Best Christmas Markets in Vienna and Grand Cafes

Europe’s Christmas markets combine time-honored traditions, timeless treasures, and twinkle aplenty into an annual extravaganza. Vienna’s Christmas markets make the festive season especially magical in the historic, romantic Austrian capital.

Throughout the Continent, Advent markets uphold the authentic experience in cities large and small. Open, available, and accessible to all.

Vienna traces its annual festive celebration back to December 1296, when Hapsburg ruler Albrecht I decreed the first Krippenmarkt.

Over 725 years later, the Weihnachtsmärkte is an essential event in this UNESCO World Heritage City also named by The Economist as five-time World’s Most Livable City champion.

Today, numerous Christmas village settings offer overall a wonderful array of:

• Artisanal handicrafts
• Delicious treats
• Abundant entertainment
• Nativity scenes
• Beautiful decorations
• Brilliant illuminations

Christmas villages typically open in mid-to-late November and run through late December. However, some transition to New Year’s Markets and remain open through early January.

Furthermore, a visit to the capital city’s grand cafés elevates the experience.

Grand coffeehouses have been an integral and indispensable part of Viennese life since the 19th century. In fact, UNESCO named the Viennese coffeehouse culture part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Thus, each of Vienna’s Christmas villages below pairs with a specific cafe recommendation nearby. Of course, there are many more from which to choose.

So, let’s wander through Vienna’s most famous and fabled markets at Christmastime, the most magical and festive season.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Best Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria

Best Christmas Market in Vienna: Christkindlmarkt on City Hall Square

Live the Viennese dream at Christkindlmarket, the city’s official celebration. The elaborate neo-Gothic Rathaus certainly creates a breathtaking backdrop for this beloved Christmas market.

Ice skating at the outdoor ice rink set up in Rathausplatz is a special and unique highlight.

A colorful and classic two-tiered carousel enhances the enchantment. The carousel debuted for the 2022 Advent season.

Another key point about Rathausplatz: From January to March, the old town square transforms into Vienna Ice World. Covering almost 91,500 square feet (8,500 m2) on two levels.

During the daytime and at night, theatrical lighting and live entertainment contribute to the world’s most exquisite open-air skating experience.

Address: Christkindlmarkt / Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square | Rathausplatz | 1010 Wien

Best Grand Cafe in Vienna: Cafe Landtmann

Since 1873, Cafe Landtmann has been the consummate choice both for chic locals and travelers alike. Tuxedo-clad waiters, gleaming woods, white linen tablecloths, and fresh florals imbue the atmosphere with elegance.

Landtmann’s Apfelstrudel is a light and airy version of this venerable pastry. Its pool of delicate vanilla sauce finishes the dessert with perfection.

Address: Cafe Landtmann | Universaitätsring 4 | 1010 Wien

Best Christmas Markets in Vienna: More to Explore

Christmas Village on Maria Theresa Square

Rejoice in a regal and remarkable setting under Empress Maria Theresa’s watchful eye and monumental fountain.

Charming market stalls meander between the majestic Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches) and the magnificent Natural History Museum (Naturhistoriches).

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

Cozy Vienna Coffee House: Cafe Sperl

Since 1880, Cafe Sperl has welcomed patrons with its authentic patina, cozy atmosphere, and billiard tables.

If chocolate is a craving, then the secret recipe Sperltorte and also the Sperl Schokoschnitte should surely satisfy.

Address: Café Sperl | Gumpendorferstrasse 11 | 1060 Wien

Christmas Market on St. Stephen’s Square

Celebrate in the splendid surroundings of St. Stephen’s glorious Gothic cathedral, the city’s symbol and the nation’s heart.

When strolling through the handsomely decorated stalls, take note of the high-quality handicrafts from across Austria. Many artisans place a gentle emphasis on sacred designs.

Address: Christmas Market on St. Stephen’s Square | Stephansplatz | 1010 Wien

Whimsical Vienna Coffeehouse: Cafe Diglas

Since 1923, Cafe Diglas stands at the intersection of whimsy, history, and modernity. Tulle petticoats adorn the pendant lights. Red leather covers the banquettes. Lively conversations bid you enter and embrace the whimsy.

Ensure to order the Scheiterhaufen, a signature house dessert. Bread pudding nestles in vanilla sauce, topped with a tower of meringue.

Address: Cafe Diglas | Wollzeile 10 | 1010 Wien

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

Firstly, come for the palatial and pleasant Christmas village on the elegant exterior grounds of this Baroque landmark museum. It’s actually two palaces: Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere.

Secondly, stay for the exceptional artwork from Medieval to Viennese Modernism eras, including the world’s largest Klimt collection on display.

Address: Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace | Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27 | 1030 Wien

Oldest Vienna Cafe on the Ringstrasse: Cafe Schwarzenberg

Opened in 1861, Cafe Schwarzenberg is the oldest existing Viennese cafe on the Ringstrasse.

Its historic interior preserves much original charm; for example, the ladies’ room with 1920s marble elements.

Among delectable choices in the pastry case, the Walnusstorte coupled with Schlag (whipped cream) plays a starring role.

Address: Café Schwarzenberg | Kärntner Ring 17 | 1010 Wien

Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung

Dating from 1772, this quiet and quaint Christkindlmarkt offers a cozy option to the bustle of bigger Christmas villages.

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

Not only is this Vienna’s oldest operating village but also offers another unique aspect:

A street-facing Nativity panel, 150 feet (46 m) long, encloses the outer boundary. Its sweet storytelling charms market-goers and passers-by alike.

Address: Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung | Freyung | 1010 Wien

Elegant Vienna Coffeehouse: Cafe Tirolerhof

Opened in 1882, Cafe Tirolerhof is an elegant yet unpretentious coffee house. Black-framed arched windows beckon you into the cool cream interior. Crystal chandeliers add ample sparkle.

The Hausgemachter Apfelstrudel comes with your choice of either vanilla sauce or fresh whipped cream. Or, as the waiter may ask with a twinkle, “Why not both?”

“Why not both, indeed!” is obviously the correct, although indulgent, answer.

Address: Café Tirolerhof | Führichgasse 8 | 1010 Wien

Why Visit Vienna Christmas Markets?

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

Centuries of tradition and celebration unfold here:

• From the sacred setting of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Stephansplatz and Karlskirche in Karlsplatz
• Against the majestic backdrop of Hofburg Imperial Palace and Schloss Schönbrunn
• In the lively atmosphere of the Prater Wien
• And also, of course, to the perennially popular Christkindlmarkt in City Hall Square

So, come explore, experience, and be inspired by the fairytale festive season in this historic and romantic city.

Because Christmas time is a memorable and magical time to visit Vienna now.

Best Christmas Markets in Vienna: Map

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