Many tourists from all over Europe head to the Christmas markets in Vienna during Advent, because they are among the best and most diverse. When do the Viennese Christmas markets take place and what prices should I expect? Find out in this article.
Tune in to Christmas with the magical atmosphere of the markets, where the smell of traditional Glühwein, Christmas cakes, strudels and roasted sausages, mingles with the air.
All this with lavishly decorated Christmas backdrops and illuminated trees.
When and where are the Christmas markets in Vienna?
Vienna hosts up to ten different Christmas markets each year, each with slightly different dates and opening times.
Generally, the markets start in mid-November and end either on 23 December or after Christmas (most often on 26 December).
Most markets are open daily between 11:00 and 21:00, but again times vary according to the specific market.
Opening times of Christmas markets in 2024
Exact opening times will be published around the end of October, when we will update this article. In the meantime, you can get an idea of last year's opening times.
Book your hotel in Vienna in advance
- Vienna's main Christmas market in front of the town hall - you'll find 125 stalls selling gifts, crafts, Christmas decorations, toys, food and drink. All the trees in the adjacent Town Hall Park are festively lit and nearby you can skate on the 3,000m2 ice rink. The local heart tree, popular with couples in love, has also gained popularity.
- 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Christmas Eve 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Official website: christkindlmarkt.at
- Location on the map
- Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz - Right between the Art History and Natural History Museums, a village with 70 stalls selling original gifts opens at Advent and transforms into a New Year's Eve village full of food stalls towards the end of the year.
- 13.11. - 31.12.2024
- Daily 11:00-21:00, Friday and Saturday until 22:00, Christmas Eve only until 16:00 and between 25 December and 31 December only until 18:00.
- Official website: weihnachtsdorf.at
- Location on the map
- Christmas Market on Stephansplatz - In the centre of Vienna, under the cathedral, you'll find about 40 stalls focusing on Austrian traditions and traditional products from the cities and mountains. The market tends to be the most crowded of all and we personally liked it the least because of the long waiting lines and small selection of delicacies.
- 8.11.. - 26.12.2024
- Daily 11:00-21:00, on Christmas Eve only until 16:00 and 25.+ 26.12 until 19:00
- Official website: weihnachtsdorf.at
- Location on the map
- Christmas Village at Belveder Castle - several dozen stalls spread out in the castle park with the baroque backdrop of the Oberes Belveder castle.
- 15.11. - 31.12.2024
- Daily 11:00-21:00, on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00, on Christmas Eve only until 16:00 and between 25 December and 31 December only until 18:00.
- Official website: weihnachtsdorf.at
- Location on the map
- Schönbrunn Christmas Market - The Christmas and New Year's market with the beautiful backdrop of Schönbrunn Castle will provide Christmas goodies, crafts, decorations or various workshops for children in about 80 stalls. There is also an ice rink with synthetic ice.
- 8.11.2024 - 6.1.2025
- Daily 10:00-21:00, on Christmas Eve 10:00-16:00 and from 25.12. to 6.1. only until 19:00
- Official website: schoenbrunn.at/christmas-market
- Location on the map
- Prater Winter Market - Prater amusement park can't be left behind, where you can enjoy the Christmas market with food, drink and attractions for children and adults.
- 16.11.2024 - 6.1.2025
- Daily 12:00-22:00, weekend from 11:00, Christmas Eve 10:00-17:00
- Official website: wintermarkt.at
- Location on the map
- The Christmas Village on the university campus - an authentic and very popular market with no tourists, where local university students and families especially come together thanks to several children's attractions, led by a small train and several lanes imitating curling. The park also has a wide selection of food and drink.
- 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Monday through Wednesday 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday only until 8:00 p.m.
- Official website: weihnachtsdorf.at
- Location on map
- Freyung's Old Vienna Christmas Market - the oldest market with a tradition since 1772 - offers mainly traditional handicrafts, glass ornaments and a programme of carols and Christmas songs. There are usually a large number of people in a relatively limited space.
- 17.11. - 23.12.2024
- Daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Official website: altwiener-markt.at
- Location on the map
- The Am Hof Christmas Market - a small market with a very quiet atmosphere right in the city centre contains about 40 stalls with quality artisanal gifts and several stalls with essential snacks.
- 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Daily 11:00-21:00, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00
- Official website: weihnachtsmarkt-hof.at
- Location on the map
- The Karlsplatz Advent Art Market - offers the most varied cultural programme, with exhibitions or concerts often taking place around the dozens of stalls selling various crafts and goodies.
- 15.11.. - 23.12.2024
- Daily 12:00-20:00
- Official website: divinaart.at
- Location on the map
- Spittelberg Christmas Market - a wide range of treats and Christmas goodies is complemented by traditional stalls selling gifts and souvenirs in the backdrop of the narrow streets of the Spittelberg district. It was the setting of the romantic streets that impressed us so much that we rate this Advent market as the best.
- 16.11. - 23.12.2023
- Daily 14:00-21:30, on weekends from 11:00
- Official website: spittelberg.at
- Location on the map
- Türkenschanzpark Christmas Market - away from the main tourist stream, you will come across a large and beautiful Christmas market with food, drink and original gifts in Türkenschanz Park in the north of Vienna. The market is mainly visited by locals and families with children.
- 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Weekdays 15:00-22:00, weekends 12:00-22:00
- Official website: weihnachtimpark.at
- Location on the map
Other smaller Christmas markets with a few stalls can be found all over Vienna, especially at churches and larger squares. Some are only open on weekends, others all week long.
Prices at Christmas markets in Vienna
There is no admission fee for any of the Christmas markets listed, they are open to the public, even if you don't buy anything.
To give you an idea, here are the average prices of goods at Vienna's markets. Prices vary slightly from market to market, with variations usually within 50 cents.
- Mulled wine 0.25 l - 5 eur
- Punch 0,25 l - 6 eur
- Roasted chestnuts (usually 6 pieces) - 5 eur
- Hot chocolate 0,25 l - 5 eur
- Tea 0.25 l - 5 eur
- Roast potatoes - 7,50 eur
- Roasted almonds 100 g - 5 eur
- Sausage - 7,50 eur
- Beer 0.3 l - 7 eur
- Kaiserschmarn - 8 eur
- Decorations, gifts and crafts: usually max. 15 eur
Can I pay by card?
At the big stalls at the main markets, especially in front of the town hall, in Schönbrunn or on Stephansplatz, you can usually pay by card.
However, it is always worth carrying cash, as most of the smaller stalls do not accept card payments.
Almost all markets have Euronet ATMs with very unfavourable withdrawal conditions. It is better to withdraw your money outside the markets at one of the ATMs of the regular Austrian banks.
What to watch out for - our tips
Pickpockets can be present at Christmas markets, so it's always a good idea to keep your wallet secure or not to take it with you at all and only carry cash or a card.
Please note that the Christmas markets are very crowded on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and if you can, make sure you go to Vienna between Monday and Thursday during Advent.
On weekends during December, accommodation in Vienna is up to 3 times more expensive than on weekdays.
Hi, I have a question about parking, specifically on Saturday. Is it worth looking for a free parking space nearby during this period (v. markets) or better to throw in a P+R and not worry. We are planning to go through the main market and only that Saturday.
Thank you for any reply