After a sad 2020 without any Christmas markets taking place, 2022 has come with full force and less restrictions. And here are the great news – the Vienna Tourist Board has announced that the Christmas markets will be opening again this year!
With Christmas just around the corner, Europe is turning into an absolute winter heaven – Christmas markets are pretty much around every corner. And one of the best places to experience them is certainly the Austrian capital.
After living in Vienna for over 4 years, and having started to work for the Vienna Tourism Board (where we are literally flooded with information about Vienna), I can confidently say that you won’t be able to find a fuller and better guide for the Vienna Christmas Markets.
The Christmas markets are definitely not the only thing to do during winter in Vienna, but they are for sure very high on the list.
In this blogpost I have summed up every single Christmas market, or so-called Christkindlmarkt, in Vienna, and I also did my best to visit pretty much everyone and provide some photos so you know what you can expect.
I will also reveal my personal favourites, as well as ones which, in my opinion, are not aaaas good.
So turn your Christmas mode on and let’s dive into the world of Christmas markets in Vienna! We’ll cover all 17 of them.. yes, 17!
The best and fullest Vienna Christmas Markets Guide 2020
1. Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz
Welcome to the biggest and most impressive Christmas market in Vienna. Whenever people ask me for a ‘Christkindlmarkt’ to recommend, I always send them to the City Hall (or so-called Rathaus). Fairy lights and Christmas decorations will boost your holiday mood in an instant, you can be sure of that.
This is the largest Christmas market, and surely one of the most beautiful ones. So if you only have to choose one – go for this one!
Right next to the Christmas market you will find a lovely ice skating rink with curling routes, which are perfect for beginners and professionals.
Where?
Rathausplatz, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 11 – Dec 26, 2023
daily 10:00-21:30
Dec 24 – 26 11:00 – 18:30
Vienna Ice World at the Christmas Market (the most magical ice rink):
November 11, 2023 – January 7, 2024, daily from 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
December 24, 10.00 am – 6.30 pm; December 31, closed
2. Old Viennese Christmas Market
The Old Viennese Christmas Market has become a favourite amongst locals, and more and more tourists are now discovering this place. This market has its own cultural supporting program of events and shows, both for children and adults. You can check out what will be happening on the stage right here.
Where?
Freyung, Vienna
Opening hours:
17. Nov – 23. Dec 2023
Daily 10:00-21:00
3. Christmas Village & New Year’s Eve Trail on Maria Theresien Platz
The square between the twin museum transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas time. The big beautiful buildings on both sides create a lovely ambience.
A visit to this market can be perfectly combined with your sightseeing schedule, especially if you’re visiting Hofburg, the Natural History Museum or the Art History Museum.
Where?
Maria Theresien Platz, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 15 – Dec 26, 2023
Sun – Thu 11:00-21:00
Fri & Sat 11:00 – 22:00
Dec 24 11:00-16:00
Dec 25 & 26 11:00-19:00
4. Am Hof Christmas Market
The Christmas Market Am Hof is located very centrally and it’s a relatively small and quite cozy market. If you don’t want to be too overwhelmed with the bigger markets, but still want to experience something authentic, then head there for a glass of mulled wine or some punch.
Where?
Am Hof, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 10 – Dec 23, 2023
Mon – Thu 11:00-21:00
Fri – Sun & public holidays 10:00-21:00
5. Christmas Market on Stephansplatz
Next to the iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral you will find a small Christmas market. If I have to be completely honest, this is one I wouldn’t recommend as much as some other ones. Because it is next to one of the most famous attractions of the city, this market is usually overcrowded, and its modest size doesn’t really help much.
You can, of course, always stop by and check it out, especially if you’re also visiting the cathedral. However, if you’re looking to spend at least an hour or two, enjoying some typical Austrian food and drinks, check out number 1, 12, 14 and 15.
Where?
Stephansplatz, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 10 – Dec 26, 2023
Daily 11:00-21:00
Dec 24 11:00-16:00
Dec 25 & 26 11:00-19:00
6. Imperial and Royal Christmas Market on Michaelerplatz
Here’s another small, but cute Christmas market in the heart of Vienna – right at the Michaelerplatz, next to the imperial palace of Hofburg. This is usually the square where you will find a lot of horse carriages, which in itself gives the whole experience a medieval feeling. The backdrop of the beautiful Hofburg palace building is just a ‘small’ additional perk of the Imperial and Royal Christmas Market.
However, bear in mind that it is just a small one – don’t expect too much. Again, if you want a full-on experience, check out number 1, 12, 14 and 15.
Where?
Michaelerplatz, Vienna
Opening hours:
NO INFORMATION
7. Advent Pleasure Market at the Opera House
Just across the Opera house, in the heart of the city, you fill find another tiny Christmas market. Tucked away in a small street, and covered with a rooftop, it is a great escape in case of bad weather.
Despite its small size, the market offers a big variety of gourmet specialities, made from local products. Bear in mind that it is located in a very central location, which means it might be crowded.
Where?
Mahlerstrasse, Vienna
Opening hours:
NO INFORMATION YET
Daily 11:00-21:00
Closed Dec 24
Dec 31 11:00-02:00
8. Winter Market on Riesenradplatz
Next to the big famous Viennese ferries wheel, you will find the Christmas market on Riesenradplatz.
This year they’re celebrating a 10-year-anniversary, which makes it a bit more special. Every week, from Wednesday till Sunday, you can enjoy some live concerts. They’re covering everything from gospel to pop and soul. Check out the program here.
Where?
Riesenradplatz, Wiener Prater, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 18, 2022 – Jan 7, 2024
Mon – Fri 12:00-22:00
Sat, Sun & public holidays: 11:00-22:00
Dec 24 10:00-17:00
Dec 31 12:00-02:00
9. Almadvent
Almadvent Christmas Market is situated in the 2nd district, in very close proximity to the University of Economics. It is different from the rest because it is the only Christmas market, which charges you an entry fee (2 Euros per person).
You can, however, visit the market for free from Monday till Friday between 11 and 15 o’clock.
Almadvent also has a diverse program of shows which you can check out here.
Where?
Messeplatz 1, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 23, 2023 – Dec 22, 2023
Mon – Sat 14:00 – 22:00
Sun 11:00 – 21:00
(Special opening hours for the craft and baking parlor)
10. Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
In front of the beautiful Belvedere Palace you will find a decent-sized Weihnachtsmarkt. It is without a doubt amongst the busiest Christmas markets in Vienna, since the palace is one of the main attractions of the city. But once again, the atmosphere is so worth it.
Where?
Upper Belvedere, Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 17 – Dec 26, 2023
Mon – Fri 11:00-21:00
Sat, Sun & public holidays: 10:00-21:00
Dec 24 11:00-16:00
Dec 25 & 26 11:00-19:00
11. Art Advent – Art & Crafts on Karlsplatz
The Christmas market at the Karlsplatz definitely takes one of the first places when it comes to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna. Charles Church makes for the perfect background and creates an unreplicable atmosphere.
The square is decorated with Christmas lights all around, and the cosy market is surely not one to disappoint.
Where?
Karlsplatz, Vienna
Opening hours:
Nov 24 – Dec 23, 2023
Daily 12:00-20:00
12. Christmas Market on Spittelberg
This Christmas market may seem small at first, but then all of a sudden you realize it goes along a few neighbourhood streets. If you decide to go there, make sure you move around and explore all of it – there is more than what meets the eye!
You will find a huge variety of crafts and arts, as well as a lot of punsch and glühwein.
Where?
Spittelberggasse, Burggasse, Schrankgasse, Stiftgasse, Siebensterngasse
Opening hours:
Nov 16 – Dec 23, 2023
Mon – Thu 14:00-21:00
Fri 14:00-21:30, Sat 10:00-21:30
Sun & public holidays 10:00-21:00
13. Winter in the MQ
Located in the inner court of the Museumsquartier and protected by the surrounding museums, this is one cosy little Christmas market. It is slightly different from the rest since it doesn’t feature the typical wooden houses/shops, which you would usually see at a Christmas market. Let’s say it’s a bit more modern version, with white cubes, lit up by LED lights.
Where?
MuseumsQuartier, Vienna
Opening hours:
NO INFORMATION
14. Christmas Village on the University Campus
The Christmas market on the University Campus is definitely one of my favourites in Vienna, alongside number 1, 14 and 15
The inner court of the campus is being transformed into one of the cosiest Christmas markets you will ever experience. It is also very suitable for children, providing different activities like rides and a ferris wheel.
Where?
Altes AKH/University Campus, Alserstrasse/Spitalgasse
Opening hours:
Nov 10 – Dec 23, 2023
Mon – Wed 14:00-22:00
Thu & Fri 14:00-23:00, Sat 11:00-23:00
Sun 11:00-20:00
15. Christmas Market & New Year’s Market Schloss Schönbrunn
One of everybody’s favourite Christmas markets in Vienna is the one at Schönbrunn Palace. As you may guess, it is also one of the most visited ones.
Visiting the palace should be definitely accompanied by a quick (or not so quick) stop at the many Christmas stands in the courtyard.
The special thing about this market is the fact that there are strict regulations for people, who want to sell their goods there – they need to be handmade and locally produced. This ensures the quality of everything you’re getting here.
Where?
Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace
Opening hours:
Nov 18 – Dec 26, 2023
Daily 10:00-21:00
Dec 24 10:00-16:00
Dec 25 & 26 10:00-18:00
16. Christmas Market in the Türkenschanzpark
Located a bit outside of the city center, the Christmas market at Türkenschanzpark is a delightful market where usually locals would go to enjoy a glass of glühwein or punsch.
The park is in the 18th district, in close proximity to the 19th, and it can easily be reached by bus. If you’re looking for a more relaxing place and want to enjoy some nature while sipping on your mulled wine at the same time, then this is the one for you.
Where?
Peter-Jordan-Strasse/corner of Dänenstrasse
Opening hours:
NO INFORMATION
17. Advent Market in the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens
Here is another paradise for nature lovers. This Christmas market is located in the Botanical gardens. Alongside numerous booths, offering the typical hand-made decorations, gift items and tasty local food, this market is something special because of its floral Christmas exhibition. More information on that here.
Where?
Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens, Quadenstrasse 15
Opening hours:
NO INFORMATION
Sadly, we have come to the end of this Vienna Christmas markets guide. The good news is that all that’s left to do now is to choose a few of them and go visit them!
Let me know which one of these is your favourite!
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If you’re interested in learning more about Vienna, check out my other blog posts about the Austrian capital:
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Lyubomira is the creator and author behind Bulgarian On The Go. With a background in journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission is to show travellers many beautiful places they might have never thought of visiting or even knew existed.
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Vienna is absolutely fantastic. Love those Christmas markets. Thank you for stirring up wonderful memories.