Complete Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Vienna (2025)
When it comes to cozy European winter destinations, Vienna has always been at the top of my list. Visiting during the holiday season and experiencing the magical Christmas markets in Vienna feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe. Twinkling lights line the streets, the scent of mulled wine fills the air, and charming stalls overflow with handcrafted gifts and festive treats. The Austrian capital truly transforms into a winter wonderland.
But it’s not just about the markets. The entire city glows with festive lights and decorated shopfronts. And with iconic sights like Vienna’s grand palaces, historic churches, and world-class cafés, there’s no shortage of things to see and do beyond the stalls.
If you’re wondering whether to visit Vienna in winter, especially from mid November through December, I’d say yes without hesitation.
In this guide, I’ll share the best Christmas markets in Vienna, dates for each market, along with tips on what else to do to make your winter trip feel truly magical.
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Vienna Travel Tips:
When Should I Visit to See Christmas Markets in Vienna?
If you’re planning a winter trip to experience the Christmas markets in Vienna, the best time to visit is mid-November through December, when nearly all markets are open and the festive spirit is in full swing. Most major markets begin around November 14th, so I’d recommend avoiding dates earlier than that to ensure you don’t miss out. I visited in mid-December last year, and while it was definitely busy, the city felt incredibly magical and full of holiday cheer.
How to Get to Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria, and well connected to the rest of the world.
✈️ By Air: Vienna International Airport (VIE) – located about 20 minutes from the city center by train or car.
🚆 By Train: Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station) connects Vienna to major European cities like Prague, Budapest, and Munich.
How to Get Around in Vienna
Public transportation is efficient and easy in Vienna. It is a very walkable city, but for longer distances there are buses, trams and subway (U-Bahn).
Google Maps worked well for us to help us find modes of transportation.
Consider getting the Vienna City Card for unlimited public transportation and discounts at over 200 attractions, including museums, tours, and even restaurants. You can choose between 24, 48, 72-hour, or 7-day options depending on your stay.
We did end up using the trams quite a bit because it’s super cold in the winter. It’s a great way to stay warm while hopping between Christmas markets and sightseeing spots.
How Long Should I Stay in Vienna in Winter?
If your main goal is to enjoy the Christmas markets in Vienna, I recommend spending at the minimum 2 full days in the city. If you want to also fit in other cultural highlights like palaces and museums, I would spend at least 3-4 days. We spent 4 nights in Vienna last year and it felt perfect.
Best Hotels in Vienna
Here are my top choices for where to stay in Vienna.
Christmas Markets in Vienna
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Vienna
- There are approximately 20 markets in Vienna. You won’t have time to see all of them. I recommend reading my top choices below, finding them on the map and planning out your days.
- Christmas markets in Vienna have a different ambiance during the day vs night. I visited some markets twice, to see it in daylight and at night.
- Most stalls accepted cards, but bring some cash just in case for some of the smaller vendors.
- The Christmas markets in Vienna will be less busy during weekdays and day time. It gets much more crowded in the evenings and weekends so if you feel uncomfortable in really crowded places, avoid these times.
- There is a deposit fee (5 euros) for cups when buying drinks. You can return the cup after you finish your drink for your money back, or keep them as a souvenir! Different markets will have varying designs.
- Dress warm! It gets pretty cold in December. Layers, gloves and scarves are highly recommended, and perhaps ear muffs too!
Okay so lets get into the different Christmas markets in Vienna.
Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz
2025 Dates: November 14 to December 26, 2025
This is the most famous and the largest of the Christmas market in Vienna. It’s located right in front of Vienna’s majestic City Hall (Wiener Rathaus), which becomes even more magical when it’s lit up with thousands of fairy lights.
This is also where you’ll find the iconic entrance arch and a cute carousel behind it.
You’ll find about 100 wooden stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments and wooden toys to regional delicacies. There’s a towering Christmas tree filled with red hearts, and a single adorable red heart that floats across the sky over the market every half hour after dusk.
Given the popularity of this market, it did feel slightly overwhelming with the crowds at night.
Just adjacent to the market is Rathauspark, a lovely park with walking trails, festive Christmas decorations, and a few smaller rides and attractions scattered throughout. It felt noticeably less crowded than the main market next door. One of the highlights here is the large ice skating path that winds through the park’s trees. I’m not much of a skater myself, but I can only imagine how magical it must feel gliding through all the twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
Maria-Theresien-Platz
2025 Dates: Closed due to construction
I thought this was one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Vienna. The Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz is located between two of Vienna’s most beautiful buildings. The Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum are mirror images of one another, and a sparkling Christmas market sandwiched between the grand domes and neo-Renaissance facades of the museums created the most beautiful setting.
We arrived at this market right around dusk, when the sky was still softly lit — and it was simply magical.
Unfortunately, the Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market in Vienna will be closed in 2025 due to construction.
Stephansplatz Christmas Market
2025 Dates: November 8 to December 26, 2025
This is the most central Christmas market in Vienna, set in the heart of the city around St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The Gothic cathedral towers dramatically over the rows of decorated stalls, making it a beautiful place to grab a drink and soak in the festive vibes.
It’s located near Graben Street, which will be decked out it festive lights.
Am Hof
2025 Dates: November 14 to December 23, 2025
Tucked into the historic square of Am Hof, Weihnachts Markt Am Hof is super cozy, and definitely felt more local and relaxed. The food and drink selection here was really impressive, and I might even say this was my favorite market for food. Although its smaller, I personally loved this one and went back for a second visit during my trip.
What sets Am Hof apart is its focus on high-quality handicrafts. Many of the stalls here are certified Austrian artisans, selling handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, candles, woodwork, leather goods, and traditional Christmas decorations. It’s an ideal place to pick up meaningful souvenirs or elegant holiday gifts.
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on Freyung
2025 Dates: TBA
Just a few steps away from Am Hof you’ll find the market on the Freyung. The Freyung is an area surrounded by ancient Schottenstift abbey and the townhouses of the former nobility.
This market is known as the oldest Christmas market in Vienna, and the surrounding buildings give it a very traditional feel. It’s pretty small, but definitely worth checking out.
Karlsplatz Christmas market
2025 Dates: November 21 to December 23, 2025
Art Advent at Karlsplatz takes place in front of Karlskirche Church, and has a heavy focus on locally produced arts and crafts and creative gifts.
The market also puts a strong emphasis on organic food. Every food and drink vendor is certified organic, and you’ll find everything from mulled wine and hearty soups to vegan pastries and Austrian delicacies.
This is one of the most kid-friendliest markets, with covered play area for children, hands-on workshops, and a live petting zoo. It almost feels like a tiny village.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
2025 Dates: November 6th, 2025 to January 6th, 2026
Set in the grand courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace, this market offers a royal backdrop with a cozy feel. With over 90 beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade arts and crafts, gourmet treats, and festive gifts, it’s a magical blend of elegance and charm.
It’s a bit out of the city center, but just a short ride from the city center via tram or subway (U4 line to Schönbrunn station).
This market felt especially family-friendly, with plenty of activities geared toward children from a carousel and ferris wheel to a skating rink. That’s not to say it wasn’t enjoyable for us adults! We loved this market. I loved that because it is so spacious and everything is somewhat spread out, it never felt overwhelmingly crowded. The mugs here featured Empress Sisi, which couldn’t be more appropriate since she once lived in the palace.
What also makes this market unique is that it transforms into a New Year’s Market after Christmas, so if you’re visiting Vienna past December 25th, you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere here.
The market’s setting is truly special. How many Christmas markets have you been to that feature a real imperial palace in the background? You can actually tour the palace and I highly recommend doing so when visiting this market. Once the residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1,441 rooms, 45 of which are open to the public. You can read more about visiting the palace in my Vienna Best Things to Do Guide.
Another activity I really wanted to do but didn’t have time for is a classical Palace Concert featuring Mozart and Strauss with Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and live opera singers. They hold daily concerts in the Schönbrunn Orangery. I highly recommend pairing the market with a palace tour and a concert if you have the time!
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
2025 dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
Here’s another Christmas market in Vienna with a palace backdrop: the Belvedere Palace. This market is pretty small, but just the setting alone makes it worth checking out.
We were staying at Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, just 12 minutes walking distance to the market so we popped in for a quick visit.
The closest entrance to the markets is the west side of the palace grounds, but I recommend you enter through the south side because you’ll be met with this view in the photo below:
Like I’ve said, there are about 20 Christmas markets in Vienna, but these are the most major ones and the ones we visited on our trip.
What to Eat at the Christmas Markets in Vienna
Of course, one of the best parts of visiting the Christmas markets in Vienna is indulging in festive Austrian treats. From savory snacks to sweet holiday specialties and warm seasonal drinks, there’s something for everyone. I don’t think we even got close to trying everything, but here are the must-tries:
- Glühwein – Hot mulled wine, often infused with spices. They are sold in festive mugs, which vary across different markets. Remember that a €5 deposit is required, and you can return the mug afterwards to get your deposit back, or keep the mug as a souvenir.
- Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch) – Hot alcoholic beverage served in numerous varieties. I saw lots of different fruity profiles. There is also Kinderpunsch, or the non-alcoholic version.
- Käsekrainer – This was our obsession during our whole trip. It’s an Austrian sausage filled with melted cheese, smoked and served hot with mustard. There are stands throughout the city that sells this, but definitely not to be missed at the markets!
- Kaiserschmarrn – A light, shredded pancake served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a rich fruit compote. It’s golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Raclette – Can’t say no to melted cheese. Served over bread or potatoes.
- Ofenerdäpfel – Baked potatoes with various toppings.
- Bauernkrapfen – Deep fried dough with jam filling in the center.
What are some Things to do other Than Christmas Markets in Vienna?
There’s so much more to Vienna than just the Christmas markets. If you’re planning a trip and want a full breakdown of how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do, check out my Vienna Travel Guide.
Since you’re here for the Christmas festivities, let’s start with Christmas related experiences:
- Red Bow at Popp & Kretschmer – Kärntner Straße 51, 1010 Wien, Austria
- Cafe Gerstner decoration
- Graben Street Lights
- A Christmas concert
- Vienna is home to many amazing classical music concerts, but in November and December you can find advent concerts in addition to the regular performances.
- Check out the concerts in Vienna below.
Now here are my favorite things to do in Vienna at any time of the year.
State Hall at the Austrian National Library
The State Hall, or Great Hall is the crown jewel of the Austrian National Library, one of the most beautiful historical libraries in Europe.
Having a Vienna City Card will get you 20% discount, but there is no way to pre-purchase the ticket with the discount so you have to queue when you visit.
Augustinerkirche
One of the most overlooked, underrated gems in Vienna is the Augustinerkirche, or Church of the Augustinian Friars. It has a stunning Gothic interior. It’s next to the Austrian National Library, and free to enter.
Viennese Coffee Houses
The elegant traditional Viennese coffee houses are more than just places to grab a drink. It’s an experience. And don’t forget the cake! Vienna’s delicious pastries, such as Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or the famous Sachertorte (chocolate cake) is a must to pair with your coffee! Here are some of the most famous ones to check out:
Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum)
If there is one museum you have to visit amongst the numerous great museums in Vienna… it absolutely has to be the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
The building itself a work of art (the grandiose interior alone might be a reason to visit), and the museum contains works by iconic artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Titian, and Raphael. Some of the most famous works include The Tower of Babel, Peasant Wedding, and Hunters in the Snow by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
In addition to the stunning interiors and world-class art collections, the museum is home to my favorite cafe in Vienna, the Café-Restaurant in the beautiful Cupola Hall of the museum.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. Dating back to the 12th century, this awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece towers over Stephansplatz with its colorful tiled roof, needle-like South Tower, and ornate stonework.
Entering is free, but certain areas require tickets.
Palais Daun-Kinskyer
Built in the early 18th century, this palace is small but a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, featuring a grand marble staircase, ornate stucco work, and a breathtaking ceiling fresco in the entrance hall. The entryway and the grand staircase are freely accessible to the public.
Consider these popular activities for Vienna!
Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, and one of the most iconic buildings in the city of Vienna. There are two ways to explore this masterpiece:
Attend a live performance at the Vienna State Opera
- Check the official website www.wiener-staatsoper.at/ for a schedule of events, available seats (including a diagram) and to purchase tickets.
- Arrive about an hour before the show to explore the opulent interiors, and to grab a drink at one of the bars inside.
Vienna Opera House Tour
The second way to see the Vienna Opera house is to book a guided tour. These 40 minute tours cost €15 and allow visitors to explore the stunning halls, backstage areas and the grand staircase while learning about the history behind the opera house.
Book tickets here https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/guided-tours/
St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)
Tucked just off the bustling Graben pedestrian street, St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) is one of Vienna’s most underrated treasures. Admission is free, and the interiors will take your breath away.
This is another great place to attend a concert in Vienna. Imagine listening to Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi’s classical sounds in this jaw-droppingly beautiful setting. Book this highly rated concert performed by Classic Ensemble Vienna at the Peterskirche.
Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece that offers a unique blend of art, history, and stunning architecture. The complex is divided into the Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere, connected by beautifully landscaped gardens.
The Upper Belvedere is home to an impressive collection of Austrian art, including The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. It is renowned for its grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and sweeping views of Vienna.
The Lower Belvedere was originally a royal residence and now showcases temporary exhibitions, as well as the palace’s historical rooms and stunning ceiling frescoes.
- Upper Belvedere entrance tickets
- Lower Belvedere entrance tickets
- Guided tour of Upper Belvedere and the surrounding gardens (skip-the-line)
Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace in Vienna is one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in Austria, serving as the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Book tickets here.
Or you can book this highly rated guided tour of the Sisi Museum, Hofburg Palace and the gardens.
Karlsplatz
Located in Karlsplatz, the church is known for its impressive green dome, two grand columns, and beautiful frescoes that adorn its interior.
The Karlskirch church does require a paid ticket. The ticket grants you access to the church interiors, and a staircase that leads you to a panorama terrace.
As with many of Vienna’s great churches, the Karlskirche holds classical concerts that makes a wonderful evening activity in Vienna.
Map
I’ve pinned all the hotels and sightseeing spots, cafes mentioned in this blog post.
Final Thoughts
Vienna during the holiday season is pure magic. With its grand architecture draped in twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine in the air, and markets that feel like scenes from a fairytale, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most festive cities in Europe.
If you’re planning a winter getaway, I can’t recommend Vienna enough. Come for the Christmas markets, but stay for the rich culture, classical music, and cozy cafés. Just be sure to dress warmly, bring your holiday spirit, and leave room in your suitcase for a souvenir mug (or two!).
Watch my Vienna best spots inspiration video:
USE MY CHECKLIST TO PLAN YOUR TRIP!
- Flights
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
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- Hotels
- I use Booking.com for most accommodations
- For Asia, I prefer Agoda as they have the most competitive prices. I also compare prices on Klook (you can use my code MINYWANDER for a discount so see if that’s a better deal)
- For vacation rentals, especially for larger families, consider VRBO
- Transportation
- Trains & Ferries – book on Omio
- Rental Cars – I usually book on DiscoverCars
- For reliable airport pickups, use Welcome Pickups
- For Asia I use Klook (code MINYWANDER for a discount) – Japan trains for example
- Activities & Tours
- GetYourGuide and Viator are my go to’s.
- For Asia, I prefer Klook as there are more options – use code MINYWANDER
- E-sim
- Stay connected with Airalo E-sims.
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