Last updated on October 15, 2026
Vienna is easily one of my favourite European cities, no matter the time of year. I’m usually the kind of person who plans every trip down to the smallest detail, trying to squeeze in as many attractions as possible. But Vienna is one of those rare places where I’m just as happy spending the day walking around with no particular plan.
Don’t get me wrong, it has some of the best museums out there, but simply admiring the beautiful architecture, walking around the city, and stopping for coffee and cake at one of its famous cafés is just as enjoyable for me. And trust me, I don’t say that about many places!
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But at Christmas, Vienna takes things to a whole new level. In fact, I think the Vienna Christmas markets have ruined all other Christmas markets for me (and I mean that in the best possible way!). I’ve visited quite a few across Europe, and I genuinely don’t think any other city can compete. Between the beautiful decorations, Christmas lights, and sheer variety of markets, Vienna has set the bar ridiculously high!
Whenever I tell people how many Christmas markets we managed to visit in Vienna, they’re usually pretty shocked. But trust me, with so many markets to choose from, you’ll want at least a couple of days and a good plan to make the most of your trip. That’s why I’ve put together this guide, with my honest thoughts on each market we visited, the latest opening dates, food recommendations, and a handy map to help you plan your visit.
When do the Christmas markets in Vienna open?
If you’re planning a festive trip to Vienna, you’re in luck! Some of the Vienna Christmas markets open as early as 6th November 2026, while others start a little later in the month. Most close on 23rd or 26th December, although a few, including the ones at Schönbrunn Palace and Prater, stay open until 6th January 2027.
As for opening hours, these vary depending on the market, but most are open from late morning or early afternoon until around 9 or 10 pm. Some also have shorter opening hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, so make sure to check the individual schedules below before planning your visit!
And if you’re planning to explore more of Vienna beyond its Christmas markets, make sure to check out my guide to the best things to do in Vienna for more inspiration!
Do Vienna Christmas market vendors take cash or card?
Most Christmas market stalls in Vienna accept both cash and card, but it depends on the vendor. During our visit, the main exception was the Winter in MQ Christmas market, where many (if not all!) stalls only accepted cash. Some vendors also have a minimum spend for card payments, so I’d recommend keeping a little cash on you, just in case!
Where should you stay for the Vienna Christmas markets?
With Vienna’s Christmas markets becoming more and more popular, finding affordable accommodation can be a bit of a challenge. When we were planning our trip, we came across hotels near Stephansplatz charging as much as €600 per night! Thankfully, Vienna has a fantastic public transport system, so there’s really no need to stay right in the city centre.
We stayed at the Moxy Vienna City East hotel*, where we paid €356 for 2 nights, including breakfast. The Erdberg U-Bahn station is just around the corner, and from there, you can reach Stephansplatz in under 10 minutes. So, you can still get around easily without paying city centre hotel prices!
Another thing we loved was having the international bus terminal right next door. You can catch a bus to the airport in around 15 minutes or use it to visit other cities nearby.
For example, Bratislava is just an hour away, and its Christmas markets are seriously underrated! If you’re thinking of visiting, make sure to check out my Bratislava Christmas markets guide for more tips.
Find accommodation options for your dates below:
An overview of the Vienna Christmas markets
Before we arrived in Vienna, we had 15 Christmas markets on our list – and those weren’t even all of them! The city has over 20 Christmas markets to choose from, but don’t worry, it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds…
I genuinely enjoyed every single market we visited, although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going out of your way for all of them. Some are definitely more touristy, while others feel more like places where locals meet up with friends for a cup of Glühwein. And since the markets are located in different parts of the city, you’ll want to plan your route to avoid spending too much time travelling between them.
In the end, we crossed two markets off our list because they were a little too far away, leaving us with 13 Christmas markets to explore. Below, I’ll share my thoughts on each one, along with their opening dates, locations, and a few tips to help you plan your visit!
1) Stephansplatz
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
6th November – 26th December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Daily: 11 am – 9 pm
24th December: 11 am – 4 pm
25th-26th December: 11 am – 7 pm
I couldn’t believe it when I found out that this is actually one of the newer Christmas markets in Vienna. With how often I’d seen it on Instagram, I assumed it had been around for ages!
Set up all around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the market has over 40 stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations and handmade gifts to food and hot drinks. We spotted plenty of favourites, including different flavours of punsch, potato pancakes, pretzels, gingerbread, and Käsespätzle (egg noodles covered in melted cheese and crispy fried onions).
But there were also some more unusual finds, like mulled Lillet, soups served in sourdough bread bowls, gingerbread liqueurs, pine-based products, and even baking mixes for classics like Kaiserschmarrn to try at home!
This was actually the first Christmas market we visited in Vienna, but if I’m being honest, it ended up being one of my least favourites. Don’t get me wrong – it’s absolutely beautiful, especially after dark when the cathedral lights up in shades of red and purple. But with such a famous landmark right in the city centre, the crowds were pretty overwhelming.
We were shoulder-to-shoulder with other visitors, and getting anywhere near the stalls was a challenge. The queues for hot drinks seemed never-ending, and even if you managed to grab a cup of punsch, finding somewhere to stand and enjoy it was another story. That said, if you manage to visit when it’s a little quieter (if that’s even possible!), I’d still recommend it for the atmosphere alone.
2) Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 23rd December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
Friday – Sunday and public holidays: 10 am – 9 pm
Food and drink stalls stay open until 10 pm.
If you’re looking for the full Vienna Christmas experience, you won’t have to go far. From Stephansplatz, take a stroll down the Graben to see one of Vienna’s most beautiful Christmas light displays.
At the end of Graben, turn right and walk between the Chanel and Dior boutiques (yes, very on-brand of me to use those as landmarks). A few minutes later, you’ll reach the Am Hof Christmas market, which quickly became one of my favourites! Despite its central location, it felt a little less touristy than Stephansplatz, although it can still get pretty busy in the evenings.
The food and drink selection here is great. You’ll find local liqueurs, the Speck Standl selling all sorts of meat products, and even Schaumbecher – those chocolate-covered marshmallow treats shaped like ice cream cones.
As huge Käsespätzle fans, we couldn’t resist trying the Tiroler Hütte, which serves traditional Tyrolean dishes. Unfortunately, they were a bit too generous with the pepper, and we could barely taste anything else!
Thankfully, we had much better luck with the Hot Kiss drinks. They’re made with raspberry liqueur, prosecco, whipped cream, and fresh raspberries, and served warm. Trust me, they’re absolutely delicious, especially when it’s freezing outside!
Shopping-wise, Am Hof was easily one of my favourites too. There were so many unusual handmade gifts and decorations, and some of the stalls were more like little shops you could actually walk into.
I completely fell in love with the knitted animals, especially the little mice and cats. I mean, just look at them! How could anyone resist?!
3) Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 23rd December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Daily: 10 am – 9 pm
A short walk from the Am Hof Christmas market takes you to Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in Vienna, which dates all the way back to 1722!
You’ll find it at Freyung, right next to the Schottenkirche. Interestingly, the square hosted a wine market as far back as 1358! Although this Christmas market is smaller than some of the others in the city centre, it more than makes up for its size with its charm!
For me, the biggest highlight was definitely the Christmas decorations. You’ll find a much bigger selection than at most other Viennese markets, especially in the large wooden cabin in the middle of the square.
Aside from that, there are plenty of stalls selling chocolates, herbs, pretzels, marzipan, and other sweet treats.
Of course, you can also grab some traditional Christmas market food, including Kaiserschmarrn, Käsespätzle, and mulled wine.
There’s also a great selection of handmade gifts, from cookie cutters in pretty much every shape imaginable to ceramics, leather goods, and engraved rolling pins. I particularly liked the indigo-dyed clothes, which reminded us of the ones we’d seen at the Goldberger Textile Museum in Budapest!
Throughout Advent, the market also hosts live music, theatre performances, and arts and crafts demonstrations, so there’s usually something going on besides shopping and eating.
Before you leave, I’d recommend crossing the road, where you’ll find a few more stalls selling organic produce and ecological mulled wine. During our visit, you could get a cup for as little as €4.50!
These stalls are also right next to the entrance to Ferstel Passage, a beautiful covered walkway with cafés, restaurants, and shops.
4) Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 26th December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Daily: 10 am – 10 pm
24th December (Christmas Eve): 10 am – 6:30 pm
The Christmas market at Rathausplatz is easily one of the biggest and most touristy in Vienna. I’d seen so many photos of its famous entrance arch, complete with a giant red bow and candles, that it was actually one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Vienna at Christmas in the first place!
And I can safely say it didn’t disappoint. With a beautiful two-storey carousel, an enormous Christmas tree, ice skating rinks connected by winding paths, a Ferris wheel, and an illuminated heart that floats above the market every 30 minutes after sunset, there’s so much to see here!
I’d recommend visiting twice – once in the morning, shortly after it opens, when you can explore the stalls without having to deal with the worst of the crowds, and again after dark to see all the Christmas lights. And if you’re visiting Vienna after Christmas, the ice skating area stays open until 6th January 2027.
The stalls sell many of the same foods, drinks, and Christmas decorations you’ll find at other markets, but one thing that really impressed me was the focus on sustainability. Since 2022, vendors at Rathausplatz have had to meet certain environmental standards.
By 2024, around 75% of the products, food, and drinks sold here were organic (look out for the word Bio on the stalls). I think that’s pretty impressive, especially considering how big and popular this market is!
You could easily spend a few hours here looking around the stalls, admiring the nativity scenes, and checking out all the Christmas displays, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time!
5) Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien – Altes AKH Christmas market
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 23rd December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Thursday: 2 pm -10 pm
Friday: 2 pm – 11 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
23rd December: 2 pm – 8 pm
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head about 15 minutes away from Rathausplatz, where you’ll find another Christmas market.
This one actually goes by two names. Officially, it’s called Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien because it’s located in one of the courtyards of the University of Vienna campus. But you might also come across the name Altes AKH (Old General Hospital), as the buildings used to house Vienna’s main hospital until the 1990s.
This market feels much more local than some of the others in Vienna. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to visit if I was short on time, but if you’ve already explored the main markets and fancy something a little different, it’s definitely worth considering.
You’ll find plenty of stalls serving regional specialities, along with a few rides for children and even curling rinks! If you’d like to have a go, I’d recommend booking a rink in advance on the market’s website.
After three days of dealing with busy Christmas markets, this was such a nice change. The crowds seemed to disappear, there was plenty of space to sit down and relax, and I loved the colourful Christmas lights and fairytale-themed decorations. We even spotted the Bremen Town Musicians, which we’d also seen during our trip to Riga!
6) Advent im Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
Please note: The Advent market at Gartenpalais Liechtenstein is expected to return in 2026, but on a much smaller scale, with stalls outside the Liechtenstein winery. The organisers haven’t confirmed all the details yet, so keep in mind that the market may look quite different from what I’ve described below!
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 20th December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Thursday – Saturday: 4 pm – 9 pm
This was hands down the smallest and least touristy Christmas market we visited in Vienna, but we absolutely loved it! That said, if you’re short on time, I wouldn’t put it at the top of your list. However, if you’ve already explored the main markets and want to visit somewhere a little different, it’s worth considering.
The original market first opened in 2021, making it one of Vienna’s newer Christmas markets. It took place in the grounds of the Liechtenstein Garden Palace, a beautiful historic estate built by the princely family of Liechtenstein. The palace is surrounded by gardens and houses an impressive private art collection.
During our visit, there was a Christmas tree market near the entrance, along with a vintage carousel for children.
Towards the back, we found a few stalls selling gifts, food, and festive drinks. One thing that caught my eye was Feuerzangenbowle, a type of mulled wine prepared by setting a rum-soaked sugar loaf on fire and letting the caramelised sugar drip into the wine. You could also try wines from Liechtenstein, which was a nice change from the drinks we’d seen at other markets.
I really liked how quiet and relaxed this market was, especially compared to some of the bigger ones in the city centre. I’m curious to see what it’ll look like this year!
7) Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 23rd December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 11 am – 9:30 pm
The Spittelberg Christmas market felt completely different from any other market I’d visited before.
Instead of taking place in a big, open square, it stretches through the narrow streets of the Spittelberg neighbourhood. And I was genuinely surprised by how big it was! I’d expected just one little street lined with stalls, but it turns out this is one of Vienna’s largest Christmas markets, with over 120 stands.
We started at Gutenberggasse, only to realise that the market continues along several other streets too! You’ll find stalls on Spittelberggasse, Schrankgasse, Stiftgasse, and Siebensterngasse, with signs to help you find your way around.
Like Rathausplatz, Spittelberg also puts a lot of emphasis on sustainability, with vendors having to meet certain environmental standards. There’s a great selection of handmade gifts and decorations, and some of the art galleries in the neighbourhood open their doors to visitors too.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique to bring home, I’d definitely recommend shopping here. Along with Karlsplatz, Am Hof, and Schönbrunn, I think it’s one of the best markets in Vienna for finding unusual gifts.
There were also plenty of stalls selling punsch and food from different countries, and the little streets were full of people enjoying a drink together under the Christmas lights. Even though it got pretty busy, I loved how cosy it felt. It seemed more like a place where people came to meet friends and spend an evening together, rather than just another tourist attraction.
8) Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
20th November – 26th December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 11 am – 9 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10 am – 9 pm
24th–25th December: 11 am – 4 pm
26th December: 10 am – 3 pm
Located between the Naturhistorisches (Natural History) Museum and the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum, this Christmas market has one of the most impressive settings in Vienna!
During our visit, the market was laid out in the shape of a cross, with the statue of Empress Maria Theresa right in the middle. Most of the food stalls were at the four ends, while the handicraft stalls were closer to the centre.
By the time we got here, we’d already visited several of Vienna’s traditional Christmas markets, so we didn’t find the selection of food and gifts particularly different from what we’d seen elsewhere.
There was one exception, though – even more punsch flavours! Near the MuseumsQuartier entrance, we came across mango passionfruit punsch (my boyfriend’s pick) and fruity elf punsch with vanilla and whipped cream (my choice). I swear, Vienna has more punsch flavours than you could ever imagine. Trying to find a new one at every market became a bit of a treasure hunt!
Even though there wasn’t much here that we hadn’t already seen, I’d still recommend visiting for the location alone. The two impressive museum buildings make such a beautiful backdrop, especially after dark when all the Christmas lights come on. Plus, you can easily combine it with a visit to one of the museums or the nearby Hofburg Palace!
9) Winter in MQ
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
12th November – 23rd December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 11 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 2 pm – 11 pm
For something a little different from the usual Christmas markets, head across the street from Maria-Theresien-Platz to the MuseumsQuartier. Although, calling it a winter market might be more accurate, as it doesn’t have much in common with the traditional ones!
Inside the illuminated main courtyard, you’ll find a handful of stalls selling winter snacks and hot drinks, along with two curling lanes. They were quite popular during our visit, so I’d recommend booking in advance on the MQ website if you fancy having a go.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, there’s also miniature car racing from 2 pm to 8 pm. And on selected evenings, you can catch live DJ sets and music performances.
One last thing to keep in mind: during our visit, many (if not all!) of the food and drink stalls only accepted cash, so make sure you’ve got some with you!
And if you’re visiting Vienna after Christmas, the curling rink stays open until 6th January 2027, although it’s closed on 24th and 25th December.
10) Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
6th November 2026 – 6th January 2027
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
6th November – 23rd December: 10 am – 9 pm
24th December: 10 am – 4 pm
25th December – 6th January: 10 am – 7 pm
I’ve wanted to go back to Schönbrunn Palace ever since our first trip to Vienna, so seeing it all decorated for Christmas was pretty special – even if the weather wasn’t exactly on our side that day.
With around 90 stalls, a curling rink, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and even a DIY stall where children can make their own wooden decorations, this is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Vienna.
One thing I particularly loved was how spacious it felt. The stalls are set up across the palace courtyard, with plenty of room to walk around without constantly bumping into people. There are also tables between the stalls and little huts with built-in shelves where you can sit and enjoy your food or drinks away from the cold.
As for shopping, there’s almost too much to choose from! We spotted everything from Empress Sissi souvenirs and marzipan to knitted decorations, Schönbrunn-branded liqueurs, and possibly the strangest thing I’ve ever come across at a Christmas market – pralines shaped like little sausages!
The selection of handmade gifts and food here is amazing. Honestly, if we’d had more time (and bigger stomachs!), I could’ve easily spent half the day here just eating my way around the market.
If you visit, I’d definitely recommend the Sissi punsch, a cherry-flavoured punsch with amaretto, and the brandy shots served in ice cream cones. My only regret was not having enough room to try the Selchfleischknödel (potato dumplings filled with smoked meat), because they looked absolutely delicious!
11) K&K Weihnachtsmarkt Belvedere
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
20th November – 31st December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 11 am – 9 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10 am – 9 pm
24th and 31st December: 11 am – 5 pm
Please note: The Belvedere Christmas market has a new name and concept for 2026, with more of a focus on Vienna’s imperial history, traditional music, and Austrian food and crafts. So, some of the stalls and attractions may look a little different from what I’ve described below!
The Belvedere Christmas market is much smaller than the one at Schönbrunn Palace, but there’s something about having such a beautiful palace in the background that makes it special, regardless of its size.
As you walk towards the Upper Belvedere, you’ll find rows of stalls selling all sorts of handicrafts, food, and festive drinks. It was one of the last markets we visited, so by that point, we’d already seen many of the same things elsewhere. However, this one was noticeably quieter, which meant we could actually take our time browsing without constantly having to squeeze past other visitors.
I’m a big fan of mulled wine with a shot of amaretto, so imagine my excitement when I discovered Feuerzangenbowle with amaretto! At €8.50, it was definitely pricier than your average Glühwein, but I’d happily pay a little extra for the experience. There’s something so satisfying about watching the sugar caramelise and drip into the wine!
I was also so happy to find the stall selling cakes and pastries that I’d spotted earlier but hadn’t had room for at the time!
If you’re planning to visit, I’d recommend combining the Christmas market with a trip to Belvedere Palace itself, where you can see some of Gustav Klimt’s most famous paintings, including The Kiss.
12) Art Advent Christmas market on Karlsplatz
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 23rd December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Daily: 12 pm – 8 pm
Food and drink stalls stay open until 9 pm.
About a 20-minute walk from Belvedere Palace, right in front of the beautiful Karlskirche (St. Charles’s Church), you’ll find another Christmas market – and this one’s definitely worth visiting!
The main focus here is on unique, high-quality handicrafts, but there are plenty of food and drink stalls too. If you’re tired of seeing the same mass-produced souvenirs everywhere, this is the place to do some shopping!
All vendors must be based in Austria, make their own products, and go through a selection process before they can sell at the market. So, not only are you getting something genuinely unique, but you’re also supporting local artists and small businesses!
Another thing I liked was that many of the artists were happy to chat about their work. Even the food stalls were a little different from what we’d seen at other markets, with a big focus on organic ingredients, although we didn’t get a chance to try anything ourselves.
Unfortunately, it started pouring with rain just as we arrived, which made taking photos a bit of a challenge. But I absolutely loved the variety of handmade gifts here, from knitted animal hand puppets to ceramics, glassware, jewellery, and organic cosmetics. The creativity and craftsmanship here are honestly on another level!
Right in the middle of the market, there’s also a little area with piggies, sheep, and goats, which I wasn’t expecting to see at a Christmas market! Children can play in the hay, ride a pedal-powered carousel, hop on a mini train, or take part in creative workshops inside a yurt.
13) Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz – Prater
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
20th November 2026 – 6th January 2027
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 11 am – 10 pm
24th December: 11 am – 5 pm
31st December: 12 pm – 2 am
The last Christmas market we visited in Vienna was the one at Wurstelprater, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, dating back to 1766. Think of it as a smaller, quieter version of London’s Winter Wonderland or Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, but with one big advantage: Prater is completely free to enter!
The main attraction here is the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, which you can ride for €14 (or pay a little extra to have dinner in a VIP carriage!). There’s also a 117-metre-high chain carousel – I love a good ride, but even I have my limits!
Aside from that, you’ll find plenty of other attractions, including bumper cars, an amusement arcade, Madame Tussauds wax museum, restaurants, and more.
In winter, you’ll also find food stalls around the rides. Thankfully, the scariest attractions were closed during our visit – probably for the best, considering that combining Christmas market food with amusement park rides sounds like a risky idea! 😉
We finally got to try Selchfleischknödel here after missing out on them at Schönbrunn. They didn’t look quite as appetising, but they tasted amazing and reminded me so much of traditional Polish kartacze!
There’s also live music in the evenings. Overall, I’d say this market is more about the entertainment than the food and drinks.
14) Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 23rd December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 12 pm – 9 pm
8th December: 12 pm – 6 pm
This was one of two Christmas markets in Vienna we had on our list but ultimately decided to skip because of its location. From what I’d read, it has everything you’d expect from a traditional Christmas market – food and punsch stalls, handmade gifts, and plenty of things to keep you warm, from cosy hats and gloves to some stronger “warmers” in liquid form. 😉
But as lovely as the setting in Türkenschanzpark looks, there wasn’t anything that stood out enough for us to make the trip all the way there.
15) Blumengärten Hirschstetten Advent market
📅 2026 Christmas market opening dates:
12th November – 20th December 2026
⏰ 2026 Christmas market opening times:
Thursday – Sunday: 10 am – 8 pm
7th–8th December: 10 am – 8 pm
Every year, the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens put on a themed Christmas flower display, and the theme for 2026 is “Im Zauber der Weihnachtszeit” (The Magic of Christmas). Alongside the beautifully decorated gardens, you’ll find stalls selling regional specialities, Christmas gifts, and decorations, plus live music and plenty of activities for children.
As much as I love flower displays, this market is faaar out on the other side of the Danube, so we had to give it a miss this time. Hopefully next time!
Map of the Vienna Christmas markets
I know, that was a lot of information to take in all at once! And trust me, even after spending hours researching Vienna’s Christmas markets, we still came across plenty of surprises during our trip.
To make planning a little easier, I’ve put together a map with all 15 Christmas markets mentioned in this guide, including the two we didn’t get to visit.
Just click on any of the markets to see where they are, along with their opening dates, hours, and other useful information to help you plan your visit!
What food and drinks should you try at the Vienna Christmas markets?
- Glühwein: Traditional mulled wine served warm in festive mugs. You’ll usually pay a €5 refundable deposit, which you get back when you return the mug. Or, if you like it, you can keep it as a souvenir or swap it for a clean one!
- Punsch: A fruity, spiced punch that often contains alcohol. Vienna had more flavours than I’ve ever seen at a Christmas market! My favourite was the Sissi punsch at Schönbrunn – cherry punsch with a shot of amaretto.
- Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy, shredded pancakes dusted with icing sugar and served with fruit compote.
- Bauernkrapfen: A type of deep-fried doughnut, usually topped with jam or icing sugar.
- Schaumbecher: Fluffy marshmallow filling served in a crispy cone, often covered in chocolate or sprinkles.
- Tiroler Gröstl: A filling dish of fried potatoes, bacon, and onions, usually topped with a fried egg.
- Selchfleischknödel: Potato dumplings stuffed with smoked meat, usually served with sauerkraut or gravy. You can also find sweet dumplings filled with fruit, like the apricot ones we spotted at Schönbrunn.
- Käsespätzle: Soft egg noodles covered in melted cheese and topped with crispy fried onions.
- Raclette: Melted Swiss cheese served over bread, potatoes, or pickles.
- Bosna: A spicy sausage served in a crusty bun with onions, mustard, and curry powder. It’s originally from Salzburg but popular across Austria.
- Käsekrainer: A juicy sausage filled with melted cheese, usually served with mustard or a bread roll.
- Soup in a bread bowl: Hot, creamy soups like pumpkin, carrot and ginger, or garlic, served inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread.
What are some other Christmas things to do in Vienna?
Vienna at Christmas feels like stepping into a fairytale, and there’s so much more to enjoy than just the markets. One lovely way to experience the festive atmosphere is by booking a classical concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
If it’s fully booked, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options, including concerts at St. Peter’s Church, St. Anne’s Church, Capuchin Church, and the Mozarthaus. You can also visit the Votive Church to see Light of Creation, an impressive light and music show that’s been running since 2024.
Click on any of the titles below to check prices and availability.
And whatever you do, don’t miss Vienna’s Christmas lights! Make sure to stop by Popp & Kretschmer to see the famous giant red bow wrapped around the building, then head to Graben to admire the beautiful chandelier-style decorations hanging above the street. With Stephansplatz conveniently located between the two, you can easily see them both while exploring the Christmas markets.
When you need a break from all that walking (and the cold!), head into one of Vienna’s traditional cafés for a Wiener Melange – similar to a cappuccino, but with a little more steamed milk – and a slice of Sachertorte, the famous Austrian chocolate cake with apricot jam.
Or, if chocolate cake isn’t your thing, you can always go for Kaiserschmarrn instead – fluffy, shredded pancakes dusted with icing sugar and served with fruit compote. I’m definitely more of a Kaiserschmarrn girl myself!
For more delicious things to try (and where to find them!), have a look at my Vienna food guide.
If you could only visit one Vienna Christmas market, which would it be? And do you have a favourite Christmas market treat? I’d happily try all those cakes on Rathausplatz next!
Thank you so much 🙏 The most comprehensive and overall best guide for visiting Vienna Christmas markets 👏 I deeply admire your dedication, structure and clarity. 👏
We went for a week (including Christmas) and had the best time 🥰 You made our planning a breeze and I can’t thank you enough 🙏
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Aww, you’re so welcome – and thank you for such a kind message. That honestly made my day! I’m so happy the guide helped with your planning and that you had such an amazing time in Vienna. It really is magical at that time of year! 🥰
We’re in Vienna right now and have loved using your recommendations. We did live here for 2 years and love coming back. So happy to have found your site. Love all the photos you’ve included. Now we are collecting more and more memories. We are hoping to go to the Blumengärten Hirschstetten Advent market. It was a lovely place to visit in June this year and we are looking forward to see it in its winter glory and we’ll also trek out to Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark, since that is also a beautiful park. Thanks again.
Author
Ah, that’s so great to hear – thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really curious to hear what you think of those two Christmas markets. Hope you’re having the most amazing time! And if you’ve got any insider tips from your time living in Vienna, I’d love to hear them. Always great to get a former local’s perspective for my next trip!
This is very helpful! We will be in Vienna from 12/23 through 12/26. It seems most are closed on Christmas Day. Any recommendations for how to spend the day?
Author
So happy to hear you found it helpful! I’ve actually never spent Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Vienna myself, so I’m not entirely sure how many museums or restaurants will be open. I’d definitely recommend checking the opening hours for any specific attractions you’d like to visit.
Some Christmas markets will still be running, just with shorter hours, and they’re such a lovely way to spend time. And honestly, one of my favourite things to do in Vienna is just walk around and take in the architecture. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to. You might also find some of the traditional cafés open, which is perfect because Vienna’s coffee culture is something you really have to experience while you’re there!
Thanks this has such great information. I have been to Vienna before but was shown Vienna from a local perspective by a friend who is from there a few summers ago, this time will be with a friend who has never been and will only be there for 3 days over Christmas. I am excited to see Vienna in full Christmas mode. Your blog is beyond helpful so glad to have found it.
Author
Thanks so much! I’m really happy you enjoyed the post. It means a lot, especially knowing you’ve explored Vienna with a local before. I’m sure going back at Christmas will feel a little different, but just as lovely. The whole city really does feel like a fairytale at that time of year. Wishing you and your friend the most amazing trip! xx
WOW what a great guide, so so helpful, thank you so much. We are heading to Vienna on 14th December and we will definitely be using your guide. I just wondered if you used the open top bus tour at all not that we will be sitting in the open air in December, but wondered if you know if it stops at any of the markets too. I presume Schönbrunn palace it does but wondering if you know if it stops near others. I couldn’t find the map! If you could email it to me that would be amazing. Thank you again for all your efforts in helping others it is very much appreciated. Can’t edit do excited 🤗
Author
You’re very welcome – I’m so happy you found the guide helpful! We didn’t do any of the open-top bus tours ourselves. We mostly walked or used public transport, so I’m not 100% sure about the exact stops. However, I’d imagine they cover the main sights like Schönbrunn, the Belvedere, and Rathausplatz, and the Stephansplatz market isn’t far from the Opera, so it’s likely they stop nearby. From Stephansplatz, you can walk to a few other Christmas markets too.
No problem, I’ll send the map over to you in just a moment – and thank you again for the lovely message, it really means a lot. Hope you have the most wonderful trip (and I totally get the excitement)!
Thank you for this great guide. Myself and 3 friends are visiting on the 20th Nov for 3 nights. This will help us make the most of our time in Vienna. We have been to many Xmas markets in Germany ( Düsseldorf, Berlin,Munich, Hamburg) so I wonder what your thoughts are in the differences between Vienna and German city Markets?
Author
You’re so welcome! I’m really glad the blog post will help you make the most of your time in Vienna, and I hope you have the most magical trip.
I’ve also been to several German Christmas markets, and I completely agree that the Germans really know how to throw a festive market. The atmosphere is always amazing, and they definitely set the bar high.
That being said, I honestly think Vienna is hard to beat. It just has something extra special about it. For me, a big part of that comes down to the city itself. There are so many markets, and they are so spread out across Vienna that, even with the crowds, I didn’t find them too overwhelming – apart from the market around the Cathedral, which does get quite packed!
And the architecture… in my opinion, Vienna is one of the most stunning cities in Europe, and it really goes all out for Christmas. The lights, the shop windows, the buildings – just walking around felt like being in a Christmas film or fairytale. It completely elevated the whole market experience for me.
Another thing I loved was being able to warm up in those classic Viennese coffee houses, like Café Central and Demel. In Germany, I often felt that once you stepped away from the markets, the festive magic kind of faded, but in Vienna, it was everywhere.
I was also really impressed by how much care they put into quality – like at the Rathausplatz market, where around 75% of the products and food are organic, and at Karlsplatz, where there’s a strong focus on artisan craftsmanship with a proper selection process for vendors. For such a touristy destination, that really stood out to me. There were also more food options than in Germany.
Let me know what you think after your trip. I’d love to hear how you find it compared to the German ones!
Good evening Dominika,
Warm greetings.
Your article is exceptional. It is really helpful for us as we will be travelling from 26.12.2025 to 01.01.2026.
Read the entire article and really appreciate for putting so much time and effort to write such an elaborate one to help others.
That’s commendable.
We are two adults so we will be able to follow this by and large and hence quite apt for our one week trip.
Further, the dates and timings of the Christmas markets post 26.12.2025 is particularly helpful.
Keep up the good work and make your parents and yourself proud.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Best regards,
GT
New Delhi, India
Author
Good morning,
Thank you so much for your extremely kind words – I truly appreciate it. I’m so pleased to hear that the blog post was helpful in planning your trip to Vienna.
Wishing you both a fantastic time exploring the city – I hope it’s everything you’re hoping for and more. Vienna is especially magical at this time of year!
Safe travels and all the very best,
Dominika
Thank you so much for this!!! One thing you should know is the map is not displaying. It shows “Google Workspace Not Activated”. I sent you an email.
Author
You’re welcome! Thanks for flagging the issue with the map. I think it may be something on your end – I’ve checked on a few different devices and asked a couple of others to test it too, and it seems to be displaying fine.
Thank you so much for this, an amazing post and so helpful!
Author
You’re very welcome – I’m so glad you found it helpful! 😊
Thank you so much for the information. we have booked for Dec. what would be you top 6 markets to visit?
We are very foodie and also looking to get some christmas gifts.
Did you attend any evening musicals?
Author
Thank you so much, and how exciting that you’ve got a December trip booked! We didn’t have time for any evening musicals this time, as we focused entirely on exploring the Christmas markets – maybe next visit.
It’s honestly so hard to choose favourites because they’re all on another level, but my personal top 6 would probably be: Schönbrunn, Rathausplatz, Karlsplatz (for the unique handicrafts), Spittelberg, Prater, and Am Hof. I also really liked the Maria-Theresien-Platz market for the variety of punsch and the beautiful surroundings, but sadly it won’t be open this year. The one at Stephansplatz could have been lovely too, but it was so crowded it was hard to enjoy – lots of elbowing through the crowds! The Altwiener market was also a solid spot for decorations and little gifts, and it’s really close to the Am Hof market, so it’s easy to visit them together.
I hope you have the best time soaking up the atmosphere (and enjoying all the foodie treats)!
Gerçekten çok açıklamalı ve detaylı bir paylaşım olmuş. Elinize, emeğinize sağlık. Bizde bu yıl 30 Kasım gibi 4 günlük bir süre Viyana’da bulunacağız eşimle.
Doğumgünümü kapsayan bir tarih olduğu için yeme konusunda öneriniz varsa ve yazarsanız sevinirim. Teşekkürler.
Author
You’re very welcome, and thank you for your kind words! Your trip sounds absolutely amazing – Vienna at the end of November, with the Christmas lights and markets, is such a magical place to visit. And what a special way to spend your birthday too! 🎂✨
All the restaurants we tried are in this post: Vienna food guide. We also had a few meals at the Christmas markets, so I’m afraid I don’t have any recommendations for fancy birthday-style restaurants. Figlmüller is probably the closest to that. Still, Vienna has such an incredible food scene that I’ve no doubt you’ll find somewhere perfect for celebrating. Enjoy your time in Vienna!
Thank you for the detailed information! How many days do you think would be ideal if we are looking to visit Vienna and Bratislava?
Author
You’re very welcome! 😊
That really depends on your travelling style. You could easily do the Bratislava Christmas markets as a day trip, but I’d recommend staying overnight if you can. The Main Square looks so beautiful in the evening, and last year the medieval market (which was so much fun!) ran on the weekend, so it’s worth timing your visit around that.
As for Vienna, it depends on how many markets you’d like to visit – just the big ones, or are you planning to see as many as possible, and whether you’re more of a “browse every stall” type or more focused on the food. There’s loads to do in Vienna beyond the markets too, so you certainly won’t run out of things to see. I’d say 3–4 days is a good starting point, maybe a bit longer if you want to explore at a slower pace!
Thank you so much for all of the details!
We will be visiting this year with my 9 year old – were there any Christmas markets more suited to little humans than others? Thanks :).
Author
You’re very welcome! I didn’t travel with children myself, so I wasn’t paying close attention to every child-friendly activity, but here’s what I noticed:
Most, if not all, markets offered alcohol-free Punsch options, so no one misses out.
Rathausplatz is definitely the most child-friendly – there’s a multi-storey carousel, ice rinks, a Ferris wheel, and even a reindeer train. There’s also a children’s hut. I’m not entirely sure what goes on inside, but I think it might be a mix of a play area and creative workshops.
Schönbrunn had an ice rink too, along with some workshops for children.
Karlsplatz had a straw playground, some animals (pigs, sheep, and goats), a pedal-powered carousel, a mini train, and some hands-on workshops for little ones.
I’m sure you and your 9-year-old will have a wonderful time! 🎄
Thank you for this article! It has been really helpful. Is there any ice skating rinks that you would recommend in any of these markets?
Author
You’re very welcome – I’m so glad you found it helpful! I’m not much of a skater myself, so I sadly can’t say from experience, but I did see there are rinks at Schönbrunn and on Rathausplatz. They looked like such lovely spots to skate, especially with all the Christmas lights around.
I just read your guide on the Christmas markets of Vienna – it sounds fabulous! Are the Christmas decorations that you can purchase made in Europe or are thay mass produced elsewhere. I will be looking for genuine hand made decorations. Thanks
Author
Oh, Vienna really is such a magical place at Christmas – it’s one of my favourite festive destinations! Even though it’s quite touristy, it still manages to feel really authentic.
We did spot some more generic decorations here and there, but there were also lots of lovely handmade pieces from local artisans. Karlsplatz is definitely the best place to look if you’re after something truly authentic – stallholders there have to be based in Austria and make everything themselves. Am Hof and the Spittelberg markets also had some beautiful options with a more traditional feel.
Enjoy your trip – I hope you find something special!