A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas. Most Christmas markets open in the middle of November till December. It originally started in Germany, but now most the European countries has Christmas markets. Vienna is one of city with multiple Christmas markets.
Tips for visiting Christmas Markets
- Prepare for the cold Christmas markets are open, so layer up with a winter coat, boots, hats, and gloves because it will be chilly.
- Bring cash. Since many stalls require cash, bring extra bills to cover your spending. The average price of food is between three and four euros.
- Use Public Transportation All markets in Vienna are conveniently located near metro stations and are accessible by tram or metro.
- Try the local food. The stalls offer a lot of options, including sweet and savory snacks.
- Gluhwein cost The cup price is included in the gluhwein; you can either keep the cup as a souvenir or return it for a refund. If you wish to avoid alcohol, you can also buy Kinderpunsch.
- Prepare to stand for a long The majority of markets have no seats; some feature tables where you can place your food and mingle with others.
- Day vs Night If possible, try to visit the market both during the day and at night for a different experience.
- Visit small markets. Smaller markets give the same experience while being less crowded.
- Avoid Crowds To avoid crowds, go on a weekday during the day.
- Opening hours Check the opening hours prior to visiting the markets.
- Check the rules. Currently, there are no restrictions related to covid but check the latest guidelines before visiting.
Here is the list of Christmas markets in Vienna with complete guide.
Christmas Market on Rathausplatz
It is one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets on Rathausplatz, near the Rathaus, Vienna’s historic city hall. It includes 150 unique stalls that offer traditional Austrian foods, Christmas decorations and ornaments, handicrafts, and drinks. Here, you can always expect large crowds.
Where: On the square in front of the City Hall
When: 19 November – 26 December 2022
Metro Stop: Rathausplatz Tram 1 and D
Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square
This Christmas market is located at Maria Theresien square, closer to the city hall. The history museum provides a magnificent backdrop with Christmas stalls. It was smaller and less crowded as compared to the city hall christmas market.
Where: Maria Theresien Platz
When:16 November – 23 December 2022
Metro Stop: Volkstheater Tram 1 and D
Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
The entire market is located just at the front of the Belvedere Palace, providing a magnificent backdrop with Christmas stalls. The stalls offer many different food options. As usual, they have an adorable mug to use to drink/keep for a nominal amount.
Where: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße
When: 18 November – 23 December 2022
Metro Stop: Belvedere Tram : D
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
This Christmas market is in front of the imperial palace and provides a magnificent background. A large Christmas tree stood in the front, and there were other booths selling handcrafted, unique items like candles made of bees wax, natural soaps, tablecloths, toys, and decorations. Additionally, there were booths selling regional fare such sausages, soups, stuffed potatoes, spaetzli, pastries, and homemade chocolate.
Where: Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace
When: 19 November 2022 – 4 January 2023
Metro Stop: Schönbrunn Metro: U4
Christmas Market at Stephansplatz
This Christmas market was located in front of the famous Stepansplatz Church. It was a small Christmas market and the square was beautiful especially at night with all the Christmas lights.
Where: Stephansplatz
When: 11 November 2022 – 23 December 2022
Metro Stop: Stephansplatz Metro: U1 and U2
Winter Market on Riesenradplatz
Of all the Christmas markets we saw, it was the least crowded. People were singing, dancing, and having fun while there was music playing. It was a wonderful experience because there weren’t many people around and we could stroll through the markets at our own pace.
Where: Prater
When:19 November 2022 – 8 January 2023
Metro Stop: Praterstern Metro: U1 and U2
Here are some more Christmas markets we could not visit, but you can include them in your itinerary.
Christmas village campus university
Where: Universitätscampus
When:11 November 2022 – 23 December 2022
Metro Stop: Spitalgasse Tram: 5
Christmas Market at Spittelberg
This market is close to Maria Theresien square in a narrow street. It is famous for its unique crafts.
Where: Spittelberg
When:10 November 2022 – 23 December 2022
Metro Stop: Volkstheater Metro: U3
Christmas Market at Karlsplatz
Where: Karlsplatz
When:19 November 2022 – 8 December 2022
Metro Stop: Kalsplatz Metro: U1 and U4