Vienna Christmas Market 2023 Dates: 6 Best Markets

Vienna is one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in all of Europe. The historic architecture, wonderful museums and pedestrianised streets all look stunning under Christmas lights and occasional snow.

The main Vienna Christmas Market is held in front of the Town Hall, a stunning backdrop to one of the oldest Advent events in Europe. But there are many other Christmas markets in Vienna, and I list the best in this guide.

Vienna Christmas Market 2023

The Christmas markets span the city from the main market in front of the Town Hall to the magical Christmas Village at the Belvedere Palace.

The Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square is huge, sandwiched between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, two of Vienna’s most grandiose buildings.

Another favourite is the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace or you could try the more modern Winter Market at the Museum Quarter.

1. Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz

Vienna’s main Christmas market is a traditional Viennese Advent market located at Rathausplatz, Vienna’s Town Hall.

The Christmas tree and park will be illuminated by Christmas lights and decorations. You’ll find wonderful culinary treats, Viennese desserts, mulled wine, hot cider and hot chocolate.

Handmade gifts are popular, and some of the Christmas events include cookie-baking classes and candle-making.

Dates and Location

Vienna Christmas Market dates: 11th November to 26th December 2023.
Location: Rathausplatz – Town Hall.
Opening times: 10am to 9:30pm. Closes at 6:30pm on 24th to 26th December.
Christmas Day: Open.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 11th November.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at the Town Hall.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes.
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 the best food in Austria.
Travel tip: Book a long stay if you can. There is so much to see in Vienna, not just Christmas related but in every other way.
Where to stay: 25hours Hotel in the Museum Quarter as it’s close to both the Town Hall and the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square.

Hotels near Vienna Christmas Market

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 desirable as this is where you’ll find many great cafes, restaurants and museums. I’ve visited Vienna on several occasions and highly recommend this area.

I suggest staying at 25hours Hotel as it’s a 7-minute walk to the Town Hall Christmas market for those able to walk. It’s 5 minutes to the market on Maria Theresien Square and 3 minutes to Volkstheater metro station for access to everywhere else in the city.

Alternatively, my guide to hotels near Vienna Christmas Market lists several well-located hotels for all budgets.

Christmas Tours in Vienna

A city tour of Vienna is a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’s grand history and cultural depth. With its enchanting historic centre, colourful baroque buildings and fascinating museums, Vienna is indeed a city deserving of a visit, even during winter.

I recommend taking this city tour of Vienna as it affords a glimpse into many of the city’s main attractions at a reasonable cost, under the guidance of a local expert. This would be particularly interesting for first-time visitors to the city.

During the city tour, you’ll see some of the city’s most remarkable landmarks and attractions, such as the Ringstrasse, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the imposing Hofburg Palace.

Alternatively, consider taking this food and Viennese market tour to get a bit of an understanding of the local culture through their cuisine.

Location of Vienna Christmas Market

2. Christmas Village on 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 above.

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 during Christmas, it’s home to the Christmas Village, a small Christmas market that also opens for New Year’s.

Dates and Location

Christmas Village dates: 15th November to 31st December 2023.
Location: Maria Theresien Platz – Maria Theresa Square.
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, no tickets required.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: A compact Christmas market in one of the most beautiful locations in Vienna.
Tips: Cross the road to visit MuseumsQuartier and the Neubau district bars and restaurants.

Location of the Christmas Village

3. Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Belvedere Palace is one of many historic palaces in Vienna with a beautifully curated formal garden. The Belvedere Christmas Village consists of 40 traditional market stalls.

This is a great Christmas market if you prefer a more traditional market with fewer crowds than larger ones.

Dates and Location

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market dates: 17th November to 31st December 2023.
Location: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße 27.
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, no tickets required.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, several options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No, no dogs allowed.
Bike-friendly: No, no bikes allowed.
Reason to visit: One of the more intimate Christmas markets in Vienna, situated on the grounds of an incredible palace.

Location of Belvedere Palace

4. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

One of the most popular Christmas markets in Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace is an incredible baroque setting in which to celebrate Christmas in Vienna.

The Christmas stalls sell traditional handicrafts, wooden toys and an incredible array of Christmas decorations made of glass, wood, ceramics, paper and tin.

The food menu offers plenty of punch and mulled wine variations and Austrian delicacies such as kaiserschmarrn (sugared pancakes with raisins), sweet chestnuts or gingerbread.

Kaiserschmarrn is incredibly delicious. If you can’t find it at the Christmas markets, I highly recommend heading over to the Stadtpark to Meierei. Their kaiserschmarrn is the best I’ve ever tried.

Dates and Location

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market dates: 18th November 2023 to 4th January 2024.
Location: Parade Court, Schönbrunn Palace.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm. Closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day: Open 10am to 6pm.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, several options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
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 Christmas markets in Vienna.
Specialties: Try the vanillekipferl biscuits dipped in hot chocolate.

Location of Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

5. Stephansplatz Christmas Market

In front of the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral is the very busy Stephansplatz Christmas Market, where you’ll find 40 Christmas stalls with Austrian products.

Located in the heart of Vienna’s central pedestrian-only shopping district, you’re sure to come across it sometime in Vienna.

Dates and Location

Stephansplatz Christmas Market dates: 10th November to 26th December 2023.
Location: Stephansplatz, at the corner of Graben and Kärntner Straße in the 1st district.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm. Closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Closes at 7pm on the 25th and 26th.
Christmas Day: Open.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, several options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.

Location of Stephansplatz Christmas Market

6. Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz

Art Advent is focused on art installations, music performances and children’s events. Products available here are locally sourced and sustainably made. All the food served here is certified organic.

Karlsplatz Christmas Market dates: 17th November to 23rd December 2023.
Opening times: 12 noon to 8pm daily.
Location: Karlsplatz, near the Karlskirche.

Location of Art Advent Christmas Market

Vienna is an incredible, historic city with beautiful architecture, world-class museums, unique stores, diverse cuisine and a progressive community. Vienna’s Christmas markets have it all. History, tradition, quality and variety.

The city is very walkable, even in winter, and you’re sure to come across other Christmas markets as you explore the city. If you’re unable to walk, the city has excellent public transport that is accessible.

Vienna has many more Christmas markets, but those listed are some of the best in the capital. If you would like to travel beyond Vienna, this Austria Christmas Markets 2023 guide is a great place to get ideas and start planning.

Christmas in Vienna

Christmas Specialties in Vienna

Carp: A centrepiece of the Austrian Christmas dinner, Carp is often served fried. This freshwater fish, a staple in many Central European cuisines, has an almost nutty taste. It’s traditionally cooked on Christmas Eve as part of the ‘Fasting Dinner’, symbolising Christian religious traditions.

Goose or Turkey: More often found on tables on Christmas Day itself, the goose or turkey is usually roasted to perfection and served with stuffing, gravy and side dishes. The meal signifies the end of fasting.

Serviettenknödel: These are large, cylindrical dumplings made with pieces of bread soaked in milk and eggs. Often paired with the roasted goose or turkey, they are cooked and wrapped in a napkin or cloth, giving them their name that translates to ‘napkin dumplings’.

Rahmfladen: This is a hearty pancake made from a dough of potatoes and flour, then baked until golden brown in a cream sauce. This traditional dish is both filling and comforting, perfect for the chilly Austrian Christmas weather.

Vanillekipferl: A crescent-shaped biscuit, vanillekipferl is a much-loved Viennese Christmas treat. Infused with vanilla and dusted with icing sugar, these delicate pastries are a sweet end to any festive meal.

Linzer Torte: Named after the city of Linz, this torte is one of the oldest known cakes in the world. It’s made with a rich, spiced dough, often flavoured with red currant jam and adorned with a distinctive lattice design. This warming, aromatic dessert perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas.

Baked Christmas Carp (for vegetarians): A meatless meal in many traditional Austrian homes is observed on Christmas Eve. A special dish that recently gained popularity among vegetarians is the Baked Christmas Carp, where the ‘carp’ is a creative arrangement of vegetables such as peppers and aubergines.

By indulging in these traditional Austrian specialties, you’ll get a true taste of a Viennese Christmas, whether you’re a meat-eater or prefer vegetarian fare.

Food at the Christmas Market

Bratwurst: Among the hot food stalls at Vienna’s Christmas markets, the Bratwurst is a quintessential grab-and-go snack. Grilled to perfection, these German-style sausages are typically served with bread, making for a quick and satisfying meal as you explore the market.

Punsch and Glühwein: Served steaming hot, these traditional Christmas beverages are a highlight at the Vienna Christmas markets. Punsch is a spiced fruit punch, often fortified with rum or brandy, while glühwein is mulled wine infused with aromatic spices and citrus.

Lebkuchen: These are traditional German-style gingerbread biscuits, often heart-shaped and adorned with festive messages. They hang from Christmas market stalls, their sweet and spicy aroma adding to the festive atmosphere.

Käsekrainer: Another local sausage speciality, käsekrainer is a pork sausage studded with small chunks of cheese. The cheese inside melts when cooked, adding a delicious, creamy element to this hearty snack.

Maroni: Chestnuts roasted over an open fire are a classic winter treat in Vienna. Their sweet, nutty aroma fills the air at Christmas markets, luring you towards the stalls where they’re sold in paper bags, perfect for warming your hands on a chilly winter evening.

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, making for a delightful sweet treat as you browse the market stalls.

Stollen: This is a fruit bread containing dried fruit, often coated with powdered or icing sugar. The loaf is usually made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts and spices, making it a rich and indulgent treat.

International Snacks: Alongside the traditional Austrian foods, you’ll find popular international Christmas market snacks at Vienna’s markets, such as French crepes, Belgian waffles, Hungarian langos and Dutch poffertjes – mini fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter.

Tasting these delicious street foods and Christmas market snacks, both local and international, is an integral part of the Vienna Christmas market experience.

What to Buy

Hand-blown Glass Ornaments: Delicate and intricate, these glass ornaments add a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree. Crafted by local Viennese artisans, each ornament represents the fine artistry of the region and makes a perfect keepsake or gift.

Wooden Toys: Among the traditional offerings, you’ll find stalls selling a variety of beautifully crafted wooden toys. From detailed doll houses to charming Christmas tree decorations, these sustainably made items are as thoughtful as they are unique.

Pottery: There are numerous stalls at Vienna’s Christmas markets that showcase the city’s rich ceramic heritage. From hand-painted plates and mugs to intricate porcelain figurines, these items make a special and long-lasting gift.

Hand-knit Winter Wear: The chilly Viennese weather makes cosy scarves, gloves and hats essential. You’ll find these handmade woollen items at various stalls, knitted with care and showcasing the artistry of local knitters.

Christmas Sweets and Pastries: Packaged in decorative tins or boxes, traditional Christmas sweets such as lebkuchen, Mozart balls and vanillekipferl are popular purchases. These sweet treats are delicious and beautifully presented, making them the ideal gift.

Wax Decorations and Candles: Austria has a long history of intricate wax crafts. From elegant taper candles to ornate decorative pieces, these wax products are a testament to the high level of craftsmanship.

Local Spirits and Wines: Austrian Schnapps, liqueurs and locally produced wines are often sold at the Christmas markets in Vienna. They are typically bottled in decorative containers, making them a perfect gift for adult friends and family.

Austrian Folk Art includes anything from hand-painted Alpine scenes to carved wooden figurines. These pieces encapsulate Austrian culture and tradition, making them perfect mementos.

Sustainable Travel Tips

The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. When visiting the Christmas markets in Vienna, keeping sustainability in mind is important.

Implement some or all of these simple measures to create a positive impact.

• Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
• Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
• Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
• Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
• Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
• Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
• Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
• Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
• Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
• Support the arts and attend local events.

FAQ

If you have visited Christmas in Austria or Vienna in December and would like to share your experience, leave a comment or a Xmas market review 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.