Vienna Christmas Markets: Where Viennese Christmas Dreams Come True

Vienna Christmas markets combine time-honored traditions, timeless treasures, and twinkle aplenty. These magical markets are the real-life places where Viennese Christmas dreams come true.

The holiday enchantment is open, available, and accessible to all – locals and tourists, families with children, friends, and couples alike.

Let’s discover together these annual extravaganzas that begin in the Advent season of mid to late November and run through December. We’ll also learn which markets extend the magic of Christmas into the New Year.

You’ll further find a custom interactive map for the different destinations.

Plus Vienna Christmas market traditions, dates when markets open and close, and additional tips for the seasonal celebrations.

As well as firsthand observations and candid recommendations from our own travel experiences.

Now, let’s wander in wonder together through the legendary and lovely Vienna Christmas markets.

Ready? Let’s go!

When you book or purchase through some links, Spotlight Sojourns may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for using our affiliate links!

Please note the scheduled opening dates and closing dates are current at this time of publication, and confirmed directly with the event organizations. However, dates and hours are subject to change without notice due to weather and other conditions.

The Oldest Christmas Markets in Europe

Several European cities have held Christmas markets for centuries. Records date the oldest Christmas markets in Europe to the 15th century and the 13th century.

Not surprisingly, the three oldest European Christmas markets are closely connected by language, geography, language, and royalty.

Records date the oldest Christmas market in Germany to Dresden, which first held its now world-famous Dresdener Striezelmarkt in 1434.

Later in the 15th century, the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt debuted in Salzburg, Austria. The Salzburg Christmas Market remains equally renowned in a similar manner as Dresden.

Even earlier, in 1384, Wenceslas IV, King of Bohemia and Germany, proclaimed an Advent market in Bautzen, Germany.

However, the European city with the oldest Christmas market tradition is arguably Vienna in the late 13th century.

In December 1296, Albrecht I, Duke of Austria and later King of Germany, decreed the first Krippenmarkt Nativity Market in medieval Vienna.

Today, more than 725 years later, the Weihnachtsmärkte Viennese Christmas markets remain an essential and authentic experience in this UNESCO World Heritage City.

In our opinion, the Viennese Christmas tradition surely ranks among the reasons why The Economist has named Vienna as the five-time and reigning 2024 World’s Most Livable City champion.

Christmas in Vienna: A Real Viennese Christmas Romance

Christmas in Vienna is more than a beloved romantic Hallmark movie. Because Christmas in Vienna is a real-life romantic experience during the holiday season.

Vienna is undeniably dreamy in any season, of course, but especially Vienna in winter. Cloaked in snow, Vienna transforms into a true winter wonderland.

And Christmas in Vienna is divinely romantic. Because the swoon-worthy ambiance of Viennese Christmas, quite simply, inspires an irresistible enchantment.

Guided tours are a perfect way to experience Christmas in Vienna in all its celebratory seasonal finery. Following are some special must-see highlights of the magical holiday season.

A walking tour is the best way to see the following Vienna Christmas lights, holiday decorations, and Christmas trees in Stephansplatz and Kaertnerstrasse since these are pedestrian zones.

Vienna Christmas Lights

Fairytale lights add fabulous sparkle and festive shine throughout Christmas in Vienna.

During the day, the lights discreetly elevate the holiday spirit and amplify the holiday cheer.

At night, the Christmas lights dazzle like precious diamonds set against the black velvet sky.

Vienna Christmas lights at night are a must-see sight, particularly the glittering chandeliers suspended block after block above Kaertnerstrasse (Kärntnerstrasse).

The Kaertnerstrass pedestrian zone – Vienna’s prime people-watching zone and poshest shopping area – starts at St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Stephansplatz.

Kaertnerstrasse then ends on the Ringstrasse at the Staatsoper Vienna State Opera House on Karlsplatz.

Address: Kärntnerstrasse | 1010 Vienna Austria

Vienna Christmas Decorations

Elaborate Christmas decorations ornament buildings everywhere, both magnificent monuments and modern architecture alike.

Larger-than-life Christmas bows wrap the exteriors of entire buildings. Chic boutiques, department stores, souvenir shops, and sidewalk kiosks deck the halls to the hilt.

The huge ruby-red light-studded bow on Popp and Kretschmer, for example, is one of the most instagrammable places for Vienna Christmas decorations.

Address: Popp & Kretschmer Mode | Kärtnerstrasse 51 | 1010 Vienna Austria

Vienna Christmas Trees

Grand Christmas trees flourish in city parks, public squares, churches, concert halls, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and homes across Vienna.

Festive wreaths, garlands, and boughs adorn doors, railings, and mantels abundantly, further underscoring the Christmas tree theme.

Despite all the green splendor citywide, however, one Viennese Christmas tree notably rises above all others.

The biggest Christmas tree in Vienna proudly stands in the vast City Hall Square (Rathausplatz).

Each year since 1959, a different Austrian province, or the South Tyrol Italian province, presents the towering Rathausplatz Christmas tree to the national capital.

Address: Rathausplatz | 1010 Vienna Austria

Vienna Christmas Markets: Traditions, Treasures, and Twinkle

Medieval and imperial heritage notwithstanding, contemporary Vienna Christmas markets now blend history and modernity, tradition and innovation, artistry and authenticity.

From the First District of Innere Stadt, the ancient city center, and throughout the 23 Vienna districts, you’ll discover a diverse range of Christmas villages and vibes.

Given that marvelous wealth of choices, you’ll generally find most Viennese Christmas markets feature certain similarities such as:

• Market stalls selling traditional handicrafts, unique gifts, toys, and ornaments.
• Food stands selling delicious treats and holiday drinks both for kids and adults.
• Drinks such as hot chocolate with whipped cream (Schlag), Christmas punch, and traditional Glühwein – yummy mulled wine spiced with cinnamon, sugar, cloves, and orange.
• Live music and entertainment, both sacred and secular performances.
• Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and Christmas decorations galore.
• Nativity sets, Nativity stories, and sometimes living Nativity scenes.

Speaking of traditional Glühweihn mulled wine, you can alternatively order non-alcoholic mulled wine. And you can purchase the ceramic “Christmas stockings” the wine is served in – the little mugs are super cute!

Vienna Christmas Markets and Coffee Houses

Furthering your fa-la-la fun, we highly recommend visiting a Vienna coffee house before or after your Christmas market adventures.

Since the 19th century, cafes and coffee house culture have been indispensable to Viennese life. They continue to be important and relevant in 21st-century life, too.

Whether you prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, a grand cafe is a perfect complement to Vienna’s Christmas markets. Complete with a delectable Austrian dessert, of course.

Find details, descriptions, recommendations, and a custom interactive map of famous coffee houses – hidden gems and modern coffee shops, too! – in the Vienna coffee guide.

Best Vienna Christmas Markets: First District

Viennese Christmas Market on Rathausplatz (Wiener Christkindlmarkt)

At the world-famous Viennese Christmas Market (Wiener Christkindlmarkt), modern and medieval meet in City Hall Square (Rathausplatz).

Home of the landmark Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), Rathausplatz, not surprisingly, hosts the biggest Christmas market in Vienna.

Completed in 1883, Rathaus is the city’s official seat of government. The elaborate neo-Gothic landmark presides in epic style over Rathausplatz and the Ringstrasse.

Besides the iconic Gothic Revival architecture, another iconic symbol here links medieval and modern eras: Rathausmann.

Rathausmann is a bronze statue of a medieval knight 18 feet (5.4 m) tall. He maintains eternal vigilant guard from his lofty flagpole perch atop Rathaus.

So, look up at the Tower, 321 feet (98 m) high. Wave hello to the noble knight. Then, keep watch for a replica Rathausmann statue within Rathauspark.

Best Things to Do at Viennese Christmas Market on Rathausplatz

When visiting Vienna’s main Christmas market, established in Rathausplatz since 1975, you may certainly enter this extensive holiday event at any access point.

As you can imagine, there’s so much to do, see, and taste at the biggest Christmas market in Vienna. Still, you’ll not want to miss these signature activities:

Take an instagrammable photo at the impressive entrance arch in front of City Hall – definitely an instaworthy backdrop!

Ride the classic two-tiered carousel, a colorful addition enhancing the enchantment. The carousel debuted for the 2022 Advent season and became an instant hit.

Browse and shop at the abundant market stalls, where you’ll find gift items for almost any budget. And stop at the food stands for treats and drinks to tickle the palette.

Skate at the Small Viennese Ice Dream (Kleiner Eistraum), another unique activity at the Viennese Christmas Market.

First opened in 2016, this outdoor ice skating rink is now a treasured tradition of Rathausplatz.

Rental ice skates, helmets, and stand-up skating aids are available.

Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square: Dates

The Viennese Christmas Market on Rathausplatz November 16th, 2024.

The Viennese Christmas Market on Rathausplatz Square closes on December 26th, 2024.

The Small Viennese Ice Dream opens on November 15th, 2024.

The Small Viennese Ice Dream closes on January 6th, 2025.

Address: Viennese Christmas Market (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) | Rathausplatz | 1010 Vienna Austria

Best Coffee House for the Best Vienna Christmas Market: Cafe Landtmann

Since 1873, Cafe Landtmann has been the ultimate elegant choice for stylish locals, as well as sophisticated tourists in the know.

The central location is within easy walking distance of the Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square, as well as the Vienna Ice World, Viennese Ice Dream.

Address: Café Landtmann | Universaitätsring 4 | 1010 Vienna Austria

Vienna Ice World, the Viennese Ice Dream (Wienereistraum)

Following the New Year, an astonishing and amazing metamorphosis occurs in Rathausplatz.

From mid to late January until late February or early March, the old town square Rathausplatz transforms into Vienna Ice World, the Viennese Ice Dream (Wienereistraum).

The Viennese Ice Dream is a winter market and an outdoor ice skating experience beyond compare.

Covering almost 91,500 square feet (8,500 m2) on two levels, the Viennese Ice Dream encompasses multiple outdoor ice skating rinks.

The show-stopping centerpiece is the terraced Sky Rink, with spectacular views. There’s also a quiet small rink exclusively for young children learning to ice skate.

Still, the Viennese Ice Dream expands the fantastical dreamy vision far beyond skating rinks.

The Traumpfade Dream Paths are romantic ice skating trails approximately 1,640 feet (500 m) in total length.

These Dream Paths carve a stunning “icescape” between Rathausplatz and Burgtheater and up to the Parliament Building.

During the daytime and at night, theatrical lighting and live entertainment contribute to one of the most exquisite open-air skating environments in the world.

This frozen storybook setting is yet another Viennese Winter romantic dream come true.

Vienna Ice World, the Viennese Ice Dream: Dates

The Viennese Ice Dream opens in Rathausplatz on January 23rd, 2025.

The Viennese Ice Dream closes on March 2nd, 2025. Weather cooperating, of course.

Address: Vienna Ice World, the Viennese Ice Dream (Wienereistraum) | Rathausplatz | 1010 Vienna Austria

Christmas Village on Stephansplatz

Celebrate the sacred season amidst Gothic glory at the Christmas Village on St. Stephen’s Square (Weihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz).

St. Stephen’s Square (Stephansplatz) is the geographical center of Vienna and the nation – both literally and figuratively.

Constructed from the 12th century to the 16th century, Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) and its mighty bell towers are the symbol of Vienna and the heart of Austria.

When strolling through the superbly decorated market stalls, take note of the high-quality handicrafts and original gifts from across Austria.

Many artisans place a gentle emphasis on spiritual themes and sacred designs.

Before or after your visit to the Christmas village, we suggest a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral itself.

For centuries, the cathedral has been a leading center for worship, music, and views.

Speaking of phenomenal views, you can take a small modern elevator up to the North Tower, 224 feet (68 m) above the city center.

The South Tower, 446 feet (136 m) high, does require climbing 343 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. And then, of course, climbing back down those same 343 steps.

Christmas Village on Stephansplatz: Dates

The Christmas Village on Stephansplatz opens on November 8th, 2024.

The Christmas Village on Stephansplatz closes on December 26th, 2024.

Address: Christmas Village on St. Stephen’s Square (Weihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz) | Stephansplatz | 1010 Vienna Austria

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

Rejoice in the regal richness of the Christmas Village on Maria Theresa Square (Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz).

Festivities take place under the watchful gaze of Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Bohemia, Hungary, Croatia, Milan, and others.

Empress Maria Theresa continues her 18th-century reign over 21st-century Vienna from atop a 19th-century monumental fountain in Maria-Theresien-Platz.

Opposite the memorial fountain, the Kunsthistoriches Art History Museum and Naturhistoriches Natural History Museum seemingly mirror one another across the expansive square.

The contrasting aesthetic is dramatic between the traditional wooden stalls and the royal grandeur. And the overall experience is delightful.

Additionally, if your travel schedule permits, we recommend visiting the Kunsthistoriches Museum.

Besides the impeccable museum collections, the Grand Staircase and Museum Cafe are absolutely gorgeous.

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz: Dates

The Christmas Village on Maria Theresa Square opens on November 13th, 2024.

The Christmas Village on Maria Theresa Square closes on December 31st, 2024.

Address: Christmas Village of Maria Theresa Square | Maria-Theresien-Platz | 1010 Vienna Austria

Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung (Altwiener Christkindlmarket)

The historic Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung truly lives up to its name.

Dating from 1772, the Old Viennese Christmas Market (Altwiener Christkindlmakt) is the oldest Christmas market in Vienna.

This quaint Christmas market offers a quiet and cozy option to the bustle of bigger Christmas villages.

Besides traditional craft and culinary stalls, a unique farmers market expands the fresh local and regional specialties available here.

The historic Old Viennese Christmas Market also offers another unique aspect: a notable Nativity scene that’s 150 feet (46 m) long.

This hand-painted Nativity panel encloses the outer boundary and faces the street.

Its sweet storytelling of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child Jesus charms market-goers and passers-by alike.

Afterward, warmly bundled up from head to toe, you’re well positioned to wander the cobblestone streets and intriguing alleys of Old Town Vienna.

Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung: Dates

The Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung opens on November 15th, 2024.

The Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung closes on December 23rd, 2024.

Address: Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung (Altwiener Christkindlmarkt) | Freyung | 1010 Vienna Austria

Best Vienna Christmas Markets: Other Districts

Vienna Transportation

Vienna’s excellent and extensive public transportation system whisks you from the First District of Innere Stadt basically anywhere and everywhere in Vienna.

Public transportation is timely, safe, easy, efficient, clean, and comfortable. Trains, trams, and trolleys are heated, another key consideration in wintertime!

Private transfers, taxis, and ride-sharing services are additional transportation options – minus the parking concerns of rental cars.

Finally, ground transportation is a great inclusion on many tours.

Vienna City Card

We choose to use the award-winning Vienna City Card on our visits to Vienna. One simple card replaces numerous tickets for subways, local trains, trams, and buses.

This essential card makes it even easier, efficient, and affordable to use the entire Vienna public transport network. It’s the ticket to unlimited free travel throughout the capital.

Helpful and valuable, the Vienna City Card combines several benefits into one easy-to-use card:

• Unlimited free public transport for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours upon activation.
• A 24-hour Hop-On/Hop-Off city tour ticket.
• Dining and shopping discounts and other benefits.

Winter Market at Riesenradplatz Prater

For centuries, Vienna’s year-round address for Fun – that’s right, Fun with a capital “F” – is Prater Vienna and its iconic Giant Ferris Wheel Riesenrad built in 1897.

For the last 15 years, Vienna has rocked Festive Fun at the Winter Market (Wintermarkt) on Riesenrad Square (Riesenradpltaz). The festivities run for 52 straight days and 40 rockin’ nights.

Live concerts are a signature of the Winter Market at Riesenradplatz.

The programming offers music for everyone: Christmas music and Gospel. Blues, Soul, and Swing. Disco, Pop, Rock, and even Reggae.

And, of course, an exciting New Year’s Eve Concert rings the New Year in style.

Like other Christmas markets, the Prater Winter Market is free admission. And the awesome Winter Market concerts are also free admission.

Of course, the good times rock around the clock – or rather, around the year – with the rides and attractions at the Prater amusement park (Würstlprater).

And you surely must see the glittering views of Viennese Christmas dreams come true from the fully enclosed and heated wagons of the Giant Ferris Wheel.

These restored wooden wagons soar 212 feet (64.7 m) high.

Winter Market at Riesenradplatz: Dates

The Winter Market at Riesenradplatz opens, and the first concert takes place, on November 16th, 2024.

The Winter Market at Riesenradplatz closes, and the last concert takes place, on January 6th, 2025.

The live concert performances are Wednesdays through Sundays, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (19:00 to 20:30). Following are the scheduling exceptions:

• Christmas Eve Concert on December 24th, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (13:00 to 15:00).
• New Year’s Eve Concert on December 31, 2024, from 8:00 pm (20:00) to 2:00 am (02:00) on January 1st, 2025.
• New Year’s Day broadcast of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Concert on January 1st, 2025, starting at 11:00 am

Address: Winter Market at Riesenrad Square (Wintermarkt Riesenradplatz) | Prater Wien | Riesenradplatz 2 | 1020 Vienna Austria

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

Revel in the palatial pleasures of the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace (Weihnachtsdorf Schlöss Belvedere) in Landstrasse, the Third District.

Belvedere Palace is actually two 18th-century palaces, Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere. Elegant terraced gardens connect the two Baroque palaces.

Following your Christmas village visit, we suggest staying longer if you can. Because The Belvedere Museums holds world-class Austrian art.

Upper Belvedere displays the largest Gustav Klimt collection in the world – including Klimt’s masterpiece, The Kiss.

Egon Schiele, Edvard Munch, and other great Austrian artists from the Middle Ages to Viennese Modernism complete The Belvedere collections.

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace: Dates

The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace opens on November 15th, 2024.

The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace closes on New Year’s Eve December 31st, 2024.

Address: Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace (Weihnachtsdorf Schlöss Belvedere) | Schlöss Belvedere | Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27 | 1030 Vienna Austria

Art Advent Market at Karlsplatz

Reveal one-of-a-kind treasures at the Art Advent Market on St. Charles Square (Karlsplatz) in Wieden, the Fourth District.

The Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz focuses on hand-made arts, crafts, and creators. All are arrayed against the singular backdrop of St. Charles Church (Karlskirche).

Paintings, textiles, glassware, jewelry, and woodwork are some of the fine craftsmanship available here.

Different artisans often conduct on-site workshop demonstrations. Fascinating to watch their creative process in action!

Along with high-caliber handicrafts on offer, Art Advent Market also engages a sense of childlike wonder.

Professional performing artists infuse warmth and welcome as they interact with Art Advent Market visitors.

An organ grinder delights the young and young at heart as he plays his old-fashioned instrument.

The Christmas spirit here is quite special – more intimate and organic, less crowded and commercial. We felt a bit like young kids who eagerly open each tiny window on Advent calendars until the Holy Child’s birth.

Next, if your travel plans allow, we recommend visiting Karlskirche.

Its celestial white and gold interior is unlike other Viennese churches. You can also ascend to the Panoramic Terrace showcasing spectacular views.

Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz: Open Dates

The Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz opens on November 15th, 2024.

The Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz closes on December 23rd, 2024.

Address: Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz | Karlsplatz 13 | 1040 Vienna Austria

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

Immerse yourself in imperial inspiration at the Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace (Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn) in Hietzing, the 13th District.

Schoenbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rococo palace combined with the Baroque gardens.

UNESCO recognized the outstanding imperial architecture and essentially intact lifestyle of the Hapsburg dynasty.

Schönbrunn Palace was formerly the sublime summer residence for royals such as Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, and Empress Elisabeth fondly known as Sisi.

In these modern times, the unparalleled ambiance of Schoenbrunn Palace is no less impressive in winter.

It’s one of the top three perenially popular tourist attractions in the Austrian capital. A must-visit major attraction all year round.

So, we applaud the fact that the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace has free admission. Like other Christmas markets, it’s open, available, and accessible to all.

For Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025, the Christmas Market offers favorite attractions, fun surprises, and new innovations such as an energy-free artificial ice rink and curling rink.

Then for even more magic, more beauty, and more time at Schönbrunn Palace, consider a palace tour. Or perhaps attend the renowned dinner and evening concert.

It’s sure to be the most magical, beautiful, and superlative season ever!

Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Palace: Dates

The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace opens on November 8th, 2024.

The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace closes on January 6th, 2025.

Address: Christmas Market at Schoebrunn Palace (Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn) | Schloss Schönbrunn | Schönbrunner Schlosstrasse 47 | 1130 Vienna Austria

Vienna Christmas Markets: In Conclusion

Amidst imperial splendors and with centuries of tradition, Vienna Christmas markets rank among the very best in Austria and, indeed, in Europe.

Discover centuries of Viennese Christmas traditions and celebrations here:

From the sacred setting of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Stephansplatz and St. Charles Church in Karlsplatz…

Against the majestic backdrops of Hofburg Imperial Palace and Schönbrunn Palace…

In the lively atmosphere of the Prater Wien and the Giant Ferris Wheel…

To the famous Christkindlmarkts in Rathausplatz and Freyung, bridging medieval legacy and modern life.

So, come visit Vienna at the most wonderful time of the year: the joyous holiday season from Advent to Christmas and New Year.

Come explore, experience, and be inspired by the storybook scenes and fairytale festivities in the Austrian capital city.

Because Christmas in Vienna is a meaningful and magical time to embrace romantic and real Viennese Christmas dreams come true.

•••

Map to Vienna Christmas Markets

•••

Vienna Christmas Markets: Sources and Recommendations

Christmas in Vienna. Directed by Maclain Nelson, starring Sarah Drew and Brennan Elliott, Hallmark, 2020.

Djinis, Elizabeth, “A Brief History of Christmas Markets.” Smithsonian Magazine, December 19, 2022.

Michelin, Streetwise Vienna Map: Laminated City Center Street Map of Vienna, Austria. Michelin Streetwise Maps, 2023.

Rosetta Stone, German Language Instruction Software: Learn Unlimited Languages with Lifetime Access. Rosetta Stone, 2019.

•••

Check Out More Recommendations

Vienna in Winter: Best Things to Do During a Magical Season

Best Cafes in Vienna: A Guide to Famous Coffee Houses and Hidden Gems

Where to Stay in Vienna: Guide to Best Areas, Top Hotels, and Must-See Sights

Christmas in Lisbon: Best Things to Do in the Festive Season

Lisbon Instagram Spots: Guide to the Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon

Famous Landmarks in Greece in All 14 Greek Regions

Greek Landmarks Off the Beaten Path

Why Incentive Travel Matters to You

One Word Resolutions for the New Year

GET: Now that you’re ready to visit Vienna Christmas markets, get your exclusive free storytelling guide to tell your travel stories easily.

Yes, I want my guide! 

•••

FAQs

---