BEST Christmas Markets in Vienna

So, you are in Vienna, asking yourself which Christmas market to visit first? With this grand choice of Christmas markets, you will have to prioritize and seek the best of the best!

Tip — Take a look at the things to buy at German-speaking Christmas markets before your trip so that you know what to expect.

Our local experts, Sarah and Christoph, did an extensive Christmas market hop last December in 2023. All the collected insides and tidbits are summarized in this handy guide below, and you might want to read up our things to do in Vienna guide.

Map Vienna Christmas Markets

On this map, you can see the best Christmas market in deep red and 5 bonus markets in yellow. I have also added the U-Bahn lines (subway/metro/tub) to help you plan your trip to each market.

1. Rathausplatz

The Christmas market at the Rathausplatz (aka city hall) is hands down the best Vienna Christmas market, and that's for a good reason.

A magical light show awaits you here. This year they had a floating heart appear towards a tree, and each smaller heart hanging on the heart was coming on bright red, illuminating the whole tree. The video below shows it much better!

The entire area is lit in a creative sea of lights, turning the square with the town hall and Christmas stalls into a dazzling place.

Besides Christmas decorations, you will also find about 95 stalls here with plenty of street food stalls serving up Austrian food specialties and, of course, plenty of spiced mulled wine types and flavors.

Another wow is the ice rink at the Christmas market, called the Vienna Ice Dream (Wienereistraum).

You can hire some ice skates for just €7.50 per adult and €4.50 per child, and take part in the fun for just €8.00 per adult and €5.00 for kids.

2. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt

The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, which translates to old Viennese Christmas market, is the oldest Christmas market in Vienna (if you discount the medieval Dezembermarkt of 1296).

Since 1722, visitors have been coming to the Freyung square at the Schottenstift, a monastery from the 12th century that was established by Irish Benedictine monks.

The Christmas market's location, situated near the Herrengasse, which was the home of diplomats and European royals, adds to the Belle Époque Vienna vibes that you get to experience here.

Families and those looking for a traditional Christmas market vibe will appreciate the Freyung Advent market for its choice of traditional handicrafts and gift options.

3. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market

The imperial palace of Schönbrunn, situated at the corner of Vienna, is known for its grandness and its former rulers, the Habsburg family.

Just outside the palace is a rather charming Christmas market, and it is, hands down, one of the best Christmas markets in the city, and that for a good reason.

Many of the Schönbrunn Christmas stalls are craftsmen from Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.

They sell all their uniquely created gift ideas, which you won't find anywhere else to purchase. You can interact with them, ask questions, and take your time choosing beautiful souvenirs.

Due to its location, the market isn't overrun, and you still have plenty of breathing space while walking around and exploring the 80+ stalls.

Besides, this is one of the few 2 markets in Vienna that is open around New Year's Day and where you can celebrate with your travel companions. Have an Austrian Sekt, eat a Marzipan pig for good luck and wish everyone a Prosit Neu Jahr!

4. Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt

Spittelberg is a historical area where the museum quarter is situated today. Small winding streets take you to one of the last places where the old Viennese soul still appears to be alive.

The old buildings along these roads were scheduled to be taken down in the 70s, which enraged the diverse local population. And thanks to their resistance, we get to walk these streets and enjoy a Christmas market that reflects all this.

The Spittelberg Christmas market stalls are set up along the street, just like a vegetable market, giving it an authentic vibe. Over 123 stalls can be visited in Spittelberg, making this the largest Christmas market in Vienna.

You will love this Christmas market if you are looking for a Bohemian vibe set in a genuine neighborhood of Vienna.

Take a relaxed stroll on the Schrankgasse, Spittelberggasse, Stiftgasse, and Gutenberggasse streets, and perhaps you will spot a special stall or two.

5. Prater Wintermarkt

The Prater is the world's oldest open-air amusement park and the place where Viennese folks hang out with family and friends.

The giant Ferris wheel is also located at the entrance of the Prater, and just below that, after the freely accessible entrance, you will find a bright and colorful Christmas-themed market.

It's a smaller market, but it made the list of best Vienna Christmas markets thanks to its location and because this market is actually happening up to 6th January in 2026, which is a gigantic perk!

The market is known as the Winter Market Prater.

Live music every day, crazy rides, and a carousel for smaller kiddies, make this winter market a great place to just enjoy an evening out.

You can also expect to see the Coca-Cola Santa Claus making an appearance with his truck on the 19th December.

Besides, they have a wild choice of hot punch types in this market such as limoncello punch, apple strudel punch or how about a tiramisu punch?

This winter market is also the only one in the city with a new year's market, where you can rock on until 2 am on the night of the 31st December.

BONUS: More Christmas Markets

Most of the Christmas markets in this category are much smaller, and you will find them scattered across the town. Each has something special to offer, and you might want to look into them.

Yet, the choice of Christkindl markets can get overwhelming, and when in Vienna, you might need to pick the grandest of them all to make the most of your time.

Nonetheless, you can add any of these markets to your Vienna Christmas market itinerary if you are situated nearby or if you want to experience a special market theme.

• Christmas village at the Belvedere Palace — An elegant Christmas market with a Baroque theme.
• Christmas village at the Maria-Theresien-Platz — Situated between the Kunsthistorische museum and the Natural history museum and near the president's residence.
• Christmas stalls at the St. Stephen's Cathedral — A small market situated at the center of the old town at the Stephansplatz square. Try the Goulash soup in a bread bowl!
• Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof — Located just a few steps ahead of the Altwiener Freyung market in the city center. More craft themed stalls can be found here.
• Art Advent at the Karlsplatz — Situated at the stunning Karlskirche church venue. The market also has a handcrafting theme.

FAQs

Are all Christmas markets in Vienna free of charge and barrier-free to access?

Yes, all Christmas markets are free of charge and barrier-free.

Are there restroom (toilet) facilities at the Christmas market venues?

Yes, you will find multiple restroom facilities scattered in the Christmas market premises. Most charge about 50 cents per person. The bigger the Christmas market, the larger the queues to the restrooms, which has been the only downside.

What foods and drinks can I get at a Vienna Christmas market?

You will find food stalls selling traditional Christmas foods and drinks. Look out for a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine), punch, cotton candy, roasted nuts such as chestnuts and almonds, Krapfen (round jam-filled donuts), Wiener sausage in a bun, Schnitzel in a bun (aka Schnitzelsemmel), and Leberkäsesemmel (aka pink meatloaf in a bun).

What souvenirs or gifts to buy at a Christmas market in the Austrian capital?

Handcrafted Christmas tree ornaments, Perzy snow globes, beeswax candles, wooden toys, Austrian rum (it's strong in alcohol content), knitted cute teddy bears, artisanal soaps, wooden hand-carved bowls, crib figurines, Austrian knitted socks or felt slippers.

What to wear? Is it cold, and does it snow?

It can get freezing cold and also mild, with temperatures ranging between 14 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to 10 degrees Celsius). Dress up for the windy Viennese winds and put on some warm winter jackets, a thick shawl with a woolen cap, boots, and gloves because you will be spending your time outdoors in a Christmas market. Occasionally, if you are lucky, it snows in Vienna.

Can I bring my dog to the Christmas markets?

Yes, you can bring your dog, but dogs need to be on a leash at all Christmas markets, and some require you to put a muzzle on your dog.