Vienna Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Vienna is a magical affair that rivals some of the best festive scenes in Europe. The city’s historic charm is amplified by twinkling lights, grand architecture, and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting through crisp winter air. If you’re visiting from the UK, expect an enchanting winter escape filled with tradition, warmth, and elegance.
The Best Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna is home to several iconic Christmas markets, each with its own distinctive charm, setting, and festive offerings. From baroque palace backdrops to lively town squares, here are the must-visit Christmas markets in Vienna for 2025.
1. Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Location: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Take bus line 13A or 48A to the Rathaus stop.
- By Train: Wien Westbahnhof is the nearest major train station; from there, take tram line 5.
- By Tram: Tram lines 1, 71, and D all stop near Rathausplatz.
- By Car: The market is located directly in front of Vienna’s City Hall and is easily accessible via the B1 and B221 routes. You’ll find underground parking nearby at Rathauspark Garage (Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien), just a short walk from the market.
- Opening dates: The 2025 dates have not yet been announced. In 2024, the market ran from 16th November to 26th December.
- Opening times: The 2025 schedule is yet to be confirmed. Last year’s timings were Sunday - Thursday: 10am - 9.30pm, and Friday - Saturday: 10am - 10pm.
- Decorations: The entire Rathausplatz is transformed into a glowing wonderland with over 100 market stalls, a massive illuminated Christmas tree, and an enchanting heart-shaped light tunnel. The park trees are strung with themed lights, creating a dreamlike backdrop for evening strolls.
- Best Activities to do: This market features one of the city’s largest outdoor ice skating trails that winds through the park. There’s also a traditional carousel, festive train rides for children, and live musical performances. The exact programme for 2025 is not yet available - keep an eye out for announcements closer to the season.
- Food to try: Popular festive treats include roasted almonds, Viennese sausages, Raclette bread, and apple strudel. Don’t miss a warming mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) or the fragrant punch served in collectible mugs.
- Shopping: Hand-painted baubles, artisan candles, gingerbread hearts, woollen crafts, and decorative wooden toys make for ideal souvenirs and gifts.
2. Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Location: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus lines 10A and 63A stop near the Schönbrunn entrance.
- By Train: The Wien Meidling railway station is nearby; from there, take U-Bahn or tram.
- By Tram: Tram line 10 or 60 to Schönbrunn.
- By Car: Located at the main entrance of Schönbrunn Palace, the market is accessible via the A1 Westautobahn and Grünbergstraße. A dedicated car park is available at Schönbrunn APCOA Parking (Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 50, 1130 Wien), just a 3-minute walk from the palace grounds.
- Opening dates: The dates for 2025 have not yet been confirmed. Last year, this market ran from 8th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.
- Opening times: Times for 2025 are still pending. Last year, the market opened daily from 10am to 9pm, with shorter hours (10am to 4pm) on 24th December.
- Decorations: Set against the backdrop of the baroque Schönbrunn Palace, the market exudes royal festive charm with elegant lighting and a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the centre of the courtyard. Stalls are arranged in a semicircle, adorned with classic garlands and golden lights that complement the palace façade.
- Best Activities to do: The market usually features classical music performances and children’s craft workshops. A dedicated stage often hosts choirs and brass ensembles - though the 2025 schedule is still to be announced, it's worth checking closer to your travel date.
- Food to try: Enjoy Austrian Christmas specialities like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake with fruit compote), Bauernkrapfen (fried dough with jam), and festive sausages. The orange punch is a local favourite.
- Shopping: Expect high-quality handmade crafts, including ceramic decorations, embroidered linens, wooden nativity sets, and artisanal jewellery.
3. Art Advent Market at Karlsplatz
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Location: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna, Austria
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus line 59A stops at Kärntner Ring/Oper, a short walk from Karlsplatz.
- By Train: Wien Hauptbahnhof is the nearest major station; from there, take U-Bahn line U1 to Karlsplatz.
- By Tram: Tram lines 1 and 62 stop at Resselgasse or Oper/Karlsplatz.
- By Car: The market is conveniently situated in front of the Karlskirche, just off the Ring Road and reachable via Südtiroler Platz and Operngasse. Paid parking is available at the Karlsplatz Garage (Operngasse 13, 1040 Wien), a mere 3-minute stroll from the market entrance.
- Opening dates: The official dates for 2025 are not yet released. In 2024, the market operated from 15th November to 23rd December.
- Opening times: Still to be confirmed for 2025. Last year’s timings were daily from 12pm to 8pm.
- Decorations: This market stands out for its focus on sustainability and handmade art. The square outside the Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) is lit with warm, rustic lanterns and natural materials, with hay bales, wooden sculptures, and an eco-conscious nativity scene adding to the artistic ambience.
- Best Activities to do: The market is known for live crafts demonstrations, puppet theatre, and a petting zoo for children. Although the 2025 schedule is not yet available, expect a mix of interactive performances and music acts with a creative twist.
- Food to try: Organic mulled wine, vegetarian and vegan snacks, roasted potatoes, and fresh-baked bread are popular here. Don’t miss the baked apples and hearty stews served in eco-friendly bowls.
- Shopping: This is one of the best markets for original, handcrafted gifts such as ceramics, leatherwork, glass art, and sustainable fashion by local artists.
4. Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Location: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus line 77A stops at Mommsengasse, a short walk from the palace.
- By Train: Wien Hauptbahnhof is nearby; from there, take tram D directly to Schloss Belvedere.
- By Tram: Tram lines D and 71 stop at Schloss Belvedere.
- By Car: Situated in front of the Upper Belvedere Palace, this market is easy to reach via the A23 Südosttangente and then taking the Landstraßer Gürtel exit. Paid parking is available at Garage Schwarzenbergplatz (Heumarkt 39, 1030 Wien), which is about a 10-minute walk away.
- Opening dates: Dates for 2025 are yet to be announced. In 2024, the market ran from 15th November to 23rd December.
- Opening times: Not yet confirmed for 2025. Last year’s timings were Monday - Friday: 11am - 9pm, and weekends: 10am - 9pm.
- Decorations: This market is set against the stunning Baroque backdrop of Belvedere Palace, with elegant lights that reflect beautifully on the palace’s front pond. The pathways are lined with chic wooden stalls, and festive garlands add a touch of classic charm.
- Best Activities to do: While smaller than other markets, it offers a quiet, romantic setting with occasional live music performances. The 2025 entertainment schedule has not yet been released, so stay tuned for updates.
- Food to try: You’ll find Viennese staples like pretzels, hot sausages, sweet dumplings, and marzipan pastries. Don’t forget to try the local honey punch or spicy Glühmost (mulled cider).
- Shopping: The market features finely made handicrafts, Christmas baubles, blown glass ornaments, and Austrian wool products - perfect for thoughtful souvenirs.
5. Christmas Market at Stephansplatz
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Location: Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus line 1A stops at Stephansplatz.
- By Train: From Wien Mitte station, take U-Bahn line U3 to Stephansplatz.
- By Tram: Tram lines 1 and 2 stop at nearby Schwedenplatz; it’s a short walk from there.
- By Car: Located in the very heart of Vienna, directly around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the market can be accessed via Kärntner Straße or Rotenturmstraße from the inner ring road. The nearest parking is at Tiefgarage Stephansplatz (Stephansplatz 11, 1010 Wien), which offers direct access to the market area.
- Opening dates: The 2025 dates are yet to be announced. In 2024, the market operated from 8th November to 23rd December.
- Opening times: Not yet confirmed for 2025. In 2024, it was open daily from 11am to 9pm.
- Decorations: Set at the foot of the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this market features a striking contrast between Gothic architecture and sparkling festive lights. Elegant stalls encircle the cathedral, with golden fairy lights, festive wreaths, and a smaller yet beautiful Christmas tree lighting up the square.
- Best Activities to do: This market doesn’t have large-scale activities but often features carol singers and small musical performances in the shadow of the cathedral. Details for 2025 are still pending, so do check the official schedule closer to your visit.
- Food to try: Traditional sausages, gingerbread biscuits, warm chestnuts, and punch are all popular choices here. You’ll also find chocolate-covered fruits and savoury Langos for a quick festive snack.
- Shopping: Look out for handmade candles, carved wooden figurines, glassware, and delicate lace decorations - many created by local Viennese artisans.
6. Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus line 57A stops at Burgring, a short walk from the market.
- By Train: From Wien Westbahnhof, take U-Bahn line U3 to Volkstheater, then walk 5 minutes.
- By Tram: Tram lines 1, 2, D, and 71 all stop at Burgring or Museumsquartier.
- By Car: This market is easy to reach via Burgring and Museumsstraße. Paid parking is available at the MuseumsQuartier Garage (Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien), conveniently located within a 5-minute walk.
- Opening dates: The 2025 dates are yet to be announced. In 2024, the market opened from 13th November to 23rd December.
- Opening times: Yet to be confirmed for 2025. In 2024, the market ran daily from 11am to 9pm, with extended hours on weekends.
- Decorations: Nestled between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art History, this market features more than 70 decorated stalls with charming wooden façades. A large Christmas tree sits at the heart of the square, and both museums are illuminated in festive hues, creating a grand and stately festive setting.
- Best Activities to do: Live musical performances often take place under the archway, and the square sometimes hosts a small festive train for children. The 2025 programme is still awaited, so be sure to check for updates.
- Food to try: Savour juicy Bratwurst, spicy Leberkäse, baked potatoes, and sweet delights like Vanillekipferl and chocolate truffles. Classic Glühwein and creamy eggnog are also available to warm you up.
- Shopping: This market is excellent for regional crafts, felted goods, ceramic art, and Christmas decorations - all perfect for festive gifting or collecting.
Tips
When is the best time to visit the markets to avoid crowds?
The Christmas markets in Vienna are generally less crowded on weekday mornings, particularly from Monday to Thursday. If you're hoping for a more peaceful browsing experience, it’s best to visit early in the day before lunchtime. Weekends and evenings tend to be busier, with both tourists and locals flocking to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Do the markets accept card payments or should I carry cash?
Although many stalls across Vienna’s Christmas markets now accept card payments, especially in the more central and larger locations, it is still common for smaller vendors and traditional craft stalls to prefer cash. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s wise to carry some euros with you. ATMs are widely available near the market areas.
What should I wear when visiting the Christmas markets?
Vienna in December can be cold and often snowy, so it’s essential to dress warmly and comfortably when exploring the markets. A well-insulated winter coat, thermal base layers, a cosy scarf, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots with good grip will help you stay warm while walking and standing outdoors. You may also want to carry an umbrella or wear a water-resistant jacket, as light snow or rain is not uncommon.
Are there any local customs or insider tips worth knowing?
One charming aspect of Viennese Christmas markets is the festive mugs used to serve Glühwein and punch, for which you’ll usually pay a small deposit - this can be refunded when you return the mug or you can keep it as a collectible souvenir. At eco-conscious markets like Karlsplatz, expect vendors to prioritise reusable or biodegradable materials, so don’t be surprised by wooden cutlery or compostable cups.
Where to Stay in Vienna?
For easy access to the Christmas markets, it’s best to stay in or around the city centre — particularly near Innere Stadt, Stephansplatz, or along the Ringstrasse. These areas place you within walking distance of many of Vienna’s major festive spots, restaurants, and attractions. Check out exclusive hotel deals and seasonal discounts featured on this page to make your festive getaway even better value.
Other Things to Do While in Vienna
While the Christmas markets are the highlight of the season, Vienna offers a variety of cultural and seasonal experiences that make your winter trip even more memorable.
- Take a Ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel: The Wiener Riesenrad in the Prater amusement park offers panoramic views over Vienna’s snow-dusted rooftops and twinkling city lights.
- Enjoy a Classical Concert: Attend an evening performance by the Vienna Philharmonic or at the Kursalon, where Mozart and Strauss concerts bring festive music to life.
- Warm Up in a Traditional Coffee House: Vienna’s historic cafés like Café Central or Demel are perfect for enjoying a slice of Sachertorte and a hot drink in elegant surroundings.
- St. Stephen's Cathedral:Visit this iconic Gothic cathedral, known for its stunning architecture. Climb 343 steps to reach the top of the south tower, where you' ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city centre and the surrounding area.
Where else to go in Austria for Christmas Markets?
If you’re planning a longer festive holiday in Austria, there are several other towns and cities that host equally magical Christmas markets, each offering its own unique charm and traditions. These destinations are easy to reach from Vienna and provide the perfect opportunity to experience more of Austria’s winter wonder.
- Salzburg: Surrounded by Alpine scenery, Salzburg’s Christmas market in the historic Old Town features baroque architecture, festive choral music, and beautifully decorated stalls.
- Innsbruck: Set against snow-covered mountains, Innsbruck’s markets are known for their enchanting backdrop, fairy-tale-like streets, and a life-sized Swarovski crystal tree.
- Graz: The Styrian capital lights up with multiple markets spread across the city, including one that features an impressive ice nativity scene sculpted from crystal-clear blocks.
- Klagenfurt: Located by Lake Wörthersee, Klagenfurt offers a romantic lakeside market with local Carinthian delicacies, lantern-lit paths, and handcrafted wooden toys.
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