We visited 9 Vienna Christmas Markets in three days

If you are looking at Christmas Markets in Europe, nearly every list will suggest Vienna Christmas Markets. Vienna is one of the most visited cities during the Christmas season. When we were planning our first trip to Europe for the Markets, it did not take long for us to add Vienna to our itinerary. Once you decide to include Vienna, you have a few choices to make. How many days, which markets are must-sees and what type of Markets

When you Google Christmas Markets in Vienna, you will find over 20 locations for Christmas Markets, some famous, and others will give you a more local feel. So, how do you decide where to go, how many to squeeze in, and whether you want to explore the city as well? It can get overwhelming, but by taking a moment to determine your priorities, you can devise a fantastic itinerary that suits you and your travel desires. There are a few Markets that are famous and often easy to visit, but with over 20 locations, you don’t have to stick to the big, well-known markets; you can seek a more local experience.

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Need to Know

Christmas Markets we visited.

Where we stayed

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What we got up to in Vienna when not at the Christmas Markets

Our 34-day trip started in Vienna. This destination was a little less complicated because it was our second visit to the city, so exploring all the things was not as high a priority. We could concentrate on an itinerary around the Markets and the few other places we wanted to include. We chose to include a maximum of two non-market must-sees each day. Our visit included other places as we passed them, but it did not matter as much if we did not make it a full visit.

We planned each day so that our time was well utilised by keeping things close to the planned market visits. However, on day 3, we ended up crisis-crossing the city a little to visit the chosen markets that we wanted to see, and this was a great day.

Need to Know about Vienna

Vienna is such a beautiful city, with so much to see and do, if you have not been before and can spare the time, consider a few extra days so you can mix the Christmas Markets with exploring this fascinating city. Whether you are just going for the markets or combining them with some exploring, here is a quick overview of some basics to get you started.

Vienna may not be known for the oldest Christmas Market, but it had a December market dating back to the Middle Ages in 1296. As far as modern Markets go, there is mention of “huts” at Graben and Brandstätte —in front of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in 1626—which were in place from mid-December until the 9th of January.

 

Money: €

€ = Euros, the currency of the European Union.

We always carry cash, especially to the Christmas Markets, just in case, but we have found many places accepting card payments.

Weather:

Average temps  0-5 degrees, with limited sunshine, a slight chance of snow or sleet and sunset is around 4 pm.

We visited days before the Big snowfall of early December and did get some snow on our last day.

Language:

German is the official language and is widely spoken, but a lot of English is also spoken. Here are a few basics to help you out.

Hallo – Hello, Guten Morgen – Good morning, Ja – Yes, Nein – No, Bitte – Please, Danke – Thank you, Auf Wiedersehen – Good bye, Tschüss / Tschüs – Bye

Christmas Markets we visited.

As I noted, there are over 20 markets throughout the city; some are large, including the largest in Europe, the Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz. Vienna can be a great choice if you want to visit Christmas markets early in the year, as many markets open in early November. We visited midweek at the end of November and found the crowds quite manageable, even at the famous Christkindlmarkt.

Most markets open between 10 am and midday and close between 8 pm and 10 pm. Some Markets are open on limited days of the week, so if I don’t mention a market you want to visit, please check other resources for their specific opening times.

Please use the Dates and opening times as a guide. They were correct at the time of writing, but it never hurts to go to official sights for more up-to-date information.

This is the list in order of the Markets we visited over our three-day visit. Vienna was our very first experience of European Christmarkets, and to say I was a little worried about the crowds was an understatement, but as I said, going earlier in the season seemed to pay off.

Market at Stephansplatz

Location: Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna

Theme: around 40 stands with a great selection of gifts and food

Dates: Nov 8 – Dec 26 2024

Opening times: 11 am to 9 pm (market closes at 4 pm on December 24th and at 7 pm on December 25th and 26th).

Highlights we enjoyed

This was the first Christmas Market we visited, so it was always going to be amazing, but the location so close to St Stephen’s helped make it so. This market was full of firsts; we loved the Gluwhien and their cute red boot mugs. Lunch was Potato pancakes and Soup in a bun both were thoroughly enjoyed. The quiet atmosphere; our first visit was around lunchtime, numbers were very low.

The market stalls wrap around two sides of the Church and really have a small, intimate feel. It was easy to wander one side of the market and then return along the side to Stephenplatz to continue exploring. The convenient layout of the market made it easy to navigate and explore at your own pace.

Something we learnt

Many markets will have tables you can stand at to eat or enjoy warm drinks, but seating is rare. As our trip went on, this stopped us from eating at markets as often as I had imagined. Only because after hours of walking, we often looked for a place to rest our weary feet.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

Maria-Theresien Platz Christmas market

Location:  Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna

Theme: After dusk, the market has a magical feel, and the setting is lovely. There is a selection of arts, crafts, and food stalls.

Dates: Nov 13 – Dec 312024

Opening Times: 11 am to 9 pm (Sun to Thurs), 11 am to 10 pm (Fri and Sat) and Closes earlier on December 24th (4 pm), 25th to 30th (7 pm) and 31st (6 pm)

Highlights we enjoyed:

The setting of this market is lovely, and I would definitely encourage an after-sunset visit. We went twice, mid-afternoon and early in the evening. The crowds were not unbearable, but numbers were noticeably higher once the sun went down.

Something we learnt

There was a little covered seating area at this Market. There are toilets here, and they cost to use them; having coins for bathrooms in Europe is always a good idea, as many places charge to use bathrooms.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

Rathausplatz Christmas Market

This is the biggest, and some say the grandest market in Vienna, housed in the grounds of the beautiful Rathaus.

Location: Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna

Theme: You can expect around 100 stands, strongly emphasising sustainability and kids. The market is bookended by the Rathaus Advent Park and Ice Skating, making for a wonderful mix of experiences. Even if, just like us, you just wander around, taking it all in.

Dates:  Nov 16 – Dec 26 2024

Opening Times: 10 am to 10 pm; the market closes at 6.30 pm on December 24th

Highlights we enjoyed:

This is one of the most visited markets in Europe, and even on a Monday evening, this was evident; it was not unmanageable, but definitely busier than other markets we had visited in the city. The Gluwhien was great; we had the best pork roll at a stall. The memory of that role will stay with us for a very long time. The park next to the market was lovely, and the heart tree was very pretty.

Something we learned

Expect this market to be busy, even earlier in the season.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

The Freyung Market

Location:  Freyung, 1010 Vienna

Theme: Freyung Square is home to the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt. A traditional old Christmas Market with a strong focus on decorations and gifts. A Christmas market was held here as early as 1772.

Dates: Tentative dates are November 15th until December 23rd (check local official Pages for an up-to-date schedule).

Opening Times: planned times of 10 am to 9 pm.

Highlights we enjoyed:

This small market, tucked in a quiet part of Vienna, felt intimate and relaxed. Phil tried Plum Schnapps at this market, and we found things not seen at other markets. Freyung had a really lovely, welcoming feel. We also bumped into the lady who shared our row on our flight over, that was a really lovely surprise.

Something we learned

You can always be surprised that this was the fourth market and that it had such different stuff; the local artisan’s wear was somehow surprising in all the right ways.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

am Hof Market

Location: Am Hof, 1010 Vienna

Theme: Popular with locals, unique arts and craft items and close to the Freyung. You can expect a decent number of stalls, numbering around 70

Dates: Nov 15 – Dec 23 2024

Opening Times: 11 am to 9 pm (Mon-Thurs), 10 am to 9 pm (Fri-Sun and public holidays), with Food & drink served an hour longer.

Highlights we enjoyed:

This market almost crept up on us as it is so close to the Freyung Market. It was nice, but we really only had a quick walk around the square and checked out the stands as we had our fill of Gluwhien (for that moment).

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

 ART Advent Market Karlsplatz

Location: Resselpark, Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna

Theme: Around 80 booths of Locally Produced arts and crafts make great choices for unique and high-quality gifts. Kids are also catered for with rides and a small animal farm.

Dates: Nov 15 – Dec 23 2024

Opening Times: Midday- 8 pm daily

Highlights we enjoyed:

This market was technically the first market we visited, but it was not opened yet. When we returned after dark, we were captivated by the quality of the products for sale. We had some great conversations with artisans who happily showed us their creations. It was also interesting watching the wood turners at work. The location looked amazing, even on a soggy night.

You can not go wrong visiting a market at night in Vienna. Every market seems to be strategically located for added wow factor.

Something we learned

If the Artisans aren’t rammed with customers, they love talking about their creations.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

 The Prater Amusement Park Market

Location:

Theme: Food, drink, and entertainment at the Prater funfair complex

Dates: Nov 16 2024 – Jan 6 2025

Opening Times: Midday to 10 pm (weekdays), 11 am to 10 pm (weekends and public holidays), 11 am to 5 pm on December 24th and 11 am opening on December 31st and staying open until 2 am the next day.

Highlights we enjoyed:

We got to the Prater amusement district early and rode the giant Ferris wheel, but we timed getting off as the stalls opened. It was quite early in the day, but we loved this small market that you could incorporate into some thrill-seeking on other rides. The handmade potato crisps were amazing. We did bring their mug home.

Something we learned

This was probably the one market we felt as though we got there too early. It was really quiet, and even 45 minutes after the open time, many stalls had still not opened. That being said, out visit here was as much about riding the Ferris wheel as visiting the Christmas Market.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

Christmas Village Campus at the University of Vienna Market

Location: Weihnachtsdorf Altes AKH, Universitätscampus – Hof 1, Alserstraße, 1090 Vienna

Theme: A Local market, a place where people gather and hang out.

Dates: Nov 15 – Dec 23 2024

Opening Times: 2 pm to 10 pm (Mon, Tues, Weds), 2 pm to 11 pm (Thurs, Fri), 11 am to 11 pm (Sat) and 11 am to 8 pm (Sun)

Highlights we enjoyed:

This market, housed on the grounds of the University, had a totally different feel. There were some really interesting features to discover around the market. We had some great food and, again, more Gluwhien. We were there mid-afternoon, and there was a really chilled environment, but I think as the locals arrived after work, it would have a really fun community vibe.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

The Christmas Market at Belvedere Palace

Location: Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere, Prinz Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna

Theme: It is in a beautiful location on the grounds of a Baroque palace. It has a rather romantic feel, especially in the evening.

Dates:  Nov 15 – Dec 31 2024

Opening Times: Scheduled times are 11 am to 9 pm (weekdays) and 10 am to 9 pm (weekends), and close early on December 24th at 4 pm and  December 25th to 30th at 7 pm and 6 pm. December 31st

Highlights we enjoyed:

We feel as though we saved one of the best Vienna Christmas Markets for last. I had read it was a beautiful market to visit once the sunset, but I was not ready for the setting; walking around the lake and taking in the Palace and shimmering lights across the water was truly a beautiful experience. The market itself was small and sat beautifully in the courtyard. It was worth the trek to get there, but unlike us, I would suggest getting there earlier to visit inside the palace.

Want to see more of this Specific Market? Here is the link to our visit.

Let’s talk Christmas Mugs

One delightful tradition at Vienna’s Christmas markets is the unique mugs that hold delicious mulled wine or glühwein. When you purchase a drink at the market, it often comes in a beautifully designed, collectible mug that reflects the theme of the market or the holiday season.

These mugs are more than just cups for your drink; they’re a symbol of the festive spirit of the markets. Each year, visitors look forward to the special designs that encapsulate the essence of Christmas in Vienna. The price of the mug is included when you purchase your drink, and you can get that money back if keeping the cup is not for you.

Not only do they make fantastic souvenirs, but they also offer a practical way to enjoy your drink while exploring the stalls. If you return to a stall with your mug, many vendors will refill it at a discounted price!

Every market has its own unique mug design, which makes collecting them over the years a fun and memorable experience. Some are adorned with iconic landmarks, while others feature charming holiday motifs. Don’t worry if you don’t want to take your mug home! Most markets offer a refund if you return the mug after enjoying your drink, making it an eco-friendly option as well.

So, as you stroll through the enchanting markets, be sure to grab a mug—it’s a perfect way to savour the festive beverages and take home a piece of Vienna with you!

Where we stayed to visit the Vienna Christmas Markets

 

For this visit, we stayed at the Hotel Terminus. The Hotel was close to a bus, Karlsplatz subway, and tram stop. Many food options are nearby, and the Naschmarkt is a few minutes away.

We loved our time in Vienna and visiting some of the Christmas markets in the City. I hope this has helped you as you plan, dream and visit this beautiful city at Christmas time.

We have four videos covering our visit to Vienna, three covering our visits to the markets and one looking at the other places we visited on our adventure to see this city’s amazing, including a look at the Hotel Terminus. Here is the link to the hotel walkthrough on YouTube.

*Check out Hotel Terminus on booking.com

What we got up to in Vienna when not at the Christmas Markets

As I said, this was our second visit to Vienna, so we were not looking to experience many tourist spots, but we did have a few things on our list to do during this visit. One thing that I really wanted to do was try some of the famous Cafes. Over the three days, we visited Cafe Sacher, Cafe Central and the amazing Volepension, a multi-generational cafe that employs retired people to help with the service and the cooking; it was such a brilliant experience, and I would definitely pop in.

We kept passing Cafe Sperl, another historic cafe that proved a real surprise during our travels. Cafe Sperl was beautiful.

The cafes are amazing, but we wanted to visit a couple of other places. Vienna is such an easy place to explore; the only place we did not tick off our list was going inside the Belvedere Palace. Visiting the Giant Ferris Wheel.also known as The Wiener Riesenrad.

More From Sapphire Blue Travel Explores

Looking for more information regarding planning for or watching Christmas Market visits for a little inspiration?  In this section, we include our Christmas Market Blogs and Links to our YouTube videos

More Europe Christmas Market Blogs

Visiting European Christmas Markets – 19 Tips to Help You Plan

Packing For A European Winter Trip – Avoid Our Mistakes

Try This If Visiting Multiple European Christmas Markets

Links to YouTube

We loved our time in Vienna we created 4 videos.

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