Vienna's Magical Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Vienna date back to the Middle Ages when, in 1296, Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a December Market - or ‘Krippenmarkt’. Today, that single market has grown to 20 plus, transforming Vienna’s most beautiful squares, streets and parks into magical winter wonderlands decorated with festive lights and filled with the delicious aroma of Christmas baking, hot punch and toasted almonds.
Here is a quick guide to some of the best:
Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square
A tall, arched gateway lit up with candles welcomes visitors at the entrance to this traditional Christmas Market filled with gifts, decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats and warming drinks.
The Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung
Home to a Christmas Market in 1772, today this the place to buy handicrafts, glass decorations, traditional mangers and ceramics. Time your visit for 4pm to enjoy festive Advent music.
Am Hof Christmas Market
Just a few steps on from the Old Viennese Christmas Market, Am Hof is known for its top-quality handicrafts and choral singing.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
With the magnificent Imperial Palace as a backdrop, this atmospheric market offers traditional crafts and handmade decorations, as well as an ice-skating rink and cheerful fairground attractions including a carousel and a Ferris wheel.
The Christmas Village, Campus University of Vienna
Known for its traditional Viennese atmosphere, this market is a favourite of students and local families. The creatively designed and decorated stalls that line the narrow alleyways are piled with beautiful Christmas gifts, as well as delicious Glühwein.
So schmeckt NÖ Adventmarkt
This charming Christmas market at the foot of the Palais Niederösterreich is a celebration of the best of Lower Austrian craftsmanship, gastronomy and festive spirit. (The title translates to ‘taste of lower Austria.) The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the crisp winter air, while live music and carollers create a magical atmosphere.
The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
Set against the glorious baroque backdrop of one of Vienna‘s most beautiful sights, this market is filled with traditional handcrafted goods, elaborate Christmas decorations and special culinary delights.
Christmas Market on Spittelberg
Filling the beautiful, narrow alleyways of the city’s Biedermeier district, this Christmas market is an eco-event focused on sustainable, local, Fairtrade and organic products.
The Christmas Market on Stephansplatz
With the grand cathedral as a backdrop, the 40 stalls that make up this market are piled high with traditional Austrian crafts and produce.
The Christmas Market in Türkenschanzpark
Set around the park’s Turkish fountain, this is the place to find Austrian artisans including glass blowers, jewellers.
The Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens
A lesser-known gem, this Christmas market in the gardens and glasshouses of Vienna’s botanical gardens offers organic food and drinks, delicacies from the local region, gifts and tree decorations, as well as a wonderful exhibition of festive flowers.