Last updated on October 5, 2025
Vienna is easily one of my favourite European cities, no matter the time of year. For someone like me – who loves a jam-packed itinerary and spends hours researching every trip – it’s rare to find a place where I can just let myself… be. But Vienna is that place. I love wandering its streets, stumbling across traces of Austria’s imperial past, marvelling at the stunning architecture, and soaking up the world-famous coffee culture.
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Come Christmas, though, Vienna cranks up the magic and transforms into a true winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and festive displays around every corner. From the moment I saw photos of the Vienna Christmas Markets pop up on my feed, I knew I had to go – and let me tell you, they were even better than I imagined!
Whenever I mention how many markets we visited in Vienna, people look at me with a mix of shock and disbelief. But trust me, you need at least a couple of days and a solid plan to really enjoy everything Vienna has to offer at Christmas. That’s why I’ve put together this guide: a detailed review of each Christmas market we visited, their opening dates, must-try foods, and a handy map to help you plan your own magical trip.
When do the Christmas markets in Vienna open?
The opening dates and hours vary across Vienna’s Christmas markets. In 2025, they will start popping up as early as 6th November, and by 21st November, all the main markets will be up and running.
Most markets stay open until at least 23rd December, with a few continuing past Christmas. The Schönbrunn and Prater markets, for example, stick around the longest, staying open until 6th January 2026.
Generally, the markets open between 10 am and 12 pm and stay open until 10 pm. On Christmas Eve, they usually close early, and they remain closed on Christmas Day.
Below, I’ve included the exact opening dates and times for each of the Vienna Christmas markets.
Do Vienna Christmas market vendors take cash or card?
At most market stalls in Vienna, you can pay with either cash or card, but some vendors have their own rules. The main exception we noticed was the Winter in MQ Christmas market, where many – if not all – stalls were cash-only. Also, some markets might have a minimum spend if you’re paying by card, so it’s a good idea to keep that in mind.
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! There are over 20 official Christmas markets around the city, but don’t worry, it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds…
There wasn’t a single market in Vienna that I didn’t like, but not all of them are worth going out of your way for. Some are definitely more touristy, while others feel more like cosy hangouts for locals to catch up over a cup of Glühwein. Since the markets are spread across different parts of the city, it’s worth factoring in travel time between locations when planning your trip.
In the end, we decided to cross two markets off our list as they were a bit further out, and we managed to visit 13 Christmas markets in total. Here’s a breakdown of each market we visited, including the address, opening dates, and some handy tips!
1) Stephansplatz
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
8th November – 26th December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Open daily between 11 am and 9 pm.
24th December: 11 am – 4 pm, 25th-26th December: 11 am – 7 pm
I couldn’t believe it when I found out this was one of the newer Christmas markets in Vienna. With how much I’ve seen it all over Instagram, you’d think it was one of the city’s most traditional!
Winding all around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this market features over 40 stalls selling hot drinks, food, and various handicrafts. We spotted plenty of traditional market favourites, like different types of punsch, potato pancakes, pretzels, gingerbread, and Käsespätzle (those irresistible eggy noodles with melted cheese and crispy fried onions).
But there were also some more unique 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 gorgeous. The cathedral glowing red and purple in the background makes it feel extra magical. But because it’s right in the heart of the city and wrapped around such a famous landmark, it was packed.
We were shoulder-to-shoulder with the crowd, and getting anywhere near the stalls was a bit of a challenge. The queues for hot drinks seemed never-ending, and even if you did manage to grab a punsch, there wasn’t much space to enjoy it. That said, if you manage to visit when it’s a bit quieter (if that’s even a thing!), it’s absolutely worth it for the atmosphere alone.
2) Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 23rd December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
Friday – Sunday, and public holidays (8th Dec): 10 am – 9 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 stunning 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). In just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself at the Am Hof Christmas market, which quickly became one of my favourites. Even though it’s right in the centre, it felt less touristy – though it can still get quite busy in the evenings because of its smaller size.
The food and drink options here are great. You’ll find local liqueurs, the Speck Standl with all kinds of meat, and a stall offering Schaumbecher treats (those chocolate-coated marshmallows that look like ice cream cones).
As huge Käsespätzle fans, we had high hopes for the Tiroler Hütte serving hearty Tirolean dishes, but sadly, they went a bit overboard with the pepper, which drowned out all the other flavours.
On the bright side, we absolutely loved the hut selling Hot Kiss drinks – a warm mix of raspberry liqueur, prosecco, whipped cream, and raspberries on top. It was so delicious and warmed us up better than anything else!
The handicrafts here are also some of the most unique we saw, making it a great spot for Christmas shopping.
Some stalls are like tiny shops you can actually walk into. I completely fell in love with these knitted furry friends – how cute are they?!
3) Altwiener Christkindlmarkt
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 23rd December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Open daily between 10 am and 9 pm
A quick walk from the Am Hof Christmas market takes you to the Old Vienna Christmas market, which is actually the oldest in the city – it’s been around since 1722!
It’s held on Freyung square, right in the shadow of the Schottenkirche, where a wine market was hosted as early as 1358. While it’s smaller than some of the other central markets, it has a charm that more than makes up for its size.
The main highlight here is definitely the Christmas decorations. You’ll find a much bigger selection than at most other Viennese markets, especially in the large cabin in the middle of the square.
Beyond that, there’s a mix of stalls offering chocolates, herbs, pretzels, marzipan, and other delicacies.
Of course, you’ll also find plenty of huts serving traditional treats like Kaiserschmarrn, Käsespätzle, and mulled wine.
There’s also a lovely selection of handicrafts, including cookie cutters in every shape you can imagine, handmade ceramics, leather goods, engraved rolling pins, and indigo-dyed clothes that reminded us of what we’d seen at the Goldberger Textile Museum in Budapest!
Throughout advent, there’s a full program of live music, theatre performances, and arts and crafts demonstrations happening on stage, adding even more festive magic.
I’d also recommend crossing the road, where you’ll find more stalls selling organic produce and ecological mulled wine for as little as €4.50. These stalls are also right by the entrance to the Ferstel Passage, a stunning covered walkway filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops.
4) Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 26th December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Open daily between 10 am and 10 pm.
24th December (Christmas Eve): 10 am – 6:30 pm
The market in City Hall Square is easily one of the biggest and most touristy Christmas markets in Vienna. I’d seen photos of the entrance archway with its red bow and candles all over my feed last year, and honestly, they were what convinced me to visit Vienna at Christmas in the first place.
With a gorgeous two-storey carousel, a towering Christmas tree, multiple ice skating rinks connected by winding paths, a Ferris wheel, and an illuminated heart that floats above the market every 30 minutes after sunset, it absolutely nails the festive vibe.
I’d recommend visiting twice – once during the day, shortly after it opens, to explore the stalls without the crowds, and then again in the evening to take in all the magical light displays.
While the stalls offer similar treats and goods to the other markets, what really stood out here was the focus on sustainability. Since 2022, vendors at the Rathausplatz Christmas market have had to meet certain sustainability standards.
By 2024, 75% of the products, food, and drinks on offer were organic (look out for the word Bio to spot them). It’s such a refreshing touch, especially for a market that’s so popular with tourists.
You could easily spend a few hours here wandering through all the stalls, admiring the nativity scenes, and enjoying the displays, so make sure to plan for plenty of time!
5) Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien – Altes AKH Christmas market
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 23rd December 2025
⏰ 2025 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: 11 am – 8 pm
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head about 15 minutes away from Rathausplatz, and you’ll find yet another Christmas market.
This one goes by two names: the official name is Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien, as it’s located in the courtyard of the University of Vienna buildings. The second, less common name is the Altes AKH (Old General Hospital) Christmas market, since this area used to house Vienna’s main hospital until the 1990s.
To find it, just type “Campus der Universität Wien (Hof 1)” into Google Maps.
This market has a much more local feel than some of the others in Vienna. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-visit if you’re short on time, but if you’ve already seen the main markets and fancy something a bit more offbeat, it’s a great choice.
You’ll find plenty of huts offering regional specialties, and there are even a few kid-friendly rides and four curling rinks (just make sure to book the rinks in advance on the market’s website).
After three days of navigating busy markets, this place was a welcome change. The crowds seemed to disappear, there was loads of space to relax, and the colourful lights and displays featuring fairytale characters (like the Bremen Town Musicians, which we also saw on our trip to Riga!) made it feel so fun.
6) Advent im Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
Note: This Christmas market was cancelled for 2025. I will keep you posted about whether it returns for 2026 once that information becomes available.
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, it wouldn’t be at the top of my list. However, if you’ve already checked out the main markets and are looking for something a little different, it’s definitely worth considering.
This is one of Vienna’s newer Christmas markets, having only started in 2021. It’s held on the grounds of the Liechtenstein Garden Palace, a stunning historic estate built by the princely family of Liechtenstein. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is home to a world-famous private art collection.
Right at the front of the market, you can pick up a real Christmas tree, and there’s even a vintage carousel for the kids to enjoy.
Towards the back, there are a few stalls where you can pick up some goodies, grab a bite to eat, or sip on something festive. One standout is the Feuerzangenbowle – a drink made by setting a rum-soaked sugar loaf on fire, which caramelises as it drips into mulled wine. You can also sample wines from Liechtenstein, adding a unique twist to the experience.
It’s quaint, peaceful, and completely off the tourist radar – perfect if you’re after something quieter and more local.
7) Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 23rd December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 2 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 9:30 pm
The Spittelberg Christmas market felt completely different from any other market I’ve been to.
Rather than being in a big, open square, it winds through the narrow alleys of the Spittelberg neighbourhood. I was genuinely surprised by how big it was too – I thought it would just be one small alley lined with stalls, but it’s actually one of the largest Christmas markets in Vienna, with over 120 stands!
When we got to Gutenberggasse, we quickly realised it stretches along parallel streets too. There are clear signs everywhere, so it’s easy to figure out where to go. There are stalls on Gutenberggasse, Spittelberggasse, Schrankgasse, Stiftgasse, and Siebensterngasse.
Like the market at Rathausplatz, this one also follows eco-friendly guidelines, with vendors required to meet certain sustainability standards. You’ll find all kinds of unique handicrafts here, plus several art galleries in the area opening their doors to visitors.
If you’re shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, this is one of the best markets to check out – along with Karlsplatz, Am Hof, and Schönbrunn.
There were loads of stands selling punsch and international food, with crowds spilling into the little passageways strung with overhead lights. It had such a warm, community feel, with friends gathering to celebrate the festive season together. Even with the crowds, it managed to feel cosy and homely, and it came across as far more authentic than some of the bigger markets.
8) Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Note: This market will be closed in 2025 due to renovation on Maria-Theresien-Platz.
This Christmas market sits between two museums: the Naturhistorisches (Natural History) Museum and the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum.
The layout forms a cross, with the fountain of Empress Maria Theresa right at the centre. Most of the food stands are spread out at the four ends, while the handicraft stalls are closer to the middle.
After Christmas, it transforms into a New Year’s market, so you can soak up the festive atmosphere a little longer.
By the time we visited, we’d already been to a few of the classic Vienna Christmas markets, and we found that the offerings here didn’t vary too much.
The one exception? Even more punsch options! Near the MuseumsQuartier entrance, we stumbled upon mango passionfruit punsch (my boyfriend’s pick) and fruity elf punsch with vanilla and whipped cream (my choice). Vienna definitely wins when it comes to the variety of punsch flavours – finding new ones at each market almost felt like a little treasure hunt!
Even though the offerings weren’t particularly unique, the stunning backdrop of the imperial buildings makes this one of the most magical and impressive Christmas markets in Vienna. Plus, it’s easy to combine your visit with a trip to one of the museums or the nearby Hofburg Palace.
9) Winter in MQ
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 23rd December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 2 pm – 10 pm
For a less traditional Christmas market experience, head across the street from Maria-Theresien-Platz into the MuseumsQuartier – or should I say “winter market,” since it doesn’t have much in common with your typical Christmas market.
Step through the gate into the illuminated main courtyard, where you’ll find a handful of stands offering winter snacks, mulled wine, and hot drinks, along with a curling rink featuring two lanes. The curling lanes were quite popular, so it’s a good idea to pre-book on the MQ website if you’re interested.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 2 to 6 pm, you can also try your hand at miniature car racing – and if you bring your own remote-controlled car, it’s free! On certain days, there are also live DJ sets and music performances.
If you’re planning to grab a bite here, keep in mind that many, if not all, of the food and drink stands were cash-only.
10) Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
6th November 2025 – 6th January 2026
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
10 am – 9 pm (7 pm after 25th December)
24th December: 10 am – 4 pm
I’ve been wanting to go back to Schönbrunn Palace ever since our first trip to Vienna, so seeing it all decked out for Christmas felt especially magical – even if the weather wasn’t exactly on our side that day.
It’s a little further from the city centre, but it’s an easy trip on the underground – and trust me, it’s more than worth it.
With 90 stands, a curling rink, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and even a DIY stall where kids can make their own wooden decorations, this is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Vienna.
One thing I loved about this market was how spacious it felt. The stalls are spread out across the palace courtyard, with plenty of room to wander around. There are open tables dotted between the stands, plus small huts with built-in shelves where you can take shelter from the cold.
You’ll find everything from Empress Sissi souvenirs and marzipan to knitted decorations, Schönbrunn-branded liquors, and the quirkiest thing I’ve ever seen at a Christmas market – sausage pralines!
The variety of high-quality artisanal goods and gourmet foods is almost overwhelming. Honestly, if we’d had more time, I could’ve easily spent half the day here just eating my way around the market.
If you visit, I’d highly recommend trying the Sissi punsch (a cherry punsch with amaretto) and the brandy shots served in ice cream cones. I only wish I’d had room to try the Selchfleischknödel (potato dumplings with smoked meat) because they looked absolutely divine!
11) Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 31st December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 11 am – 9 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
24th December: 11 am – 4 pm
25th- 30th December: 11 am – 8 pm
31st December: 11 am – 6 pm
The Belvedere Christmas market is much smaller than the one at Schönbrunn Palace, but there’s something about a market with a palace as its backdrop that makes it feel magical, no matter its size.
As you walk up to the Upper Belvedere, you’ll find two rows of stalls offering all kinds of handicrafts, snacks, and drinks.
It was one of the last markets we visited in Vienna, so by that point, we’d already seen many of the same items at other markets. But what made this one stand out was the smaller crowds, which meant you could take your time browsing without feeling rushed.
I’m a big fan of mulled wine with a shot of amaretto – it’s one of my all-time favourite winter drinks. But I’d never tried Feuerzangenbowle with amaretto before! At €8.50, it was definitely pricier than your average Glühwein, but it’s such a fun treat to enjoy once or twice. Watching the sugar loaf caramelise as it drips into the wine never gets old!
I was also thrilled to find the stand selling cakes and pastries that I’d spotted earlier but hadn’t had room for at the time.
If you visit, I’d recommend combining it with a trip to the palace itself, where you can see some of Gustav Klimt’s most famous paintings, including The Kiss.
12) Art Advent Christmas market on Karlsplatz
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
21st November – 23rd December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Daily from 12 pm to 8 pm
About a 20-minute walk from Belvedere Palace, in the shadow of the stunning Karlskirche (St. Charles’s Church), you’ll find another Christmas market – and this one’s truly special.
The focus here is on high-quality, unique handicrafts, but there’s no shortage of food and drink stands either.
If you’re tired of seeing the same mass-produced items everywhere, this is the perfect place to shop. Vendors must be based in Austria, handcraft their products themselves, and be approved by a jury panel, so you can be sure everything is one-of-a-kind and supports local businesses.
Plus, many of the artists are happy to chat about their work, which makes the whole experience even better. Even the food options here felt less typical and more eco-conscious, though we didn’t get a chance to try anything this time.
Unfortunately, it started pouring rain just as we arrived, which made taking photos a bit tricky. But trust me – if you’re looking for original souvenirs, it doesn’t get better than this. I absolutely loved the variety, from knitted animal hand puppets to ceramics, glassware, jewellery, and organic cosmetics. The level of creativity and craftsmanship here is on a whole different level!
Right in the middle of the market, there’s also a little pen with piggies, sheep, and goats, which was such a lovely surprise! Kids can roll around in hay, ride a pedal-powered carousel, hop on a mini train, or join a DIY workshop inside a cosy yurt.
13) Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz – Prater
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
21st November 2025 – 6th January 2026
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 11 am – 10 pm
24th December: 10 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. It feels like a smaller, quieter version of London’s Winter Wonderland or Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, but with one big plus: Prater is completely free to enter.
The star attraction here is the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, which you can ride for €14 (or splurge a bit extra to have dinner in a VIP carriage!). There’s also the world’s tallest chain carousel – I love a good ride, but at 117 metres high, even I have to draw the line!
Aside from that, you’ll find plenty of other rides, bumper cars, an amusement arcade, a Madame Tussauds wax museum, restaurants, and more.
During winter, you’ll also find food stalls scattered around the rides. Thankfully, the scariest rides were closed – it’s probably for the best, considering the food-and-rides combo sounds like a risky mix! 😉
We tried the Selchfleischknödel here after missing out on the ones at Schönbrunn. They didn’t look as appetising, but they tasted amazing – reminded me so much of our traditional Polish kartacze!
In the evenings, there’s also live music to enjoy. All in all, I’d say this place is more about the entertainment than the food and drink.
14) Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
14th November – 23rd December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Monday – Friday: 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 12 pm – 9 pm
Food stalls close one hour later. Closed on Christmas Eve (24th December).
This was one of two Christmas markets in Vienna we had on our list but ultimately decided to skip because of its location. It has all the usual features of a classic Christmas market – food and punsch stands, children’s carousels, and vendors selling cosy hats, gloves, and other “warmers” in liquid form. 😉 But nothing really stood out or seemed unique enough to justify the trip all the way to Türkenschanzpark.
15) Blumengärten Hirschstetten Advent market
📅 2025 Christmas market opening dates:
13th November – 21st December 2025
⏰ 2025 Christmas market opening times:
Open Thursday – Sunday, as well as on 8th December between 10 am and 8 pm
Each year, the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens put on a themed Christmas flower display, and in 2024, the theme was Time Travel Through Christmas Magic, showcasing highlights from the past 20 years. Alongside the flower display, there are the usual Christmas market stands, live performances, and a children’s programme.
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. Trust me, I get it – despite spending hours researching Vienna’s Christmas markets, there were still plenty of things that surprised me simply because it was impossible to remember it all!
To make things a bit easier for you, I’ve put together this handy map with the locations of all the markets mentioned in this blog post.
Just click on any of the names, and you’ll find details like opening dates and times (I’ll update these as soon as the 2025 dates are announced), along with some basic info to help you plan your visit.
What food and drinks should you try at the Vienna Christmas markets?
- Glühwein: Warm, spiced mulled wine served in festive mugs. A €5 deposit is required, which you’ll get back when you return the mug. You can also keep it or exchange it for a clean one.
- Punsch: Fruity, spiced punch, often with a splash of other alcohol. Vienna had the biggest selection of flavours I’ve seen. My favourite was the Sissi punsch at the Schönbrunn market – cherry punsch with a shot of amaretto.
- Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy, shredded pancakes dusted with icing sugar and served with fruit compote.
- Bauernkrapfen: Deep-fried dough, usually topped with jam or icing sugar.
- Schaumbecher: Fluffy marshmallow piped into a crispy cone, often topped with chocolate or sprinkles.
- Tiroler Gröstl: A hearty dish of fried potatoes, bacon, and onions, topped with a fried egg.
- Selchfleischknödel: Dumplings made from fluffy potato dough, filled with smoky, seasoned meat, and served with sauerkraut or gravy. Sweet versions are also available, like the apricot ones I saw at the Schönbrunn market.
- Käsespätzle: Soft, eggy noodles smothered 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 – a Salzburg favourite loved across Austria.
- Käsekrainer: A juicy sausage filled with melted cheese, served hot and often paired with mustard or a crusty roll.
- Soup in a bread bowl: Warm, creamy soups like pumpkin, carrot and ginger, or garlic served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.
Where should you stay for the Vienna Christmas markets?
With the Vienna Christmas markets blowing up online over the last few years, hotels now book up faster than ever. While we were planning our trip, we noticed that hotels around Stephansplatz were going for as much as €600 per night! Luckily, Vienna’s fantastic public transportation system means you don’t have to stay right in the city centre to make the most of your trip.
We stayed at the Moxy Vienna City East hotel*, which cost us €356 for 2 nights, including breakfast. The Erdberg U-Bahn station is just around the corner, and from there, you can be at Stephansplatz in under 10 minutes – so it feels like staying in the city centre but at a fraction of the price.
Even better, the international bus terminal is right next door. It’s super convenient, with a 15-minute ride to the airport and easy connections to other cities.
For example, Bratislava is just an hour away, and its Christmas markets are such an underrated gem – check out my Bratislava Christmas markets guide for tips!
Find accommodation options for your dates below:
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. Booking a classical concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral is such a lovely way to soak up the festive atmosphere.
If it’s fully booked, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options, like concerts at St. Peter’s Church, St. Anne’s Church, Capuchin Church, or the Mozarthaus. You can also visit the Votive Church to see the incredible light show that started in 2024.
Click on any of the titles below to check prices and availability.
Be sure to take a stroll to spot the famous red bow at Popp & Kretschmer, then wander over to Graben to admire the breathtaking Christmas lights. With Stephansplatz nestled perfectly between them, it’s the ideal spot to soak in the festive vibes while hopping between markets.
When you need a break, step into a traditional Viennese café and treat yourself to a rich Wiener melange (like a cappuccino, but creamier with extra steamed milk and foam) and a slice of Sachertorte – the famous chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam.
Or, if it 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! It’s the perfect way to soak up Vienna’s iconic coffee culture.
If you could only visit one Vienna Christmas market, which would it be? And do you have a favourite Christmas market treat? I ate so many amazing new things in Vienna – 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 🙏
Author
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!