When Christmas is just around the corner, Vienna is already under the spell of some of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe. The city’s squares turn into winter wonderlands and invite visitors to enjoy hot punch, toasted almond wafts, and Christmas treats while admiring some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations on the continent. Because if it’s a city that knows how to do Christmas markets, this city is Vienna.
An age-old tradition, the Christmas markets in Vienna date back to the Middle Ages. Vienna’s citizens got to enjoy their first ever Christmas market in 1296 when Albrecht I granted the city the privilege of holding a “Krippenmarkt”. Much has changed since then, but the Advent markets of Vienna are still some of the most beautiful in the world. And no one can ever say differently! Vienna has won the right to be among our favorites!
Viennese Dream Christmas Market
Any Christmas lover who travels to Vienna will probably head straight to the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall. The Christmas market in Rathausplatz is the most popular in Vienna, a fairy tale destination that houses over 150 stalls and superb Christmas decorations. The stalls abound in handicrafts, decorations, confectionery, and culinary treats, and the gluhwein is always at hand to help you get warm and spend more time admiring the Christmas lights. You’ll also find a carousel, a reindeer train, an ice staking rink, and, of course, a gorgeous Christmas tree that reigns supreme in the center.
Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz
Nearby the Rathausplatz Christmas market awaits the smaller yet equally enchanting Christmas market nestled between Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and the Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna. There are 70 market stalls here eager to treat visitors with traditional handicrafts and delicious treats. The steaming mugs with mulled wine and punch are ready to be served and so are the delicious gingerbread and many other culinary delights. And if you want to learn more about Austria’s history and art or explore our planet’s wonders head inside the museums and spend a few hours admiring fascinating collections.
Christmas Village at the Belvedere Palace
The Christmas market in front of the superbly royal Belvedere Palace is a statement of Christmassy grandeur. The baroque palace dressed up from head to toes in Christmas lights and garlands and adorned with Christmas trees all around is the perfect setting for a fairy tale Christmas village. There may be only 40 stalls there, but each and every one offers superb handcrafted goods, elaborate Christmas decorations, and the traditional mulled wine and culinary delights that add flavors and scents to the ambiance.
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
A must-see attraction for every first-time visitor in Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace is also a gorgeous background for one of the most popular Christmas markets in Vienna. We don’t know if it’s because of the imperial palace that dominates the scenery or the elegant stalls that adorn the courtyard, but there’s a certain upmarket feel and sophistication that no other Christmas market in Vienna has. The courtyard is dominated by a grand Christmas tree and a pavilion that becomes the scene of Christmas carolers and folk bands happy to serenade visitors as they’re shopping and enjoying delicious Christmas treats like Vanillekipferl and hot punch.
Karlsplatz Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Karlsplatz awaits beneath the giant Karlskirche. It is a bit different than the rest of the Christmas markets in Vienna but as beautiful and festive. Most of the market stalls here abound in art and crafts hence the market’s reputation as being a little alternative. However, due to the numerous artists who exhibit their work here, you can consider it a little outdoor museum with beautiful masterpieces available for sale. It is the perfect destination to buy original presents for the people at home or to taste organic food. Kids love to spend time at the Karlsplatz Christmas Market due to the presence of a quirky carousel, accompanied by farm animals, ponies, and a hay-filled play pit.
More places
