The Vienna Christmas markets are one of the best in Europe and Austria’s most popular tourist attractions. Every year, millions of people visit the Vienna Christmas markets to drink mulled wine, eat traditional food, and shop for gifts.
In mid-November, Vienna’s most beautiful squares are once again transformed into magical Christmas markets. You can smell Christmas baking, hot punch, toasted almonds, and roasted chestnuts. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that spread Christmas vibes in Vienna.
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. Over the years, new ones appeared, turning the city into a magical place during Christmastime.
Vienna at Christmas time
Vienna is beautiful every season with its imperial charm and stunning architecture. Yet, if you are looking for a truly magical setting, visit the Austrian capital in the winter.
Visit Vienna in December to explore countless Christmas markets all over the city. The prettiest squares become fairytale Christmas villages, and stalls sell delicious treats and handcrafted goods. All you need is mulled wine to warm yourself in the cold.
Best Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna has many Christmas markets, and it’s hard to visit all 12 of them. However, you can still try.
- 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 Christmas markets start in Vienna
Most markets open in the middle of November and continue until Christmas Eve. Some of them are open on Christmas Day, as well. Plan your trip after 20 November!
A few markets are open if you’re visiting the city after Christmas. And only the ones at the Prater, Maria-Theresien Platz, and Schönbrunn Palace continue a week after New Year.
Vienna Christmas market dates for 2023
Viennese Dream Christmas Market
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall is an unforgettable highlight to get into the season’s spirit.
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 gifts, tree decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats, confectionery, and warming drinks. At the Vienna Ice World at the Christmas Market, ice skaters can put on skates and make rounds through the romantically illuminated City Hall Park. A unique attraction for couples in love is the tree of hearts. For children, there’s a carousel, and in the park, a Christmas world with a reindeer train, a nativity scene trail, a children’s chalet, and a designated skating ring.
Location: On the square in front of the City Hall (Rathausplatz)
Dates: 10 November – 26 December
Christmas Market Stephansplatz
The Christmas market on Stephansplatz enchants thousands of guests yearly with the Christmas atmosphere and the overwhelming backdrop at the foot of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s landmark.
It focuses on contemplation and tradition, with around 40 booths at the foot of St. Stephen’s Cathedral offering high-quality products from 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.
Location: Stephansplatz (in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral)
Dates: 10 November – 26 December
Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace impresses visitors with its Baroque background.
Explore baroque lifestyle and traditional handicrafts. The famous 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 exceptional culinary delights.
The unique palace park is ideal for a drink with your loved one.
Location: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße
Dates: 17 November – 31 December
Art Advent Karlsplatz
Art Advent on Karlsplatz offers a diverse children’s program and, above all, handicrafts to buy. Here you can see various art installations, show workshops, and live bands. All of the food on offer is organically certified.
This is the best Christmas market in Vienna for kids, featuring a petting zoo and craft tents. The gorgeous Baroque Karlskirche, lit with a spiderweb of fairy lights, provides a truly festive atmosphere.
Location: Karlsplatz (in front of Karlskirche)
Dates: 24 November – 23 December
Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz
Experience impressive Viennese buildings and traditional customs at the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square, 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.
Over 70 booths offering traditional handicrafts and original gift ideas are set up here during Advent. This is one of the largest Christmas markets in Vienna. After Christmas Day, it turns into a New Year’s village.
Location: Maria Theresien Platz
Dates: 15 November – 31 December
Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace
The Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace enchants with its imperial backdrop and is converted into a New Year’s market after Christmas. This atmospheric market offers traditional handicrafts, hand-made Christmas decorations, Christmas concerts, and an extensive children’s program, including a Christmas workshop.
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 aroma of freshly baked Vanillekipferl and hot punch fills the air and creates a beautiful atmosphere.
Location: Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace
Dates: 18 November – 04 January
More Christmas Markets in Vienna
If you have more time left or are just looking for markets off the beaten path, check out the below listed. They are smaller and offer an alternative experience to famous Christmas villages.
Am Hof Advent Market
Top-quality handicrafts can also be purchased at the Am Hof Christmas Market. Christmas music and choral singing provide the perfect atmosphere.
Location: Am Hof
Dates: 10 November – 23 December
Old Viennese Christmas Market
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 managers, and ceramics. Festive Advent music can be heard on the square from 16:00.
Location: Freyung
Dates: 17 November – 23 December
Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna
Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna (Vienna’s Former General Hospital) will enchant visitors with its traditional Viennese atmosphere. The lovingly designed and decorated market stalls along the narrow alleyways offer beautiful Christmas gifts and delicious Glühwein.
Location: Universitätscampus, Alserstrasse
Dates: 10 November – 23 December
Christmas Market Spittelberg
The Spittelberg is a revitalized heritage district from the Biedermeier period with narrow side streets. Throughout the festive season, you will find art objects, ceramics, warm jumpers, rugs, and jewelry made of silver, enamel, and brass at the Christmas Market at Spittelberg.
There are also numerous booths full of handicrafts, as well as multiple other vendors with unique culinary gift ideas.
Location: Spittelberg district
Dates: 16 November – 23 December
Winter Market Riesenradplatz
Entertainment is the word at the Winter Market on Riesenradplatz under the slogan “The Prater rocks.” There are children’s adventure rides, live musical acts from Gospel to Soul and Pop, and a humorous show program until 08 January.
Location: Riesenradplatz
Dates: 18 November – 07 January
Winter at Museumsquartier (MQ)
Winter at Museumquartier is a unique Christmas market in Vienna with magical LED projections, DJ beats, hot punch bars, and more. If you’re traveling with friends, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Vienna at Christmastime.
Location: MuseumsQuartier
Dates: 10 November – 23 December
Buy tickets in advance
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 is one of Vienna’s most popular activities, so book tickets in advance.
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.
Best things to do in Vienna in December
Christmas Concert
Book a classical music concert in Vienna, even if you’re not a fan. It’s a beautiful experience. Enjoy an evening filled with interpretations of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, and more.
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 center, 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 you get to taste it!
Remember to book your Apple Strudel Show ticket in advance.
Location: Schönbrunn Palace’s Café Residenz
Daily 11:00 – 16:00 at the top of the hour
Duration: 15-20 min
Vienna Christmas markets food
There are plenty of delicious foods to try at the markets. Unfortunately, I tasted only a few of them, and at least I have a good reason to return. 🙂
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 must pay a deposit, and you’ll get it back once you return it. You can also buy it and take it home as a souvenir.
Every market features its design. So if you want to take a mug as a souvenir, you better check several places and pick the best one.
Bratwurst
You must try bratwurst; a delicious sausage usually served in a bun with mustard and ketchup. Bratwurst is an excellent option for a quick lunch or even dinner.
Pretzel
Another pastry delight is pretzels, brioche dough with different fillings – apples, marzipan, walnuts, etc. And it’s huge.
Nusstangerl
It’s another heavenly pastry – a glazed dough with hazelnuts.
Mohnzelten
Mohnzelten is good too, and it’s a soft dough stuffed with poppy seeds filling. So, if you’re a poppy seed fan, take advantage of this pastry.
Lebkuchen
This is a traditional gingerbread cookie that can be found in all kinds of sizes.
Maroni
Delicious sweet chestnuts roasted over open fires.
Krapfen
It’s a soft doughnut filled with nougat, vanilla, or chocolate cream.
Are you wondering if Vienna is worth visiting?
If you have yet to go to Vienna, Is Vienna worth visiting travel guide gives you the top 10 reasons to visit the Austrian capital.
One Response
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