Exploring the Magic: The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – time for Christmas markets! Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, Kartoffelpuffer… just the thoughts of it make my mouth water. This is possibly my favourite part of moving to Austria, because Christmas arguably a bigger deal here than anywhere else in the world. And the Christmas markets in Vienna are some of the best in the world.

Even before you get your winter coat out, you’ll see it all around – every shop starts selling its Christmas-themed goodies, from hundreds of Christmas ornaments organised by colour, to Christmas lights being hung up in every city. And then comes mid-November, and the first Christmas market opens its doors.

Whenever I’m at a Christmas market, I feel like I’m in a Hallmark movie. And though every market has its charms, no city does it better than Vienna.

So, here is my ultimate guide to the best Christmas markets in Vienna, to help you plan an amazing trip to Austria during the holiday season.

1. Rathausplatz

The Christmas market on the Rathausplatz (city hall square) is by far the biggest and most popular market in Austria. It is a great place to find delicious local food, as well as stunning handmade crafts.

But be careful, because it’s also the market with the most tourist traps. So, stay away from any items that you can see are mass-produced and veer towards the smaller stalls to find beautiful handcrafted souvenirs.

The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt also has lots of fun activities, which are especially great for kids. There is a big ice skating rink, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a ‘reindeer train’.

The ‘Kinderhütte’ (children’s hut) offers daily activities for kids. It mostly has interactive crafting, where children can learn to make items like wooden Christmas tree ornaments and decorated candles.

Kinderhütte opening times:

• Monday to Friday: 2pm to 6pm
• Weekends and public holidays: 11am to 6pm

On Fridays to Sundays from 3.30pm to 7pm, the market’s hall hosts choirs that do Christmas caroling. Because it is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe, choirs come from all over the world. Entrance is free, and you can find the schedule on the official website.

2024 Dates: 15 November – 26 December

2. Schönbrunn

This Christmas market is situated at one of Vienna’s most visited spots, the Schönbrunn Palace. It used to be the summer residence for the imperial Habsburg family of Austria, so it’s the perfect backdrop for the market.

It is not quite as big as many others on this list, but it is definitely one of the most beautiful. You’ll find delicious traditional Austrian food here, but I personally find the selection of crafts to be rather limited.

Due to its location, it is unfortunately one of the most expensive Christmas markets in Vienna. But I think it’s still a must-visit market, even if you just get a Glühwein or Punsch.

What I love about Schönbrunn is that you can combine it with a visit to the nearby sights, like the zoo, which is one of the oldest in the world. You can also buy some mulled wine or food and take a stroll around the massive gardens, explore the maze and cozy up inside a horse-drawn carriage ride around the grounds.

2024 Dates: 8 November – 6 January 2025

3. Spittelberg

The Spittelberg Christmas market is one of the most popular, especially among young people. It is considered to be sort of the ‘hipster’ Christmas market of Vienna.

It has a very unique setting, being situated on narrow pedestrian streets between high buildings right in the city centre.

Spittelberg is always very crowded, no matter when you go. But I still think it’s worth the visit, if only for the food.

In my opinion, of all the Christmas markets in Vienna, Spittelberg has the best food options. It has a lot of delicious traditional dishes, like Kaiserschmarrn and Käsespätzle. On top of that, it is one of the only markets with vegan options.

2024 Dates: 16 November – 23 December

4. Stephansplatz

The Stephansplatz Christmas market is situated on the square in front of one of Vienna’s most famous sights, the Stephansdom (St Stephen’s Cathedral). The medieval church gives the market a stunning backdrop that you won’t find anywhere else.

Though it’s not quite as big as the Rathausplatz Christmas market, it’s really popular, among tourists and locals alike.

This Christmas market is known for its high-quality handmade crafts. It’s one of the best places to shop for souvenirs or gifts. The main drinks stand also has the best mulled white wine I’ve ever tried.

If you want to make your visit to the Stephansplatz Christmas market extra special, see one of the Advent concerts in the cathedral. This is the place where the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra is at home during the holidays. Tickets can be bought on the OeTicket website.

2024 Dates: 8 November – 26 December

5. Art Advent am Karlsplatz

Like the Stephansplatz market, the Karlsplatz Christmas market is situated on a square in front of a church – its namesake. But it’s not directly in the city centre, so it’s generally less crowded. Its layout also feels a lot more open, which is why it’s one of my personal favourite Christmas markets in Vienna.

This market called Art Advent for a reason – it’s the best place to find unique, handmade souvenirs. There aren’t really any mass-produced, imported crafts like you’ll find at all the other markets. It’s the best place to shop for Christmas gifts and souvenirs if you’re looking for something unique and beautiful.

It’s also a great way to support local artists, because this is where they tend to set up. One of the highlights of the market is the workshop, in which you can watch some of the artists make pottery, jewellery, leather goods, and so much more.

Because the focus is on art and handmade crafts, you may find a lack of food stalls here. Of course, there are all the usual food and drinks stalls – mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, caramelised nuts – but it’s quite minimal.

It’s definitely still worth the visit though, so I’d suggest adding this to a day of Christmas hopping. Get lunch or dinner at another market, then visit Karlsplatz for Christmas shopping while sipping on a Bratapfelpunsch (baked apple punch).

Not only does the market have tons of interesting art, it also has live music on Wednesdays to Fridays. Unlike the other markets, which have more traditional Christmas-style music, the Karlsplatz market hosts local bands and more modern musicians.

The Karlsplatz Christmas market is also great to visit with children. There is an activity centre, in which kids can make Christmas presents for their parents. You can also ride a carousel and visit the petting zoo.

2024 Dates: 15 November – 23 December

6. Maria-Theresien Platz

This Christmas market is just a 5 minute walk away from the Rathausplatz market. It is situated in the heart of Vienna, between the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum.

The market often hosts live music, mostly traditional music and caroling. It really adds to the Christmas vibes, along with the gorgeous, historical buildings in the background.

If you’re traveling with children, combine your trip to this market with a visit to one (or both) of the museums. Both have daily activities and shows for children, which are both fun and educational.

The Maria-Theresien Platz Christmas market has a good balance of handcrafted items and delicious food.

2024 Dates: 13 November – 31 December

Other Christmas Markets in Vienna

• Wintermarkt Prater: The Christmas market situated in the theme park in Vienna. Combine your visit with a ride on the famous Vienna ferris wheel and a visit to Madame Tussauds.
• Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Belvedere: In front of the beautiful Belvedere Palace, this is also one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Vienna. It has great food and lovely handmade crafts.
• Weihnachtsmarkt Altes AKH: This Christmas market is on the campus of the University of Vienna, so it’s popular among a younger crowd. It might not be the best for children, but the food is fantastic and the vendors are really friendly.
• Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark: A great market to visit during the day, as you can get something to eat or drink and take a stroll through the beautiful park. I wouldn’t really recommend visiting it at night, though, as the park gets a bit creepy once it gets dark.
• Winterzauber im Böhmischen Prater: One of the most unique Christmas markets, with tons of fun rides for kids. This market is only open from Friday to Sunday though.
• Winter im MQ: A much smaller Christmas market, but it is a good place to visit for a quick drink.

If you’re planning a Christmas market hopping trip through Europe, check out my guide to the 10 best cities to visit for their holiday markets.

For other exciting activities and attractions you can visit while sightseeing in the city, here is my guide to the 21 best things to do in Vienna.