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
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. Served in a mug which you keep, the Christmas punch comes in a variety of flavors including orange, apple and peach. You do need to pay a one time fee for the mug and then you can refill the mug by just paying for the drink.
- How to get here?
- U2 metro Schorrentor Station
- U3 Volkstheater Station
- Tram lines 1,2,71 and D to Parliament stop.
- Highlights
- Ice rink
- Christmas Tree
- Perfect Location
- Opening Hours
- 15 November – 26 December 10am-10pm
- 24 December open till 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
- 8 November – 23 December : 10am – 9pm
- 24 December 10am – 4pm
- 25 December – 6 January : 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
- 16 November – 23rd December
- Mon-Fri 14:00 – 21:30
- Weekends 11:00 – 21:30
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
- 16 November – 23rd December
- Sun-Thurs 11:00 – 21:00
- Fri & Sat 11:00 – 22:00
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung
Freyung square hosts quite a compact and cozy market making it a nice alternative to the other larger main markets. It is more of a traditional Christmas market and is next to the Rathausmarket so you might want to combine the two in one visit!
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
The Belvedere Palace is a must visit whenever in Vienna and of course there has to be another Christmas Market here as well. Seriously, they are everywhere. Stand at the tip of the lake to soak in the sights of the market with the magnificent palace as a backdrop
- How to get here?
- Market is located at the Upper Belvedere
- Opening Hours
- November 15 – December 31 11am – 9pm
- 24 December opens till 4pm
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.
- Mon – Wed 2pm to 10pm
- Thurs – Fri 2pm to 11pm
- Sat 11am to 11pm
- Sun 11am to 8pm
Get here by catching U2 and getting out at Schottentor and go 2 stops up on the 43 tram 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
Stephensplatz
Stephensplatz 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.
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.
Prater
The Prater theme park does not fall under the category of a Vienna Christmas Market, however it is a must especially for families with young kids. The world famous Prater Ferris wheel resides here as well as many other rides and fun activities like bumping cars, haunted house and many more. It is a great place to be year round but during Christmas even more so as it becomes enchanted with decorations and illuminated lights.
That wraps up my Christmas in Vienna Guide for 2024. Hope that you are convinced by what Vienna has to offer and leave any questions you might have in the comments below or reach us on our social media. Thanks for reading and check out our other content here
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