Best Christmas Markets in Vienna You Have to Visit

The Vienna Christmas markets are honestly some of my favorites in Europe. I’ve already been three times and I still can’t get enough, so I’m already planning my fourth visit!

There’s just something so special about Vienna at Christmas. The city glows with lights, the air smells like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, and the whole place feels festive and cozy at the same time.

You’ll find markets all over the city, from the grand square in front of the Rathaus to smaller ones tucked between palaces and quiet courtyards. Each has its own vibe, with a mix of handmade crafts, delicious food, and festive music filling the air.

In this guide, I’ll share all the best Christmas markets in Vienna, along with tips on what to eat, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Good to Know Before Visiting Vienna at Christmas

Dates and Opening Hours

The Vienna Christmas markets usually open around mid-November and run until Christmas or New Year’s, depending on the location.

In 2025, most markets are expected to open on 14 November and continue through 31 December. Opening hours vary slightly, but most run from around 10 am to 9 or 10 pm, with food stalls often staying open a bit later in the evenings.

How Many Markets Are There?

Vienna has an incredible number of Christmas markets spread all across the city, more than 15 in total!

The largest and most famous is the market at the Rathaus, but you’ll also find beautiful ones at Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and smaller local spots like Spittelberg and Altes AKH. Each one has its own character, and visiting a mix of big and small markets gives you the best experience.

How Long Do You Need?

If you only have one day in Vienna, you can still visit a few of the main markets like the Rathaus, Maria-Theresien-Platz, and Karlsplatz.

But ideally, plan at least two or three days to fully enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere, especially if you want to explore the palaces, see a concert, or take your time sampling all the seasonal food and drinks.

Best Time to Visit

The markets are at their best after sunset, when the lights come on and everything feels extra festive.

Weekends in December can get very crowded, especially at the Rathaus, so if you can, visit on a weekday afternoon and stay into the evening. The earlier weeks of the season, from mid to late November, are also much quieter.

Weather in Vienna at Christmas

Vienna in December is cold, with daytime highs around 2–5°C (35–40°F) and temperatures often dropping below freezing at night. It might not sound too bad, but after hours outside, it really starts to feel icy, especially if there’s wind!

Pack warm layers, gloves, and a good coat so you can comfortably enjoy the markets. And if you get lucky with a light snowfall, it makes everything look even more magical.

Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

Vienna isn’t home to just one Christmas market. The whole city transforms for the season, with festive stalls popping up in palace courtyards, grand squares, and charming side streets. Each market has its own atmosphere, from elegant and traditional to cozy and local.

Here’s a look at the best Christmas markets in Vienna to add to your list.

1. Rathausplatz (Vienna City Hall)

The Christmas market at the Rathaus is the most famous in Vienna and probably the one you’ve seen in every postcard. It takes over the large square in front of the City Hall, with hundreds of stalls, a giant Christmas tree, and festive lights covering the park.

This market has everything you could want from a traditional European Christmas market. You’ll find rows of wooden huts selling ornaments, gifts, and crafts, along with plenty of stalls offering Austrian favorites like roasted chestnuts, pretzels, sausages, and mugs of hot punch.

The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, with carols playing and lights twinkling everywhere you look. On the downside, since it’s the most famous one, it’s usually packed! Try to avoid the weekends here if you can.

Also, don’t miss the glowing heart that slowly moves between the trees! It’s one of the market’s most iconic photo spots.

There’s also a huge ice-skating rink that winds through the park, plus a carousel and smaller rides for kids, making it one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna for families.

Even if you visit several markets, make sure you come here at least once after dark. Seeing the Rathaus lit up behind the tree is pure Christmas magic!

2. Schönbrunn Palace

The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market has always been beautiful, but lately it’s become even more fun to visit. It’s one of my favorite spots in Vienna at Christmas because it combines the grandeur of the palace with a really warm, festive vibe.

There are lots of lovely stalls selling ornaments and handmade gifts, but what makes it stand out are the newer attractions. There’s a Ferris wheel that lights up at night, a carousel, and plenty of things to keep kids entertained. It feels a bit more family-oriented now, but still charming enough for anyone to enjoy.

I love coming here in the afternoon so I can walk around the palace grounds while it’s still light, then stay into the evening when everything starts to glow. It’s such a magical setting and one of those markets I never skip when I’m in Vienna!

If you have time, I definitely recommend visiting the palace itself too. It’s absolutely gorgeous inside and makes the whole experience even more special.

3. Belvedere Palace

The Christmas market at Belvedere Palace might not be the biggest in Vienna, but it’s definitely one of the prettiest! The palace facade is beautifully lit up at night, and when the lights reflect on the pond in front, it looks like something straight out of a Christmas card.

This market has a calmer atmosphere than the busy Rathaus or Schönbrunn markets, which makes it a lovely spot to slow down a bit. You’ll find lots of handmade gifts, ornaments, and traditional Austrian snacks like sausages, roasted nuts, and Kaiserschmarrn.

It’s also worth visiting the palace museum while you’re there, especially if you want to escape the cold for a while. The art collection is incredible, and it’s a nice bonus activity right next to one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna.

4. Maria-Theresien-Platz

Set between the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum, the Christmas market at Maria-Theresien-Platz is one of the most central and lively in Vienna. It’s always busy but in a good way, with lots of stalls and people hanging out with their mugs of punch.

I think they have the cutest Christmas mug of all the markets in Vienna, so if you like to collect them, don’t skip this one!

The location also makes it really easy to visit while sightseeing since it’s right between two of the city’s main museums. It’s a fun market to stop at for a quick drink, a snack, or a bit of shopping before moving on to the next spot.

5. Karlsplatz

The Christmas market at Karlsplatz has a completely different feel from the bigger ones in Vienna. It’s more artsy and laid-back, with a focus on handmade crafts and local artists rather than mass-produced souvenirs.

The stalls are set up in front of Karlskirche, one of the prettiest churches in the city, and the atmosphere feels cozy and authentic.

You’ll find creative gifts, beautiful decorations, and plenty of spots to grab a warm drink or a bite to eat. The food here is usually organic and locally sourced, with things like soups, fresh bread, and pastries instead of the usual sausages and fries.

It’s also a fun market for kids since there’s usually a small hay playground in the center.

If you’re looking for something a bit different from the main tourist markets, Karlsplatz is definitely worth a visit.

6. Stephansplatz

The Christmas market at Stephansplatz sits right in the middle of Vienna’s busiest area, surrounding St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

It’s one of the easiest markets to find since you’ll probably pass through this square more than once, but it also means it gets really crowded, especially in the evenings.

The market itself is fairly small, with a mix of stalls selling ornaments, small gifts, and snacks. The location definitely makes it special, but it’s not the most relaxed experience.

I usually stop by for a quick walk around or a drink, but I prefer spending more time at some of the other markets that feel a bit less hectic.

7. Freyung

Freyung is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Vienna and still feels really traditional. It’s smaller and quieter than the main markets, which is exactly what makes it so charming.

You won’t find flashy decorations or loud music here, just a cozy atmosphere with wooden stalls and a focus on local craftsmanship.

This market is known for its high-quality products, from handmade ornaments and candles to regional specialties like cheeses, cured meats, and pastries. It’s also a great spot to try something different from the usual mulled wine since many stalls serve their own punch recipes that change from day to day.

Freyung is close to the Ferstel Passage, which is beautifully decorated for Christmas and worth a quick visit too, especially if you want to grab a few photos or step inside to warm up for a bit.

8. Am Hof

Just a short walk from Freyung, the Christmas market at Am Hof is another lovely spot that feels a bit more local. It’s bigger and livelier than Freyung but still has that traditional charm. The square fills with stalls selling handcrafted gifts, jewelry, ceramics, and decorations made by local artists.

There’s a good mix of food and drink here too, with plenty of stands offering mulled wine, punch, and hearty Austrian snacks. It’s one of my favorite places to pick up a few small gifts since many of the items are handmade and unique compared to what you find at the larger markets.

Because it’s so close to Freyung, you can easily visit both in one go, and the combination of the two makes for a really nice, relaxed Christmas market experience in the heart of Vienna.

What to Eat and Drink at the Vienna Christmas Markets

The food alone is reason enough to visit the Christmas markets in Vienna! Every square smells incredible, and it’s almost impossible not to stop every few steps for another snack.

Here are some of the best things to try while exploring:

• Käsespätzle – Soft egg noodles mixed with melted cheese and topped with crispy onions. It’s rich, comforting, and one of the best warm meals to enjoy outdoors.
• Raclette – Melted cheese scraped onto bread or potatoes, usually with pickles and onions on top. You’ll smell it before you see it, and it’s always worth the line!
• Langos – A Hungarian favorite that’s also super popular in Vienna. It’s deep-fried dough with garlic, sour cream, and cheese. A bit messy to eat, but super delicious!
• Bratwurst – Grilled sausages are everywhere and make the perfect quick bite. Grab one with a slice of bread and a bit of mustard while you wander through the stalls.
• Pretzels – Big, soft pretzels come in all flavors, from classic salted to ones stuffed with cheese or ham.
• Roasted chestnuts and almonds – A Christmas market classic that makes the whole place smell amazing.
• Goulash soup – Served hot and spicy, sometimes in a bread bowl. It’s one of the best things to warm you up after hours outside!
• Kaiserschmarrn – A sweet shredded pancake dusted with sugar and served with plum or apple compote. It’s my absolute favorite dessert in Vienna, you can’t leave until you’ve tried it!
• Waffles and crepes – Great for something quick and sweet, with toppings like Nutella, berries, or whipped cream.
• Glühwein – The drink of the season. This hot spiced wine comes in red or white and is served in cute collectible mugs.
• Punsch – A fruitier alternative to Glühwein. You’ll find flavors like berry, apple, or rum-based punch, and each market has its own version.

Other Festive Things to Do in Vienna at Christmas

There’s so much more to Vienna at Christmas than just the markets! The city is packed with festive activities, lights, and seasonal events that make it one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

Here are some of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season:

• See the Christmas lights on Graben and Kärntner Strasse – Vienna’s main shopping streets look incredible during the holidays. The sparkling chandeliers above Graben are especially beautiful and worth seeing after dark.
• Go ice skating at Rathausplatz – Right next to the main Christmas market, you’ll find one of the most popular ice rinks in the city. It winds through the park with lights, music, and food stalls nearby.
• Watch a classical concert – December is a great time to enjoy a concert in Vienna. You can catch a festive performance at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Karlskirche, St. Peter’s Church, or the Mozarthaus.
• Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Even if you’ve already seen the Christmas market outside, it’s worth stepping inside to see the cathedral’s stunning interior and climb the tower for views over the city.
• Take a carriage ride through the city center – Wrapped in blankets with the lights all around you, it’s one of the most charming ways to see Vienna at Christmas.
• Warm up in a cozy café – When the cold hits, duck into one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses like Café Central or Café Sacher. Order a hot chocolate or coffee and just enjoy watching the world go by.

For more ideas, check out my in-depth article about the best things to do in Vienna at Christmas!

Where to Stay in Vienna at Christmas

Vienna is a big city, but most of the main Christmas markets are fairly central, so staying near the historic center makes things much easier. Districts like Innere Stadt, Neubau, and Mariahilf are great choices since you’ll be within walking distance of several markets, shops, and cafés.

If you’re visiting in December, it’s best to book your accommodation early. Hotels fill up quickly around the holidays, and prices can rise as Christmas approaches.

For more details and recommendations, check out my full guide on where to stay in Vienna. But if you just want a quick look, here are a few options to get you started:

• Luxury: Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
• Mid-range: Hilton Vienna Plaza
• Budget: K+K Palais Hotel

Getting Around Vienna at Christmas

Vienna is really easy to get around, even during the busy Christmas season. Most of the main markets are close together, so you can walk between several of them, especially those in the city center like Rathausplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz, and Stephansplatz.

For longer distances, the public transport system is excellent. The metro (U-Bahn), trams, and buses run frequently, and they’re clean and reliable even in winter.

You can buy single tickets or get a 24-hour or 72-hour pass, which gives you unlimited travel on all public transport. It’s a great option if you’re planning to visit markets a bit farther out, like Schönbrunn or Belvedere.

If you’re only visiting Vienna itself, you won’t need a car. Parking can be tricky and expensive, and public transport will get you everywhere you need to go.

Tips for Visiting the Vienna Christmas Markets

• Visit during the week – Weekends get incredibly busy, especially at Rathausplatz and Stephansplatz, so weekdays are much more enjoyable.
• Bring cash – Some stalls take cards, but many smaller vendors still prefer cash, especially for food and drinks.
• Dress warmly – It can get really cold, and you’ll spend hours outside. Layers, gloves, and a good coat are essential.
• Take your time – There are so many markets to explore, and each one feels a bit different. Don’t try to rush through them all in one day.
• Keep your mug – When you buy Glühwein or punch, you’ll pay a small deposit for the mug. You can return it or keep it as a souvenir!
• Book early – Hotels and restaurants fill up fast in December, so it’s worth making reservations in advance, especially for weekends.