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Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

Discover Vienna's best Christmas markets.
Thinking of visiting one of Vienna’s Christmas markets? You’re not alone. Festive shoppers from all over the world make a beeline for Austria’s capital city every winter, and it’s no wonder. The combination of cobbled streets, fairy-tale palaces, and cosy coffee houses – not to mention a winter weather forecast that promises a dusting of snow – provides the perfect backdrop for a magical winter break. With so many Christmas markets up for grabs in Vienna, though, it can be tricky to know where to start – so we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve rounded up the best markets to visit on your Vienna holiday, from the most famous – the Christkindlmarkt – to lesser-known gems like the markets at Schönbrunn and Karlsplatz.

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The top Christmas market in Vienna

Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt is the most famous of Austria’s Christmas markets, and it comes to life on the Rathausplatz – AKA the square in front of the Rathaus town hall. It’s been held in this location since 1975, although the market itself dates back much further. Today’s incarnation is said to attract something in the region of 4 million visitors a year, which gives you an idea of the scale of the thing. It’s wall-to-wall with more than 100 festive food stalls and traders selling handmade wares. Plus, the next-door Rathaus park hosts a huge Ferris wheel, nativity trail, and ice-skating rink, so there’s plenty here to keep you busy.
Rathaus town hall lit up at night

Christmas markets in the city centre

Sure, the main Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz steals the show when it comes to Christmas markets in Vienna, but there are some other must-visits, too. The most central is the Stephansplatz Christmas market, which wraps itself around the beautifully lit Stephansdom cathedral. Stalls in traditional wooden huts, traditional handicrafts and horse-drawn carriages give this one a really old-school feel. Another must-visit market is the one held in Am Hof square, which is also nice and central. Arts and crafts are the big draw here, along with the backdrop of historic Viennese buildings.
Market stall showing wooden Christmas decorations

Vienna's lesser-known Advent markets

If you fancy venturing away from the city centre, Schönbrunn Christmas Market is well worth the trip. It’s in front of the elegant Schönbrunn Palace, which glows with classy illuminations that light up the whole area. Head here for upmarket, artisanal gifts like hand-thrown pottery and mouth-blown glass ornaments. And for more in the way of one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, put Karlsplatz market on your radar. This one’s in front of Karlskirche church and it’s a great place to pick up gifts and trinkets.
Christmas market gift stall

Vienna city breaks

Christmas markets aren’t Vienna’s only draw – oh no. While you’re in town, you’ve got the 13th-century Hofburg Imperial Palace to explore, as well as a host of world-class classical venues that have earned this place its City of Music moniker. That includes Schönbrunn Palace, where Mozart first performed publicly in Vienna, and the Vienna State Opera house. Plan your trip in advance with TUI experiences and you won’t have to worry about sorting tickets on the day.

Christmas market River Cruises

If all this festive talk has whet your appetite for more European Christmas Markets, you’ll be pleased to know that TUI River Cruises have a host of seasonal sailings in November and December. These drop anchor at ports across Europe, so you can explore winter wonderlands in places like Germany and France. Plus, you’ll have more left in your pocket to spend on treats to take home thanks to our river cruise deals.
Traditional Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria
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Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 06.12.2022

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