Marienplatz Christmas Market, but is located a few blocks away. Many people don’t know it’s there, so it’s slightly less crowded with a more open feel.

It’s located on Rindermarkt, which is one of the oldest streets in Munich. You won’t be able to miss it as you’ll spot the towering Christmas pyramid.

Be sure to visit at night as it’s got an especially magical feel. The market ’s surrounded by trees with strands of twinkling star lights hanging overhead. You can also see Neus Rathaus over in the distance, and it’s an especially beautiful sight with the lights.

In addition, it’s home to one of the largest nativity displays in Germany, with a life-sized nativity scene.

They also have gluhwein sold in super cute boot-shaped mugs. I walked around from Marienplatz until I saw people holding them, and then looked for the nearest gluhwein stall.

Location: Rindermarkt 2024 Dates: November 25-December 24

Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz (Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz)

When looking for the best Munich Christmas Markets, you can’t do much better than this one. It’s set up in the courtyard of a royal palace, which is pretty much what Christmas dreams are made of.

Nestled within the walls of the Residenz, the largest city palace in Germany, this market is straight up transformed into an actual mini Bavarian Christmas village. It’s on the smaller side, with a cozy vibe with lots of charm.

You’ll find a variety of vendors selling traditional handicrafts and handmade ornaments, and there’s even craft workshops here. There’s also lots of delicious food and snacks, which was some of the best among the Christmas Markets in Munich.

The village also has animatronic displays depicting various holiday and nativity scenes, which can be cute or creepy depending on how you look at it. There’s also a 30 foot tall Christmas pyramid here as well.

Location : Munich Residenz, enter from Residenzstrasse near Odeonsplatz 2024 dates : November 18-December 22

Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm)

The sprawling English Garden (or Englischer Garten) is Munich’s largest city park, and one of the largest urban parks in the world – it’s larger than New York City’s Central Park! And right in the middle of it is another one of the best Christmas Markets in Munich.

The market is located near the Chinese Tower (a wooden pagoda-style tower that *ahem* doesn’t look very Chinese lol), and has sort of a secluded feel compared to all of the other markets in the city.

It’s got a woody and romantic vibe and I loved it because you’re in the midst of nature, surrounded by trees. It feels so peaceful here, and is a nice way to escape the crowds at all the other Christmas Markets..

You’ll find all the food and handicrafts that you’ll find at other markets (and all the gluhwein, of course), but you’re basically coming for the vibe, with cute wooden huts and whimsy facades. There’s also a carousel, a curling rink, and they even offer horse-drawn carriage rides on the weekends.

Location : Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) at the English Garden (Englischer Garten) 2024 dates : November 27-December 23

Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt

Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt is one of the best Munich Christmas Markets for foodies.

Viktualienmarkt, the city’s open-air market, started as a farmer’s market back in the 19th century but has evolved into much more over the years. You’ll find a plethora of fresh produce, gourmet food products, traditional bites, colorful flowers, and more.

During the holiday season, the market gets a festive makeover and transforms into a Christmas Market. It’s a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs, as you’ll find a variety of local food items, along with some really beautiful handcrafted Christmas decorations and ornaments.

Hopefully you’re feeling hungry, because you’ll find plenty of amazing food here in the food stalls and restaurants. They also have gluhwein and other traditional drinks (which will also keep you warm), and a beer garden that has a nativity scene.

Standing in the middle of the market is a giant Bavarian Maypole, which depicts various scenes of life in Munich. It’s such a unique sight, and you can’t miss it.

Location : Vikutalienmarkt (near Marienplatz) 2024 Dates : November 27-December 24

Märchenbazar (The Fairytale Bazaar)

I ended up stumbling upon Märchenbazar because it was down the street from my hotel, and it was actually the first Christmas Market that I visited in Munich (which was also my first European Christmas Market)!

I really enjoyed this market, which is held in Olympiapark, home of the 1972 Summer Olympics. It’s such a unique market, with a circus theme. You’ll find tents, tons of twinkly string lights, and plenty of colorful art.

There’s an international array of foods offered here, that’s not your traditional Christmas Market fare, from ramen, butter chicken, and vegan doner.

It’s also got an artsy vibe and has some unique artisan goods for sale, from leather items, handmade jewelry, and wooden artwork.

It’s also one of the few markets that are open after Christmas, and on Christmas itself.

Location : Olympiapark South 2024 Dates : November 28-December 29

Munich Airport Christmas and Winter Market (Weihnachts und Wintermarkt)

Here’s the cool thing about arriving in Munich – you can go to a Christmas Market as soon as you step off the plane because there’s one right at the airport!

The market is located in the covered space in between terminals, and I passed through it as I made my way towards the train station. It’s not a huge market but it’s got plenty of holiday cheer!

You’ll find the stalls selling lots of traditional food, gluhwein, and souvenirs (although I heard most of the merchandise here is cheap and mass produced, and that you should do your shopping at one of the other Christmas Markets in Munich).

There’s also an ice rink for skating and curling, live music, Santa visits, and other events such as Advent wreath tying.

I wouldn’t make a special trip just for the market, but it’s well worth a visit right after your land, or to kill time before your flight takes off.

Location : Munich Airport MAC-Forum (under the roof) 2024 Dates : November 14-December 29

More Christmas Markets to Visit in Munich

So many markets, so little time! I had limited time in Munich, so sadly I couldn’t get to all of the ones I wanted to visit. Here are some of the markets that I also had on my list but didn’t make it to:

Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor (2024 Dates TBA): This Christmas Market takes place at the old gates of the city, and dates back to 1886. It’s got a bit of a multi-cultural feel, with international goods and nativity scenes from Tyrol and Peru. The vendors here sell extravagant baubles, ceramics, scented candles, Indian handicrafts, and more.

The Medieval Market at Wittelsbacher Platz (2024 dates: November 25-December 23) : Here’s a unique spin on a Christmas Market, with a medieval twist! This is another one that is supposed to be super fun. You’ll take a step back to the Middle Ages at this market, with vendors dressed in period costumes, gluhwein served in clay goblets. You can even eat Medieval cuisine and shop for ancient handicrafts!

The Tollwood Winter Festival ( 2024 dates: November 26-December 31 l: This one is the hipster/alternative market – think organic food, unique handmade goods, and art installations. It’s got a bit of a party vibe as well, which makes sense since it is held on the same grounds as the Oktoberfest festival. It’s also one of the few markets that stays open past Christmas.

The Pink Market (2024 Dates: November 25-December 23) : This kitschy market is the city’s LGBTQ Christmas Market, and is super inclusive and fun! You’ll find pink everythinggg and glitter here, as well as drag queens, and plenty of cocktails. I ran out of time to make it down here, but I’ve heard that it is super fun!

What to Eat and Drink at the Munich Christmas Markets

I don’t know about you, but I think the best part about Christmas Markets (aside from the vibes) is the food!

There are sooo many yummy things to eat and drink at all the Christmas Markets in town, so be sure to leave extra room in your stomach to try them all!

Glühwein : AKA mulled wine, which is a staple of any Christmas Market. It’s basically hot wine that’s mixed with a variety of warming spices. Honestly, the gluhwein I had in Germany is simply the best, and I haven’t found any that’s on the same level (the ones in Prague and Quebec City came the closest though). It really is the best thing to have when you’re freezing your butt off (it keeps your hands nice and warm!) and comes in the cutest mugs.

Kinderpunsch : A warm non-alcoholic drink made with a variety of juices and spices, which makes a good alternative to Gluhwein if you don’t drink alcohol.

Bratwurst : If you go to Germany and don’t have bratwurst at least once, did you even go to Germany? You’ll find bratwurst at the markets all over town, and you can’t go wrong. You’ve gotta have one with a ton of sauerkraut piled on top.

Weisswurst : A white German sausage that is a Munich specialty. It’s usually eaten without the skin.

Currywurst : German sausages slathered in a curry-flavored sauce. I almost didn’t try it because it sounded so weird, but everyone told me to try it and I’m glad I did! Be sure to get it with a side of fries to soak up allllll the sauce!

Gebrannte Mandeln: When walking through the Christmas Markets, you’ll likely catch a whiff of these roasted almonds and immediately be tempted to get some. The almonds are covered in a candied coating of brown sugar and cinnamon – so yummy!

Lebküchen : These are the adorable German gingerbread cookies that you’ll see everywhere. They are usually adorned with colorful icing spelling out various German phrases and make the perfect souvenirs as well.

Streusel : Another traditional German dessert that’s a must-try! There’s all kinds of streusel at the Christmas Markets, from the traditional apple, chocolate, raspberry, and more.

Käsespätzle : Egg noodles covered in cheese and crispy fried onions. It’s basically like German mac and cheese and SO good!

Kartoffelpuffer: These potato pancakes are one of the staple dishes of German Christmas Markets, and taste kinda like hash browns. Traditionally, they are served with applesauce, but you’ll find a variety of sweet and savory toppings.

Apfelkücherl : Deep fried apples with various spices – kinda like apple donuts!

Feuerzangenbowle: An alcoholic drink in which a roam-soaked sugarloaf is lit on fire and drips into gluhwein. Careful though, these are STRONG!

What to Buy at the Christmas Markets

Christmas Ornaments: I saw soooo many gorgeous handcrafted ornaments at each of the Christmas Markets that I visited, and it was so hard not to buy them all. You’ll find them made from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, ceramic, lace, textiles, and natural materials.

Christmas Pyramids (Weihnachtspyramide) : You’ll see these pyramids standing at the Christmas Markets, but you can also buy a miniature version of them to take home.

Glühwein mugs : The cute little mugs that gluhwein comes in make the best souvenirs! Technically, you pay a deposit and you’d get your money back if you return them, but why would you do that? I came home with a whole suitcase full of them, haha.

Lebküchen : These German gingerbread cookies are decorated so adorably and make perfect gifts!

Paper star lanterns: I saw these colorful stars everywhere, and they were so eye-catching!

Nativity Decorations : You’ll find a variety of nativity scenes and figurines at the markets. There’s even a section of the Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt that is dedicated to them.

Nutcrackers : You’ll find handcrafted nutcrackers in a variety of shapes and sizes, which are perfect to take home.

Candles and candle holders : There are so many amazing candle holders available at the Christmas Markets, from wooden ones, hand-painted glass ones, to intricately carved metal ones, as well as a variety of unique candles.

Where to Stay for Your Munich Christmas Market Trip

If you’re planning a Christmas Market trip to Munich and are wondering where to stay, well, you have some options.

Generally speaking, staying near Altstadt (aka the Old Town) will be the most convenient. You’ll be a short walk away from several of the best Christmas Markets in Munich, making it very easy to visit. However, do note that the hotel rates here tend to be the highest.

Munich does have great public transportation, so I don’t think that it’s an absolute necessity to stay in the Old Town. I stayed in Olympiapark, and found that you can get the best bang for your buck there. It was super easy to get to Altstadt via public transportation so I didn’t find it an inconvenience at all.

Here are some suggested places to stay in Munich when visiting the Christmas Markets:

Mercure Olympiapark : This is where I stayed. I’ve stayed at several Mercure properties, and I can always count on them for a comfortable stay – this was no different. The rates were very affordable (under $100/night when I went), and it’s just a 2 minute walk to the tram to take you into Altstadt.
Cortiina Hotel : This elegant boutique hotel is located just a 5 minute walk from Marienplatz. The rooms are comfortable and modern, with stylish furnishings. The staff is said to be super friendly and helpful as well.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof : This luxurious boutique hotel is located close to many of Munich’s top attractions. Each of the rooms feature a different design style, from cosmopolitan to colonial. There’s also a rooftop pool, with a stunning view of the city.

What to Pack for Munich at Christmas

Warm winter coat: I packed a waterproof winter jacket like similar to this winter jacket , but if you want to be extra classy, a wool trench coat also works.
Warm, waterproof, and comfortable boots : I packed my favorite winter boots (they’ve been discontinued but these are also similar boots ) as my only pair of shoes for a week of winter weather in Europe, and they were perfect, even as I was walking over 30,000 steps a day! They kept my feet warm, and dry even though I encountered rain and snow.
Sweaters : To add extra warmth on those chilly days/nights. A sweater dress is super cute and keeps you warm as well!
Flannel button-down : Makes a perfect layering piece for winter in Munich.
Cardigans : Also a perfect layering piece, especially because you can get them on and off easily.
Fleece-lined leggings : Perfect under your sweater dresses, or as an extra layer of warmth under your jeans.
Lightweight thermals : I’ve been wearing the Uniqlo Heattech shirts for years and they definitely came in handy during my time in Munich! I love that they are lightweight but keep you warm without making you sweaty and moist.
Beanie : I also packed a knitted headband to switch it up a bit.
Warm Gloves : These gloves also allow you to use your touchscreen smartphone without taking them off.
Wool Socks : These wool socks will keep your feet nice and toasty (and will wick moisture)!
Scarves : I packed a thick infinity scarf , as well as a blanket scarf ( this is my favorite scarf!)
Power Adapter : If coming from outside of Europe.
Power Bank : To keep your devices charged – the cold makes your phone battery drain fast! I never travel without this one – one charge will give five full charges to your devices.

Have you ever visited Munich at Christmas? What are some of your picks for the best Christmas Markets in Munich?

You might also like: Magical Things to Do in Munich in Winter The Perfect One Day in Munich Itinerary A Complete Guide to Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Winter Incredible Things to Do in Prague in Winter The Perfect 2 Days in Prague Itinerary

Liked this post? Save the these Munich Christmas Markets to Pinterest for later!

Caroline is a Southern California based traveler, writer, and photographer. She travels all around California, the US, and the world in search of the most colorful places, the most delicious food, and bucket-list adventures. Her aim is to inspire other travelers discover how to add more adventure and joy to their lives. On Pictures & Words, you’ll find detailed guides + itineraries, along with vibrant photos to help you plan the the most epic trips. When she’s not traveling, Caroline also runs half marathons.

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Vienna Christmas Markets
11 Marvelous Things to Do in Vienna in December: Winter in Vienna Guide
Vienna Christmas Market 2021
15 Beautiful Can’t-Miss Christmas Markets And Holiday Experiences In
10 Best Vienna Christmas Markets To Visit
Vienna in December

COMMENTS

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Vienna Christmas Markets 2024 | Dates, Locations & Must-Knows!

Why Visit Vienna for Christmas Markets?

Practical Info for Vienna’s Christmas Markets 2024

Stunning locations

It’s Vienna

Viennese Dream Christmas Market

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square

k.u.k. Weihnachtsmarkt am Michaelerplatz

Christmas Village Former General Hospital

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

Christmas Market at Spittelberg

Wintermarkt Riesenradplatz

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt

Am Hof Advent Market

Christmas Market on Stephansplatz

Advent Genussmarkt

We hope you enjoyed this Vienna Christmas Market Guide!

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A Detailed Guide to the 10 Best Vienna Christmas Markets

2024 Dates for the Vienna Christmas Market

An Overview of All the Markets in Vienna

Drinks at the Vienna Christmas Market

A Breakdown of the 10 Top Vienna Christkindlmarkts

3. ArtAdvent at Karlsplatz

4. Stephansplatz

5. Maria-Theresien-Platz

6. Spittelberg

7. Altweiner Market

8. University Campus Altes-AKH Market

9. Schonnbraun Palace

10. Belvedere Palace

Other City Lights and Decorations

Graben Street

Karntner Street

Rotenturm Street

Streets off of Graben Street

My Favorite of the Markets (+ How Long Do You Need)

Map of Christmas Markets in Vienna

What to Eat at the Vienna Christmas Market

Goods for Sale at the Christmas Markets in Vienna

Practical Information

How to Fit Vienna Into Your Europe December Itinerary

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Best Christmas markets in Vienna 2024

The best Vienna Christmas markets 2024

Art Advent Karlsplatz

Am Hof Advent Market

Vienna Christmas market dates 2024

Christmas World at the City Hall

Christmas Market Stephansplatz

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz

Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace

More Xmas markets in Vienna

Best hotels near Vienna Christmas markets

What to do in Vienna in December

Visit Europe’s biggest city spa

Strudel Show

Vienna Christmas market food

Mulled wine and punch

Nusstangerl

How to get to Vienna Christmas markets

Vienna Christmas markets map

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10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Vienna [with Map]

Vienna is a city of Christmas markets.

1. Christmas Market at City Hall Square

2. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

3. Karlsplatz Christmas Market

4. Belvedere Castle Christmas Market