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Christmas Markets in Austria 2025

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Christmas Markets in Vienna 2025

With the arrival of winter, Vienna transforms into a fairy tale setting. Streets are illuminated with thousands of lights, and the air is filled with the enticing aromas of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and fresh pastries. Charming Christmas markets pop up throughout the city, continuing a tradition that spans over 700 years; as early as 1298, Emperor Albert I granted Vienna the privilege to hold special fairs in December.

Today, Vienna’s Christmas markets serve as vibrant cultural centers where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the festive atmosphere, savor traditional delicacies, and discover unique handcrafted gifts.

Table of Contents

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt Schönbrunn)

Dates: November 6, 2025 — January 6, 2026

Opening Hours:

November 6 — December 23: Daily 10:00-21:00
December 24: 10:00-16:00
December 25 — January 6: 10:00-19:00

Location: Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Vienna

The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace is an imperial celebration set in the main courtyard of the magnificent 18th-century palace. This market opens earliest and runs longest, continuing as a New Year’s market after December 25th.

With over 90 festive pavilions, visitors can find high-quality handcrafted items, from blown glass ornaments to traditional wooden toys. Family entertainment is a highlight, featuring an ice rink, Ferris wheel, carousel, children’s railway, and traditional craft workshops.

Culinary delights include Kaiserschmarrn (a sweet omelet named after Emperor Franz Joseph), roasted chestnuts, lángos, and a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. A favorite among children is the “Sisi” punch, flavored with cherry and amaretto.

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Vienna Christmas Market at Town Hall Square (Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz)

Dates: November 14 — December 26, 2025

Opening Hours:

Daily: 10:00-22:00
December 24: 10:00-18:30

Location: Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), 1010 Vienna

The largest and most renowned Christmas market in Vienna, officially called “Wiener Weihnachtstraum” (Vienna Christmas Dream), features over 150 wooden huts arranged in front of the stunning neo-Gothic town hall.

At the center stands a 30-meter Christmas tree donated annually by one of Austria’s federal states. The market is also known for its “Heart Tree” (Herzerlbaum), a romantic attraction for couples.

Children can enjoy a special “children’s hut” with creative workshops, a library, and a play area. Daily activities take place from 15:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 11:00 to 18:00 on weekends, with storyteller Wieni reading Christmas tales from around the world every Thursday at 15:00.

In Town Hall Park, the ice rink “Wiener Eistraum” (Vienna Ice World) features romantic lighting and a special area for beginners.

Belvedere Palace Christmas Village (Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere)

Dates: November 14 — December 31, 2025

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday: 11:00-21:00
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-21:00
December 24: 11:00-16:00
December 25-30: 11:00-19:00
December 31: 11:00-18:00

Location: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna

Considered the most romantic market in Vienna, this event is set against the backdrop of the stunning Baroque Belvedere Palace. About 40 elegantly decorated stalls offer exquisite handcrafted items, including amber, silver and glass jewelry, aromatic candles, and wooden toys.

The market provides a more tranquil atmosphere compared to central locations, allowing visitors to savor traditional Austrian dishes like sausages, leberkäse, raclette, and Kaiserschmarrn, along with seasonal treats such as chocolate-covered fruits, lebkuchen, and roasted almonds.

For the best photos, visit the southern gates of the complex at dusk, when the palace is beautifully illuminated.

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Spittelberg Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg)

Dates: November 14 — December 23, 2025

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday: 14:00-21:30
Saturday-Sunday and holidays: 11:00-21:30

Location: Spittelberggasse, Stiftgasse, Schrankgasse, Gutenberggasse, 1070 Vienna

Set in the bohemian Spittelberg district, this market is known for its ecological focus. Unlike other markets, it is situated along narrow cobblestone streets flanked by early 19th-century Biedermeier buildings, creating a cozy, village-like ambiance.

All products at the market must be organic, vegan, produced according to fair trade principles, or crafted by local artisans. Visitors can find unique artworks, ceramics, warm sweaters, carpets, and jewelry made from silver, enamel, and brass.

Culinary offerings include organic and vegan pastries, a wide selection of international dishes, and various types of punch, all complemented by live music and street performances.

Old Vienna Christmas Market at Freyung (Altwiener Christkindlmarkt)

Dates: November 14 — December 23, 2025

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-21:00

Location: Freyung, 1010 Vienna

The oldest Christmas market in Vienna, with a tradition dating back to 1772, is held on a historic square surrounded by Baroque palaces and the medieval Schottenkirche church.

This market specializes in traditional Viennese crafts, including blown glass ornaments, wooden nativity scenes, ceramics, and gingerbread. Festive Advent music fills the square from 16:00, and an organic farmers’ market

operates on Fridays and Saturdays.

Its intimate and authentic atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals.

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Christmas Market at Am Hof (Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof)

Dates: November 14 — December 23, 2025

Opening Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11:00-21:00
Friday-Sunday and holidays: 10:00-21:00
Food served until 22:00

Location: Am Hof, 1010 Vienna

Located on one of Vienna’s oldest squares, which has been a trading place since the 13th century, this market features over 70 stalls offering high-quality handcrafted items, ceramics, textiles, and festive decorations.

Its specialties include exclusive cedar punch (Zirbenpunsch) and their own beer, “Bock Bier — Am Hof.” Culinary highlights encompass Tyrolean dishes, the “Hot Kiss” cocktail (a mix of raspberry liqueur, prosecco, and whipped cream), and various meat delicacies.

Art Advent at Karlsplatz (Art Advent)

Dates: November 21 — December 23, 2025

Opening Hours:

Daily: 12:00-20:00
Food served until 21:00

Location: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna

The “Art Advent” market, situated in front of the magnificent Baroque Karlskirche church, has an alternative character with strict selection criteria for participants. Organizers ensure diversity, quality, and authenticity among the offered goods.

All food products at the market are certified organic. Here, visitors can discover unusual art pieces, unique craft items, and enjoy Bauernkrapfen (Austrian donuts filled with jam) and other traditional delicacies.

For children, workshops and playgrounds featuring hay and domestic animals are available. Evening concerts of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” are held in the church.

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Christmas Village at University Campus (Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien)

Dates: November 14 — December 23, 2025

Opening Hours:

Monday-Wednesday: 14:00-22:00
Thursday-Friday: 14:00-23:00
Saturday: 11:00-23:00
Sunday: 11:00-20:00

Location: Alserstraße/Spitalgasse, Court 1, 1090 Vienna

Set in the historic campus of the University of Vienna (formerly the General Hospital), this market attracts students and families. The center features a unique Christmas tree made of sleds.

Visitors can indulge in regional delicacies from mountain hut-style stalls, ride a children’s railway, enjoy an old carousel, and try curling (advance booking required via the market’s website). The atmosphere is relaxed and less commercialized compared to central markets.

Stephansplatz Christmas Market (Stephansplatz)

Dates: November 8 — December 26, 2025

Opening Hours:

Daily: 11:00-21:00
December 24: 11:00-16:00
December 25-26: 11:00-19:00

Location: Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna

Situated at the foot of the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this market features about 40 stalls offering high-quality Austrian products. The Gothic architecture of the cathedral provides an impressive backdrop for Christmas shopping.

The intimate setting is perfect for couples seeking a romantic experience, allowing them to enjoy traditional pastries and mulled wine while admiring the illuminated cathedral and the modern Haas House building.

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Winter Market at Riesenrad (Winter Market Riesenradplatz)

Dates: November 21, 2025 — January 6, 2026

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday: 12:00-22:00
Saturday-Sunday and holidays: 11:00-22:00
December 24: 10:00-17:00
December 31: 12:00-02:00

Location: Prater, 1020 Vienna

Nestled next to the legendary Ferris wheel (Riesenrad) in Prater Park, this market stays open late and continues after New Year. Free live music concerts are held on the large stage from Wednesday to Sunday.

The romantic lighting of the Ferris wheel creates a special atmosphere, providing a magical backdrop for enjoying evening mulled wine and traditional winter delicacies.

Practical Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit is in the late afternoon or early evening (16:00-19:00) when the festive lights are illuminated but before the peak crowds arrive. Weekdays tend to have significantly fewer visitors than weekends.

What to Bring

Warm clothing: Vienna winters can be quite cold; don’t forget a hat, scarf, and
gloves.
Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot on cobblestone streets.
Cash: Some stalls accept only cash, though most modern markets also accept cards.

Culinary Must-Tries

Glühwein: Hot spiced wine served in festive mugs (€5 deposit, refunded when the mug is returned).
Punsch: A fruity spiced drink with alcohol, available in many flavors.
Lángos: Hungarian flatbread topped with garlic sauce.
Bauernkrapfen: Austrian donuts filled with jam.
Roasted chestnuts: A classic winter delicacy.
Lebkuchen: Gingerbread in various shapes and sizes.

Souvenirs and Gifts

The best selection of unique handcrafted gifts can be found at the Karlsplatz, Am Hof, Spittelberg, and Schönbrunn markets. Avoid mass-produced souvenirs and look for items made by local artisans.

Transportation

All major markets are easily accessible by public transport. A day ticket for all transport types costs about €8. Many markets are within walking distance of each other in the city center.

Special Events

Brass band concerts at Town Hall (daily at 19:00-19:30 and 20:00-20:30).
Children’s activities at Town Hall (daily, except December 24).
Workshops for making candles and Christmas decorations.
Live music at many markets in the evenings.

Important Notes

The Maria-Theresien-Platz market will not operate in 2025 due to reconstruction.
Some markets continue after Christmas, transforming into New Year markets.
Prices: mulled wine €3-5, hot dishes €6-12, souvenirs €5-50+.

Vienna’s Christmas markets are more than just shopping venues; they embody a living tradition that unites history, culture, and festive spirit in one magical experience. Each market showcases its unique character, from the imperial grandeur of Schönbrunn to the bohemian charm of Spittelberg. Be sure to visit several markets to fully appreciate the diverse magic of Vienna’s Christmas season!

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