The Christmas Markets in Vienna: A Feast for the Senses
The Vienna Christmas markets offer a unique combination of historical flair and festive anticipation. Every year from the beginning of November, the city shines in a sea of lights, accompanied by Christmas scents and sounds that attract visitors from near and far.
Vienna has an unrivalled variety of Christmas markets. Each market has its own unique atmosphere and offers a wide selection of handicrafts, gifts and culinary delights. From traditional punch to roasted almonds, there is something to suit every taste. The exact selection of markets varies from year to year, but the experience remains unforgettable.
Although each market has its own charm, choosing your favorite is a personal decision.
Schönbrunn Palace Cultural and Christmas Market
The Culture & Christmas Market before the Schönbrunn Castle has received some new features in 2024 and now offers even more variety. About 120 huts present high-quality handicrafts, regional specialties and festive decorations.
New Highlights 2024
- artificial ice rink: For 3 € you can rent ice skates and enjoy ice skating fun right in front of the castle.
- children's carousel and curling: Additional attractions that particularly appeal to families.
To experience the market in a relaxed manner, we recommend a visit during the week or in the morning, as it often gets very crowded in the evenings and on weekends.
Tip: After December 27, the market turns into a New Year's MarketLucky charms, diaries and hand-blown champagne glasses complement the range of products available in the huts, which already point to the approaching turn of the year. Musical accompaniment by Dixie, swing and jazz ensembles promises a musical transition into the new year.
Christmas Market Am Hof: Tradition and Crafts in the Heart of Vienna
Artadvent in front of the Karlskirche: Art and Christmas in harmony
The Artadvent in front of the impressive Karlskirche impresses with its artistic character and a diverse cultural program. This market attracts with a special selection of handmade works of art and creative gift ideas that enchant visitors of all ages. The baroque splendor of the Karlskirche creates an incomparable atmosphere in which art and Christmas traditions merge.
Artadvent is a real highlight for families and children. The Draisine Express, a mobile track system, provides exciting adventures, while imaginatively designed vehicles made from found objects delight the little ones. A straw landscape and a small petting zoo also invite visitors to explore and linger.
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz: Elegance in the Heart of Vienna
The Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz impresses with its picturesque location between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History MuseumSurrounded by Vienna's magnificent buildings, the festively decorated stalls offer a fine selection of gifts, handmade products and culinary delicacies. This unique mixture of imperial ambience and Christmas flair gives the market a special elegance that puts visitors in a festive mood. Here, urban magic meets festive tradition - an experience for connoisseurs and culture lovers alike.
Christmas market at Rathausplatz
Opinions differ as to whether this Christmas market is one of the most beautiful. We think so! However, you should definitely avoid the evening hours on weekends - that's when the crowds of tourists start.
The Christmas market at Rathausplatz is a highlight of the Viennese Christmas season. The magnificent lighting, the impressive Christmas tree and the variety of stalls with traditional delicacies create an atmosphere full of splendour and festive magic. The Viennese Christmas market has changed over the years and today offers not only traditional handicrafts, jewellery stalls and punch stalls, but also a varied supporting programme. The market extends not only over the Rathausplatz, but also over the surrounding Rathauspark, where the famous heart tree and other atmospheric attractions can be discovered. The Advent wreath of the Protestant Diakonie with its special tradition and the Ice Dream at the Christmas Market add further highlights to this festive setting.
The Vienna Christmas market places great importance on making the waiting time until the big festival particularly exciting for children and families. huge carousel, a fun reindeer train, a Ferris wheel and much more will make the little ones' eyes light up. A nativity trail, the kissing area and a living Advent calendar are other highlights that will make children's hearts beat faster.
Christmas Village in the Old AKH
The Christmas village in the Old General Hospital in Vienna offers a particularly charming and cozy atmosphere. Nestled in the historic courtyard of the former General Hospital, numerous stalls with regional specialties, arts and crafts and gift ideas invite you to stroll around. Particularly noteworthy are the atmospheric light installations and the Christmas decorations that transform the place into a festive backdrop.
A highlight is the spacious area for children, with a nostalgic carousel and small activities that delight families. For adults, there is a wide selection of mulled wine and punch variations as well as culinary delicacies such as raclette bread and sweet treats. The market scores points for its manageable size and relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a popular meeting place for young and old.
The most important Christmas markets in Vienna at a glance
1st district (Inner City)
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Christmas market at Stephansplatz
- Period: November 8 – December 26, 2024
- address: Stephansplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
- opening hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
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Christmas Village Am Hof
- Period: November 10 – December 23, 2024
- address: Am Hof, 1010 Vienna
- opening hours: Mon – Thu 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Fri – Sun 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
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KuK Christmas market at Michaelerplatz
- Period: Not yet known
- address: Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna
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Old Viennese Christmas market on the Freyung
- Period: November 17 – December 23, 2024
- address: Freyung, 1010 Vienna
- opening hours: Daily 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
2nd district (Leopoldstadt)
- Winter market at Riesenradplatz – Prater
- Period: November 16 – January 6, 2025
- address: Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna
- opening hours: Mon – Fri 12:00 – 22:00, Sat & Sun 11:00 – 22:00
3rd district (Landstraße)
- Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
- Period: November 15 – December 26, 2024
- address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
- opening hours: Mon – Fri 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sat & Sun 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
4th district (Wieden)
- Art Advent in front of the Karlskirche
- Period: November 24 – December 23, 2024
- address: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna
- opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 20:00
7th district (new building)
- Christmas market at Spittelberg
- Period: November 16 – December 23, 2024
- address: Spittelberggasse, 1070 Vienna
- opening hours: Mon – Fri 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm, Sat & Sun 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
9th district (Alsergrund)
- Christmas village at the university campus/Old AKH
- Period: November 10 – December 23, 2024
- address: Alserstraße/Spitalgasse, 1090 Vienna
- opening hours: Mon – Fri 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sat 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
13th district (Hietzing)
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
- Period: November 8th – January 6th, 2025
- address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
- opening hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., December 24th until 4:00 p.m., December 25th – January 6th until 7:00 p.m.
18th district (Währing)
- Christmas market in Türkenschanzpark
- Period: November 15 – December 23, 2024
- address: Türkenschanzpark, 1180 Vienna
- opening hours: Weekdays 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., weekends 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.