All You Need to Know about Vienna’s Christmas Markets, 2025
Are you planning a trip to the markets and overwhelmed on where to start? I get it- I was in your place recently. Lucky for you, I’m here to help guide you through the best and brightest parts of the Christmas markets in Vienna.
I recently spent several wonderful days in Vienna, Austria, exploring the majestic city in the day and markets in the afternoon and nighttime. I had the most incredible experience and can’t wait to help guide you through Vienna’s Christmas Markets.
Quick Tips
- Bring cash- some markets take cards and/or Apple Pay while others only accept cash
- Try to keep some cash or coins handy so you don’t have to dig through jackets and/or purses/wallets
- Weekends are jam-packed as well as the first few days of the opening season- plan accordingly
- Be patient if visiting during a busy time. Lines for popular stands can be long as well as trying to ice skate or any of the kid activities
- Wear layers as the temps drop once the sun goes down.
- Be patient with public transportation. The trams were packed near City Hall.
- Make sure to grab one of the decorative mugs from at least one market! If you don’t like the design, you can return the others at the end of the night and receive a few euros back.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the stunning capital city of Vienna and the former home of the Hapsburg Dynasty that ruled Central Europe for centuries. I’ve been fortunate to visit twice, and the beauty of the historic buildings never ceases to amaze me.
The public transportation network is strong, with subways and street cars. We use Uber frequently and find it much more affordable than in the US. Besides the markets, we visited some of our favorite spots, including touring Schonbrunn Palace, the Imperial Crypt, the Sisi Museum, Demel, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Vienna is a great spot because there’s so much more to see than the markets, and you can maximize your time in Austria. It’s also not far from Munich, Salzburg, Budapest, and Prague if you want to add another city to your trip.
City Hall at night, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Vienna’s Winter Weather
We visited in late November, and it was a bit chilly at first, but it did warm up a little as the days went on. As a native Southerner, I thought it was cold, but for some of you, it may be similar to the winter weather you experience at home.
My advice is to wear layers, a hat and gloves. As the sun goes down, the temps will drop. Below are the traditional highs and lows for Vienna in November & December.
November
- Average high- high 40’s
- Average low- low 40’s
December
- Average high- low 40’s
- Average low- low 30’s
ice skating at Schönbrunn, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Market Treats
You can’t go to the markets without trying some of the best Viennese treats! Make sure you enjoy these delicious items-
- Bratwurst
- Glühwein
- Punsch
- Hot chocolate
- Spaetzle
- Baked potato
- Soup in a bread bowl
- Krapfen (jam donut)
- Roasted chestnuts
- Kaiserschmarrn (pancake bites with sweet toppings)
Vienna’s Majestic Markets
One nice perk of Vienna is the availability of numerous markets throughout the city. We spent 3 days and nights exploring this beautiful city and its magical markets. Here are my favorite markets and their pros/cons.
Rathausplatz
You will find the iconic Viennese market in front of the town hall. This is the centerpiece of all Christkindlmarkts in Vienna and boasts nearly 100 stalls. If you are short on time, add this to your list.
Rathausplatz, photo credit: R. Schwartz
First of all, the decor is worth the trip. Lights hang in the trees, and fun decor is like the tree of hearts. The entrance captures your attention and welcomes you to the holiday festivities.
For kids, there’s a section off to the right of the entrance with small rides and hot chocolate in charming mugs with kid designs. There’s also a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and a small ice skating section for littles.
For adults and older kids, a fantastic ice skating route through the market stays open into early January.
Rathausplatz, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Pro Tip: This is one of the largest and most popular markets. We visited on opening weekend, and it was PACKED! Avoid this if possible. We went back on a Monday night, and it was less crowded and more enjoyable.
Address: Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn’s market is a bit further away from the center of town, but don’t let that discourage you from making the trek. Trust me- it is completely worth the extra commute.
If you enjoy the history of the Hapsburgs, you’ll want to tour the palace. At the same time, the markets offer mugs with the palace or images of Sisi (Empress Elisabeth) on them. These are unique compared to some of the other designs in town and you won’t find them anywhere else!
Schönbrunn’s market
Don’t be afraid to bring kids to this market; there’s ice skating, hot chocolate, and a Ferris wheel. There’s a neat opportunity for adults to try the winter sport of curling.
Hands down- this was my favorite market. The stalls are surrounded by the majestic palace, and I found the whole experience magical. We also visited during the day so the crowds were probably a bit smaller. Regardless, I would visit Schönbrunn while you are in town.
Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
Stephansplatz
market next to St. Stephens, photo credit: R. Schwartz
This market winds around the side and back of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Compared to City Hall, it is much smaller but not as crowded. If visiting Vienna, you could spend a ½ day here visiting the majestic church, shopping, exploring the market stalls with local fare, and then grab a delicious dessert at Demel around the corner.
The decor in this part of Vienna is worth checking out. Lights cascade the wide pedestrian streets connecting the shops and restaurants in this part of Vienna.
Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
Spittelberg
Spittelberg is a unique twist on the Christmas markets. Instead of a large park or common area, this market is scattered through several parallel residential streets. I visited with my sisters and we loved this area as it is truly one of a kind.
Spittelberg, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Many vendors are locals selling their homemade crafts and jewelry versus some of the mass-produced items at the markets. If you want a break from the same ornaments and hats, visit Spittelberg, where you can participate in a tight-knit community and food from local restaurants.
If you want to maximize your time in Vienna and see multiple markets, I suggest scheduling a few hours at Maria Theresa and Spittelberg or vice versa. They are in close walking distance.
Address: Spittelberggasse 20/1, 1070 Wien, Austria
Belvedere
Belvedere Palace, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Majestically situated in front of Belvedere Palace, you will find another smaller market. Although it is further away from the larger markets, Belvedere’s ambiance is unique in front of a baroque palace in Vienna.
We stayed in this area, so we walked over to see it. I’m glad we did, as it was quaint, and the palace is magnificent. However, if you are short on time, I suggest sticking to some of the other markets in the heart of time (simply for time’s sake). Belvedere isn’t within walking distance to Maria Theresa, City Hall, etc.
Address: Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere, Prinz Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna
Maria Theresien Platz
Maria-Theresien-Platz, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Sandwiched between the art museum and Vienna’s Natural History Museum, guests will discover a delightful market at Maria Theresien Platz. This is a great market to visit during the day as you can tag team one, if not both, of the museums and then end with a warm drink and sweet treat.
Bathrooms here are much nicer than in some of the other markets, as they have brought in portable bathroom trailers. There is a fee, but I found them to be very clean!
Address: Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Karlsplatz
Karlsplatz, or commonly known as Art Advent, is a unique market in Vienna. Situated in front of Karlskirche church, you will discover more homemade and local crafts here versus the same generis ornaments and gifts at the other markets. In fact, it is a requirement to secure a booth at the market.
Address: Resselpark, Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna
In Conclusion: All You Need to Know about Vienna’s Christmas Markets
I hope my guide on Vienna’s Christmas Markets help you plan your next great adventure!
🎄Europe’s Christmas Markets 🎄
Ultimate Guide to Salzburg’s Christmas Markets
All you need to know about Vienna’s Christmas Markets
A Complete Guide to the Christmas Markets in Munich, Germany
