All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
In Vienna, Christmas markets go hand-in-hand with the winter season. The Austrian capital sees its many public spaces play host to stalls and vendors peddling all manner of warm treats and artisanal crafts that are sure to get anyone—whether local or traveler—into the holiday spirit. Though there are many iconic Christmas markets in Europe—ranging from nearby Germany all the way over to the United Kingdom—Vienna’s Christmas markets are special for their venues, set against the kinds of glittering imperial palaces and grand squares that you’ll only find in Austria. The market season in Vienna is also relatively long, with some running from early November all the way to January, making the city—one of our Best Places to Go in Europe for 2025—a magnificent Christmas destination.
The challenging thing is that there are so many Vienna Christmas markets that it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. Here are our seven recommendations for the markets to see, when they're open, as well as where to stay nearby. (Though it’s important to say that Vienna is a very accessible city and most of these Christmas markets are in the Innere Stadt, the historic old town of Vienna where many historic landmarks and plazas are located near the most luxurious hotel options in the city.)
Christmas Market on Rathausplatz
No, it's not literally a “rat house”—rathaus means “city hall” in German, and this festive Christmas market sits the adjacent square (that’s the German platz, a recurring theme in this list). The building, built in the late 19th century in a striking Gothic Revival style, offers a grand backdrop to this twinkling market that sells clothing, crafts, and confectionaries. When you’re feeling peckish, look for a variety of snacks like roasted chestnuts, Viennese sausages, and potato pancakes. As for attractions, you'll find here an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and the Bussiplatz (informally, “the kissing spot”) where tokens of love and heartfelt wishes can be left under a heart-shaped tree.
Dates: November 15 – December 26
Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Where to stay nearby: Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna (a 10-minute walk away)
Christmas Market on Stephansplatz
One of the most popular tourist sites in Vienna is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a 14th-century church done in the Romanesque and Gothic style and famous for its steep, multicolored roof decorated with about 230,000 glazed tiles that depict the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria; and a double-headed eagle, the symbol of the historic Habsburg royal family. As such, the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s is similarly traditional, with Austrian arts, crafts, and delicacies available among its roughly 40 booths that line Stephansplatz. Once you’ve had your fill, step into St. Stephen’s to catch one of their regular Christmas concerts, where ticket sales go to the conservation of the city’s most important religious landmark.
Dates: November 8 – December 26
Address: Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna
Where to stay nearby: Hotel Sacher Wien (a 10-minute walk away)
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
There are multiple components to the majestic grounds of Vienna’s Belvedere: the two Baroque palaces of the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables, all of which now house the Austrian Gallery Belvedere’s collections. Among its many treasures, you’ll find Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting The Kiss, which you can visit before or after exploring the festive village that takes residence in the palace complex. Despite the large size of the area, there are only about 40 stands at the Belvedere’s Christmas market, making this one of the more relatively tranquil options of the lot. Still, the crafty and culinary treats here will warm you up, and the view of the palace lit up at night with all the holiday flair is sure to be memorable.
Dates: November 15 – December 31
Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien
Where to stay nearby: Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, by Hyatt (a 10-minute walk away)
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Sandwiched between Vienna’s Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum is the Maria-Theresien-Platz, named after the Habsburg empress Maria Theresa, whose monument stands in the center of the square. The Christmas market here has roughly 70 stalls that line the pathways of the impeccably gardened plaza, offering plenty of food, art, and crafts for purchase in an extremely ornate Viennese setting in the shadow of 19th-century architectural marvels. While you’re here, don’t miss the museums; on the southwest side, the Art History Museum is presenting a Rembrandt exhibit this year that happens to be open at the same time as the Christmas village’s run.
Dates: November 13 – December 31
Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Where to stay nearby: Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna (a 9-minute walk away)
Viennese Christmas Market on the Freyung
The Freyung is a public square in the shape of a triangle in the Innere Stade where, historically, street artists and performers entertained the Viennese public, rubbing elbows with the aristocracy who built their homes around the area’s perimeter. The Christmas market here dates back to 1772, and given the smaller square footage, is a bit more manageable than the holiday villages at the palaces. It’s not lacking in the festive goodies, however. The Christmas market on the Freyung is known for its extensive decorations, as well as an attached farmer’s market—a worthy stop all its own, given Vienna’s commitment to sustainability, local produce, and zero-kilometer dining.
Dates: November 15 – December 23
Address: Freyung, 1010 Vienna
Where to stay nearby: Park Hyatt Vienna (a 3-minute walk away)
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
Of all the markets on this list, the one at majestic Schloss Schönnbrunn is the first to open on the calendar and the last to close, stretching into Epiphany a.k.a. Three Kings’ Day. Up to 100 stalls set up shop on the palatial grounds, around a carousel, a children’s train, a Ferris wheel, skating rinks, and even curling rinks. With all the attractions, plus the dedication to culinary and craft goodies, makes the Christmas market here an especially good one for families. It’s important to note that visiting Schönnbrunn, whether in the holiday season or at any other point in the year, requires taking public transportation, as it’s a bit outside the city center of Vienna. That said, it’s super easy to get to on the subway; your access points are the Schönnbrunn (naturally) and Hietzing stops on the U-Bahn.
Dates: November 8 – January 6
Address: Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Vienna
Where to stay nearby: Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel (a 20-minute ride away on the Vienna metro, the U-Bahn; the Karlsplatz stop, right behind the hotel, offers a direct connection)
Art Advent Market on Karlsplatz
Speaking of Karlsplatz, this public square plays host to its own market during Christmastime, called the Art Advent. As such, the emphasis among the 70 or so stalls here is craft goods and artisan pieces, as well as art workshops and installations. In fact, for a merchant to sell their wares here, they must pass an assessment by a jury: they must be based in Austria and create their own products—no traded goods allowed. This means the Karlsplatz market is perfect for anyone who wants to support small businesses while acquiring unique works of art. Similarly, all food sold here must be organic—that includes the mulled wine that will keep you warm as you shop and hang out with artisans who will be excited to share their craft with you.
Dates: November 15 – December 23
Address: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna
Where to stay nearby: The Amauris Vienna - Relais & Châteaux (a 3-minute walk away)
