7 Best Vienna Christmas Markets – 2024

Vienna is a beautiful city all year; the music and architecture are always festive. But, during the Advent season, the city comes alive with markets everywhere. After checking so many markets these are the best Vienna Christmas Markets.

One of them was my favorite of the whole trip.

These are the best Christmas markets plus what to do when the markets aren’t open and everything else you need to know to plan your trip to see the markets in Vienna.

Some of the links on the page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from one of the links, I earn money at no extra cost to you. I’ll only recommend brands I’ve used and love (or an alternative I would book myself). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I always pay for my own travel. I’ll be sure to let you know if that ever changes. If you choose to click through and purchase – thanks so much for the support!

The Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

Every market is fun to wander around but these are great places to fit in.

1 – Main Christmas Market – Rathausplatz near City Hall

My favorite market of all of the markets is the one near the city hall in Vienna. This market is massive. There is a carousel in the middle, multiple food and drink stalls, and so many craft stalls. It’s a maze of Christmas market cheer. Plus, there is a light show with a nativity walk.

My favorite part was the ice skating trail.

I decided not to skate here since it was the first stop on a long trip. I still regret it. If you’re venturing to other markets know that the ice skating at the main market in Vienna is the best.

This market is so big and offers so much that you could take multiple visits to explore.

2- Karlsplatz

The market at Karlsplatz easily earns its spot on the “Best Vienna Christmas Markets” list. This market was my second favorite. It felt more local and it was always packed. I can’t believe all of the stalls that fit in the area. Food, mulled wine, and unique crafts abound.

Plus some interesting carousel options and a petting-zoo-type situation. I didn’t see anything like it in any other market.

The lights decorating the area with the basilica in the backdrop make it special. But, there’s so much going on it’s easy to miss the beautiful church in the background.

This is another market that earns a second, or third, visit.

3- Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is outside of Vienna but it’s a quick train ride so it’s worth it. Plus, Schönbrunn Palace is one of the things you should see when you’re visiting Vienna anyway.

This market is right in front of the impressive palace. If you want to visit the palace you’ll need a ticket but the Christmas market is free to enter.

You can take a guided tour of the palace if you want. Or, you can do a self-guided tour.

Like other markets, there are crafts, mulled wine, and snacks. But, the palace and just being out of the city make this a really special market to visit.

4- Stephensplatz

The backdrop of this market makes it special. It’s downtown by the massive gothic cathedral. It’s also blocks from Mozart’s home.

This is one of the most beautiful parts of Vienna even without a Christmas market! I found more food here than at some of the others. But, there are plenty of craft stalls as well.

You can find horse-drawn carriage rides near this market as well.

5- Belvedere

The Belvedere lawn is home to one of the most popular markets in the city. It’s got a very festive vibe packed in a small area.

Along with the standard Christmas Market staples this one seems to cater to families a bit more with a carousel and more lights. But, it’s still in front of a beautiful palace so it’s worth checking out even if you don’t have kids with you.

6- Maria Theresien Square

The market at Maria Theresien Square is between the Museums of Art and Natural History. There are 4 sections of stalls. Each goes out from the statue in the center.

Since it’s a slightly different layout than other markets I found it easy to get confused in this market. It’s hard to move through and see the whole market.

But, it’s still worth walking through. It just felt more crowded than other markets did.

7- Vienna University

The market at Vienna University is a bit smaller than the others. It’s got a different feel to it even though the booths are similar to every other market you’d visit. It’s a bit more of a local friendly market. But, it’s in a small space so moving about can be difficult.

Part of the fun of exploring the markets is experiencing the different environments. This market doesn’t have to take long to visit. But, it’s worth it to see a different vibe.

Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Vienna

• Dress in warm clothes. It’s colder than you think it will be when you wander around the markets.
• Be prepared for crowds. The markets are popular for a reason and the crowds are part of the experience.
• Plan the rest of your sightseeing around the Christmas markets. For example, visit Schönbrunn Palace and the market there at the same time. Don’t go back and forth.
• Have a plan but don’t be afraid to walk through one of the smaller markets if you wander by one.

What to Do in the Mornings?

There is plenty to see and do in Vienna. The markets are usually open in the afternoons and evenings. But, the evenings are special because that’s when everything is lit up and festive!

See Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, for sure. It’s nice to be inside a bit when it’s so cold out.

You can steal some ideas from this itinerary.

What to Eat and Drink?

Mulled wine is a must when you’re at the markets! It’s warm and delicious. There are options for cider too. Or, a warm kinder punch if you’re not feeling the alcohol.

I expected to find spiced nuts everywhere but I didn’t. There were some delicious ones at the Rathausplatz market (another reason it’s one of the best Christmas Markets).

The fried potatoes were another favorite.

Try to enjoy some of the food at the markets if you can.

Several booths will have the standard allergen markings on their menus if that’s something you need.

What to Buy?

There are so many Christmas souvenir ideas. Trinkets and ornaments abound. The ornaments were my favorites because it felt like a festive way to remember the experience.

But, look for gloves and scarves. Artisan candies and snacks.

Honestly, you’ll find something you love or as many gifts as you want to take back.

So, buy whatever you want as long as you can get it home!

Where to Stay in Vienna?

Stay near one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna if you can. It’s nice to feel like you have your market; one that you’re able to visit every day of your trip if you’d like.

Karlsplatz was my market and I’d stay near it again without question.

The Intercontinental is a good splurge if you have the points. It’s extra festive.

But, other hotels in the area are much more affordable. Like these.

Know that the Advent season is a popular time to visit Vienna so try to book early so you have all of the options.

Getting Around Vienna

Public transportation in Vienna is easy to navigate. There are subways (U-Bahn), trains (S-Bahn), trams (Straßenbahn), and busses. So, it’s easy to get where you want to go using public transportation if you want to stay warm.

You can buy individual rides as you go. But, a pass is a good deal too.

But, you should walk around Vienna as much as you can. First, it’s a beautiful city.

But, since you’re here to see markets, you can stumble upon small markets as you walk around. It’s a fun way to happen upon something unique.

Enjoy the Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

Budapest has won some awards for its markets but the Christmas markets in Vienna were my favorites.

The best Christmas markets in Vienna are some of the best Christmas markets period.

Vienna provides the backdrop for an amazing winter vacation!