Christmas in Vienna is my favorite time to visit the city! From festive light displays stretching across the Innere Stadt (Old Town) and magical Christmas markets, Vienna knows how to embrace the season with elegance and charm. Whether you are here for the markets, cozy cafés serving holiday pastries and hot chocolate, or simply the chance to experience the city during the holiday season, Vienna delivers. Christmas in Vienna largely takes place from mid-November through December, providing a holiday experience that is as magical as it is memorable.
In this guide, I will walk you through the best Christmas markets in Vienna, the most beautiful light installations, and more to help you make the most of your time in Vienna! There really is no better way to get into the festive spirit of the holiday season than a trip to Vienna at Christmas.
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Vienna is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, each offering its own mix of traditional crafts, holiday decorations, warm drinks, handmade gifts, great food, and festive charm. Whether you are drawn to the iconic Christkindlmarkt Vienna in Rathausplatz or the smaller, more atmospheric markets tucked into historic plazas throughout the Innere Stadt, exploring the Christmas markets in Vienna is easily the highlight of any trip to the city in November and December.
Below are the Vienna Christmas markets that are worth adding to your Vienna itinerary.
Most Iconic ● Best for First-Time Visitors ● Kid-Friendly
Christkindlmarkt Vienna, also known as the Rathausplatz Christmas Market or Wiener Christkindlmarkt in German, is the city's largest and most famous Christmas market. It is also likely the one that most travelers will picture when they think of Vienna at Christmas! You will find 96 stalls selling ornaments, decorations, chocolates, holiday gifts, incredible food, and of course, glühwein (mulled wine).
Christkindlmarkt Vienna is one of the best Christmas markets for kids (in addition to Schönbrunn - more on that later), thanks to its large ice rink and kids' area, complete with kid-friendly rides.
I loved the Christkindlmarkt, but it can be overwhelming if you visit at night or on a weekend. It gets very crowded, especially around stands selling food and drinks, so if you are crowd-averse, consider visiting shortly after the market opens during the day.
The large ice rink at Christkindlmarkt Vienna, known as the Ice Dream, is a highlight of the market itself. Unlike a traditional ice rink, the rink is a large, scenic path that curves in and around the plaza. While I sat out skating, Brian went and thoroughly enjoyed himself! They do regularly Zamboni the ice, so it stays smooth, despite the large number of skaters. There is also a separate rink for children learning to ice skate.
If you are interested in ice skating at Christkindlmarkt Vienna, tickets cost €10,50 for adults. Discounted ice skating tickets are also available for children, seniors, and by booking your tickets online via the Christkindlmarkt Vienna website. Skate rentals are available at the market, costing €9,50 for adults and €6,00 for children. Discounted skate rentals are available after 9:30 PM. Helmets are free. Lockers are also available on-site, for a fee.
Christkindlmarkt Vienna is located in Rathausplatz, in front of Vienna's City Hall (Rathaus), and next to the Austrian Parliament building (Parlament Österreich).
Thanks to its central location in the Innere Stadt, the Christmas market can be easily reached both on foot and by public transportation. Tram lines 1, 71, and D all stop at Rathausplatz/Burgtheater, right outside the plaza. The nearest U-Bahn stations are Volkstheater (lines U2 and U3) and Rathaus (line U2).
For more information regarding Christkindlmarkt Vienna, please visit the Wiener Christkindlmarkt website.
Great for Photos ● Imperial Ambiance ● Kid-Friendly
Formally known as Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn, the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Vienna. The backdrop against the palace is unmatched, and the market itself, with 90 stalls, offers a great selection of vendors selling everything from holiday ornaments to fantastic food. The market also regularly offers live music in front of the large Christmas tree.
I visited the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market twice during my time in Vienna at Christmas, once during the day and again after dark. I personally preferred visiting the Christmas market during the day since it was less crowded, but it is beautifully illuminated at night!
Despite its location at Schönbrunn Palace, admission to the Christmas market is free of charge. No admission tickets are required.
Like Christkindlmarkt Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market also has an ice rink and rides for children, including a small Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round.
Ice skating is free for children before 2:00 PM. After 2:00 PM, ice skating is €6,00 for adults and €3,00 for children. Ice skates can be rented on-site, costing €5,00 for adults and €4,00 for children. The ice rink at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is made with artificial ice. For additional information, please visit the Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn website.
The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is located in the Ehrenhof Courtyard at Schönbrunn Palace. Since Schönbrunn Palace is located a bit outside of the main tourist area in Vienna, the easiest way to reach the palace is by U-Bahn. The nearest U-Bahn station is aptly named "Schönbrunn" and is serviced by line U4. From the U-Bahn station, it is approximately a 7-minute walk to the palace.
For more information about the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, please visit the Schönbrunn Palace website and the Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn website.
Smaller Crowds ● Romantic Feel ● Beautiful Setting
Located in front of the Upper Belvedere Palace, the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace (also known as the Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere in German) is a small, but beautiful Christmas market in Vienna. It is quieter, from my experience, than the other markets listed in this guide, offering a cozy and romantic feel.
While I did not count exactly how many stalls there were at the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, I would estimate there were around 40, most of whom were selling holiday decorations and food items. I did not spend a ton of time at the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, but I did enjoy a glass of mulled wine and some candied nuts.
If you are planning on visiting the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to also visit the Upper Belvedere Palace itself. The palace-turned-art museum, once occupied by Prince Eugene of Savoy, is one of the must-visit palaces in Vienna! While you are there, do not miss Gustav Klimt's masterpiece, The Kiss.
While not as kid-friendly as the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market or Christkindlmarkt Vienna, the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace does offer a merry-go-round for children.
Despite the market's location at Belvedere Palace, admission to the Christmas market is free of charge. No admission tickets are required.
Christmas Village Belvedere Palace is located on the southern side of the Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna's 3rd district, Landstraße. The easiest way to reach Belvedere Palace is via tram, with tram line D stopping right outside the entrance of the Upper Belvedere Palace.
For more information regarding Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, please visit the Wein Nachts Dorf website.
Best Food Stalls ● Local Artisans ● Craft-Focused
Vienna's Am Hof Christmas Market, also known as the Weihnachts Markt am Hof in German, is one of my favorite Vienna Christmas markets, especially when it comes to the food. The Am Hof Christmas Market is large, with 76 stalls and vendors selling a mix of handmade gifts, holiday decorations, jewelry, and more.
However, the real draw of the Am Hof Christmas Market is the gourmet food stands, which serve everything from mulled wine to warm pretzels and the best Käsespätzle I have ever had!
Despite the large size of the market, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. So, if you are looking to avoid the crowds, arrive around opening time. Its central location means it is easy to walk over to another nearby market like Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market or the Stephansplatz Christmas Market if you find the Am Hof Christmas Market to be too busy.
The Am Hof Christmas Market is located in Am Hof, which is marked by the famous Mariensäule, a monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary as a thanks for protecting Vienna from the Swedish invasion in 1647. To help you better locate the square, the Am Hof is also in front of Kirche am Hof and the Park Hyatt Vienna, in the Innere Stadt.
While the market is easily reached on foot if you are staying in the Innere Stadt, you can also take the U-Bahn, with the nearest stations being Herrengasse (line U3) and Stephansplatz (lines U1 and U3).
For more information regarding the Am Hof Christmas Market, please visit the Weihnachts Markt am Hof website.
Historic Setting ● Traditional Crafts & Gifts ● Old-World Charm
Just steps from the Am Hof Christmas Market, the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market, or Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung, is one of the best historic Christmas markets in Vienna. Dating back to the early 18th century, this market is actually one of the oldest in the city!
The rustic, traditional feel of this market makes it exceptionally charming and a must-visit during your time in Vienna at Christmas. The market is larger than it appears, with 60 traditional wooden stalls, selling a variety of products, including traditional gifts, holiday decorations, nativity figures, and regional food products.
Please keep in mind that most of the vendors at the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market are cash-only. So if you are planning to visit this market, come prepared with cash! In the event that you need more cash, there is an ATM at the market for you to use.
The Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market is located in Freyung Platz in the Innere Stadt, just steps from the Am Hof Christmas Market. The plaza is easily identified by the large Austriabrunnen fountain in the square.
While the market is easily reached on foot if you are staying in the Innere Stadt, you can also take the U-Bahn, with the nearest stations being Herrengasse (line U3) and Stephansplatz (lines U1 and U3).
For more information regarding the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market, please visit the Alt Wiener Christkindlmarkt website.
Central Location ● Great for Quick Stops ● Stunning Cathedral Backdrop
Situated in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Stephansplatz Christmas Market is one of the easiest to visit while exploring Vienna at Christmas. The market is small, but nice, with approximately 40 stalls. (The market does wrap around the backside of the cathedral, so it is a bit larger than it appears at first glance, but it is still one of the smallest on this list.) Vendors here sell an assortment of gifts, food, and drinks.
The market is beautifully illuminated at night with lights atop the market stalls and the nearby buildings, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, also lit up. The market does get busy, especially on weekends, but during the week, we were able to roam the market - both during the day and at night - without overwhelming crowds.
The food at the market was also great; we really enjoyed the goulash served in bread bowls from one vendor, and Brian got a bratwurst as a late-afternoon snack that was also fantastic!
The real highlight, at least for Brian, of the Stephansplatz Christmas Market was their hot apple punch (Apfelpunsch). While you can easily find this drink at other Vienna Christmas markets, the stalls at Stephansplatz Christmas Market make their Apfelpunsch with Jameson and garnished with an apple slice!
Located at the center of Vienna in front of St. Stephan's Cathedral, Stephansplatz Christmas Market is one of the easiest to visit as you spend Christmas in Vienna, thanks to its central location within the Innere Stadt. While Stephansplatz can be easily reached on foot, it can also be reached via the U-Bahn with the nearest station being, of course, Stephansplatz (serviced by lines U1 and U3).
For more information about Stephansplatz Christmas Market, please visit the Wein Nachts Dorf website.
One of the best parts about visiting Vienna at Christmas is how the entire city glows with light after dark. Vienna takes its holiday lights and decorations very seriously, with elaborate lights strung above pedestrian streets in the Innere Stadt, decorations on buildings across the city, and an incredible outdoor light display in the park at Schönbrunn Palace.
If you are spending Christmas in Vienna, make sure you set aside at least one evening to simply wander and take in the lights. They are elegant, beautiful, and one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Here are some of the best places in the city to see holiday lights and decorations during Christmas in Vienna:
Kärntner Straße is one of the most famous streets in Vienna, starting at Karlsplatz near the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) and ending just before St. Stephen's Cathedral. While this pedestrian street is one of the best shopping areas in the city, it is also home to some of the best decorations and light displays at Christmas. While the entire street is beautifully decorated, some of the highlights include:
Few photo spots are more iconic during Christmas in Vienna than the giant red bow on the Popp & Kretschmer building located on Kärntner Straße, opposite the Vienna State Opera.
Next door to Popp & Kretschmer, the Gerstner Café, is incredibly decorated inside and out! The large illuminated Christmas tree on the building's façade is among the most extravagant decorations in all of Vienna!
Hotel Sacher is one of the most elegant hotels in Vienna and also, easily, one of the best when it comes to its exterior holiday decorations. This year, larger-than-life nutcrackers line the building with festive garland and beautiful lights at night.
Known for its high-end and luxury retailers, the Goldenes Quartier in the Innere Stadt has some magnificent holiday lights. The lights along Tuchlauben, in particular, were among my favorites in Vienna. Large light installations were strung across the street in a way that was both beautiful and understated.
Of course, the windows at the luxury boutiques are also decorated extravagantly!
Two other streets in the Innere Stadt that are beautifully decorated at Christmas in Vienna include: Kohlmarkt and Graben, pedestrian shopping streets not far from Goldenes Quartier and Stephansplatz.
Running between the Hofburg Palace and the Graben, Kohlmarkt is a stately pedestrian avenue known for its ornate Baroque buildings, upscale boutiques, and one of the city’s prettiest winter light displays.
This year's light displays featured icicle-like lights strung between buildings. The lights, while simple, are beautiful!
Located in the middle of Vienna’s pedestrian zone, the Graben connects Stephansplatz on one end to the upscale Kohlmarkt shopping street on the other, leading toward the Hofburg Palace.
This year's light displays on the Graben featured giant chandeliers suspended between the buildings.
While the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is wonderful on its own, one of the best holiday light displays in Vienna, known as Imperial Lights (Lichtergarten Schlosspark Schönbrunn), takes place in the garden and park behind the palace. Each evening, after the sun sets, the lights turn on, transporting you back to Imperial Vienna.
Featuring lights, music, and interactive experiences, Imperial Lights showcases a part of Austrian royal history against the backdrop of the historic Schönbrunn Palace. You can see larger-than-life sculptures of the Imperial Crown of Austria (which is on display at the Imperial Treasury Vienna), a horse-drawn carriage, and elegantly dressed courtiers dressed in Baroque-era fashions.
For those interested in Austrian royal history, the event also features an illuminated path showcasing many of the Emperors of Austria, and of course, the Empresses Maria Theresa and Sisi.
Imperial Lights is an incredible experience and is family-friendly. I visited Imperial Lights earlier this month and thoroughly enjoyed myself! It actually reminded me a lot of Christmas at Kew in London (which I talk about in my London at Christmas blog post), but on a smaller scale. Just be sure to dress warmly, as the entire experience is outside!
Some of the best food and drinks to enjoy in Vienna at Christmas are at the Christmas markets. The markets offer a large assortment of sweet, savory, and warm seasonal dishes.
A Quick Note: Many of the cafés and restaurants in Vienna offer special menu items at Christmas and during the holiday season, one such specialty being goose. However, for the purposes of this blog, I am only going to cover the food and drinks sold at the Vienna Christmas markets since that is mostly where I ate during my time in Vienna at Christmas.
Each market is unique, so this is by no means a comprehensive list, just some of the best things to look for as you wander from stall to stall.
Mulled wine and hot punch are the main drinks at Vienna Christmas markets. Mulled wine is fairly standard, but some markets and stalls may offer both red and white wine versions (red wine is the traditional).
Punch, however, comes in a number of forms, and you will see different markets and different stalls with various offerings. Some of the most popular options are apple punch and orange punch. Kinderpunsch, a nonalcoholic option, is also available at most markets.
One thing to know before ordering mulled wine and hot punch is that you will almost always pay a deposit for your mug (around €5). Your drink will be served in a ceramic or glass mug that is unique to the specific market (i.e., Schönbrunn has a design on its mugs featuring the palace or Empress Sisi).
When you are finished, you can opt to either return the mug to any drink stall to get your deposit back. Or, you can keep the mug as a souvenir. The same deposit system applies to hot chocolate, cider, and other seasonal drinks.
These mugs are among my favorite souvenirs from Vienna Christmas markets. I love pulling out my Christmas market mugs each year to use throughout the holiday season. They are a small reminder of the markets I have visited in Vienna, Madrid, and England, and they have become a cherished part of my own holiday traditions at home.
While not technically unique or special during Christmas in Vienna, I would be hard pressed to not mention bratwurst. A classic choice at any Vienna Christmas market, bratwurst is simple, savory, and reliably delicious.
Other sausages are also available at stalls across the city, including: Käsekrainer (sausage with cheese) and Frankfurters (hot dogs/wiener sausage). Bratwurst is sold, along with other sausages, at a Würstelstand (sausage stand).
Soft egg noodles covered in melted cheese and topped with crispy onions (think mac and cheese, but better). Käsespätzle is Austrian comfort food at its finest!
Pretzels are a staple at every Vienna Christmas market. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fillings. Regular pretzels are also available.
An Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) filled pretzel that I had at the Am Hof Christmas Market was one of my favorite things I ate during my time in Vienna at Christmas!
Shredded pancake pieces dusted with powdered sugar. Usually served with warm plum or apple compote. Served in a cone to easily eat while exploring the market stalls, and one of my favorite Viennese treats!
Technically a Hungarian specialty, but very popular across Vienna Christmas markets, langos is a deep-fried flatbread served hot and topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese. Some stalls get creative with additional toppings (like ham, herbs, or even sweet variations), but the classic version is salty, warm, and exactly the kind of comfort food you want on a cold evening.
Thick slices of bread topped with freshly melted raclette cheese, herbs, and pickles.
When temperatures drop, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of goulash. Rich and warming, it is one of the most satisfying dishes you can order at the markets. Some stalls also offer creamy pumpkin soup, potato soup, or chestnut soup, often served in a small bread bowl. They are simple, hearty, and perfect for warming up on cold winter days.
Cookies, sweets, and pastries come in all shapes and sizes at the Christmas markets in Vienna. Although gingerbread cookies are among the most popular and make some of the best gifts to bring home.
Other popular sweets include: strudel (apple or cheese), marzipan candies, chocolates, and Krapfen, which is a jam-filled donut.
A staple of winter in Vienna, roasted chestnuts are sold from traditional stands all over the city, not just at the Christmas markets. They are smoky, soft, slightly sweet, and warming to hold in your hands as you walk. Chestnuts are especially common around Stephansplatz, the Graben, and outside major U-Bahn stations. They are one of the most authentic winter snacks you can try while in Vienna at Christmas.
If there is one scent that defines Christmas in Vienna, it is the aroma of Gebrannte Mandeln—candied nuts cooked in sugar until perfectly glossy and caramelized. You will find stalls at every Vienna Christmas market offering a mix of almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts, flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. They are crunchy, sweet, and addictive!
The best place to stay in Vienna at Christmas, especially if you are planning on visiting the Christmas markets and are eager to see the many elaborate light displays, is in the Innere Stadt. While Vienna's Old Town is the most expensive neighborhood in Vienna, it is also the most centrally located. Being able to walk to many of the Christmas markets makes the higher price point worthwhile.
If money is no object, the Park Hyatt Vienna is beautifully decorated for Christmas. Plus, right outside the hotel entrance is the Am Hof Christmas Market! Otherwise, Hotel Sacher is another excellent choice, also impeccably decorated for the holidays and centrally located.
For a more affordable, but still beautiful hotel, consider The Leo Grand , located just steps from St. Stephen's Cathedral. This is where I stayed on my recent trip to Vienna, and the location could not have been better! The nearby U-Bahn station made getting across the city easy, while I was also a stone's throw from the Stephansplatz Christmas Market.
Other hotels I would recommend in the Innere Stadt, at varying price points, include:
Visiting Vienna during the holiday season is magical, but it is also one of the busiest times of the year. Here are some additional tips to make the most of your time during Christmas in Vienna:
Vienna's Christmas markets are incredibly popular, with both tourists and locals.
November and December in Vienna can be cold and often damp. Snow is also possible the closer it gets to Christmas. I definitely recommend dressing in layers since the temperature drops once the sun sets. You will also find hotels, stores, and restaurants to be very warm inside, so dressing in layers can help you feel more comfortable. A hat, scarf, and gloves are also essential!
While the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market was the only market I noticed a large number of stalls that were cash-only, it is still a good idea to have cash on you when visiting any of the Vienna Christmas markets. Smaller denomination bills, like €5 and €10 are especially helpful if you are planning on buying any snacks and/or souvenirs at smaller stands.
The public bathrooms at the Christmas markets were also for the most part cash-only, typically costing anywhere from €0,50 to €2, so make sure you have some coins on you.
If you need cash during your time in Vienna, ATMs are easily found around the city. I personally visited the Erste Group Bank ATM on the Graben. You will always get the best exchange rate by using a bank-owned ATM versus a Euronet ATM or a currency exchange.
Opening dates and hours for Christmas markets vary across Vienna. Some markets welcome visitors as early as November 6, 2025, while others do not begin until November 14, 2025 or later. Likewise, some markets close as early as December 23, 2025, while others remain open through the New Year.
Vienna Christmas markets also open at different times in the morning and may have different weekend hours. As with any museum or attraction, I recommend that you double-check the opening hours in advance of your visit.
For the most part, museums, Christmas markets, and other attractions are open on public holidays, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So, if your visit to Vienna overlaps with Christmas, be sure to check for reduced hours if you are planning on doing any sightseeing on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day.
Whether you are buying ornaments, snacks, souvenirs, or holiday gifts, a tote bag or reusable shopping bag can make navigating the Christmas markets easier. Plus, it will save you some money from having to pay extra for a paper bag to carry your purchase.
The sun sets in Vienna between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM during the months of November and December. As such, I recommend that you plan your outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day. Then, spend the late afternoons and evenings at the Christmas markets and enjoy the festive holiday lights across the city!
One other thing to keep in mind... Vienna can be surprisingly foggy in November and December, and on those days the low light and heavy fog can make it feel as if sunset has arrived much earlier.
As someone who was hesitant to return to Vienna after having a mixed experience on my first visit, I can confidently say that visiting Vienna at Christmas completely changed my mind on the city. Christmas in Vienna is every bit as magical as I imagined! Think: elegant lights draped across historic streets, festive markets, and enough seasonal food and warm drinks to keep you happy long after the sun sets.
Plus, everyone was in such a cheery, happy mood that it was hard not to fall in love with Vienna at Christmas! I loved my experience visiting the Christmas markets, exploring the city, and enjoying all of the holiday light displays so much that I hope to return next year for Christmas in Vienna!
It is important to know that mid-November and December are among the busiest times of year to visit Vienna. If you prefer a quieter travel experience and/or are looking to avoid large crowds, you may want to consider visiting Vienna (while still experiencing Christmas in Vienna) in early to mid-November. While not all of the Vienna Christmas markets will be open yet, Stephansplatz Christmas Market and Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market open towards the beginning of the month, giving you a taste for Christmas in Vienna without the hordes of tourists that swarm as Christmas draws closer.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to experience more of the city's festive holiday traditions, Vienna is one of those destinations that makes the holiday season feel special.
If you are planning your upcoming trip to celebrate Christmas in Vienna, do not miss our Vienna Travel Blog for more inspiration and trip planning insights. You should also explore our Essential Travel Tips for Vienna, check out our detailed guide to the Best Museums in Vienna, or consider a Vienna to Bratislava Day Trip if you are looking to add another incredible European capital city to your itinerary.
Have you visited Vienna at Christmas? Or do you have a market that you are most excited to see? Leave us a comment below, we would love to hear from you!