December 7, 2024
Vienna's Christmas markets are among the most famous in the world, offering magical festive experiences across the city.
We have spent the 2019 Christmas in the city where you could still feel that we are still in the 17th century with the Baroque buildings and the Imperial Palaces. It was our third visit to this amazing city, the second of our girls. We were in Christmas Markets tour, we could not miss Vienna which is one of the best destination also for Christmas holiday. We were fortunate, our visit was on the Christmas day though, there were Christmas markets still opened in the popular places in Vienna. We got to experience the Christmas Markets in the St Theresian Platz, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, Schonbrunn Palace and the largest, at the Rathausplatz.
1. Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz
The largest and most iconic market, located in front of Vienna's City Hall. It offers over 150 stalls with handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and mulled wine. A highlight is the enchanting Rathauspark, transformed into a winter wonderland with a skating rink and sparkling decorations.
Opening Times:
November 8–December 26, 2024
Sunday–Thursday: 10 AM–9 PM
Friday–Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
December 24: 10 AM–6 PM
2. Stephansplatz Christmas Market
Set against the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral, this smaller, sophisticated market focuses on Austrian-made crafts and high-quality delicacies, providing a cozy yet elegant shopping experience.
Opening Times:
November 8–December 26, 2024
Daily: 11 AM–9 PM
December 24: 11 AM–4 PM
3. Maria-Theresien-Platz Market
Nestled between two renowned museums, between the Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches museums, this market combines a cultural vibe with festive spirit, featuring artisanal goods and seasonal snacks, perfect for those who love history and art.
Opening Times:
November 13–December 31, 2024
Sunday–Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday–Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
December 24: 11 AM–4 PM; December 25–31: 11 AM–7 PM
4. Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
This market enjoys the breathtaking backdrop of the baroque Belvedere Palace. It’s known for its premium crafts, fine wines, and traditional foods, offering a luxurious atmosphere.
Opening Times:
November 15–December 31, 2024
Monday–Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
December 24: 11 AM–4 PM
5. Art Advent Market at Karlsplatz
A sustainable, art-focused market that prioritizes eco-friendly products. It features creative workshops, art installations, and organic food options, making it unique in its dedication to artistry and sustainability.
Opening Times:
November 22–December 23, 2024
Daily: 12 PM–8 PM
6. Prater Winter Market
A vibrant mix of traditional stalls, live music, and carnival rides located near the Giant Ferris Wheel, ideal for families seeking festive fun.
Opens from Late November–early January
7. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Located in the forecourt of the famous palace, this market is a perfect blend of imperial charm and festive cheer. Visitors can enjoy handmade gifts, gourmet food, and live music performances in a regal setting.
Opening Times:
November 8, 2024–January 6, 2025
Daily: 10 AM–9 PM (varied on December 24, 25, and 31)
8. Imperial and Royal Christmas Markets
Held at historical sites like Hofburg Palace, these markets focus on Viennese traditions and elegant goods, reflecting the city’s imperial heritage.
Locations: Hofburg Palace and other imperial sites
Opens from mid-November to early January
Foods to Try
Roasted Chestnuts (Maroni):
Warm, roasted chestnuts are a quintessential snack, available at almost every market. They’re aromatic, sweet, and perfect for keeping your hands warm.
Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer):
Crispy and golden on the outside, soft on the inside, these savory treats are often served with sour cream or apple sauce.
Sausages (Würstel):
Viennese markets serve a variety of grilled sausages, like Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) or Bratwurst, paired with mustard and fresh bread.
Goulash Soup (Gulaschsuppe):
A hearty and warming Hungarian-style stew, often served in a bread bowl at some stalls.
Austrian Pastries:
Sweet options include:
Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel): A flaky pastry filled with spiced apple and often served with vanilla sauce.
Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy shredded pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and served with fruit compote.
Lebkuchen: Traditional gingerbread cookies, often decorated and flavored with honey and spices.
Pretzels (Brezeln):
Giant, soft pretzels in various flavors, from classic salted to sweet ones topped with sugar or cinnamon.
Raclette Cheese:
Melted cheese scraped over bread or potatoes, a Swiss influence but beloved in Vienna’s festive settings.
Drinks to Enjoy
Mulled Wine (Glühwein):
A must-have, this hot spiced wine (red or white) is available at every market. Some stalls offer creative variations, like orange or cherry flavors.
Punch (Punsch):
A sweeter, often fruitier alternative to mulled wine, with versions made from rum, brandy, or non-alcoholic bases for children.
++Hot Chocolate:__
Rich and creamy, sometimes topped with whipped cream or infused with liqueurs like amaretto for adults.
Tea and Coffee Specialties:
Markets often serve Austrian-style coffee (e.g., Wiener Melange) and herbal teas to keep you warm.
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives:
For families, hot apple cider, children’s punch (Kinderpunsch), and spiced teas are popular.
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the food in a festive, relaxed atmosphere. Many markets charge a small deposit for mugs, which you can keep as souvenirs or return for a refund. Portions are often shareable, so try several dishes with friends or family.
We took the Flixbus from Florenc, Prague to Vienna Edberg. I have booked on 23 June 2019 originally from Prague Main Station. Since we arrived in Florenc from Nuremberg, it would be troublesome if we bring our luggage to the Main Station. When we had arrived Florenc, Prague, we had requested for a change of departure. We arrived Erdberg at 01:20 on 25 December 2019, as scheduled. We were booked for two nights at the Ibis budget Wien Sankt Marx. We have reserved two rooms for a total of € 216.72. The budget hotel is near the Flix bus station. It was freezing though, we had walked with our luggage from the bus station to the hotel early in the morning.
The hotel we had stayed in was far from the center. The nearest metro to get to the city is Gasometer U station. Nevertheless, there was a convenience store in front of the hotel and a supermarket next to the hotel, Billa. Furthermore, Gasometer Mall is integrated with the Gasometer U station. My hubby and I were out by half past eight. The girls were still asleep.
We purchased day ticket for €8 each.
We planned to have breakfast at the McDonalds at Gasometer Mall, however, it was not yet opened that early. We headed to Stephenplatz, 7 stations from Gasometer U3.
We had our breakfast at the Mc Donald's at Stephenplatz. Afterwards, we took the U1 to Karlsplatz to start our walk along the Ring Road, the street that makes circle around the Inner City.
The Vienna Ring Road is the location of the medieval fortifications before it was dismantled in the mid-19th century. Picturesque historicist style buildings were erected thereafter following various elements of architectures: Baroque, Renaissance, Classical and Gothic.
Also known as Vienna Ringstrasse and Lord Of the Ring Roads, the road is designated by the UNESCO as part of the Vienna's World Heritage sites.
We alighted at Karlsplatz Station, a central hub in Vienna, and began our festive exploration on foot. Our first stop was at the Imperial and Royal Christmas Market, located in front of the Michael Wing of the Hofburg Palace, nestled within the historic heart of the city. This market, with its elegant white stalls, seamlessly blends into the grandeur of the Hofburg complex, as the booth colors match the palace’s neoclassical façade.
The market’s charm is further enhanced by its surroundings. Some of the Christmas villages are beautifully set against iconic buildings like Palais Herberstein and the striking modernist Loos Haus, creating a striking contrast between tradition and innovation. This unique combination of imperial architecture and festive decor adds a magical touch to the shopping experience, where visitors can browse high-quality artisanal goods, indulge in traditional Austrian treats, and sip on warm Glühwein.
From this enchanting market, we were immersed in the ambiance of imperial Vienna, where history and holiday cheer come together harmoniously.
On our way to the Christmas Markets at Theresienplatz, entering through the Äußere Burgtor (Outer Castle Gate) in Vienna, Austria. This historic gate, once part of the city's fortifications, stands between Maria-Theresien-Platz and Heldenplatz. During the era when the Ringstraße was a moat fortifying the Hofburg Palace, the gate served as a key defensive structure. Today, it forms an iconic entryway into Vienna’s rich imperial heritage.
Heldenplatz, the square in front of the Neue Hofburg, opens up to the festive sights of the Christmas Villages nestled between the two grand museums of Maria-Theresien-Platz: the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum). The market stalls here are charmingly decorated and offer a wide array of traditional Austrian culinary delights and handcrafted gifts.
Although it was too early for Vienna sausages and mulled wine, the holiday spirit was already in full swing. Our girls were on their way to meet us and made a quick stop at Stephansplatz for breakfast and a photo session with the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral as their backdrop. My husband waited for them near the Museumsquartier U2 station, while I took the opportunity to explore the nearby MuseumsQuartier and visit the Leopold Museum for a quick break—and a clean restroom. 😀
While waiting, I revisited the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a place we had visited back in May 2019. During our previous visit, I regretted not purchasing souvenirs, so I approached the entrance desk and explained my intention to shop at the museum store. The kind staff member provided me with an ID badge for access. I spent about half an hour at the museum shop.
I couldn’t find a canvas reproduction of Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss though, I was able to pick up posters of other famous works and a beautiful canvas copy of Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath. It reminded me of the Caravaggio exhibit we had seen at the museum during our 2019 visit, a highlight for any art lover.
With my purchases in hand, I rejoined my family, ready to continue our festive adventure through Vienna’s enchanting Christmas markets at the Theresien Platz..
The Christmas markets at Maria-Theresian-Platz are a centerpiece of Vienna’s festive season, offering a delightful experience in one of the city’s most scenic locations. Situated between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum, the square transforms into a charming winter wonderland during Advent, attracting both locals and visitors from around the world.
Approximately 70 beautifully adorned stalls fill the square, showcasing handcrafted treasures, unique holiday decorations, traditional toys, and artisanal goods. It’s a perfect spot to discover distinctive Christmas gifts.
The market is alive with the inviting scents of Austrian classics like roasted chestnuts, pretzels, and sausages. Guests can also treat themselves to sweet delights such as Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with jam and sugar) or warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot punch.
At night, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the market, enhancing its festive charm. The surrounding historic architecture and the majestic statue of Maria Theresa bathed in light create a magical and unforgettable holiday atmosphere.
At the center of the magnificent public square, the Maria Theresian platz, stands an imposing bronze statue of Maria Theresa (1717–1780), the only female ruler and final sovereign of the Habsburg Dynasty, who reigned for 40 years.
The 6-meter-tall statue depicts Maria Theresa extending her right hand in a gesture of greeting, while her left hand holds the Pragmatic Sanction—a decree enabling her succession to the throne. Surrounding her are four statues of generals on horseback, symbolizing her strong military leadership.
We took a tram from the Burgring stop, located just a short 4-minute walk from Theresienplatz, to reach Rathausplatz. This iconic square, in front of Vienna’s Neo-Gothic City Hall (Rathaus), hosts one of the most famous and bustling Christmas markets in the city. As the third market we visited that Christmas morning, it stood out for its scale and energy.
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market is the largest and busiest Christmas market in Vienna, with over 200 festively decorated stalls arranged in neat rows stretching across the square. The backdrop of the Rathaus, part of Vienna's Ringstraße attractions, adds a magical ambiance to the market's lively atmosphere. This historic building is not only the seat of Vienna’s local government but also a significant architectural and cultural landmark.
The Christmas tree at Rathausplatz, though dwarfed by the towering spires of the Rathaus, is still an impressive sight. Each year, a different Austrian city or province donates this tree, which is adorned with 2,000 sparkling LED lights, creating a stunning focal point amidst the festive stalls.
In addition to the culinary delights and traditional crafts on offer, the market also features a large skating rink, which opens during Advent. Families and visitors can glide across the ice while soaking in the festive ambiance of one of Vienna’s most picturesque locations.
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market perfectly encapsulates the holiday spirit, offering a delightful mix of tradition, local treats, and seasonal cheer in one of the most beautiful settings in the city.
One of the must-try delicacies at this market is Langos, a Viennese favorite for outdoor events. This delicious fried potato dough is coated in garlic paste, served hot and crispy, and shaped like a giant pancake. Langos is perfect for warming up on a chilly winter day while wandering through the market.
Our fourth stop on the Christmas market trail in Vienna brought us to the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, a market with around 40 charming stalls nestled between the Upper Belvedere Palace and its serene garden pond. While the market was quieter than others due to its location slightly outside the city center, the stunning Baroque backdrop made it worth the visit.
The Belvedere Palace complex, composed of the Upper and Lower Belvedere, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It was originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy following his victories in a series of wars against the Ottoman Empire. The symmetrical gardens, an integral part of the complex, are a hallmark of Baroque design, featuring precisely trimmed hedges and flower parterres in summer. However, during winter, the gardens lose their full splendor, leaving the palace itself to command attention.
The market itself offered a variety of seasonal treats, artisanal crafts, and festive decorations, but it lacked the bustling crowds found at more central locations. This allowed for a more relaxed shopping experience and the chance to fully appreciate the architectural beauty of the palace.
I had hoped to purchase a canvas reproduction of Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting, The Kiss, which is part of the Belvedere Museum's world-famous collection. Unfortunately, it was out of stock, and we settled for a smaller picture as a memento.
Although we did not enter the palace on this visit, the Belvedere Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of art, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. It boasts the largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, including The Kiss and Judith, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
The combination of Baroque splendor, a peaceful ambiance, and festive stalls made the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace a unique addition to our holiday itinerary in Vienna.
Our final stop in Vienna’s festive journey was the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, a fittingly grand conclusion to our exploration. As we approached the market, the air was filled with the inviting aroma of freshly baked Vanillekipferl biscuits and the sweet, spiced notes of Christmas punch. Despite the tempting scents, we skipped the food at the market fare this time, as our daughters were longing for some familiar Asian cuisine after five days in Europe.
Known as one of the most opulent and enchanting Christmas markets in Vienna, the Schönbrunn market truly lives up to its reputation. Nestled against the backdrop of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the market features elegantly decorated stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and gourmet treats. However, the prices here tend to be higher, likely reflecting the premium ambiance and picturesque setting. The centerpiece of the market, a stunning Christmas tree, is donated annually by the Austrian Federal Forests, standing proudly as a symbol of the season’s spirit.
The Schönbrunn Palace, originally built as the summer residence of the Habsburg Imperial family, adds an unmatched grandeur to the market. Its rich history, along with the seasonal decorations and festive atmosphere, creates an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The chilly weather and occasional drizzle didn’t deter us from taking in the sights. Though we were freezing and slightly wet, I encouraged my children to catch a glimpse of the Schönbrunn Gardens, even if they weren’t at their peak in winter. My husband and I had visited the gardens during spring in May 2018, when their full Baroque beauty—manicured lawns, symmetrical flower beds, and fountains—was on display. (I’ve written a detailed blog about that experience, which you can check out: Schönbrunn Garden.)
As we reminisced about our previous visits, we couldn’t help but recall the magical atmosphere of Stephansplatz at night during Christmas 2019. The St. Stephen’s Cathedral stood illuminated against the dark sky, surrounded by a festive crowd enjoying the holiday lights and the small market stalls nearby. It’s a sight that perfectly captures the spirit of Vienna during the holidays—majestic, vibrant, and heartwarming.
Our daughters had been checking for Japanese restaurants online and found one conveniently located near Stephansplatz. After a long day exploring Vienna’s Christmas markets, we enjoyed a comforting Japanese dinner on Christmas night. It was a simple yet satisfying way to end our festive day. Merry Christmas!
Despite my family being exhausted from the day’s adventures, I didn’t want to leave Vienna without visiting the iconic Prater. Determined, I decided to venture out on my own.
Upon reaching Praterstern Station, I noticed an adjacent mall with bustling activity. To my surprise, there was even a Japanese buffet restaurant there—it would have been a great option for dinner if only we had known earlier! Although not as crowded as other parts of the city, the bars around Prater were lively with people enjoying hot punch, festive music, and a relaxed Christmas atmosphere.
There were also Christmas market stalls nearby, selling traditional Viennese souvenirs and culinary treats. Was this the sixth Christmas market I had visited in Vienna? Perhaps so!
As for the amusement park, it resembled a ghost town that evening. The rides were still operating, but only a handful of seats were occupied, making the atmosphere eerily tranquil. Despite this, the charm of the Prater was undeniable. Many of the attractions, some of the oldest in the world, were immaculately preserved, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the late 19th century. It was a surreal experience to wander through the park, feeling transported back in time.
Returning to our hotel near the Gasometer was a challenge in the biting cold. The few minutes of walking from the station felt like an eternity, and I was practically freezing by the time I arrived. Thankfully, a Starbucks and McCafé at the adjacent mall were still open. A steaming cup of hot chocolate was my savior that night, warming me up before I headed back to the hotel.
This magical Christmas journey in Vienna, surrounded by grand historical architecture and festive cheer, was truly a unique experience. From the bustling markets to the serene beauty of Prater, every moment was unforgettable.
The following morning, we had a FlixBus transfer scheduled to Zagreb. The journey was smooth, with no issues encountered. Our time on buses concluded with this trip, as we rented a car from December 28, 2019, to the end of our European adventure, departing from Paris on January 6, 2020.
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