Christmas Markets in Vienna – Austria

Christmas Markets in Vienna – Austria, are the true classic. Vienna organizes it since… 1298! With such an experience, you may be sure it’s perfectly organized.

What makes Vienna special is the majestic elegance of the city residences, palaces and churches creating a truly beautiful background to the Christmas fairs, wooden stalls and generous lighting.

There are around 20(!) Christmas Markets dispersed in different places. Below we recommend you the best ones, which you just have to see.

Gifts to buy on Christmas Markets in Vienna

Artisan Christmas bulbs on the Christmas market in Vienna

The most typical gifts to buy on the Christmas market in Vienna will be:

Artisan old-fashioned toys,
Traditional Christmas tree and table decorations,
Nutcracker dolls in the form of Austrian soldiers – they are a German tradition, but they are popular in Austria, too.
Marzipan bonbons, especially famous – and delicious – Mozartkugeln,
Exquisite chocolates in pretty cans,
Elegant accessories.

Read all the best advice on typical Austrian products in our article about Shopping in Vienna.

Food to taste on Christmas Market in Vienna

Typical Lebkuchen – gingerbread hearts decorated with sugar, are one of the classic gifts from Vienna Christmas market

Lovely gingerbread hearts – Lebkuchen – and all kinds of gingerbread,
Hot sweet mini-pancake-like dessert – Kaiserschmarrn,
Apples glazed with red sugar – a centuries’ old traditional Christmas treat,
Candied chestnuts,
Schaumbecher – “ice-cream” made of marshmallow and covered with chocolate,
Typical hot dish with meat – Bauerngröstl,
Traditional cheese and kind-of pasta dish – Käsespätzle.

Read all about typical Austrian dishes & desserts:

Typical Austrian Food – 20 Traditional Dishes & Desserts

Drinks to taste on Christmas Market in Vienna

Glühwein mugs from the Vienna Christmas market

Obviously Glühwein – mulled wine in different flavours: cinnamon, lemon, raspberry etc.
Punch – in a variety of flavours, like blackcurrant, strawberry, raspberry, orange etc.

Punch may be alcoholic or not – the alcohol-free version is called Kinderpunsch = Kids’ punch.

Both Glühwein and punch are served in ceramic mugs made yearly especially for the occasion, always bearing the name of the city (like the ones on the photo above). You pay a “deposit” for it, and then you can give it back or keep it a great souvenir or gift.

The Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

You will find plenty of Christmas stalls in the streets of Vienna

Christmas atmosphere takes over the entire city. The most beautiful squares and streets turn into joyful Christmas fairs.

Here are the best – according to us – Christmas Markets in Vienna.

6.1 Christmas Market at Rathaus in Vienna

Christmas Market in Viennese City Hall in Vienna

The most iconic one is located in front of – and inside – the beautiful Gothic City Hall, wonderfully decorated and illuminated for the occasion. There are 152 stalls with artisan products, Christmas decorations, toys, and food delicacies. If you like ice-skating, you will be happy – there are 3,000 m2 of ice rinks in the area! Inside the City Hall, there is an area with activities for children, like baking, making ornaments and other handicrafts. A lovely old-fashioned carousel will also be a nice attraction for kids!

Address: Wiener Rathausplatz, Vienna

Opening time: 15 November – 26 December 2019

Sun-Thu 10 am to 9:30 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am to 10 pm

24th December from 10 am to 6 pm
25th and 26th December from 11 am to 9:30 pm

6.2 Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna

Under the snow, you will definitely need some mulled wine to warm up at the Christmas markets in Vienna!

Another amazing one is the elegant and stylish Culture & Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, former Habsburgs’ residence. You will find here 80 booths not only from Austria, but also the neighbouring countries.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47

Opening time: 23 November 2019 – 6 January 2020
Daily from 10.00 am – 9.00 pm
24 December, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
25-26 December, 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

6.3 Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace in Vienna

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace in Vienna is one of the most charming Christmas fairs in the city

Lovely Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace has a lot of atmosphere thanks to its splendid setting against the elegant Baroque palace. It is a relatively calm Christmas fair, where you can look through charming artisan products and delicious dishes and sweets.

Address: Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna

Opening time: 22 November 2019 – 31 December 2019
Mon-Fri from 11.00 am – 9.00 pm, Sat, Sun & holidays from 10.00 am – 9.00 pm
24 December, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm
25-30 December, 11.00 am – 7.00 pm,
31 December, from 11.00 am – 6.00 pm

See Even More Christmas Markets in Vienna!

See other Christmas markets in Vienna and get into the mood!

And to check out other Best Christmas Markets in Europe, see our article.

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2 thoughts on “Christmas Markets in Vienna – Austria – All You Need To Know”

Lucas says:

Posted on October 13, 2019 at 7:43pm

Hi, how many christmas markets I can visit in 1 day?

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Małgorzata Kmita says:

Posted on October 15, 2019 at 4:12pm

Hi Lucas, you can easily see the 3 prettiest Christmas markets in Vienna in 1 day. The distances are too long to walk, but using public transport you will see them all. You will find more info on the public transport in Vienna here: https://euroviajar.com/en/guide-to-public-transport-in-vienna/

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