Best Vienna Christmas Markets
When it comes to Christmas magic, few cities rival Vienna. Each winter, the Austrian capital transforms into a glittering wonderland filled with festive lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the gentle sounds of choirs echoing through historic squares. From grand palace backdrops to hidden neighbourhood gems, Vienna’s Christmas markets capture the very heart of the season. With more than 17 official Advent markets and countless smaller ones tucked across the city, there’s no shortage of mulled wine, handmade crafts, and heart-warming cheer to discover. Here are my top six Vienna Christmas markets — each offering its own unique blend of tradition, charm, and festive flair.
**IMPORTANT: The dates of the Vienna Christmas Markets are provided to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.
It is essential to check each Christmas Market’s website for its opening dates and times.***
This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclaimer here. If you purchase through any of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The commissions help us provide valuable travel tips and guides for free. Thank you!
Join the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group
Follow us on:
Hi, I’m Tammy, founder of Wanderlustria and the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group. Having lived in the Austrian Alps and spent over 25 years visiting Vienna’s Christmas markets — returning every year without fail — I’ve seen the city’s festive celebrations evolve while keeping their timeless appeal.
My passion lies in helping travellers uncover the most authentic and enchanting Austrian experiences, especially during the most magical season of all.
The Best Vienna Christmas Markets
Here are Wanderlustria’s Top 6 Christmas Markets in Vienna that you should visit.
1. Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt- The Viennese Christmas Market
2. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
3. Art Advent at Karlsplatz
4. Weihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz – The Christmas Village at St Stephens
5. Weihnachstdorf Am Hof
6. Spittelberg Christmas Market
Join our Newsletter
Vienna Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Vienna’s Neo-Gothic City Hall, the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets.
As the festive season arrives, the grand façade of the Rathaus glows with warm lights, and the entire square transforms into a scene straight out of a holiday postcard.
Visitors are welcomed by the inviting aromas of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked pastries drifting through the crisp winter air.
More than 100 traditional wooden stalls fill the square, offering everything from handmade ornaments and artisanal crafts to jewelry, winter accessories, and gourmet treats. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and experience authentic Austrian holiday traditions.
Beyond the market stalls, Rathauspark turns into a Winter Wonderland, where trees sparkle with thousands of Christmas lights, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls. One of the most popular attractions is the ice-skating trail that winds through the park — a delightful way to enjoy the festive spirit, whether you’re gliding gracefully or just learning to balance on your skates. Skates can be rented on-site.
Families will also find plenty of festive fun for children, including craft workshops and storytelling sessions inside the Rathaus. The market remains open on Christmas Day and December 26th, ensuring that the magic continues even through the holidays.
Whether you’re sipping a mug of hot punch under the stars, shopping for handcrafted gifts, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market captures the very essence of an Austrian Christmas — charming, traditional, and unforgettable.
Highlights
Location: Rathausplatz, in front of Vienna’s City Hall
Over 100 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and gourmet food
Rathauspark Winter Wonderland with beautifully lit trees and festive displays
Ice-skating path through the park, with skate rental available
Family activities: Children’s program, carousel , reindeer train, Ferris wheel
Open on Christmas Day and December 26th
When: November 14, 2025, to December 26, 2025
Hours: Daily 10 am to 10 pm (reduced hours on December 24 and 25)
The Best Market for:
Christmas Lights
Family activities
Schönbrunn Christmas Market
One of the favourite Christmas Markets in Vienna is held at the 18th century Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburg’s summer residence.
Highlights:
- Held in the forecourt of Schönbrunn Palace
- Family-focus market
- Open on Christmas Day to January 6th.
Our Recommendations | Where we stay in Vienna
♥ When visiting Vienna with family, we loved staying in a Maisonette (two bedrooms over two floors) at the König von Ungarn.
Enough room for parents and kids and is directly in the centre of Vienna behind Stephansdom.
♥ I also love staying at Motel One Staatsoper, a great mid-range choice one block from the Opera and close to everything.
♥ My other two favourite places are both places I regularly stay at when I visit, the Hotel Pension Museum in Spittelberg, directly across from the U3 Metro Stop and Museums Quartier and Theaterhotel & Suites Wien in the 8th district- where I used to live so this hotel feels like home.
Read our blog for more recommendations on Where to Stay in Vienna near the Christmas Markets
Art Advent at Karlsplatz
The Art Advent Christmas Market is in the square of the 18th-century Baroque Karlskirche (St Charles Church).
Highlights:
-
entirely focused on Arts and Crafts, and all the stallholders must be Austrian-based
- Stalls with organic food and drink
- Children’s area
© Art Advent
The Best Market for:
Unique, hand-made Gifts
Organic Food and Drink
Family activities
When: 2025 Dates have not been released, expect ~
November 15, 2025, to December 23, 2025
Hours: Daily 12:00 to 20:00 (8:00 pm)
Weihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz
The Christmas Village (Weihnachtsdorf) at St Stephansplatz (St Stephens Square), has been the site of markets since Medieval times.
Highlights:
- In the Centre of Vienna at Stephansplatz
- The ~40 stalls sell gifts, souvenirs, and traditional Austrian food.
- Open on Christmas Day and December 26th.
The Best Market for:
Its central location- directly across from Metro U-Bahn 1 Stop
When: November 8, 2025 to December 26, 2025
Hours:
-
11:00 to 21:00 (9:00 pm) November 8-December 23
-
11:00 am to 16:00 (4:00 pm) December 24
-
11:00 to 19:00 (7:00 pm) December 25 and December 26
Combine your visit to the Vienna Christmas Markets with Visiting some of Vienna’s famous Sights
One Day in Vienna Itinerary
Two Days in Vienna Itinerary
Best Vienna Indoor Activities
Our Recommendations | Vienna Concerts
♥ Vienna’s Opera House is one of the best in the world. Tickets are in high demand and go on sale two months in advance on the first day of the month. Book Vienna Opera Tickets directly
♥ The Musikverein, Vienna’s premier concert hall and home of the Vienna Philharmonic, is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and grandeur. Book Musikverein Tickets directly.
♥ The Vivaldi-Four Seasons by Orchestra 1756 Concert at Karlskirche is a popular concert.
Special Christmas Concerts
♥ Christmas & New Year’s Concert in St Peter’s Church
♥ The Vienna Symphony Advent Concert in Stephansdom
♥ Christmas Concert in Stephansdom
♥ Christmas & New Year’s Concert in St Peter’s Church
♥ Advent, Christmas and New Year’s Concerts in Minoriten Church
♥ Anne’s Church Christmas Concert
♥ Vienna Christmas Concert at Capuchin Church
Weihnachtmarkt Am Hof
The Weihnactmarkt Am Hof is one of the smaller Christmas markets, located in the square known as Am Hof.
Highlights:
- Not as touristy as the other markets
- Has a Kunsthandwerkmarkt (arts and craft market)
- In 2023, the Market had a Champagne Bar.
Spittelberg Christmas Market
The Spittelberg Christkindlmarkt has stalls throughout the narrow-pedestrianized cobblestone lanes, alleyways, and small courtyards.
Highlights:
- Not touristy
- The market was designated as an Öko-Event (Eco-event), meaning the products must be sustainable, fairly traded or locally produced.
- Eclectic selection of gifts
- Surrounded by Biedermeier buildings containing rustic bars, restaurants, trendy galleries, and design studios.
The Best Market for:
Unique, hand-made gifts
Less touristy- its where the Viennese meet friends
Food and Drink
When: 2025 Dates have not been released, expect ~
November 16, 2025to December 23, 2025
Hours:
-
Monday to Friday: 14:00 (2 pm) to 21:30 (9:30 pm)
-
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 21:30 (9:30 pm)
Exploring Vienna at Christmas is a joyful journey through twinkling lights, festive melodies, and timeless traditions.
From grand imperial backdrops to cosy local gems, each market offers its own unique charm — and visiting these top six is just the beginning of what the city has to offer.
If you’re ready to dive even deeper into Vienna’s festive magic, grab my Vienna Christmas Market Itinerary — a curated 3–5 day guide featuring 10 must-see Christmas Markets, iconic sights, seasonal treats to try, insider tips, and time-saving strategies to help you experience the city like a local.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a festive city break, this itinerary makes your Vienna Christmas adventure effortless and unforgettable.
Vienna Christmas Market Itinerary
The Ultimate Vienna Christmas Markets Itinerary is a printable PDF guide with all the essential information and three day-to-day itineraries visiting the Best Vienna Christmas Markets.
Our 60+ pages guide has all the information you need to plan your Vienna Christmas Markets Holiday- from where to stay, to what are the best Christmas Market Foods and Souvenirs.
Buy Here
Austria at Christmas
Traditions & Planning
Austria Christmas Traditions
Experience the magic of Austria’s Christmas traditions.
Krampus
Learn about the Krampus Parades (Krampusauflauf) held in Austria’s Alpine villages.
How to plan a Christmas Market Trip
The simple 14-step guide for stress-free planning.
Christmas Market Tips
The top Christmas Market tips to help you plan the best trip.
Common Christmas Market Mistakes
Avoid the 16 travel mistakes that could spoil your festive adventure.
Dates & Christmas Market Destinations
Austria Christmas Market Dates
The 2025 Christmas Market Dates for Vienna, Salzburg, Salzkammergut and Innsbruck.
Top Vienna Christmas Markets
The Top 6 Vienna Christmas Markets that you should visit.
Vienna Christmas Markets Hotel Guide
Where to stay in Vienna while visiting the Christmas Markets
Best Salzburg Christmas Markets
The Top 5 Salzburg Christmas Markets that you should visit.
Christmas Market Tips
Christmas Market Packing List
The guide to what to pack for a European Winter holiday.
Christmas Market Food Guide
The 16 Must-Try Foods at Austrian Christmas Markets.
Christmas Market Souvenir Guide
Our top 22 gifts and souvenirs to buy at Austrian Christmas Markets.
Vienna Christmas Market Mugs
How to buy Vienna Christmas Market Mugs.
Christmas Market Itineraries
Austria Christmas Market Itineraries
Discover our recommended 5-, 7-, and 14-day itineraries.
14-Day Christmas Market Itinerary
The ultimate Austria Christmas Market adventure.
7-Day Christmas Market Itinerary
A perfect week-long journey through Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
Vienna Christmas Market Itinerary
Buy our PDF guide- all the information to plan your Trip.
Wanderlustria's Austria Trip Planning Service
Expert advice to help you plan your Austria holiday.
Book an Austria Trip Planning Consultation
We help you plan your dream Austrian holiday.
The Wanderlustria Trip Planning Service provides advice on everything you need to know about planning your holiday to Austria- from hotels to tours, where to get the best tickets, train and road trips and share our favourite places and activities to ensure your Austria holiday is memorable.
Find the perfect Austria Travel Consultation for you
Follow AustriaTravelPlanning by Wanderlustria
SAVE this PIN so you can read later
Download your Free Best of Austria 14-day Itinerary
Chief Wanderlust’er and Austria travel expert, I’m on a mission to help you uncover the magic of Austria — from fairytale cities and alpine villages to awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural traditions.
As the founder of Austria Wanderlust Travel Planning, the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group, and director of Wanderlustria eU, I provide trusted tips, local insights, and curated resources to make your Austrian adventure seamless, authentic, and unforgettable.