Vienna is one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in all of Europe. The historic architecture, outstanding museums and pedestrianised streets look stunning under Christmas lights and occasional snow.
The central Vienna Christmas Market is in front of the Town Hall, a stunning backdrop to one of the oldest Advent events in Europe. But there are many other locations, and I list the best in this guide.
Vienna Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas markets span the city from the Town Hall (Rathausplatz) to the Christmas Village at the Belvedere Palace.
On of my favourites is at Maria Theresien Square. It’s a huge market sandwiched between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, two of Vienna’s most grandiose buildings.
I like it because it’s near the Museums Quarter area that’s packed not only with museums but great cafes, bars and independent stores.
Many people love the festivities at Schönbrunn Palace which I totally respect, it’s a stunning palace complex.
1. Rathausplatz
The traditional Viennese Advent market is located at Rathausplatz, Vienna’s Town Hall.
Christmas lights and decorations cover the tree and park pathways. You’ll find Viennese desserts a specialtiy and of course classic mulled wine, hot cider and hot chocolate.
This is the best ice skating rink for children and other events include gingerbread baking classes and candle making.
Dates and Details
Vienna Christmas Market dates: 11th November to 26th December 2023.
Location: Rathausplatz – Town Hall.
Opening times: 10am to 9:30pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am at 6:30pm.
Christmas Day: Open from 10am at 6:30pm.
Boxing Day: 10am at 6:30pm.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 11th November.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at the Town Hall.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: A traditional experience with incredible food, drinks, variety and atmosphere all in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is an ice skating rink in front of the Town Hall.
Recommended tour: Vienna Christmas markets tour.
Specialities: International choirs, vanillekipferl Christmas crescent cookies, handmade decorations and Vienna has the best food in Austria.
Travel tip: Book a long stay if you can. There is too much to see in Vienna on a weekend break.
Where to stay: 25hours Hotel in the Museum Quarter as it’s close to both the Town Hall and Maria Theresien Square.
Convenient Hotels
Vienna is designed in a series of rings that move out from the Danube Canal. The area between the canal and the main ring road is called the Innere Stadt (Inner City), where you’ll most likely want to stay.
Around the Museums Quarter is also popular. I’ve visited Vienna on several occasions and highly recommend this area.
I suggest staying at 25hours Hotel as it’s within walking distance to many sights and the Volkstheater metro station is nearby to access everywhere else in the city. I’ve stayed at this hotel and it’s quirky yet comfortable.
Otherwise my guide to hotels near Vienna Christmas Market lists several other options for all budgets.
Walking and Food Tours
I recommend taking this city tour of Vienna as it gives an overview of many of the city’s main attractions under the guidance of a local expert. This would be particularly interesting for first-time visitors to the city.
On this tour, you’ll see some of the city’s most remarkable landmarks and attractions, such as Hofburg Palace, Palmenhouse, Vienna State Opera and the Lipizzans of the Spanish Riding School.
Another popular tour is this Viennese market tour at the iconic Naschmarkt.
Vienna has many more Christmas markets, but those listed are some of the best in the capital. If you want to travel beyond Vienna, my Austria Christmas Markets 2023 guide is a great place to get ideas and start planning.
Location
2. Maria Theresien Platz
A short walk from the Town Hall, past the famous Volksgarten and Hofburg Palace, you’ll reach Maria Theresien Platz, which you can see in the image below.
This is the stunning square between the Museum of Natural History and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (the Museum of Art).
It’s an incredible location at the best of times, but starting from mid-November, it’s home to the Christmas Village that continues until New Year’s.
Christmas Village dates: 15th November to 31st December 2023.
Location: Maria Theresien Platz.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
24th: December: 11am to 4pm.
25th to 30th December: 11am to 7pm.
31st December: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Open.
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Reason to visit: Gorgeous museum buildings and park.
Tips: Cross the road to visit MuseumsQuartier and the Neubau district bars and restaurants.
3. Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is one of many historic palaces in Vienna with a beautifully curated formal garden. The palace hosts 40 traditional market stalls in the gardens.
Even though this is a popular destination, I found it to have fewer crowds than some other areas.
Belvedere Palace dates: 17th November to 31st December 2023.
Location: Belvedere Palace.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 11am to 9pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
24th December: 11am to 4pm.
25th December: Closed.
26th to 30th December: 11am to 7pm.
31st December: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No, no dogs allowed.
Bike-friendly: No, no bikes allowed.
Reason to visit: Stunning palace location.
4. Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is an incredible baroque setting to celebrate Christmas in Vienna. I love this place and so does everyone else which is why it’s always packed. But you know, it’s popular for a reason.
The chalets sell all the typical gifts like wooden toys and an incredible variety of decorations made of glass, wood, ceramics, paper and tin. It’s very unique for this reason.
The menu has punch and mulled wine variations and Austrian specialities such as my personal favourite, kaiserschmarrn (sugared pancakes with raisins).
Kaiserschmarrn is so delicious it’s beyond description. I actually think this is better at a restaurant. Head to the Stadtpark to Meierei. Their kaiserschmarrn is the best I’ve ever tried.
Schönbrunn Palace dates: 18th November 2023 to 4th January 2024.
Location: Schönbrunn Palace.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Open from 10am to 6pm.
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No, dogs are not allowed, except for assistance dogs.
Bike-friendly: No, you cannot take your bike or scooter.
Reason to visit: The incredible castle setting. It’s one of the biggest markets in Vienna.
Specialties: Try the vanillekipferl biscuits dipped in hot chocolate.
5. Stephansplatz
In front of the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral is the very busy Stephansplatz, where you’ll find 40 stalls selling Austrian products.
Located in the heart of Vienna’s central pedestrian-only shopping district, you’re sure to come across it sometime in Vienna. It’s a nice spot for a casual mulled wine.
Stephansplatz dates: 10th November to 26th December 2023.
Location: Stephansplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Open from 11am to 7pm.
Boxing Day: 11am to 7pm.
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
6. Art Advent on Karlsplatz
Art Advent is focused on art installations, music performances and children’s events.
The products here are locally sourced and sustainably made. All the food served here is certified organic.
Art Advent dates: 17th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Karlsplatz, near the Karlskirche.
Opening times: 12pm to 8pm.
Christmas in Vienna
Austrian Specialties
Bratkartoffeln (Fried Potatoes): These are sliced potatoes fried until crisp and often served with onions and spices. Bratkartoffeln provide a savoury counterpoint to the sweet treats available.
Punsch and Glühwein: Served steaming hot, these traditional drink are always a highlight. Punsch is a spiced fruit punch, often topped up with rum or brandy, while glühwein is mulled wine infused with aromatic spices and citrus peel.
Waffeln (Waffles): Waffles in Vienna are made fresh, often topped with whipped cream, fruit, and powdered sugar.
Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel): This traditional Viennese pastry consists of thinly rolled dough filled with tart cooking apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs. It’s an Austrian classic.
Vanillekipferl: A crescent-shaped biscuit, vanillekipferl is sweet. Infused with vanilla and dusted with icing sugar, these delicate pastries are a sweet end to any festive meal. Sometimes you’ll find them dipped in chocolate.
Bauernkrapfen: Essentially Austria’s answer to doughnuts, bauernkrapfen are large, fluffy rings of deep-fried dough, traditionally coated in powdered sugar. They’re usually served warm.
International Snacks: Alongside the traditional Austrian foods, you’ll find popular international Christmas market snacks at Vienna’s markets, such as German stollen, French crepes, Belgian waffles, Hungarian langos and Dutch poffertjes – mini fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter.
What to Buy
Hand-blown Glass Ornaments: Delicate and intricate, these glass ornaments add a touch of elegance to your tree back home or they’d make a great gift.
Wooden Toys: Among the traditional offerings, you’ll find stalls selling beautifully crafted wooden toys. From detailed doll houses to decorations, these sustainably made items are a thoughtful gift.
Winter Wear: The chilly Viennese weather makes cosy scarves, gloves and hats essential.
Christmas Sweets and Pastries: Packaged in decorative tins or boxes, traditional sweets such as lebkuchen, Mozart balls and vanillekipferl are popular purchases.
Local Spirits: Austrian Schnapps, liqueurs and locally produced wines are sold at some stalls.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Consider these suggestions for more responsible travel in Vienna.
Eco-Friendly Hotel: Choose hotels in Vienna that are dedicated to sustainability. These often use renewable energy, provide recycling facilities, and may offer organic or locally sourced food.
Smart Dining: When sampling the food at Christmas markets, order sensibly to avoid waste.
Conscious Consumerism: Purchase gifts that will not end up unused. Choose items that have a story or that you know will be treasured.
Plant-Based: Order lower impact vegetarian or vegan options.
Public Transport: Vienna has an efficient public transport system that includes trams, buses, and an underground network. Walking is also a viable option, as the city centre is compact and most attractions are within an easy distance from each other.
If you want to share your experience, comment on the Xmas market below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Vienna, Austria. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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