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Top Christmas Markets in Vienna to Get You in a Festive Mood

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Vienna’s Christmas markets are the stuff of holiday dreams, twinkling lights, mulled wine, and charming wooden stalls filled with festive goodies. Since moving here, I’ve loved exploring these magical spots scattered across the city.

In this guide, I’ll highlight my favorite Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets), using their German names so they’re easy to find. Although many offer similar items, each has unique features. A map at the end will help you plan your visit.

So grab your warmest scarf, your coziest gloves, and let’s explore the best Christmas markets Vienna has to offer!

Find the Best Market for You

Biggest Market: Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz
Best Market for Families with Kids: Kunstadvent vor der Karlskirche, Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn
Best Market for Vegans: Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
Best Market to Avoid the Crowds: Weihnachtsdorf Unicampus, Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark
Most unique stalls: Kunstadvent vor der Karlskirche, Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
Most Scenic Surroundings: Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, Weihnachtsdorf am Stephansplatz, Weihnachtsdorf auf dem Maria-Theresien-Platz, Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn

1. Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz

A carousel adorned with bright lights and festive decorations is set in front of Vienna’s Rathaus. The lively Christmas market scene includes visitors strolling and enjoying the holiday festivities.
A Christmas market stall showcasing intricately designed white and clear glass ornaments. The display is illuminated with soft golden lights, creating a magical holiday ambiance.
A market stall filled with colorful textiles, including towels, mittens, and other handcrafted fabric goods. The stall is decorated with fairy lights and festive holiday touches.

Location: Rathausplatz
Opening Times: 14. Nov – 26. Dec
Highlights: biggest market, Christmas tree, carousel, ice skating, Christmas lights

Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz is the biggest Christmas market in Vienna, located in front of city hall.

It showcases the Christian spirit of Christmas, “Christkindl” means baby Jesus (who brings gifts in Austria) and you’ll find multiple Nativity Scenes here.

The market is amazing with its many stalls, a carousel, an ice skating rink, the iconic Wiener Christkindlmarkt letters and a magically lit park, but it’s also the most crowded one. I would avoid it in the evenings and on weekends, it’s just too busy.

2. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt

Entrance to the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt (Old Vienna Christmas Market) featuring a festive sign with decorative cherubs and greenery. The cobblestone square is filled with holiday stalls and visitors enjoying the market under a clear blue sky.
A Christmas market stall overflowing with colorful and whimsical holiday ornaments, including reindeer, Santa figurines, and glass baubles. The intricate display is set against a wooden backdrop with soft festive lighting.
A close-up of a white mug with the text 'alt.wiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung' held in front of a market stall selling hot chocolate. The cozy scene includes festive decorations, warm lighting, and holiday treats.

Location: Freyung
Opening Times: opening days to be announced
Highlights: hot chocolate, concerts, unique stalls

At the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt there’s a daily event happening, either a music concert, a arts and crafts demonstration, or a puppet theater for kids.

At this Christmas Market they offer amazing hot chocolate. You choose a chocolate flavor from the display, and they’ll heat up some milk (plant milk available) and make it fresh. They use chocolate from an Austrian company, you can visit their factory.

3. Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof

Entrance to the Weihnachts-Markt Am Hof (Christmas Market Am Hof) with a decorative metal arch featuring golden stars and lettering. Market stalls with holiday goods and the Baroque-style church in the background are illuminated by sunlight under a clear blue sky.
A close-up of a freshly baked chimney cake dusted with cinnamon sugar, held in front of a Christmas market stall. The cozy wooden stall, decorated with festive lights, offers warm treats and holiday cheer.
A market stall showcasing a colorful display of wands inspired by magical themes, laid out on velvet-lined trays. The stall also features books, themed scarves, and decorative items under a wooden roof adorned with fantasy-themed flags.

Location: Am Hof
Opening Times: 14. Nov – 23. Dec
Highlights: food stalls from different counties in Austria, unique stalls

Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof has some very unique stalls like art stalls, a book binding stall with cool notebooks and diaries, and even a Harry Potter stall with wands.

You can find plenty of food and drink options, including vegan chimney cake. However, it’s not the most vegan-friendly Christmas market, as there are stalls with ham and sausages, and you can smell it as you walk past.

4. Weihnachtsdorf auf dem Maria-Theresien-Platz

A festive red boot-shaped mug with 'Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz' printed on it, featuring an illustration of Vienna's Christmas village. The mug is held by a gloved hand with a lively Christmas market scene blurred in the background.
Close-up of colorful dried orange and fruit garlands on display at a Christmas market. The handcrafted decorations include cinnamon sticks, berries, and other dried elements, creating a rustic holiday charm.
Christmas market at Maria-Theresien-Platz with a festive stall selling textiles and ornaments, set against the backdrop of the grand Kunsthistorisches Museum. Visitors browse and enjoy the holiday atmosphere under string lights and a blue evening sky.

Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz
Opening Times: closed in 2026 because of construction work
Highlights: right next to the Art History and Natural History Museum

Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village) on Maria-Theresien-Platz is located in between Vienna’s Art History Museum and Natural History Museum, two of the most popular Vienna museums.

To be honest, the only completely unique stalls I could find is the Natural History Museum’s stall with stuffed animals and unique gifts. Otherwise you can find the traditional festive goods from Christmas decorations and holiday gifts to mulled wine.

5. Weihnachtsdorf am Stephansplatz

This image shows Vienna's iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) lit up with vibrant purple lighting during the festive Christmas season. A bustling holiday market with glowing golden decorations and a large, illuminated Christmas tree create a magical winter scene, while crowds enjoy the festive atmosphere.
A market stall filled with Christmas decorations, including handcrafted gnome figurines, plush snowmen, nutcrackers, and pinecone wreaths. The vibrant and festive display captures the holiday spirit.
A Christmas market stall displaying intricate wooden nativity scenes and handcrafted ornaments, including figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus surrounded by animals and angels. The detailed craftsmanship is complemented by decorative hanging snowflakes.

Location: Stephansplatz
Opening Times: 8 Nov – 23. Dec
Highlights: location, Christmas lights,

Weihnachtsdorf am Stephansplatz is located right next to the famous St. Stephan’s Cathedral in the heart of Vienna city center.

It’s the perfect spot for mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while admiring the cathedral view. Don’t miss the Christmas lights in the streets nearby.

6. Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere

A beautifully decorated vintage carousel with painted panels and golden accents in front of the grand Baroque Belvedere Palace. Visitors explore nearby Christmas market stalls filled with festive goods.
A Christmas market stall displaying elegant and colorful hand-painted glass ornaments, including festive figures and intricate designs. Featured in the foreground is a heart-shaped stand with figurines of Austrian historical characters, all set against a vibrant red backdrop.
A market stall showcasing intricately crafted metallic wind spinners in various shapes, such as hearts and stars, alongside ceramic snowman figurines and other holiday-themed decorations. The display sparkles under string lights and festive embellishments.

Location: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27
Opening Times: 14. Nov – 31. Dec
Highlights: Carrousel; next to Belvedere Museum

The Weihnachtsdorf at Schloss Belvedere may be smaller, but its stunning setting in front of the Belvedere Palace makes up for it. It’s the perfect stop if you’re combining a visit to the market with a trip to the Belvedere Museum.

There’s a beautiful carousel and stalls selling Christmas items like baubles and decorations. Plus, you can enjoy mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and more.

7. Kunstadvent vor der Karlskirche

A picturesque entrance to the Art Advent market at Karlskirche, with evergreen trees and a wooden pathway leading to the illuminated dome of the Baroque-style church. A sign reads 'Art Advent.at,' blending the festive spirit with artistic charm under a soft evening sky.
A Christmas market stall displaying eco-friendly merchandise, featuring a mannequin wearing a white hoodie with a colorful bird print and the text 'Der Bienenfresser' (The Bee-eater). The stall showcases additional bird-themed products and natural decorations in a rustic setting.
A cozy wooden stall at the Karlskirche Christmas market, offering organic punches and soups with a sign reading '100% Bio & ohne Zuckerzusatz' (100% organic & no added sugar). Visitors stand around wooden tables enjoying warm drinks under festive string lights and surrounding autumn foliage.

Location: Resselpark
Opening Times: 21. Nov – 23. Dec
Highlights: kids activities, spacious for drinks

The Kunstadvent in front of the Karlskirche is one of my favorite Vienna Christmas markets. It’s packed with unique stalls offering handmade crafts and gifts you won’t find elsewhere.

What makes it unique is the spacious setup of the food and drink stalls. There’s plenty of room to stand comfortably and enjoy your drink with friends. Families will love it too, with a kids’ craft station and even a small petting zoo with goats.

8. Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg

A Christmas market stall displaying unique glassware and decorations, including hand-blown glass vases and candle holders, set on natural driftwood bases. The intricate craftsmanship is showcased under warm ambient lighting.
A freshly made hot dog topped with mustard, sauerkraut, and crispy onions, held in front of a glowing wooden stall at the Spittelberg Christmas market. The festive scene is illuminated by warm lights and vibrant colors.
Visitors enjoy the Spittelberg Christmas market under a canopy of multicolored string lights. Wooden stalls offer festive treats and drinks, creating a lively and magical atmosphere.

Location: Spittelberg
Opening Times: 14. Nov – 23. Dec
Highlights: vegan food; eco-friendly and unique products

The Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg is known as the most vegan-friendly Christmas market in Vienna. It offers plenty of plant-based treats like vegan sausages, stuffed dumplings, and chimney cakes.

Beyond the vegan food, you’ll find unique eco-friendly stalls and a fair trade booth, making it a great spot to shop sustainably while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

9. Weihnachtsdorf Unicampus

A brightly lit walkway at the University of Vienna Christmas market, with colorful trees illuminated in pink, green, and yellow. Visitors stroll past wooden stalls while enjoying the lively holiday atmosphere.
A large outdoor fire pit at the Christmas market near the University of Vienna, surrounded by benches and festive decorations. String lights and nearby stalls add a warm holiday ambiance under the evening sky.
A paper cone filled with roasted chestnuts held up against a festive walkway illuminated with colorful string lights at the Christmas market near the University of Vienna. The glowing wooden stalls and vibrant atmosphere create a cozy holiday scene.

Location: Alser Straße, Hof 1 (Altes AKH)
Opening Times: 14. Nov – 23. Dec
Highlights: Hidden Gem, quieter, Christmas lights, unique stalls

The Weihnachtsdorf Unicampus is my favourite Vienna Christmas market, I love how there are festive Christmas lights everywhere and the market is in side a courtyard with trees, it feels like a true hidden gem.

There are plenty of food and drink stalls, including clearly labeled vegan options. There’s even a restaurant styled like a skiing cabin, with glass windows to watch the market as you warm up inside. Plus, there’s a fireplace to enjoy your hot drink by.

The stalls are also a bit more unique than at other markets from Norwegian sweaters to wet suit toe warmers (I bought a pair and love them, my toes are so warm now).Best of all, it’s not as crowded as other markets.

10. Weihnachtsmarkt Schloß Schönbrunn

A large illuminated star-shaped arch with the word "Willkommen" (Welcome) in glowing cursive at the Schönbrunn Christmas Market in Vienna. Visitors stroll through the festive plaza, with the Schönbrunn Palace lit up in the background and holiday decorations adding to the charm.
A massive Christmas tree adorned with golden lights and ornaments stands in front of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The palace's grand facade provides a majestic backdrop while visitors admire the festive scene.
An ice-skating rink at the Schönbrunn Christmas Market in Vienna, surrounded by the illuminated Schönbrunn Palace and festive market stalls. Families and children enjoy skating as evening sets in, adding to the holiday magic.

Location: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47
Opening Times: 6. Nov – 6. Jan 2026
Highlights: great for kids, in front of a castle

The Christmas Market at Schloss Schönbrunn is a must-visit for its regal charm and stunning surroundings. Set against the backdrop of the Schönbrunn Palace, this market offers a uniquely elegant festive experience.

Kids will love the charming little train and the small Ferris wheel, while the ice skating rink and facilities for Eisstockschießen (a curling-like winter sport). These activities make Schönbrunn a great spot for winter fun in Vienna.

11. Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark

A decorated Christmas tree in an outdoor holiday market at Türkenschanzpark in Vienna. The tree is adorned with silver garlands and ornaments, surrounded by wooden high tables and a red food stall in the background under a sunny winter sky.
A festive stall named "Sternschnupp'n" at a Christmas market, displaying an array of handmade crafts, jewelry, ornaments, and holiday trinkets. The setup includes colorful bowls, necklaces, and wooden decorations, all against a backdrop of evergreen garlands and stars.
A pathway lined with tall trees and festive decor in Türkenschanzpark's Christmas market. Wooden high tables with green tops are placed along the way, and the area is decorated with red and white ornaments, creating a cozy holiday ambiance.

Location: Türkenschanzpark (near Peter Jordan Straße and Dänenstraße)
Opening Times: 15. Nov – 23. Dec
Highlights: Inside a park, very authentic and quieter

Another hidden gem of a Christmas market is the Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark. It’s located inside a park near the University of Agriculture, a bit outside the center.

There aren’t that many stalls but the ones that are here feel authentic and unique. For example, you can get homemade pickled vegetables, first time I’ve ever seen that on a Christmas market!

I love how the stalls are next to the trees, and it’s less crowded and touristy than other markets.

12. Wintermarkt at Prater

This image shows Vienna's famous Prater Ferris Wheel glowing with red and yellow lights against the night sky, adding a festive touch. In the foreground, illuminated snowflake decorations and a sign reading "Wintermarkt" (Winter Market) shine brightly, with market stalls in the background showcasing holiday goods.

Location: Riesenradplatz
Opening Times: 21. Nov 2025 – 06. Jan 2026
Highlights: Vienna Ferris Wheel in the background

The Wintermarkt at Prater doesn’t technically count as a Christmas market, it’s just a winter market. But because Prater is such a popular amusement park and the iconic Riesenrad (Ferris wheel) lit up against the winter sky looks magical.

That said, the surrounding amusement park rides and attractions make the market not as festive compared to Vienna’s other markets, so it’s not my favourite market.

Vienna Christmas Market Map

Tips for Visiting the Markets

  • Dress warmly: It can get really cold, especially in the evenings, so bundle up with a good coat, hat, gloves, and scarf.
  • Bring cash: While many stalls accept card payments, some are cash-only, so it’s best to have some euros on hand. Most Christmas markets have ATMs.
  • Cup deposits: When buying drinks, there’s usually a deposit of around €5 for the cup. Don’t forget to return it to get your deposit back!
  • Plan for crowds: Weekends and evenings are the busiest times, so consider visiting during quieter hours if you prefer more space to browse.
  • Check opening times: In Austria, Christmas markets open in mid-November and most close on December 23rd (Christmas is celebrated on the 24th), with only a few open until New Year’s Eve.

Final Thoughts: Winter in Vienna

From the grandeur of Rathausplatz to the hidden gem of Unicampus, these markets aren’t just some of the best in Vienna, they’re among the best Christmas markets in Europe!

But why stop here? If you enjoyed the markets in Vienna, you’ll love Salzburg’s Christmas markets too! Check out my blog post on Salzburg’s Christmas Markets for even more inspiration to plan your perfect holiday getaway.

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A collage highlighting the best Christmas markets in Vienna, featuring the illuminated Rathaus with a giant Christmas tree, festive market stalls selling ornaments and wreaths, dried fruit garlands, and a red holiday-themed boot mug with 'Weihnachtsdorf Wien' text. A vibrant and cozy holiday vibe is captured across the images.
Best Christmas Markets in Vienna Austria

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.