Vienna Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Vienna is the Austrian capital and is a place with both a modern atmosphere and historic character, with main attractions like the Spanish Riding School, Westbahnhof, and the Opera House. You will be lucky to travel here at any time of the year but if you are visiting Vienna in the winter, there are some things that you should know. Temperatures get cold and snow sometimes makes an appearance as well, but with the chilly weather comes magical Christmas markets opening in mid November and they make everything worth it.
Lots of people travel here to explore all the markets around town and you can often find nice Christmas gifts to bring home as well. Even if you don't do any shopping, the Christmas markets Vienna offers are full of festive cheer and are just fun to visit in general. Ready to set out to see the best Vienna Christmas markets? First, stop by a Vienna luggage storage facility to drop off your bags.
Christmas World at the City Hall
Christmas World, also called the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, makes an appearance at the Rathaus City Hall every Advent season and is one of the biggest (and most popular) Christmas markets in Vienna. The heart of the market houses a large Christmas tree surrounded by nearly 150 market stalls selling all sorts of goodies.
If Christmas Eve is approaching and you still have some gifts to buy, the Vienna Christmas Dream is a great place to go. There are also lots of food stalls where you can buy mulled wine and other warm drinks to keep you warm, as well as snacks like gingerbread men. The giant Christmas tree is really impressive as well!
What to do near Christmas World at the City Hall
The City Hall Square is a fantastic venue for this huge Christmas market and there are some other great holiday-themed attractions nearby as well. Go gliding around the huge ice skating rink, ride on the Ferris wheel or visit the kid's craft market! By the main entrance, you will find the Tree of Hearts which is the perfect backdrop for romantic photos.
Belvedere Christmas Village
This Viennese Christmas market is a bit smaller than most markets on this list but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna! The Belvedere Christmas Village is located a little further away from the city center so you won't have to deal with as many crowds either. With dazzling lights, decorated Christmas trees, and the gorgeous Belvedere Palace as a backdrop, what is there not to like?
There are about 40 stalls selling woolen accessories like hats and scarves, seasonal gifts and Christmas tree decorations. You can also buy all sorts of culinary delights that make for unique presents for loved ones or just treats to enjoy while you browse the other stalls.
What to do near Belvedere Christmas Village
Finding something to do near this Christmas market is easy since you will be right next to the Belvedere Palace! This gorgeous 18th century fortress houses a fantastic art museum. Check it out while you are there.
Maria Theresien Platz Christmas Village
The next stop on our list of popular markets in Vienna is the one at Maria Theresien Platz. This beautiful December market is quite big with many stalls for you to explore. If you are looking for original gift ideas this is where you should go; they sell high quality items like snow globes, candy, and lots of delicious foods.
This old Viennese Christmas market embraces the spirit of Christmas with a really festive atmosphere. Make sure that you stick around long enough to see the light show that is projected onto the buildings when the sun goes down! It stays open even after Christmas Day when it becomes a New Year's market.
What to do near Maria Theresien Platz Christmas Village
This Christmas village is conveniently placed right between two art history museums; the Vienna Natural History Museum and the Museum of Art. Take this opportunity to explore some exhibits!
Schönbrunn Christmas Market
For a more elegant shopping experience, you should head to the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market in Vienna. The large courtyard in front of the castle is one of the top Christmas destinations in the city, whether you want to go shopping or just hang out and be merry with other tourists and locals.
If you hear any Christmas music and singing it is most likely coming from the stage, whose central location helps the sounds of the Christmas concerts travel through the entire winter market. Take your time to visit all of the 60 stalls selling hand made Christmas decorations and other traditional handicrafts. And make sure to grab a glass of hot punch or mulled wine, too! This market also stays open past New Year's Eve.
What to do near Schönbrunn Christmas Market
While you are already at Schönbrunn Palace you might as well check it out up close! The parks on the castle grounds are nice spots to go for a walk as well.
Christmas Market at Spittelberg
This one is not a traditional Christmas market and can be found around the narrow streets of the Neubau neighborhood. It will have less of a touristy feel to it and is great if you want to have an authentic Austrian holiday experience. It is also a lovely place to go for a walk among the Biedermeier architecture.
There are many stalls set up in the shopping streets of the market and you can find some really interesting things to bring home as gifts or stocking stuffers. Most of the items are made from brass, silver or enamel, and there are also places to buy clothing, jewelry, ceramics and art.
What to do near Christmas Market at Spittelberg
If you have some free time you should explore the area a little bit. There is a nice theater called the Theater am Spittelberg where you might be able to catch a play or even a Christmas concert. This market is just a stone's throw away from some of the others so try visiting them all in a day.
Visiting Vienna Christmas Markets
These are only some of the main markets in Vienna and there are so many more to discover! The Freyung Market, Karlsplatz Market and Hof Advent Market are also worth checking out. Traveling with kids? The area of Riesenradplatz is another famous Christmas market set in an amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel, plus an extensive children's program. You won't want to miss out on these markets the next festive season!
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Vienna. For more things to do in Vienna, check out these other guides.
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