Vienna’s Christmas markets are a big part of the holiday season in Austria’s capital and were a highlight of my time in the city. At these markets, you can feel the holiday spirit of Vienna, surrounded by festive lights and the smells and sounds of Christmas. The Vienna Christmas markets are spread throughout the city, each with its unique touch.
You can enjoy hot Glühwein at these markets, taste Lebkuchen, and find unique handmade gifts. Visiting Vienna’s Christmas markets is a great way to experience the holiday joy and traditions of the past.
Keep reading to learn about the Christmas markets in Vienna, including the biggest and best ones, and some tips for planning a trip to one.
Last updated: September 10, 2024
Published: August 7, 2024
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Want to explore more Christmas markets in Europe? Here are more great cities to check out:
Best Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna is magical in winter because of its Christmas markets. Every market offers something unique, with lots of holiday spirit, good food, and great shopping. Here’s a look at some of the top Christmas markets in Vienna, all of which I visited during my visit to the city.
Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is the biggest Christmas market in Vienna, located in front of Vienna’s City Hall. It features numerous stalls offering handmade items, local foods, and decorations. A large, decorated Christmas tree is in the center of the market, surrounded by an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and tons of stands.
Spittelberg Christmas Market
At the Spittelberg Christmas Market, you will find a variety of handmade items, including glass creations and jewelry. My favorite thing about this market is that it is amongst multiple side streets, making it fun to explore and get lost. The food here is also delicious, and it’s near some popular museums and the Maria-Theresien Platz market if you want to visit a few!
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
At the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, you’ll find yourself at the Vienna market with the best backdrop: the Schönbrunn Palace. This market is the perfect place to shop for Austrian crafts, visit one of the top attractions in the city, and enjoy Christmas concerts. It’s a great place to experience traditional holiday shopping in a historic setting.
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
The Belvedere Palace market is another Vienna Christmas market known for its beautiful setting. You can see the palace’s Baroque architecture and explore its gardens here. The market features stalls from local artisans, making it a great place to find unique gifts. What makes it special is how the historical backdrop of the palace enhances the festive atmosphere, offering a unique experience compared to other Vienna Christmas markets.
Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market
The Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market is located between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum. This market stands out because it’s set against the backdrop of these illuminated museums during the evening. When you visit, you can expect to find a variety of gifts, from traditional items to more modern finds, all under the beautiful holiday lights in a great location.
Altes AKH Christmas Market
Visit the Altes AKH Christmas Market for a traditional feel at the old university campus. This market is popular with students and locals because of its relaxed atmosphere. It offers a range of food and drinks, live music, and market stalls with holiday items. It’s a great place to go if you want to get outside of the most popular markets.
Am Hof Christmas Market
The Am Hof Christmas Market in Vienna is the best market for lovers of all things handmade, thanks to its focus on artisanal crafts and artworks. The market is the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists and craftsmen. It’s also easily accessible in the heart of the city.
Stephansplatz Christmas Market
The Stephansplatz Christmas Market is right next to the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It’s a traditional Christmas market in Vienna’s center known for its impressive backdrop, with the cathedral’s Gothic architecture adding to the festive atmosphere. It’s a great place to experience holiday traditions, shop for gifts, and enjoy the lights and decorations.
Art Advent on Karlsplatz
Art Advent at Karlsplatz is the best for an organic and ethical Christmas market experience. The market focuses on organic foods and sustainable goods and crafts. There are live bands and interactive arts workshops, and the vibe here is quite simple, making it better if you want something less crowded.
Each of Vienna’s Christmas markets is unique. Whether you’re looking for great food, handmade gifts, or a beautiful location, there’s at least one you will fall in love with.
What to Eat and Drink At Vienna Christmas Markets
The highlight of Vienna’s Christmas markets is not only their atmosphere but also the food they offer. At the Christmas markets, you can try iconic Austrian cuisine and warm drinks, which are essential to enjoying the full Viennese Christmas market experience.
Here are some must-try foods and beverages:
- Glühwein: A traditional hot mulled wine that is a staple at any Christmas market. It is perfect for keeping warm on a chilly evening and is my personal favorite!
- Maroni: Roasted chestnuts that offer a sweet and satisfying treat, ideal for snacking as you stroll through the markets.
- Bratwurst: These grilled sausages are popular, often served with mustard and a slice of bread.
- Kaiserschmarrn: A delightful shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar and usually served with apple sauce or plum compote.
- Sachertorte: No visit to Vienna is complete without tasting this famous chocolate cake, layered with apricot jam and often topped with whipped cream.
- Punsch: A sweet alcoholic drink made from a blend of spices, wine, or spirits, served hot and enjoyed by many during the festive season.
- Lebkuchen: These German-style gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite, adorned with festive icing and symbols.
These drinks and foods are essentials at every Christmas market in Vienna. Try as many as possible while leaving room for other discoveries.
Tips for Visiting Vienna Christmas Markets
Exploring Vienna’s enchanting Christmas markets is so much fun, and I can’t recommend it enough. To have the best time ever, follow these essential tips when planning your trip to Vienna’s Christmas markets:
- Plan: Research the markets you wish to visit, as each has its unique vibe. Some are in historic settings, while others have modern twists.
- Dress Warmly: Vienna’s winter can be chilly, especially in the evenings. Layer up to stay comfortable as you wander through the festive stalls. You may want to take off layers once you get to the markets.
- Try Local Delicacies: Don’t miss out on traditional Austrian treats like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and Glühwein (mulled wine). See the complete list of essential foods and drinks to try above.
- Cash is King: While some vendors accept cards, having cash on hand will make transactions smoother and help avoid lines at ATMs. Make sure you have Euro and smaller bills when possible.
- Visit at Different Times: Experience the markets by day for a quieter ambiance and in the evening for a magical atmosphere with lights shining bright.
Hotels Close To Vienna Christmas Markets
Now that you know where all the best Christmas markets in Vienna are, you need somewhere to stay! This map has all the Vienna Christmas markets on it, as well as the top hotels and home rentals in the city.
Here are the best hotels close to Vienna Christmas markets:
Vienna Christmas Market Tours
A great way to experience the Vienna Christmas markets is with a tour. Here are the top Vienna Christmas market tours:
There are also some multi-day European Christmas market tours you can take to dive even deeper into them and even visit different countries.
Here are some Europe Christmas market tours you can book for this year!
First is EF Ultimate Break, which is for travelers ages 18 to 35. They are my favorite group travel company and have quite a few Christmas market tours:
- Christmas Markets: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
- Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland
- Christmas Markets: Venice, Florence & Rome
Learn more about EF Ultimate Break and get discounts on trips in my guide!
Another option is EF Go Ahead Tours, which is for travelers of all ages. They offer some longer Christmas market tours through Europe.
- Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna & Prague
- Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe
- Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria
- Christmas Markets of Historic Germany
These tours are a great way to see the European Christmas markets in more than just one city!
Enjoy Vienna’s Christmas Markets
Vienna’s Christmas markets are a must-see. They offer a mix of holiday fun and tradition, and by walking through them, you’ll experience Vienna’s history and long-standing holiday traditions.
Plan a trip to Vienna’s Christmas markets ASAP and visit as many as possible for the full experience.
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