One of the best times to visit Vienna is in autumn, between mid-November and the Christmas holidays, when the city is festively decorated and the Christmas markets open. From mid-November until 26 December, the historic squares of the Austrian capital are transformed into fairy-tale scenes illuminated by thousands of lights, where the scent of Glühwein (mulled wine), Punsch and roasted chestnuts mingles with the festive atmosphere of the imperial city.
Is it perhaps its elegance, which constantly – and somewhat nostalgically – harks back to the splendour of the Habsburg courts? Its innate flair for classical music, the ideal soundtrack of the Christmas season? Its white blanket of snow that adds charm to a city that is beautiful in itself? It is an indescribable mix of elements that makes Vienna the ideal setting for a truly magical Christmas.
Its Christmas markets, a tradition that dates back to the 17th century, are now legendary: there are plenty of them scattered around the city, from the super-fancy to the kitschy, but all very atmospheric.
Although we doubt you can resist the temptation to shop, you don’t have to shop to enjoy Vienna’s Christmas markets . Thanks to the special festive atmosphere, it is pleasant to wander around the stalls and browse, and if you are a photography enthusiast, you can take home some great shots.
It is also nice to go to the markets just to have a glass of comforting hot punch or to warm your hands with a small packet of steaming chestnuts!
The most famous Christmas market in Vienna, which for many tourists is simply THE Christmas market in Vienna, is the one held on the Rathausplatz, the central town hall square, which is the scenic venue for many open-air events throughout the year.
In the area from the Rathaus, Vienna’s City Hall, to the Burgtheater, more than 150 quaint little wooden houses are set up selling sweets, gift ideas, Christmas decorations and hot punch.
The overall view of the festively decorated square looks like something out of a storybook: a huge 30-metre-high Christmas tree is placed in front of the town hall, an archway at the entrance to the square is decorated with candles and the trees in and around the square are illuminated.
The market also hosts Christmas choir concerts every afternoon at 5.30 p.m. and the Hearts Tree, where couples hang locks as a symbol of their love, has become one of the most photographed places in the city.
Hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (on 24 December until 6.30 p.m., on 25 and 26 December from 11 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.). Access is free of charge. Reachable by underground U2 stop Rathaus or tram lines 1, 2, D, 71.
If you want to experience unforgettable moments of romance and fun, you can take advantage of your visit to the Christmas market to go ice-skating, just as many Viennese do: the ice rink that is set up on Rathausplatz during the Christmas season is one of the most atmospheric in the world. It actually consists of two rinks connected by different paths that in total occupy an area of 4500 square metres.
If ice skating doesn’t appeal to you, head to the other ice rink on Rathausplatz and try your hand at curling, a winter sport that seems a little bizarre but which Austrians are passionate about.
The curling rink is smaller, only 550 square metres, and from 10 a.m. until mid-afternoon can be used free of charge as a skating rink by children and beginners.
The market in front of Schönbrunn Palace offers a Christmas experience in an imperial setting, set up in the courtyard of honour of Austria’s most visited palace. From 16 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, some 80 stalls offer traditional handicrafts, vintage toys and Christmas decorations in an atmosphere reminiscent of the sumptuous Habsburg Christmases of the time of Maria Theresia and Franz Joseph.
The market is distinguished by the high quality of artistic handicrafts: hand-painted ceramics, Murano glass decorations, coloured candles and nativity scenes carved by Austrian master craftsmen. The food stalls offer imperial specialities such as Kaiserschmarrn (shredded sweet omelette), Krapfen (Viennese doughnuts) and traditional Jagertee (hunter’s tea with rum and spices). A dedicated area offers organic products and certified regional specialities.
For children, the market offers a rich programme: cookie-decorating workshops every weekend, a historical carousel with carved wooden horses, a panorama train through the illuminated gardens and the Christmas Ferris Wheel with a view of the palace. The exhibition of nativity scenes in the Orangery presents more than 50 nativities from all over Europe, while baroque music concerts in the château’s Sala Terrena (admission fee) complete the cultural experience.
Hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., after Christmas it turns into the New Year’s Market until 4 January. Reachable by underground U4 Schönbrunn stop or tram 10 and 58. Visit Schönbrunn Palace during the day.
The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace is considered by many Viennese to be the city’s most romantic market, thanks to the spectacular setting of the Baroque palace and its artistically lit Italian gardens. From 15 November to 31 December 2025, some 40 selected stalls offer designer handicrafts and fine dining in a more intimate and less touristy atmosphere than the downtown markets.
The offer favours contemporary art and design alongside traditional handicrafts: jewellery in silver and Austrian stones, designer ceramics, hand-printed textiles, turned wooden objects and designer Christmas decorations. The food stalls offer organic specialities and certified regional products, with a focus on gourmet cuisine: alpine cheeses, handmade sausages, mountain honey and praline chocolate. The Belvedere Punsch, prepared with Austrian red wine and secret spices, has become a sought-after speciality.
The cultural programme includes chamber music concerts every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. in the palace’s Baroque halls, themed guided tours on Imperial Christmases and calligraphy workshops to create personalised greeting cards. For children, the Marionette Theatre presents Christmas shows every Sunday afternoon. The view of the illuminated Belvedere Palace at sunset is particularly impressive.
Hours: Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (reduced hours on 24 and 31 December). Reachable by tram D, O, 18 stop Schloss Belvedere or by metro U1 stop Südtiroler Platz.
The Am Hof market occupies one of Vienna’s most beautiful medieval squares, surrounded by Baroque palaces and dominated by the façade of the Nine Angels’ Choirs church. From 15 November to 23 December 2025, this market is characterised by a rigorous selection of handicrafts, with all products assessed by an expert jury guaranteeing authenticity and artistic quality.
The stalls offer exclusively original creations and unique pieces: raku ceramic objects, artistic Murano glass, wood sculptures, silk paintings, filigree jewellery and Christmas decorations made using traditional techniques. A dedicated area hosts craftsmen at work, allowing you to observe glassblowing, wood carving and the hand-decoration of Christmas balls. Prices are generally higher than at other markets, but reflect the excellence of the craftsmanship.
The gastronomic offer is particularly varied: besides the classic Punsch and Glühwein, there are Hungarian Langos with different fillings, pumpkin soup served in bread bowls, freshly cut Baumkuchen (spit-roasted cake) and Tyrolean Gröstl (potatoes, meat and onions). Fresh roasted chestnuts are roasted in large copper pans according to centuries-old tradition. The Am Hof square can be reached on foot from the nearby St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday-Sunday and holidays 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (deli until 10:00 pm). Reachable with the U3 underground station Herrengasse or U1/U3 Stephansplatz.
The Spittelberg in the 7th district is the bohemian alternative to the big tourist markets. From 15 November to 23 December 2025, the narrow cobbled streets of this old crafts district are transformed into a labyrinth of stalls that wind their way past past pastel-coloured Biedermeier houses, hidden courtyards and small intimate squares, creating a particularly atmospheric and authentic atmosphere.
On offer are contemporary handicrafts and Austrian design: crafted silver jewellery, felt bags, modern ceramics, designer wood objects, art illustrations and artistic photographs. Many of the exhibitors are local artists from the district who open their studios to the public. The food stalls offer international specialities alongside Austrian classics: French crepes, falafel, dim sum, but also Käsekrainer (sausage with cheese) and mountain raclette.
The neighbourhood is home to numerous historic cafés and wine bars that extend their opening hours during Advent and offer special Christmas menus. Heurige (new wine taverns) offer tastings of Austrian wines accompanied by traditional dishes. Every weekend, jazz and folk music concerts are held in the inner courtyards, while street performers entertain with juggling and figure theatre shows. The market is particularly popular with students and young people for its informal atmosphere.
In addition to the main markets, Vienna offers numerous other locations that are worth a visit for those who want to discover more authentic and less touristy atmospheres:
To comfortably visit the Christmas markets, the best area to stay in is the old town (1st district), from where all the main markets are within a 10-15 minute walk. Prices rise significantly during the Advent period, especially on weekends: it is essential to book at least 2-3 months in advance.
Cheaper alternative areas are the 7th district (Neubau), near the Spittelberg and the MuseumsQuartier, ideal for those seeking a bohemian atmosphere, and the 3rd district near the Belvedere, quiet and well connected. The 2nd district (Leopoldstadt) offers modern hotels near the Prater with excellent value for money. For detailed suggestions on areas and facilities, see the guide on where to stay in Vienna.
You can buy a bit of everything at Vienna’s Christmas markets, but generally speaking the wares fall into three categories: Christmas decorations, food and sweets, and gift ideas.
If you visit Vienna’s Christmas markets, you should stock up on Christmas decorations because you will be hard pressed to find lights, tree balls, garlands, candles, centrepieces and other such exquisite decorations with a romantic and slightly nostalgic charm anywhere else. You can pull them out every year to decorate your home at Christmas time and remember the wonderful times spent in Vienna.
A stroll through the Christmas markets will delight those with a sweet tooth, who will find all sorts of candies, sweets and food delicacies, including chocolates in the strangest shapes, dried fruit and hot chestnuts.
The little ones will gape in wonder at the traditional wooden toys, teddy bears and other top-quality toys on sale at the markets. There is also room for gift ideas for adults, with lots of handicrafts, natural cosmetics and soaps, honey products, clothes, accessories, perfumes, teas and herbal teas.
Glühwein (mulled wine) is the signature drink of the markets: red wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange peel and sugar. Each market has its own secret recipe and cup design. Punsch offers endless variations: rum, orange, berry, white chocolate. For children, there are non-alcoholic versions with apple juice and spices.
Savoury dishes include Hungarian Langos (fried yeast dough pancakes covered with sour cream and cheese), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) served with apple sauce or sour cream, Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausages), Bosna (spicy Balkan hot dogs) and Raclette with melted cheese served with potatoes and gherkins. Pumpkin soup served in bread bowls and Tyrolean Gröstl (potatoes, meat and onions) are perfect for warming up on cold evenings.
Traditional desserts include Punschkrapfen (sponge cake cubes soaked in rum and covered with pink icing), Lebkuchen (honey-spiced biscuits), Vanillekipferl (vanilla croissants), Baumkuchen (sliced spit cake), warm Apfelstrudel with whipped cream, Kaiserschmarrn (shredded sweet omelette), roasted chestnuts in copper pans and caramelised apples. Crepes are freshly prepared with dozens of sweet or savoury fillings.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel