Vienna Christmas Markets-Top Tips for Your Visit

Which are the best Vienna Christmas markets?  What are the must-try local foods?  What is glühwein and will it make me drunk?

If you’re planning a visit to Vienna at Christmas time, this guide to the Christmas markets in Vienna will answer everything you need to know.

From mid-November until Christmas, Vienna’s streets and squares are transformed into marvelous Christmas markets.  The “Christkindlmarkt” is an age-old tradition in the city, dating to 1298.

Imagine thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, hot punch and the scent of chestnuts and gingerbread in the air.  That’s the heart of the experience.

There are over 20 official markets in Vienna and you can get a little “punch-drunk” trying to see them all.  To help you out, here are the top tips for visiting the Christmas markets in Vienna.

Best time to visit the Vienna Christmas markets

The Christmas markets in Vienna open between November 15 and 23, with many of them closing between December 23 and 26.

Most people like to go the markets in the evening when the lights are ablaze, so the busiest times to visit are on weekend evenings.  If you prefer less of a crowd, but still want to see the lights, go at dusk on a weekday.  If you want to avoid the big crowds as much as possible, go during the day on a weekday.  Most of the markets open for the day around mid to late morning.

Is it expensive to visit Vienna at Christmas?

Prices in Vienna generally rank slightly above average as compared to other European cities, but not as high as London or Paris.  For example, a single espresso in Vienna will cost approximately 2.70 Euros, while a large beer is about €4.

Most of the items at the Christmas markets are handcrafted and will cost more than Christmas decorations at a department store.

Note that many of the stands at the markets only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some small bills and coins on hand.

Traditional Viennese market food and drinks to try

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire….yes, you will find them.  They’re called maroni.  Toasted almonds are also popular.

The staple meal at most Christmas markets is a Bratwurst on a bun.  You can also get soup in a bread bowl, pretzels and waffles.

For sweet treats, there are lebkuchen (gingerbread) cookies everywhere.  You can also enjoy apple strudel and traditional local donuts called Krapfen (fluffy donuts filled with jam) or Brezen donuts with cinnamon and sugar.

What are glühwein and punsch?  Are they different?

Of course, the highlight of a Christmas market visit is a hot beverage to warm your insides with Christmas cheer.

Everyone has their own special recipe.  In general, Glühwein is spiced and heated red wine (mulled wine). Punsch is a stronger rum-based drink, with a higher alcohol content (could be as much as 10%). There’s also an alcohol-free kinderpunsch.  They’re all very sweet.

Don’t be surprised if you’re charged more than advertised at the stand.  The average price for glühwein and punsch is €3.50, but you could be charged as much as €6.50.  That’s because you’re paying a deposit on the mug.  Every market has a special mug each year.  You can keep it as a souvenir, or return it to get your deposit back.

Are there places to sit to eat and drink at the markets?  No, there are small stand-up tables, and very few places to sit.  If you’ve got a long day of market hopping planned, you may want to include some cafe stops on the itinerary.

What to buy at the Christmas Markets in Vienna

You really can buy everything to do with Christmas at the Vienna markets.  The city sets high standards for vendors, so you’ll find many unique, hand made items.

These include all kinds of Christmas decorations, including tree ornaments, paper stars and painted porcelain Christmas village figurines.  There are Christmas candles and candle holders, traditional Christmas toys and hand-knitted woolen items to keep you warm.  You can also buy the Christmas mugs, without the beverage inside (but why?) and plenty of take-home Christmas food specialties.

What to wear to the Christmas markets in Vienna

The Christmas markets are almost entirely outside and December in Vienna is a little chilly and damp.  The average high is 5 degrees Celsius, with an average low of zero. It usually rains or snows on 8 days of the month.

You’ll need to wear a lot of layers, including warm base layers, hats, scarves and gloves.  Also, be sure to have an umbrella and rain gear on hand, including warm and waterproof footwear that you can walk in comfortably.  I like these BALEAF fleece lined thermal leggings, with Columbia rain pants over top.  A packable puffer coat like this also comes in handy for cold evenings.

The Best Vienna Christmas Markets

Every Christmas market in Vienna has its own style.  Here’s a run down of the top markets to help you decide which ones are best for you.  At the end, I’ll tell you which ones were my favourites when I visited (plus my least favourite).

Vienna Christmas Dream on Rathausplatz

With 150 sales booths, the Christmas market at Rathausplatz is the biggest and probably the most touristy of the markets.

It’s also the best decorated, with the most lights, all in front of an amazing backdrop:  Vienna City Hall.  There are many activities for kids, including rides (a reindeer train!) and cookie-making classes (smells heavenly).

• Best for: Families with kids, photographers
• Unique features: Huge ice rink, Children’s World with a carousel and cookie-baking class
• Location: 1010 Wien, Rathausplatz  (Metro: U2 to Rathausplatz or U3 to Volkstheater)
• Hours & Details: Vienna Christmas Dream

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is the most elegant setting for a Christmas market.  This traditional market features 80 stands with exquisite handicrafts.  Food options include cheeses, cured ham and homemade jams.

I loved visiting the palace in the afternoon, and then then taking in the festive atmosphere of the market in the evening.  During the day, you can tour the palace and then see the quintessential Strudel Show in the court bakery of the Café Residenz at the Palace.  After the 20-minute show, you get a piece of strudel (it’s delicious!) and the secret recipe to take home.

After Christmas, this market turns into a New Year’s market until early January.

• Best for: Adults looking for elegant handicrafts
  
• Unique features: Spacious, regal atmosphere
  
• Location: Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Vienna (Metro: U4 to U-Bahn station Schönbrunn)
  
• Hours & Details: Schönbrunn Palace Market

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

The Christmas market at the Belvedere Palace has a smaller and more boutique feel.   It’s perfect for a quieter evening outside the baroque palace, strolling through the market and the beautifully landscaped gardens.  You may also want to visit the palace during the day to see its famous works of art.

• Best for: Couples and Romance
• Unique features: Baroque palace, unique trinkets such as Murano glass jewellery and ceramics
  
• Location: Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna  (Metro: U1  to U-Bahn station Südtiroler Platz – Hauptbahnhof)
• Hours & Details: Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
  

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

The Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz  has over 70 booths offering traditional handicrafts, original gift ideas and tasty treats.  The market sits between two stunning imperial buildings, the Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History.  After Christmas, it continues as a New Year’s Eve Village.

• Best for: Adults who enjoy an impressive setting
  
• Unique features: Gospel choirs, New Year’s Eve Village
  
• Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna (Metro: U3 to U-Bahn station Volkstheater or U2 to U-Bahn station Museumsquartier)
• Hours & Details: Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung

The Altwiener, or Old Viennese Christmas Market is a traditional market that has been held in the city centre since 1772.

The market is small, but it’s great for homemade treats, chocolate and glass decorations.  Behind the stalls, there is a farmer’s market which has fabulous cheeses, and a huge, 46-metre long painting of the nativity scene.

• Best for: Adults who enjoy Christmas traditions
  
• Unique features: Painting of the nativity scene behind the stands, farmer’s market
  
• Location: Freyung, 1010 Vienna (Metro: U3 to U-Bahn station Herrengasse or  U2 to U-Bahn station Schottentor)
• Hours & Details: Freyung Christmas Market
  

Art Advent on Karlsplatz

The market in front of the famous church, Karlskirche, is a little different, with  a focus on artisanal products and organic food.

Every stall holder must make their own products and there are strict rules before they’re allowed in the market.  You’ll find unique items here, while supporting local artists.  And you’ll be enjoying some good eats while you do.  All of the food is organic and the quality is a little higher than others.  For kids, there are farm animals and pony rides.  Live concerts are held regularly here too.

• Best for: People looking for original gifts, and families with kids
  
• Unique features: Organic food, artisanal products
  
• Location: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna (Metro U1, U2 or U4 to U-Bahn station Karlsplatz)
• Hours & Details: Art Advent on Karlsplatz
  

Christmas Market at Stephansplatz

The market at Stephansplatz is small, but with a big backdrop.  It sits at the foot of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is beautifully lit at Christmas time.  This market is in Vienna’s, so there will inevitably be a crush of people here.  It’s a great spot to grab a glühwein as you’re touring the wonderfully decorated streets in the area.

• Best for: Anyone who wants to see the best street decorations in Vienna
  
• Unique features: Made in Austria products
  
• Location: Stephansplatz/towards Churhausgasse, 1010 Vienna (Metro U1 and U3 to U-Bahn station Stephansplatz)
• Hours & Details: Christmas Market at Stephensplatz

Christmas Market on Spittelberg

This market is where the locals go to avoid the tourists.  The Spittelberg market takes place in three narrow, cobblestone streets in a revitalized heritage neighbourhood (in Neubau) in Vienna.

You’ll find different artistic items here, and more opportunity to sit outside (or inside) at the bars and restaurants in the area.  It’s perfect for a social evening of good food and drink.  (Tip:  On your way to Spittelberg, try the restaurant Glacis Beisl, one of the best bistros in the city for the classics of Viennese cooking).

• Best for: Adults who want to socialize away from the tourist crowd, Couples
• Unique features: Art items, set in the streets of a local neighbourhood
  
• Location: Spittelberggasse, Stiftgasse, Schrankgasse, Gutenberggasse (street names), 1070 Vienna (Metro: U2 and U3 to U-Bahn station Volkstheater)
• Hours & Details: Christmas Market on Spittelberg
  

My favourite Christmas markets in Vienna

After visiting all of these Christmas markets, I came away with two favourites, and they’re at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

To me, the biggest market at Rathausplatz was the most lively and festive.  I especially liked the multitude of Christmas lights decorating everything on the site.  The place just glows!  My other favourite is the Spittelberg market.  Wandering through the neighbourhood streets had a certain charm, and felt like the least touristy experience.

While all of the markets are fun, I would have to say my least favourite was Maria-Theresien-Platz.  While the setting is undeniably gorgeous, I couldn’t see anything particularly distinctive about this market.

Short visit to Vienna?  Consider a Christmas market tour

If you’re short on time, you can take  a tour of the Christmas markets.

This fast-track Christmas market tour covers four Christmas markets in a few hours.  If you prefer a slightly more leisurely pace,  visitors on this tour will go to three markets (including one of my favourites) and enjoy snacks along the way.  You can also combine a Christmas market visit with a guided walking tour of old Vienna.

Don’t miss these Vienna Christmas attractions

There are tons of things to see in Vienna, but if you’re there mainly for the festive season, don’t miss the best decorated streets, Graben and Kohlmarket.  They’re close to one another, not far from Stephensplatz.

Also, be sure to take time out to see the famous Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School.  There are special performances at Christmas time, including one with the Vienna Boys Choir.  Get these insider tips on seeing the Lipizzaner stallions in Vienna.

Where to stay in Vienna for the Christmas markets

Most of the Christmas markets are fairly central and easy to get to, so hotels near Vienna’s centre, Innere Stadt, and surrounding neighbourhoods (Landstrasse, MuseumsQuartier, for example) are good choices.

If you want to spoil yourself for Christmas, I can recommend the five-star Hotel Sacher, home of the original Sachertorte.  For the ultimate indulgence, try the “Time to Chocolate” treatment at the Hotel Sacher’s luxury spa.  Check rates and availability for Hotel Sacher here.

For more hotel options in Vienna, check here.

Airbnb is also a good option in Vienna if you’re looking for an affordable option without sacrificing comfort.  I stayed in this lovely Airbnb apartment in the 3rd District, Landstrasse.

Enjoy your Christmas visit to the wonderful city of Vienna!

Map it!

Thank you to the Vienna Tourist Board for providing me with a Vienna City Card.  My opinions are always my own.

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