Vienna Christmas Markets: The Ultimate Guide

Vienna is home to more than 20 Christmas markets each year, ranging from grand palace courtyards to cozy neighborhood squares. In this guide, I will focus on the most popular Christmas markets and the ones visitors are most likely to experience during a trip to Vienna in November and December. During my time in Vienna at Christmas, I visited six of these markets, each offering its own mix of food stalls, lights, and atmosphere.

What I love most about Christmas in Vienna is how festive the city feels. Aside from the beautiful holiday decorations, everyone I encountered was warm and cheerful. Yes, it can be cold, but a mug of warm Punsch (punch) or Glühwein (mulled wine) does wonders, and wandering between market stalls with a warm drink in hand is one of those simple, authentic moments that makes Christmas in Vienna so special.

The markets are family-friendly, easy to navigate, and full of great opportunities to shop for holiday gifts and decorations. English is widely spoken, too, which makes them especially accessible for non-German-speaking tourists.

Whether you are planning a day market-hopping or want to prioritize a few of the city’s best Christmas markets, this guide will help you decide which one(s) belong on your Vienna itinerary for a trip during the holiday season.

Table of Contents:

1. Christkindlmarkt Vienna (Rathausplatz) 
2. Schönburnn Palace Christmas Market
3. Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
4. Am Hof Christmas Market
5. Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market
6. Stephansplatz Christmas Market
7. More Vienna Christmas Markets
   1. Spittelberg Christmas Market
   2. Hirschstetten Advent Market
   3. Karlsplatz Christmas Market
   4. Altes AKH Christmas Market
8. Vienna Christmas Markets: Expert Tips & Additional Information

Christkindlmarkt Vienna (Rathausplatz) 

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 and families, thanks to its large ice rink and kids' area, complete with kid-friendly rides. 

Ice Skating at Christkindlmarkt Vienna

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 here is a large, scenic path that curves in and around the plaza. While I sat out ice 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. 

My Experience at Christkindlmarkt Vienna

I loved the Christkindlmarkt Vienna! Out of all of the Vienna Christmas markets I visited during my trip, this was probably my favorite. I visited the market twice, giving me the opportunity to see it both at night and during the day. While the holiday lights add to the festive atmosphere, I think I prefered visiting during the day because it was less busy.

The Christkindlmarkt Vienna is easily the most overwhelming of the Vienna Christmas markets. The market is huge and it is very busy, no matter what time of day you visit. While evenings and weekends are definitely the most crowded, the market when I visited on an early Friday afternoon was still packed. 

Crowds aside, the food and the shopping at the market, along with the large ice rink, made it well worth a visit! During the two visits Brian and I took to Christkindlmarkt Vienna, we thoroughly enjoyed Kaiserschmarrn with apple compote and schnitzel nuggets with fries, snacked on candied macadamia nuts, and drank plenty of mulled wine to stay warm. 

We also ended up doing quite a bit of shopping here, picking up holiday gifts for friends and family, including ornaments and two nutcrackers. (While nutcrackers are technically German, they are very common at Vienna Christmas markets and make great souvenirs.) I also bought some festive Christmas cookie cutters that I cannot wait to use at home this holiday season.

As far as the markets go, Christkindlmarkt Vienna has the largest selection of vendors. So if you are planning on doing some holiday shopping, add this market to the top of your list and be sure to bring a reusable shopping bag to carry your purchases back to your hotel. 

Brian also really loved ice skating on the Ice Dream at Christkindlmarkt Vienna! I would not necessarily recommend the rink for beginners since the surface can get extra slippery when leaves fall from the trees overhead, but it is a really fun change of pace from a regular, oblong ice rink. Just make sure to pack warm, thick socks. Brian did not, so we ended up buying him a pair of wool-and-alpaca blend socks from one of the market stalls for him to change into. 

Christkindlmarkt Vienna: What to Know Before You Go

As the largest Christmas market in the city, Christkindlmarkt Vienna can be overwhelming. It gets very crowded, especially on nights and weekends. Around mealtimes stands selling food and drinks can also have very long lines. So, if you are crowd-averse, consider visiting shortly after the market opens on a weekday. 

Location:

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). 

Christkindlmarkt Vienna Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 14, 2025 through December 26, 2025
• Daily Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Christmas Eve Hours (December 24): 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• Ice Rink ("Ice Dream") Dates: November 14, 2025 through January 6, 2026

For more information regarding Christkindlmarkt Vienna, please visit the Wiener Christkindlmarkt website.

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market 

Great for Photos ● Imperial Ambiance ● Tons of Food Options 

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. 

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 at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

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.

My Experience at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

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! 

I also really loved the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, especially for the food. We enjoyed crêpes and a large cheese pretzel during our visits, along with mulled wine and hot chocolate. (The hot chocolate in the Lindt area of the Christmas market was absolutely divine and easily the best I had over the course of our four days in Vienna!)

If you are looking for a meaningful souvenir after touring the palace (and you should—Schönbrunn is one of the best palaces in Vienna), the market mugs here are fantastic! They feature the palace itself and Empress Sisi, which we thought was amazing! (We are big Empress Sisi fans, so these were some of our favorite mugs of the trip.)

One of the nicest things about this market is the amount of space. Even at night, when it is at its busiest, the courtyard never feels overwhelmingly crowded. You will, however, find that the food and drink lines get pretty long after dark. I did notice a few of the same vendors here that I saw at the Christkindlmarkt Vienna, but the shopping overall was still great. We did not pick up much, just an ornament, but it was a lovely market to browse.

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market: What to Know Before You Go

Despite its location at Schönbrunn Palace, admission to the Christmas market is free of charge. No admission tickets are required. 

Location:

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. 

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 6, 2025 through January 6, 2026
• Daily Hours (November 6 - December 23): 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM 
• Christmas Eve Hours (December 24): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Daily Hours (December 25 - January 6): 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

For more information about the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, please visit the Schönbrunn Palace website and the Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn website.

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

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.

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. 

Don't Miss: Belvedere Palace

If you are planning on visiting the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to also visit the Upper Belvedere Palace as well. The palace, originally built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, is one Vienna's most important museums. Home to the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including his masterpiece The Kiss, the Upper Belvedere Palace also houses a copy of Jean Louis David's Napoleon Crossing the Alps, and a number of works by Monet.

The Baroque interiors and grand staircases make it a beautiful stop year-round, but it feels especially atmospheric during the holiday season. Plus, the Marble Hall, while gorgeous in its own right, was the setting of one of the most significant events in recent Austrian history. It was here that the Austrian State Treaty was signed in 1955, restoring the country's independence and marking the end to Allied occupation after World War II. 

The Lower Belvedere Palace hosts rotating exhibitions and is nice, but it is skippable if you are short on time. The real highlights are in the Upper Palace, which pairs perfectly with a visit to the Christmas Village just outside.

Belvedere Palace: Tickets & Additional Information

Tickets for the Upper Belvedere Palace and the Lower Belvedere Palace can be purchased online via the Belvedere Palace website. You can also purchase tickets at the entrance, but buying online, in advance, offers a small discount. If you are interested in visiting both the Upper and Lower palaces, a combo ticket is available.

Opening Hours

The Upper Belvedere Palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Lower Belvedere Palace is also open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

Audio Guides at Belvedere Palace

A free audio guide is available using your smartphone, just remember to bring headphones. Additional information regarding the audio guide can be found on the Belvedere Palace website.

My Experience at Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

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 as I strolled about the stalls. It was easily the smallest market I visited during my stay in Vienna, with a quieter atmosphere and mostly fellow tourists browsing the stalls. Still, its intimate scale added to the charm and offered a more relaxed experience. There was plenty of space to move around, lots of high-top tables to set down your mug or food, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and easygoing. Of course, the backdrop of the Upper Belvedere Palace is also absolutely incredible!

If I had to rank the markets I visited, Belvedere was probably my least favorite, simply because the others offered more variety and felt more lively. However, that does not mean it is not worth visiting! If you are planning on coming to Vienna in November or December and already have Belvedere Palace on your itinerary (which you should - it is one of the best museums in the city), then stopping by the Christmas Village here is a no-brainer.

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace: What to Know Before You Go

Despite the market's location at Belvedere Palace, admission to the Christmas market is free of charge. No admission tickets are required. 

Location:

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. 

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 14, 2025 through December 31, 2025
• Daily Hours (November 14 - December 23): 
  • Monday through Friday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Christmas Eve Hours (December 24): 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Daily Hours (December 25 - December 30): 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• New Year's Eve Hours (December 31): 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

For more information regarding Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, please visit the Wein Nachts Dorf website.

Am Hof Christmas Market 

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. The champagne bar is also really chic! 

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 easily the best Käsespätzle that I have ever had! 

My Experience at the Am Hof Christmas Market

The Am Hof Christmas Market ranks right alongside the Christkindlmarkt as one of my absolute favorites in Vienna. The market feels genuinely authentic, and its location in the heart of the Innere Stadt makes it incredibly easy to stop by for a drink or a meal. Since we were staying at The Leo Grand, which is just a short walk away, we found ourselves returning here a few times. 

I loved browsing the stalls at the Am Hof Christmas Market. Many of the vendors sell handmade, locally produced items, which is something I always look for when I travel. You will not catch me buying mass-produced souvenirs, and Am Hof had some of the best artisan goods of any market I visited!

However, the real standout at Am Hof is the food. I have already mentioned it, but it is worth saying again: the food here is outstanding, easily the best I had during my time in Vienna. I am still thinking about the Käsespätzle, and it has already been over a week. 😋

The overall atmosphere is what truly makes this market special. It feels rustic and authentic, not commercialized or overly curated, and I loved seeing so many locals gathering here, shopping the stalls, and enjoying warm drinks.

Speaking of drinks, the mulled wine at Am Hof was my favorite of any market I visited. If you only have time for one or two markets in Vienna, Am Hof deserves a spot at the top of your list!

Am Hof Christmas Market: What to Know Before You Go

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. 

Location:

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). 

Am Hof Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 14, 2025 through December 23, 2025
• Daily Hours (Monday through Thursday): 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Daily Hours (Friday through Sunday): 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

For more information regarding the Am Hof Christmas Market, please visit the Weihnachts Markt am Hof website.

Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market (Altwiener Christkindlmarkt)

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. 

My Experience at the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market

The Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market, located just down the road from Am Hof, has a similar sense of authenticity. As one of the oldest markets in the city, it truly feels like a step back in time, and I do not mean that in a cliché way. The charming wooden stalls, vendors selling traditional crafts and beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies, and the historic square itself all give this market a distinctly old-world atmosphere that is hard to replicate.

That said, the layout is not ideal. The square is fairly small, and with 60 stalls packed into it, the market can feel very crowded, so much so that it was difficult at times to move through the aisles or browse comfortably. Even so, I still enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere, the traditional crafts, and the central location in the Innere Stadt make it absolutely worth checking out, especially if you are already visiting the nearby markets.

For full transparency, I did not spend a long time here, really just enough to enjoy a mulled wine and browse some of the stalls before meeting friends for drinks nearby, but I am glad I visited. It is one of the more historically significant markets in Vienna and offers a glimpse of what these markets looked like centuries ago. 

Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market: What to Know Before You Go

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. 

Location: 

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). 

Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 14, 2025 through December 23, 2025
• Daily Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

For more information regarding the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market, please visit the Alt Wiener Christkindlmarkt website.

Stephansplatz Christmas Market

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.

My Experience at the Stephansplatz Christmas Market

The Stephansplatz Christmas Market was the first one I visited during my time in Vienna at Christmas, and even though it is on the smaller side, it exceeded my expectations. Before visiting, I had read a lot of mixed reviews saying this market in prior years was overcrowded, underwhelming, or purely tourist-oriented, so I was not expecting much.

However, our experience was quite the opposite! While it does not have the old-world charm of the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market or the sprawling setup of the Christkindlmarkt Vienna, it is a lovely market, especially with St. Stephen's Cathedral as its backdrop. The setting alone makes it worth a quick visit, and if you are staying nearby, it is an easy one to return to for a warm drink or a quick bite.

We ended up grabbing food at this market on two different occasions since it was so close to our hotel, and the goulash served in bread bowls was easily a 10/10. I did notice a few repeat vendors here (stalls I also saw at the Christkindlmarkt Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace), but with so many Christmas markets spread across the city, that is almost to be expected.

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! 

I would absolutely recommend stopping by the Stephansplatz Christmas Market for a quick visit. If you can, go at night, the cathedral lighting makes it even more festive!

Stephansplatz Christmas Market: What to Know Before You Go

The Stephansplatz Christmas Market is small, which makes it easy to experience without a big time commitment. An hour is sufficient if you want to grab a bite, wander the stalls, and try Brian’s favorite apple punch. 

Location:

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). 

Stephansplatz Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 8, 2025 through December 26, 2025
• Daily Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Christmas Eve Hours (December 24): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Hours on December 25 & December 26: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

For more information about Stephansplatz Christmas Market, please visit the Wein Nachts Dorf website.

More Vienna Christmas Markets

Vienna has far more Christmas markets than any traveler can reasonably see in one trip, and even though I did not make it to these particular Vienna Christmas markets, they are consistently recommended by both locals and returning visitors. Markets like Spittelberg, Hirschstetten, Karlsplatz, and Altes AKH each offer their own distinctive atmosphere, from artisan crafts to family-friendly activities, and are great additions if you have extra time in Vienna at Christmas or want to explore beyond the six markets I have already discussed at length. 

Spittelberg Christmas Market 

The Spittelberg Christmas Market, also known as the Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg, is one of the most unique in Vienna because it does not take place in a square or plaza. Instead, it is spread across a series of narrow, cobblestone streets in the Spittelberg neighborhood. The setting gives it a cozy, almost village-like feel, with stalls tucked into side alleys and vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and of course, plenty of food stalls.

It is a great market for browsing and discovering unique gifts, and while it can get crowded in the evenings, the winding streets add to its charm and make it feel different from the city’s larger, more traditional markets.

Spittelberg Christmas Market: What to Know Before You Go

The Spittelberg Christmas Market is considered an "eco-event", with a focus on sustainable, local, and organic products.

Location: 

Spittelberg is a neighborhood located next to the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna's 7th district, Neubau. Depending on where you are staying in the Innere Stadt, the Spittelberg Christmas Market can be reached on foot since it is really not a far walk from the Kunsthistorisches Museum (taking about 9 minutes).

Otherwise, the market is best reached via U-Bahn with the nearest stations being Volkstheater (line U3) and Museumsquartier (line U2). Alternatively, you can take the tram with the nearest stop being Stiftgasse (tram 49). 

Spittelberg Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 14, 2025 through December 23, 2025
• Daily Hours (Monday through Friday): 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM
• Daily Hours (Saturday & Sunday): 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM

For more information about Spittelberg Christmas Market, please visit the Wein Nachts Markt Am Spittelberg website.

Hirschstetten Advent Market

Set in the beautiful grounds of the Blumengärten Hirschstetten (Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens) in Vienna’s 22nd District, Donaustadt, the Hirschstetten Advent Market offers a quieter alternative to the more central Vienna Christmas markets. 

The Hirschstetten Advent Market features approximately 50 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, and traditional Christmas decorations. One of its biggest draws is the themed Christmas exhibition inside the large greenhouse, which changes each year but always combines seasonal traditions with beautifully curated displays. The 2025 exhibition is titled "When Winter Arrives - Between Celebrations, Traditions & Magic." The market is also known for its live music, which adds to the warm, festive feel.

Hirschstetten Advent Market: What to Know Before You Go

The Hirschstetten Advent Market runs only Thursday through Sunday (and select holidays).

Location:

The Hirschstetten Advent Market takes place in the Blumengärten Hirschstetten, a large garden and park complex located in Donaustadt. Unfortunately, there is no direct way to easily reach the Hirschstetten Advent Market from the Innere Stadt. You will want to take a combination of the U-Bahn and trams to reach the market. As such, I highly recommend using a navigation aid such as Google Maps to help you reach the market from your location. 

Hirschstetten Advent Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 13, 2025 through December 21, 2025
• Daily Hours (Thursday through Sunday): 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Immaculate Conception (December 8) Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

For more information about Hirschstetten Advent Market, please visit the City of Vienna website. 

Karlsplatz Christmas Market 

The Karlsplatz Christmas Market, often called Art Advent, is one of Vienna’s most unique and creative holiday markets. What sets the Karlsplatz Christmas Market apart is its strong focus on art and craftsmanship. Every vendor must meet the market’s criteria for handmade, high-quality, and sustainably produced goods. This makes it an excellent place to browse for ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and original artwork.

The market also typically features live music and installations by local artists. At night, the illuminated Karlskirche creates a dramatic backdrop that gives the whole market a warm, slightly magical glow.

Karlsplatz is centrally located but tends to draw more locals, students, and art lovers than tourists, which gives it a refreshing, community-oriented feel.

Karlsplatz Christmas Market: What to Know Before You Go

The Karlsplatz Christmas Market is also family-friendly. In prior years, the market has had a petting zoo with farm animals and some rides. 

Location:

The Karlsplatz Christmas Market is held in the large square in front of Karlskirche (St. Charles Church). Karlsplatz is located less than a 10-minute walk from the Vienna State Opera. The market is easily reached by both U-Bahn (lines U1, U2, and U4) and tram (trams 1, 62, and BB), with the nearest station being Karlsplatz. 

Karlsplatz Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 21, 2025 through December 23, 2025
• Daily Hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

For more information about Karlsplatz Christmas Market, please visit the Art Advent website. 

Altes AKH Christmas Market 

The Altes AKH Christmas Market, officially the Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien, is located on the University of Vienna campus, giving it a cozy, almost neighborhood-like feel that sets it apart from the markets in the Innere Stadt. 

The Altes AKH Christmas Market has a good mix of stalls selling handmade crafts, winter accessories, and thoughtful small gifts, as well as plenty of comfort-food options. You will find classic Austrian dishes, seasonal sweets, and of course hot punch and mulled wine.

One fun addition at Altes AKH is its curling experience, which add a playful, interactive element that is especially popular with groups of friends.

Altes AKH Christmas Market: What to Know Before You Go

While this market is located outside of the Innere Stadt, do not expect it to be crowd-free. As one of the most popular Vienna Christmas markets among locals, the Altes AKH Christmas Market can get very busy. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on a weekday, shortly after opening. 

Location: 

The Altes AKH Christmas Market is located on the University of Vienna campus in Vienna's 9th District (Alsergrund). The market's name "Altes AKH" comes from its history as this area once served as the city's general hospital (Allgemeines Krankenhaus, or AKH for short). 

Depending on where you are located within the Innere Stadt, you can easily walk to the Altes AKH Christmas Market (it is less than a 20-minute walk from the Freyung Old Vienna Christmas Market in Freyungplatz).

Otherwise, the market can be reached by tram or U-Bahn. I recommend using a navigation aid such as Google Maps to help you reach the market from your location. 

Altes AKH Christmas Market Opening Dates & Times (2025):

• Market Dates: November 14, 2025 through December 23, 2025
• Daily Hours (Monday through Thursday): 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Daily Hours (Friday): 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Daily Hours (Saturday): 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Daily Hours (Sunday): 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Daily Hours (December 23, 2025): 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

For more information about Altes AKH Christmas Market, please visit the Wein Nachts Dorf website. 

Vienna Christmas Markets: Expert Tips & Additional Information

Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the most festive in Europe, and you only need to visit a few to truly experience the magic of the season. Whether you are here for the food, the lights, the handcrafted gifts, or simply the atmosphere of strolling through cozy market squares with a warm drink in hand, each market offers something a little different.

A few final tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Understand the mug deposit system: When you order Punsch (punch), Glühwein (mulled wine), or even hot chocolate, you will pay a small refundable deposit (around €5) for the ceramic or glass mug it is served in. Each market has its own unique mug design, and you can return it to any drink stall to get your deposit back. Or, if you love the design (and it is hard not to), you can keep the mug as a souvenir. They are some of my favorite keepsakes from spending Christmas in Vienna.

• Visit earlier in the day (and season) to avoid the biggest crowds: While nights and evenings offer peak ambiance, daytime visits are much quieter. It is much easier to navigate the markets during the day, especially if you want to browse stalls, do some holiday shopping, or take photos without huge crowds. The same goes for timing your trip to Vienna: markets get progressively busier as Christmas approaches, so if you prefer a calmer experience, consider visiting in mid-November, when many markets have just opened, but the December rush has not yet begun. It is one of the advantages of visiting Vienna at Christmas compared to other destinations like Prague, Krakow, or Munich, where the Christmas markets typically open later in the season. Vienna gives you a longer window to enjoy the holiday festivities! 
• Choose markets based on your group:

  • Schönbrunn and Vienna Christkindlmarkt (Rathausplatz) are the best markets for children thanks to their kid-friendly activities like ice skating, merry-go-rounds, and Ferris wheels. 

  • Belvedere is also great for families. Its smaller crowds and charming merry-go-round make it feel festive without being overwhelming.

  • Am Hof is a must-visit for food lovers. It had some of the best food stalls of any market I visited, making it the perfect choice if you are traveling with foodies or want to sample more substantial dishes.

• Dress warmly, especially if you are visiting multiple Vienna Christmas markets in one night. Average temperatures in Vienna hover between 40-48°F in November and 33-41°F in December.
• Bring cash, as not every stall accepts credit cards.

Additional Vienna Trip Planning Resources 

If you are planning a longer trip to Vienna this autumn, you may also enjoy our Vienna Travel Blog for more trip planning inspiration. While you are at it, be sure to check out my guide to the Best Things to Do in Vienna and my detailed round-up of the Best Museums in Vienna to help you build out your travel itinerary between Christmas market visits.

Have you visited any of the Vienna Christmas markets? Or is there one you are most excited to see? Leave a comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts on visiting Vienna at Christmas! 🎄