The Christmas Holidays are upon us and Europe rejoices and celebrates in style with the famous Christmas markets and some countries/cities really do go all out. One of these cities is Vienna and I will be highlighting quite a few as well as the best Vienna Christmas market to visit.
Going to Vienna during the holiday period is really special as the streets are illuminated everywhere and there are Christmas Markets near every attraction. However there is one big market that truly stands out and has it all! Keep reading to discover which one it is and more tips and information about Vienna’s Christmas Markets
2026 dates and opening times checked on 11 October 2026 against the Vienna Tourist Board listings. Most markets open in November, with Schönbrunn and Stephansplatz starting on 6 November. Check the official listings again before travelling for any changes.
The BEST Vienna Christmas Market
If you only had to visit one market then you need to make it a point to visit the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz. Located in front of the city hall, the entire square transforms itself into one big Christmas Fest filled with holiday cheer, background Christmas music and all around festive spirit. This is the one that locals and tourists alike flock to so be prepared for busy crowds especially into the night. Here you can find some more information listed below.
Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
The Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is without a doubt the best Christmas Market in Vienna. It has several different stalls from food and drink, sweets, gifts and Christmas decorations and much more. Be aware though that prices are not the cheapest. However there is one thing that you must try and that is of course the famous Christmas punch. Christmas punch comes in different flavours and is usually served in a souvenir mug with a refundable deposit. Return the mug to get your deposit back or keep it as a souvenir; drinks and deposit amounts vary by stall.
- How to get here?
- U2 Rathaus Station
- U3 Volkstheater Station
- Tram lines 1, 71 and D to Rathausplatz/Burgtheater; tram 2 to Parliament.
- Highlights
- Ice rink
- Christmas Tree
- Perfect Location
- Opening Hours
- 13 November – 26 December 2026: 10am – 10pm
- 24 December 2026: open until 6:30pm
I would recommend to visit this market when it gets dark as it gets truly magical. For more information check out the Christmas’ Market official website
6 More Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna has a lot of different markets and while the one at Rathausplatz is the best, you are going to definitely encounter some more Christmas Markets in your general sightseeing of Vienna. In the majority of your encounters similar stalls are set up across markets but there would be some nuances here and there that are unique to certain markets. Here are 6 more Vienna Christmas Markets you are definitely not going to miss!
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
The Schonbrunn Palace is definitely one of the more iconic attractions in Vienna and here you will find another big Christmas Market. If you want to opt for a less crowded experience then definitely come to the Schonbrunn Christmas Market. The only downside is that it is not exactly in the capital’s center. My recommendation for this market is to visit the palace in the morning and then hang around the market at noon time, grab something to eat and continue sightseeing.
- How to get here?
- U4 Schonbrunn Station
- Highlights
- Ice Rink and Curling Rink
- Focus on Arts and Crafts
- Carousel and Ferris Wheel
- Opening Hours
- 6 November – 23 December 2026: 10am – 9pm
- 24 December 2026: 10am – 4pm
- 25 December 2026 – 6 January 2027: 10am – 7pm
Spittelberg Christmas Market
Unlike all of the other markets the Spittelberg market features in narrow streets and alleyways which make it somewhat tricky to navigate especially in peak hours. The stalls however are mostly different to other markets so it might be worth checking out anyways!
- How to get here?
- U3 Neubaugasse station
- Tram 49 Stiftgasse station
- Near to Vienna old town if you prefer to walk.
- Highlights
- Unique stalls
- Narrow streets and alleyways
- Opening times
- 13 November – 23 December 2026
- Monday-Friday: 2pm – 9:30pm
- Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: 11am – 9:30pm
Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz
Maria-Theresien-Platz hosts another Christmas market in Vienna. Close to the main Christmaskindl Market, this market offers something quieter in as spectacular as a location with the National History Museum on one side and the Kunsthistorisches art museum on the other.
- How to get here?
- U2 or U3 to Volkstheater station
- Trams D, 71,46,49,1,2 Ring/Volkstheater station
- Highlights
- Unique location
- Smaller scale but still great option
- Opening times
- 20 November – 26 December 2026
- Monday-Friday: 11am – 9pm
- Saturday-Sunday: 10am – 9pm
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung
Freyung square hosts quite a compact and cozy market, making it a nice alternative to the larger main markets. It is a traditional Christmas market near Rathausplatz. In 2026, it runs from 14 November to 23 December, daily from 10am to 9pm.
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
The Belvedere Palace is a must-visit whenever in Vienna. In 2026, the K&K Christmas Market at Belvedere Palace runs from 20 November to 31 December, with an imperial setting and regional food and crafts. The earlier cancellation information is out of date. Check the official market website for the latest opening hours before visiting.
- How to get here?
- Market is located at the Upper Belvedere
- Opening times
- 20 November – 31 December 2026
- 24 and 31 December: 11am – 5pm; check the official website for regular daily hours
You can book your Belvedere Entry ticket here!
Altes AKH Christmas Village
This Vienna Christmas market is outside of the city center and is more popular to locals. Located at the Vienna University campus. It is the most popular because of its local food across the provinces and you can find menu items unique to each province, marked as so.
- 13 November – 23 December 2026: Mon-Thu 2pm-10pm
- Friday 2pm-11pm
- Saturday 11am-11pm
- Sunday 11am-9pm; 23 December 2pm-8pm
Get here by catching U2 to Schottentor and taking tram 43 or 44 to Lange Gasse.
Some More Christmas Themed Attractions
Vienna is not only filled with fantastic Christmas markets but also filled with decorations filling you with Christmas cheer wherever you go. Here are some other worthy attractions that are a must visit whilst in Vienna during Christmas
Stephansplatz
Stephansplatz hosts some small market stalls but the true attraction is the magnificent St.Stephen Cathedral. Whether you are visiting during the day or at night it is truly a sight to behold. At night the cathedral has illuminating lights lit up capturing the Christmas spirit.
2026 opening times: 6 November – 26 December, daily 11am – 9pm. On 24 December it closes at 4pm; on 25 and 26 December it closes at 7pm.
Cafe Central
Cafe Central in Vienna is a historic gem and is a must visit for coffee lovers and culture enthusiasts. The interior is stunning, with grand high ceilings and marble columns. You do have to wait a long time to get served so make sure to arrive early. While here, enjoy a Viennese coffee and a slice of their signature cakes such as the Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
2026 update: Café Central closed for renovation on 16 March. Its official website currently plans a winter 2026 reopening, but does not give a confirmed day. Check the latest reopening notice before adding it to your Christmas trip.
Prater
The Prater is a great festive stop, especially for families. There is also a proper Winter Market at Riesenradplatz beside the famous Giant Ferris Wheel, with food stalls and live music. In 2026 it runs from 20 November to 6 January 2027. Individual rides have their own winter schedules, so check before visiting.
- Monday-Friday: 12pm – 10pm
- Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: 11am – 10pm
- 24 December: 11am – 5pm; 31 December: 12pm – 2am
More Christmas Markets
Wait there’s more? Yes, there is. The Christmas markets in Vienna weren’t enough and if you are like us and you enjoy all Christmas markets then here is 2 more markets
Bratislava Christmas Markets
Right across the border and a short 1 hour train ride away lies Bratislava. This is not a huge city but has 2 great Christmas markets in its main squares. They differ a bit to Vienna as they also sell Slovak specific cuisine. I highly recommend checking them out and read our post on How to do Bratislava in 1 day!
Hallstatt Village
Not quite a Christmas market, although it is extremly festive is the picturesque village of Hallstatt. Although not quite the best to visit from Vienna, it is still doable! Make it a point that if you are in Austria you go to this magical lake at least once. Luckily for you we have a complete guide on How to get to Hallstatt from anywhere including Vienna!
Final Thoughts & More Reading
That wraps up my Christmas in Vienna Guide for 2026. It is in my opinion one of the best Christmas markets in Europe as there is so much variety and the markets are set against the most amazing backdrop. Yes, they might be a bit more expensive but it is all in the spirit of Christmas!
If you are visiting Vienna for your markets and you want to combine your visit with some other place then I would also suggest to visit the other side of Austria where you will find the amazing Salzkummergut Region filled with the most amazing lakes in Austria. A great base for this is the city of Salzburg and you can get there via train. Read our other post on all the things to do in Salzburg to make your trip all the more worthwhile!
