Christmas markets (German: Christkindlmarkt, sometimes also Weihnachtsmarkt or Adventmarkt) are a popular staple of Vienna’s pre-Christmas season.
The romantic street markets typically open mid-November and last until Christmas, and enjoy a long tradition in Austria’s capital, as, indeed, they do in all of German-speaking Europe. The markets, whose history goes back to the Middle Ages, are typically located in larger squares and pedestrian zones and sell seasonal foods, drinks and (often handcrafted) goods from open-air stalls. Here, guests can indulge in wintery classics like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), gebrannte Mandeln (candied/burnt almonds), Maroni (roasted chestnuts) Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Bratwurst (sausages), or more local delicacies like Käsespätzle (cheese spaetzle), Tiroler Kiachl (basically fried yeast dough patties filled with either lingonberry for the sweet or sauerkraut for the savory version), G’röste Knödel (pan fried dumplings, often with egg), or ungarische Baumkuchen (a type of spit cake, also: Kürtőskalács), and warm themselves with traditional hot drinks like Punsch or Glühwein (mulled wine).
Viennese Christkindlmarkts are diverse, surprising, and always a sight to see. And they are a good source for truly unique gifts!
Vienna Christmas Markets 2024
The following is a list of the best known, most interesting, and absolute must-see Christmas markets in Vienna:
Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz
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Set on the large square between Rathaus (City Hall) and Burgtheater, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt is by far the largest and probably best known Christmas market in Vienna.
With more than 150 stalls, an enormous Christmas tree (presented by a different state each year), a smaller version of the Eistraum surrounding the fair, beautifully decorated and lighted trees in the Rathauspark, and notable guests reading Christmas stories, this market is everything you could imagine a Christmas market to be.
As this is the Christkindlmarkt in Vienna and incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike, the market tends to be a bit crowded. We suggest coming early to have a leisurely stroll and be able to really look at all the goods and crafts on display!
When? November 15 – December 26
Where? Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours:
Web: Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz
Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
https://www.instagram.com/weihnachtsmarktamspittelberg/
Embedded in a cluster of idyllic streets, surrounded by tall buildings and set on cobblestone, the Spittelberg market is best known and well-loved for its unique atmosphere and flair.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Vienna’s biggest shopping street, the Mariahilferstraße, this Christmas market is a favourite for both post-shopping indulgence and relaxed get-togethers with friends and family. The market stalls spread through streets and spill into courtyards and are interspersed with cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a place to be, a place to stay, and a place to taste and enjoy!
When? November 14 – December 23
Where? Spittelberg, 1070 Vienna
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 2 pm – 9 pm; Fri: 2 pm – 9:30 pm; Sat: 10 am – 9:30 pm; Sun & Holidays: 10 am – 9 pm
Web: Weihnachtsmarkt Spittelberg
Schönbrunn Christmas Market
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Set in the parade court of Schönbrunn castle, this Christmas market is, by far, the most stunning of them all.
Up to 80 decorated booths are nestled into the courtyard in front of the splendidly lit castle. The goods sold by largely Austrian and ex-Austro-Hungarian vendors have a distinct focus on craft and include traditional handicrafts, nostalgic toys as well as lovingly designed Christmas decorations made of glass, wood, ceramics, paper, and tin. A range of special Schönbrunn Editions, selected products in limited numbers, further flesh out the select range.
With its historic flair, high-quality goods, and a superb range of culinary delights, the Schönbrunn Christmas market is a truly extraordinary seasonal experience.
When? November 20 – December 26
Where? Schloß Schönbrunn, 1130 Vienna
Opening hours: Nov 20 – Dec 23: 10 am – 9 pm; Dec
24: 10 am – 4 pm; Dec 25 & 26: 10 am – 6 pm
Web: Christmas Market Schönbrunn
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung
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Located in one of the most beautiful squares in Vienna, the Freyung, the traditional Viennese market offers a lovingly curated mixture of exquisite craftsmanship, traditional seasonal treats of Vienna, and a very varied and high-quality cultural program.
If you are looking for a somewhat quieter, less touristy experience, then the Altwiener Christkindelmarkt is the perfect fit for you!
When? November 20 – December 23
Where? Freyung, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours: Nov 20 – Dec 23: daily 10 am – 9 pm
Web: Altwiener Christkindlmarkt
Christmas Market Stephansplatz
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This beautiful Christmas market is set right in the heart of the city, the Stephansplatz. Its unique setting (right next to the famous Stephansdom) is only rivalled by its unique offerings. High quality goods produced in Austria, traditional arts and crafts, as well as an extensive culinary range make this market a place to see.
When? November 12 – December 26
Where? Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours: Nov 12 – Dec 23, 2019: 11 am – 9 pm; Dec 24: 11 am – 4 pm; Dec 25 & 26: 11 am – 7 pm
Web: Weihnachtsmarkt Stephansplatz
Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien Platz
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The most imperial of all Christmas markets, this Christmas Village is located right between Vienna’s two main museums (the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum). Bracketed by those historic buildings on two sides, and the Museumsquartier, the former court’s stables, as well as the Ringstraße and the Hofburg on the other two, there is nowhere you can breath in more authentic Austro-Hungarian flair while you are sipping your mulled wine.
The market offers a mixture of creative goods, handmade crafts, and incredibly yummy food.
When? November 17 – December 26
Where? Maria-Theresien Platz, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours: Sun – Thu & holidays: 11 am – 9 pm; Fri & Sat: 11 am – 9:30 pm; Dec 24: 11 am – 4 pm; Dec 25 & 26: 11 am – 7 pm
Web: Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien Platz
Kunstadventmarkt Karlsplatz
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This market is the place to be for anyone who is looking for something alternative. Yes, there are the classic stalls selling beeswax candles here as well, but that’s the minority. What really stands out in this Adventmarkt is its dedication to all things art and organic. And this market is a place that celebrates the individual and the unique: there’s a carousel cobbled together from recycled scrap material, there are llama rides, all crafts are locally produced and handmade, and so on. The list of why the market at Karlsplatz is so unique is very long indeed.
When? November 19 – December 23
Where? Resselpark/Karlsplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours: daily 12 pm – 9 pm
Web: Art Advent Karlsplatz
Weihnachtsdorf im Alten AKH
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The Christmas market at the university campus is an all-time favourite for students, families and visitors alike. The idyllic main courtyard is filled with fairy lights, decorated market stalls, Christmas trees, and even a small fair with a ferris wheel for kids.
The goods on offer are all unique, all lovingly crafted, and -at times- even edible.
And then, there’s the big square around which all food and drink vendors are grouped, making it super easy to taste a wide variety of traditional classics and local favourites from one central point.
When? November 12 – December 23
Where? Universitäts Campus Altes AKH – Hof 1 , 1090 Vienna
Opening hours: Mon – Wed: 2 pm – 10 pm; Thu & Fri: 2 pm – 11 pm; Sat: 11 am – 11 pm; Sun: 11 am – 9 pm
Web: Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH
Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere
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Set against the glorious baroque backdrop of Belvedere castle, this Christmas market is a bit on the kitschy side, but that’s mainly due to the stunning location.
Wooden market stalls offer traditional handcrafted good and lovely Christmas ornaments, culinary delights await on every corner, and then there’s the truly wonderful view over the city.
It might be a bit touristy, but this Christmas market is definitively a must!
When? November 19 – December 26
Where? Prinz Eugen-Straße/Schloss Belvedere, 1030 Vienna
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11 am – 9 pm; Sat, Sun & holidays: 10 am – 9 pm; Dec 24: 11 am – 4 pm; Dec 25 & 26: 11 am – 7 pm
Web: Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere
Advent Genussmarkt Mahlerstraße
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This Christmas market, located near the Opera, and right next to the Ringstraße, is special in two ways:
For one it, very likely, is the only Weihnachtsmarkt in Vienna that sells nothing but regional delicacies and ready-for consumption culinary delights. This advent market is a feast in the truest sense of the word!
And secondly, this market is the location to go when sleet or drizzle is coming down, or you are in search of a place to warm up, as it is fully under cover.
When? November 12 – December 31
Where? Mahlerstraße, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours: daily: 11 am – 9 pm; Dec 24: closed; Dez 31: 11 am – 02 am
Web: Advent Genussmarkt
Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof
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One of the oldest squares in Vienna, the one known as Am Hof, transforms into a spectacularly beautiful Christmas market every year.
Its main focus lies on handcrafted goods, but the market also heavily features contemporary artwork. Expect the unexpected, but also have a look at the more traditional Adventmarkt-goods like candles, ceramics, pottery, knitwear, jewellery, wood carvings, and the like.
The romantic, yet artistic atmosphere of the market is an enticing mixture and the Viennese love the Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof dearly – not least because there is a heavy emphasis on charity and doing good by purchasing mulled wine at this market.
When? November 12 – December 23
Where? Am Hof, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11 am – 10 pm; Fri – Sun & hoildays: 10 am – 10 pm
Web: Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof
Adventmarkt Mariahilf
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Located on the square in front of the Mariahilfer church, this market is the place to stop for good food and a Glühwein during an extensive Christmas-shopping trip down Mariahilferstraße.
The market itself is small, but it is a lovely mixture of traditional and regional food and handmade Christmas decorations and gifts.
When? November 15 – December 24
Where? Mariahilferstraße, 1060 Vienna
Opening hours: daily: 9 am – 8 pm
Web: Adventmarkt Mariahilf
