Vienna Christmas Market: What To See, Do and Eat

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The Vienna Christmas Market is legendary – and it absolutely lived up to our expectations! Brimming with holiday cheer, the historic markets enticed us at every turn with classic treats, artisan wares and a festive ambiance.

We had originally planned 3 full days at the Vienna Christmas Markets, but last-minute changes dwindled our stay to just 24 hours.

Not deterred, we made the most of our 1-day trip, taking in 9 atmospheric locations. And we loved every minute of it!

Visiting the Vienna Christmas Market

With just one day to experience the multitude of Vienna markets that dot the cityscape, we had to make a solid plan for exploring.

Fortunately, we had visited Vienna before. So our December trip was purely about seeing the Xmas markets – and not so much about sightseeing.

That said, we were still able to squeeze in a few of the top-rated Things To Do in Vienna. The markets are situated right in the heart of the city near some of the best attractions.

10 Things To Do at the Vienna Christmas Markets

Vienna is regularly touted as one of the Best Places in Europe for Christmas – and we couldn’t agree more! We are sharing the top things to do and a few of our best experiences.

Planning a holiday trip is a big task. To help, we provide our travel tips and a festive-focused itinerary later in the article.

#1 Stare in Awe at the Radiant Tree on Rathausplatz

The biggest and brightest Christmas Market in Vienna is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz – and it’s a picture-perfect scene.

Dozens of holiday huts line the paths that weave through the plaza. At the center, a double-decked carousel spins, delighting children and adults alike. Skaters gracefully (and sometimes not so gracefully) glide along an ice trail through Rathauspark.

The star attraction of the scenic winter wonderland, however, is the gigantic 100-foot-tall Christmas tree that stands brilliantly in front of the gorgeous Gothic Vienna City Hall.

Top Tip: Don’t miss the famous Heart Tree at Vienna Christkindlmarkt. Decorated with glowing hearts, it’s a symbol of life and love.

#2 Buy Handmade Crafts at the Art Advent Market

We didn’t go all the way to the Christmas Markets in Vienna just to buy something we could have ordered on Amazon!

While many of the markets boast artisan goods, we feel the best place to pick up unique, handmade wares is at the Art Advent market on Karlsplatz.

The entire Karlsplatz Christmas Market is dedicated to locally-produced, hand-crafted goods. Some of the artisan products we spotted were wood-whittled nativity scenes, unique glass ornaments and bespoke jewelry.

Good To Know: The Karlsplatz Xmas Market is also committed to sustainability and organic eats. Be sure to find the pedal-powered carousel, which is one of the most interesting things we saw at the Vienna holiday markets!

#3 Soak in the Ambiance at Freyung Market

Ranking as one of the oldest holiday markets in the city, the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on Freyung Square is firmly rooted in tradition.

Evoking an intimate and old-fashioned ambiance, the market features wooden chalets. Enhancing the mood is the elegant architecture that encircles the square.

Quaint and small, the Old Viennese Christmas Market offers a respite from some of the busier and more chaotic festive fairs in the city. It is also a fantastic place to shop for holiday décor – like ornaments, nativity scenes and figurines.

Fun Fact: The first Christmas market in Vienna was held on Freyung Square in 1772.

#4 Cozy Up at Belvedere Palace Christmas Village

Of all the Vienna Xmas Markets, we believe the Weihnachtsdorf at Belvedere Palace is the most romantic.

Set in the courtyard of the grandiose Baroque Upper Belvedere Palace, the small market is the perfect place to sip mulled wine and savor the sumptuous surroundings.

The utterly captivating space is even more stunning from afar. Be sure to stroll to the southern end of the Große Bassin for a look back at the illuminated palace and its reflection in the water.

Pro Tip: Make the most of your time and also visit the elaborate Belvedere Schlossgarten (free) or the Austrian Gallery, where you can see Klimt’s ‘Kiss’ (ticket required).

#5 Indulge in Classic Fare at Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof

Because we were short on time, we almost skipped over Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof – but that would have been a mistake!

As it turns out, it’s one of the best Xmas markets in Vienna for sampling an array of classic holiday foods.

In addition to grilled sausages and sweet waffles, the vendors at Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof serve tempting cuisine that is unique to Vienna.

Some of the specialty foods on offer are the scrumptious Kasekrainer (a cheese-filled sausage), Grostl (a hearty potato-and-meat concoction) and Kaiserschmarren (pancake pieces with plum jam).

We also found a vendor selling Ofenkartoffeln (loaded baked potato), which we had indulged in at the Graz Christmas Market.

While warm gluhwein and hot Christmas punch are the most prevalent beverages, Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof takes it up a notch with a fun Champagne bar.

Shopping Tip: While several huts sell dried sausages and local cheeses, don’t miss the artisan shops you can step inside to look at the merchandise.

#6 Step Back in Time in Spittelberg

With cobblestone lanes lined with holiday chalets, the Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt in the Biedermeier District is reminiscent of bygone days.

The inviting market is tucked along 4 narrow alleyways, where neighbors, friends and visitors come together to find the perfect gift and share a cup of cheer.

The quintessential Christmas scene certainly enticed us to linger. We savored the aroma of spiced mulled wine that hung as it mingled with sizzling sausages and Erdapfel Rosti Potato Pancakes. It is a superb place to slow down and enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of the holiday season.

Shopping Opportunity: The Spittelberg neighborhood is an enclave of boutique shops and artist galleries – which are fantastic for finding special Vienna Christmas presents.

#7 Waltz around the Chalets at St Stephen’s

Modeled after the markets of Medieval times, the Stephansplatz Christmas Market is a spectacular sight.

The iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its colorfully tiled roof and intricate Gothic design, is completely surrounded by enchanting wooden chalets. This is just as markets would have been arranged in the Middle Ages.

While in Stephansplatz, it’s worth taking a short break from the holiday merriment to step inside the cathedral. Although a ticket is required to access most of the church, it is free to enter the nave.

Holiday Lights: From the Christmas Village on Stephansplatz, wander down Vienna’s best shopping streets. Pedestrian lanes – like Graben and Kohlmarkt – are draped in dazzling Christmas light displays.

#8 Feel the Spirit at Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz

The big and bustling Christmas Market on Maria-Theresien-Platz is simply idyllic. Nestled in the plaza between two of the city’s best museums (Art History and Natural History), the holiday huts wrap around fountains and the impressive Empress Maria Theresa Monument.

Uniform in appearance, the chalets are all aglow with white shimmering lights creating a magical atmosphere.

Souvenir Mug: Each market has branded holiday mugs – and we loved the ones at the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market! Styled like a Christmas stocking, the collectible mugs make a great keepsake.

#9 Marvel at the MuseumsQuartier Market

Called Winter im MQ, the Museum Quarter Christmas Market has a distinct alternative and hip vibe, which we found to be both fun and refreshing.

Located between two modern art museums, the Winter im MQ event is far from traditional. Instead, the market boasts contemporary huts, holiday cocktails, light projections and evening DJs and concerts.

Play a Game: One of the coolest things about the Christmas Market on MQ is ice curling! Visitors can reserve a lane at the MQ Curling Rink – or just sidle up and watch, like we did!

#10 Parade through Schonbrunn Palace Xmas Market

Designed as a wintery holiday village, the Christmas Market at Schonbrunn is said to be an exceptional event.

Nearly 100 booths selling gastronomic delights and regional products sit at the doorstep of the pale yellow, imperial palace.

Although Weihnachtsmarkt Scloss Schonbrunn was one of the holiday markets in Vienna that we wanted to visit, it simply wasn’t possible on our short stop. All the more reason to plan another return trip to Vienna in the winter!

How To Get There: The quickest and cheapest way to get from Central Vienna to Schloss Schonbrunn is via the Underground. The ride takes about 30 minutes.

Vienna Christmas Market Map & Schedule

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Vienna holiday fair map from below.

Vienna, Austria Xmas Markets 2024 and 2025

Festive fairs in Vienna typically open in mid-November. Most end on December 23, but a few remain open until the end the year and a couple until the Epiphany, which is January 6.

Each market keeps its own hours. Generally speaking, they open at either 10 or 11 in the morning and close at 8 or 9 in the evening.

Christmas Market Vienna: Top Tips

We have some honest advice and important info for making the most of your trip to these festive events!

Souvenir Mugs

As we already mentioned, each venue has a signature Vienna Christmas mug. When purchasing hot drinks, a deposit is required (usually around 5 euros). You can choose to keep the mug as a souvenir or return it for a refund.

Note that the mug does not need to be returned to the same vendor, but it will need to be returned at the same market.

Cash

Make sure to have euros – as many vendors still only accept cash payments!

Toilets

All markets have bathrooms – or WC, as they are often called. Sometimes there is a fee to use the toilets. While paper and soap should be provided, we recommend bringing your own tissues and antibacterial hand gel.

Weather

The weather in Vienna can be cold, wet and snowy during December. Be sure to bundle up in layers (because stores and restaurants are typically quite warm!).

Crowds

While atmospheric, the Vienna Christmas Markets can get very crowded. You will need patience…and a zippered day pack to deter pesky pickpockets.

Best Time To Visit

The markets are best when the lights are on and the merriment flows. During December in Vienna, it starts to get dark around 3:30pm.

We feel the ideal time to visit the markets is right around dusk. The lights will be on, but the crowds are typically lighter than later in the evening.

Christmas Market Vienna Itinerary

Based on our personal experience, we know that it is possible to see multiple markets in a short amount of time. With most in close proximity, we were able to enjoy 9 in just a single day!

Below is the route we suggest for fellow travelers with one day at the Vienna Xmas Market. Use this map for walking directions.

Weihnachtsmarkt am Stephansplatz
Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof
Freyung Traditional Market – Alt Wiener Christkindlmarkt
Viennese Christkindlmarkt in Rathausplatz
Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
Winter at Museum Quarter
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Art Advent on Karlsplatz
Belvedere Palace Christmas Village

From the Belvedere Palace, it’s a short walk to the train station, where you can pick up the subway, tram or bus back to the city center.

With a second day, we recommend spending the day enjoying the city sights and then heading out to Schonbrunn Palace in the afternoon. Consider ending your stay with a Xmas concert.

More Things To Do in Vienna in December

Visiting the Vienna, Austria Christmas Markets was the sole purpose of our trip, but there are more things to do during a winter visit.

Embrace Vienna Café Culture

The Viennese coffee houses are so much a part of the city’s tradition that UNESCO has designed them an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

It’s difficult to imagine a better way to warm up on a crisp, wintery day than with a hot coffee in an extravagant cafe!

Listen to a Classical Christmas Concert

Vienna is often hailed as the Capital of Classical Music, as the city was home to some of the world’s best composers – including Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven and Brahms.

With such a distinction, the top venues and most beautiful churches put on sensational Christmas concerts throughout the Advent season.

Visit Museums

Vienna is home to more than 100 museums – and they can feel like a warm embrace on a cold winter’s day. Nearly all require a ticket – but most are included with the Vienna Pass.

Getting To Vienna

The capital of Austria is well-connected to major hubs and other top Christmastime destinations throughout Europe.

Vienna International Airport

The Vienna Airport – Flughafen Wien Schwechat – is located 13 miles southeast from the center. The City Airport Train whisks travelers arriving at VIE into Vienna in just 15 minutes.

When looking for the best deals on flights, we start our search on Skyscanner. Read all our hacks in our article, Tips for Booking Cheap Flights.

Vienna Central Station

The main Vienna train station – Wien Hauptbahnhof – is situated on the south side of the city. The easiest way to travel into the center is via the U-Bahn (subway), but there are also trams and buses.

Distances and Travel Times to Nearby Destinations

Vienna to Graz: 120 miles | 2.5 hours by train
Vienna to Budapest: 155 miles | 2.5 hours by train
Vienna to Prague: 210 miles | 4 hours by train
Vienna to Munich: 250 miles | 4 hours by train
Vienna to Krakow: 290 miles | 5 hours by train
Vienna to Zagreb: 230 miles | 5 hours by bus

Where To Stay in Vienna

While many contend a hotel in the city center is best, we decided to stay near the train station for our short visit.

From here, we had easy access around town via the Underground. Plus, the direct train to the airport was ideal for our departure.

There are several hotels within the vicinity of the train station, but we found great rates at the Ibis Hauptbahnhof. With minimalist design, spacious rooms and friendly staff, we had a very enjoyable – albeit short – stay.

Read our Tips for Booking Hotels for Cheap to find your perfect place at a great price!

Organize your Vienna Christmas Market Trip

Don’t let the details of your trip slip through the cracks! Keep your vacation to Austria organized with our Printable Travel Planner.

Start planning your trip to Austria! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

More European Christmas Destination Guides

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