Vienna Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Discover stunning Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria, featuring festive markets with seasonal treats and handcrafted goods.
Is Vienna a good place for Christmas?
Absolutely! Vienna offers a magical Christmas experience, filled with festive lights and seasonal cheer. The city' s rich traditions and beautiful architecture create an enchanting backdrop for holiday celebrations.
The most popular Christmas markets in Vienna
Vienna is renowned for its charming Christmas markets, which attract visitors from all over the world. These markets feature a delightful array of local delicacies, handcrafted gifts, and festive entertainment. Here are some popular ones to consider visiting:
- Viennese Dream Christmas Market at the City Hall: Known as The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall offers a unique experience, filled with enchanting sights and festive scents that capture the joy of the season. Children can participate in activities like cookie and candle-making, while you can enjoy performances by international choirs, free to enter on weekends.
- Dates: 16 November - 26 December 2024
- Christmas Village Belvedere Palace: Experience the baroque lifestyle and admire traditional handicrafts at the Christmas Village near Belvedere Palace. With over 40 beautifully decorated stalls, here you can browse an array of handcrafted items, exquisite Christmas decorations, and delectable culinary treats.
- Dates: 15 November - 23 December 2024
- Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square: Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square, nestled between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art. Here, you can enjoy a vibrant selection of beautifully decorated market stalls offering an extensive range of culinary treats and seasonal delights.
- Dates: 13 November - 23 December 2024
- Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna: The Christmas Village at the Campus University of Vienna, housed in the former General Hospital, captivates you with its authentic Viennese charm. Along the narrow alleyways, the beautifully crafted market stalls showcase an array of lovely Christmas gifts and serve up delicious Glühwein.
- Dates: 15 November - 23 December 2024
- Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace: Here, you can admire and purchase unique handicrafts, including handmade Christmas decorations and nativity sets, at the market in front of the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. The delightful scents of freshly baked Vanillekipferl, along with hot punch and mulled wine, fill the air, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
- Dates: 8 November 2024 - 6 January 2025
- Christmas Market at Spittelberg: Spittelberg is a charming heritage district dating back to the Biedermeier period, characterised by its narrow, picturesque streets. During the festive season, the Christmas Market offers a delightful selection of art pieces, ceramics, cosy jumpers, rugs, and exquisite jewellery crafted from silver, enamel, and brass.
- Dates: 16 November - 23 December 2024
- Christmas Market on Stephansplatz: Set against the stunning backdrop of St Stephen's Cathedral, this Christmas market draws in countless visitors each year as the holiday approaches. This popular market features an array of local arts and crafts, unique gift ideas, and a diverse selection of traditional treats, making it a must-visit destination in Vienna.
- Dates: 8 November - 23 December 2024
What to expect at the Vienna Christmas Markets?
At the Vienna Christmas markets, you can look forward to a festive atmosphere filled with sparkling lights, unique gifts, and delicious treats. With activities for all ages and a vibrant selection of stalls, these markets promise an unforgettable holiday experience.
Food and Drinks
Indulging in the culinary delights of the Vienna Christmas markets is a must, as they offer a tempting variety of heartwarming dishes. From creamy soups served in freshly baked bread bowls to crispy spiral-cut potatoes, there is something for every palate. Sweet treats like roasted almonds, pretzels, and festive pastries add to the festive spirit, while warm beverages such as mulled wine and hot chocolate keep you cosy during your explorations.
Things to do
- Outdoor ice skating: At the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, visitors can enjoy the 110-square-metre children's ice skating area in the Rathauspark, set against the beautiful backdrop of Vienna City Hall.
- Activities for kids: At Schönbrunn Palace, kids can engage in an interactive game suitable for those who can read, where they solve tricky puzzles while being accompanied by stilt-walking shepherds.
- Perfect for animal lovers: Art Advent Karlsplatz is another fantastic choice for a family-friendly Christmas market in Vienna, offering a petting zoo and craft tents.
- Fun family activities: Families can delight in fun activities such as carousels, reindeer trains, and interactive games, ensuring that everyone has a memorable time celebrating the holiday season in the heart of Vienna.
How much does it cost to go to the Vienna Christmas markets?
Vienna is an expensive city, with coffee at €4.80, mulled wine between €4-€5, roasted chestnuts around €3, and gingerbread cookies costing €2-€4. Budget hotels start at €60 per night, and souvenirs range from €16 to €40. But here’s a savvy tip - to fully embrace the festive charm of Vienna while keeping your budget intact, take a look at Wowcher’s fantastic Vienna Christmas market getaway packages on this page!
Where to stay in Vienna?
Vienna boasts many unique Christmas markets, and even when you narrow it down to a handful of the best ones, they are still spread out across the city. Thankfully, getting around Vienna is relatively easy, thanks to the city' s efficient and well-connected public transportation system. To fully immerse yourself in this wonderful festive atmosphere, don't forget to explore all our exclusive deals on this page for an unforgettable Vienna Christmas market break, including fantastic discounts on hotel stays!
Other things to do in Vienna
In Vienna, winter offers a different charm beyond the Christmas markets. Here are a few popular things to do:
- St. Stephen's Cathedral: Visit this iconic Gothic cathedral, known for its stunning architecture. Climb 343 steps to reach the top of the south tower, where you' ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city centre and the surrounding area.
- Attend Concerts and Shows: Experience the festive music scene with Advent concerts at Stephansdom, a night at the Opera, or classical performances like the Mozart Concert at the Golden Hall or the Classic Ensemble Vienna at St. Peter' s Church.
- Chill in Viennese cafes: After sightseeing, relax in one of Vienna's traditional cafes, known for their rich coffee culture. Enjoy a cup of famous Viennese coffee paired with a variety of decadent desserts such as Sachertorte (chocolate cake) or Apfelstrudel (apple strudel).
Where else to go in Austria for Christmas Markets?
Austria is home to a variety of charming Christmas markets beyond Vienna, each offering its own unique festive atmosphere. From enchanting alpine settings to historic towns, these locations promise delightful holiday experiences.
- Salzburg: Known for its stunning backdrop of the Alps, Salzburg' s Christmas market in the historic Old Town is a magical sight filled with lights and traditional crafts.
- Innsbruck: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Innsbruck's markets are famous for their unique Tyrolean atmosphere and beautiful decorations.
- Graz: This UNESCO World Heritage site features a picturesque Christmas market that showcases local artisans and delicious culinary treats.
- Linz: Linz boasts a vibrant Christmas market that combines festive stalls with impressive light displays, creating a joyful holiday ambience.
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