The magic of Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria

Dernière mise à jour de cet article le 6 April 2025

When the first snowflakes begin to fall and the air is filled with the enchanting aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine, you know that the Christmas market season has begun in Vienna, Austria. The Austrian capital is transformed into a winter fairytale with picturesque Christmas markets that captivate visitors from all over the world. So, curious to discover Vienna’s Christmas markets, we went there one weekend in December.

Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, gastronomic delights or simply a festive atmosphere, Vienna is the ideal destination to celebrate the festive season.

In this article, you’ll find all the must-see Viennese Christmas markets, plus tips on where to stay. And of course, at the end of the article, you’ll find the opinion of Kiki, the Grinch.

Vienna’s Christmas market tradition

The tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the Middle Ages in Germany and Austria. Vienna has been proudly perpetuating this custom for centuries. All of Vienna’s Christmas markets offer a unique experience, whether for their historic ambience, majestic setting or bohemian charm.

Here are the not-to-be-missed Christmas markets during your stay in Vienna.

Christmas market at Rathausplatz

We start with the iconic Christmas market at Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square). This is Vienna’s largest and most famous Christmas market.

Here you’ll find hundreds of wooden chalets adorned with festive lights, offering handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations and Austrian culinary delights.

There’s even a large ice rink for children, couples and friends.

We couldn’t wait to discover the Christmas market at Rathausplatz. We weren’t disappointed, as the Christmas atmosphere is really beautiful with all the lights and decorations in the park.

For us, it really is the most beautiful Christmas market in Vienna. The Rathausplatz Christmas Market will be open from November 16 to December 26, 2024.

The Christmas market around Stephansdom Cathedral

You’ll find a Christmas market around Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s) Cathedral. You’ll find stalls selling Christmas decorations, handcrafted gifts and Austrian specialities.

This wasn’t our favorite Christmas market, as it lacked a little charm for us. It will be open from November 8 to December 26, 2024.

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Village

The Christmas market in front of the magnificent Belvedere Palace offers an elegant experience with its many chalets.

We really enjoyed the atmosphere of this Christmas market after our visit to the Belvedere Palace. By the way, we ate Spätzle and a Leberkäse Semmel (a kind of meat loaf). Very tasty!

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Village is open from November 15 to December 26, 2024.

Altwiener Christmas market

The Altwiener Christmas Market is a traditional market held on Freyung Square. Like other Christmas markets, it offers a selection of Austrian handicrafts, Christmas decorations and culinary delights.

We found the atmosphere at this Christmas market more authentic. A brass band added to the unique atmosphere. It is open from November 15 to December 23, 2024.

Am Hof Christmas Market

Just a stone’s throw from Stephansplatz, the Am Hof Christmas market offers an authentic experience with its traditional wooden chalets. You can sample Austrian specialties, buy unique gifts and enjoy the warm Christmas atmosphere.

We really enjoyed this Christmas market with its festive atmosphere. And the mulled wine is really good!

You can visit the Am Hof Christmas Market from November 15 to December 23, 2024.

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

Held in front of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, this Christmas market offers a royal atmosphere with its imperial decorations.

To keep things fresh, you’ll find a variety of gifts and culinary delights.

After a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, this Viennese Christmas market is a real treat. The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is open from November 8, 2024 to January 6, 2025.

Austrian Christmas flavours

A trip to Vienna’s Christmas markets isn’t complete without sampling traditional culinary delights. Try the famous Austrian apfelstrudel and eat a pretzel. In fact, you’ll find both sweet and savory pretzels.

You won’t find any at the Christmas markets, but we do recommend a Schnitzel (Viennese schnitzel). And if you want to warm up, why not visit a Viennese café, one of Vienna’s true institutions. For more restaurant tips, see our article on our weekend in Vienna.

Where to stay in Vienna during the Christmas markets?

Whether you’re looking for luxury, bohemian charm or modernity, Vienna offers a variety of accommodation options to suit your budget. We stayed at theHotel Post Wien, a 10-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. There’s also a streetcar stop just 3 minutes away. We therefore recommend booking this hotel during the Christmas market period.

Make sure you book your accommodation in advance, as the Christmas market period is a very popular one in Vienna. To give you an idea, we booked our hotel in July for a weekend in Vienna in December. Prices were already high.

How to get to Vienna in Austria

There are direct flights from Lyon. In less than 1h30, you’re in Austria. There are also flights from Paris and the main French and Swiss airports.

How to get around the Christmas markets in Vienna?

Getting around Vienna is easy. In fact, the transport network is very efficient, with buses, streetcars and the metro.

Further information on the Vienne tourist office website.

Kiki’s opinion of Christmas markets in Vienna

Christmas markets are overrated. Let’s face it, they’re always the same, it’s cold of course, it rains most of the time, and by the end of the day, you’ve drunk more mulled wine than you’ve bought presents. You think Kiki is a grumpy, sometimes unromantic little monkey? Maybe you’re right about that!

However, for you, dear readers, Kiki did take the time to visit some of Vienna’s Christmas markets. And indeed, the Rathausplatz Christmas market amazed her. The illuminated town hall in the background provided a fantastic backdrop. The decorated trees in the small park transform the market into a magical little landscape. And the best part? Kiki didn’t even need mulled wine to be enchanted by this Christmas market!