A Christmas Market is practically a street market associated with the Christmas celebrations. They originated in Germany, Austria, and Northern Italy and have been the places to check out before Christmas.

The Old Continent is home to plenty of Christmas Markets that sprung open around early November.

Vienna, Austria’s capital, has been home a Christmas market since 1294. And the tradition continues to this day!

Today, there are plenty of markets scattered throughout the city. The most popular one is, however, in front of the Town Hall.

What Christmas are open in 2024 in Vienna?

In 2024, Christmas Markets in Vienna open around mid-November. The most popular one, in front of the Town Hall, opens on November 16.

The following ones have already announced the opening days:

Viennese Dream Christmas Market – On the square in front of the City Hall: Nov 16 – Dec 26, 2024
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace – Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße: Nov 15 – Dec 26, 2024
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien Platz – Maria Theresien Platz: Nov 13 – Dec 26, 2024
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace – Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace: Nov 8, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025
Christmas Market at Spittelberg – Spittelberg district: Nov 16 – Dec 23, 2024

Aside from Christmas Markets, additional markets are also open in Vienna during the holidays:

Art Advent – Art & Crafts on Karlsplatz
Winter Market on Riesenradplatz
Old Viennese Christmas Market (German-language only)
Am Hof Advent Market (German-language only)
Christmas Market on Stephansplatz
Advent Delights Market next to Vienna State Opera House (German-language only)

Recommended experiences at the Viennese Christmas Markets:

• Christmas Market Vienna Tour (City Hall)
• Christmas at Belvedere: Private Tour of the Upper Palace & Market
• Magical Christmas Tour Around Vienna

Vienna Christmas Market in front of the Rathausplatz

It is the most popular Christmas Market in Vienna and where tourists flock each year. No matter when you plan your visit, it is crowded.

What can you find here? Well, everything Christmas-related, from amazing mulled wine, punch, pretzels, roasted chestnuts, Christmas decorations, a lot of gifts…the 150 stalls will keep you busy for a long time especially if the weather collaborates as well.

During the weekends there are also international choirs singing carols with free entrance.

A word of advice: Vienna in December can be bitter cold. Make sure to wear layers, bring your mittens, and sturdy winter shoes!

Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

This is a very charming Christmas Market in Vienna, although quite small. Located between the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum, it features only 70 stands. But you will be able to buy pretty much the same things here, too.

Christmas and New Year’s Market at Schönbrunn Palace

Further away from the bustle of the city center, front of the glorious Schönbrunn Palace, you can find a nice, large Christmas Market. You can find everything you would be looking for in a Christmas market plus mulled cider. Oh, and if you show up during the day, it’s pretty relaxed, lacking the crowds.

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Tips & tricks to visit Vienna during this time of the year:

Try to arrive in Vienna by early December rather than during Christmas. It’s cheaper and not as crowded in the city. Unless you want to hear the carols – as concerts only take place over the weekends- it’s best to visit on weekdays. Hotels and hostels are more expensive from Thursday night to Sunday night.

The markets get lively in the evening but you can spend the morning taking photos of the funny things which hang in trees.

>> here is our suggested itinerary for a winter break in Vienna (includes some Christmas Markets)

If you want a personalized souvenir from this experience, make sure to keep the mugs in which you are served the wine, punch or cider. Each market has its own mug so…it ads up. Also, you do have to pay for them (it was 2-2.50 euros back in 2013).

Photos by Alex & Cris P., taken in December 2013

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The article was last updated on Oct 5, 2024