In this article, we’ve gathered the most important information about the Christmas and New Year markets in Vienna. You’ll find descriptions of all the main markets, including opening hours and directions. Additionally, you can read about the food you should try at the markets and what to wear during this season. At the end of the article, there’s information about Christmas itself and the city’s opening hours during the holiday.
You can navigate through the article by clicking on the links in the table of contents:
- Christmas and New Year Markets – Information, Opening Hours, and Directions
- What to Taste at the Markets? – Traditional Food for this Time of Year
- Weather and What to Wear
- Shop Opening Hours for Christmas and New Year
- Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Vienna during Christmas (Separate Article)
- List of Recommended Hotels in Vienna by Travelers (Separate Article)
Christmas and New Year Markets
Vienna boasts about 13 famous Christmas markets throughout the city, plus many smaller stalls selling hot wine in residential neighborhoods.
Six of the 13 markets are considered the most popular and largest. Most markets are similar in nature, so even if you visit one or two, you’ll definitely soak up the special atmosphere. The markets are open throughout the day and into the night (around 9:00 PM on weekdays, and 10:00 PM on weekends). We highly recommend visiting the markets after dark to truly appreciate the beautiful lights that adorn them.
Please note: Entry to the market areas is free. The main market in Vienna at the City Hall Square is scheduled to open in 2024 on November 16th (16.11). Several smaller markets around the city will open even earlier, starting from November 8th, 2024. The remaining markets will gradually open between November 13th and November 24th.
These are Vienna’s famous markets:
1. “The Viennese Dream” – The Grand Christmas Market at City Hall Square
The market at City Hall Square is, without a doubt, the most impressive in Vienna and the one that graces all the colorful winter photos of the city. Against the backdrop of the City Hall, which is impressive in itself, stands a giant Christmas tree adorned with lights and decorations. In addition, there are about 154 charming small wooden stalls emanating the aromas of hot wine (Glühwein in German) and a variety of unique foods for this time of year.
This is Vienna’s central and most beautiful Christmas market! Besides food and drink stalls, there are various activities like ice skating, an amusement park, cookie and candle-making workshops, and musical performances.
Prices for drinks and food are not cheap, and a cup of hot wine can cost around €10. The price includes a deposit for the cup, which you get back. If you wish, you can keep the beautifully designed cup as a souvenir.
Here is a map of the market:
Looking at the City Hall Square, on the left side is the ice-skating rink, and on the right is a children’s amusement park with nice rides in the style of Prater Park. In the center of the square, food, drink, and souvenir stalls are arranged. The cookie-making workshop is inside the City Hall on the ground floor.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to reach City Hall is by subway. The purple line, U2, stops at a station called Rathaus. The exit from the subway station is at the back of City Hall. You’ll need to walk about 5 minutes to reach the City Hall Square and its impressively beautiful front.
Tram lines 1, 71, and D also stop directly in front of the City Hall building. The station is called Rathausplatz/Burgtheater. Map.
Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010.
Christmas Market Opening Hours: November 16th to December 26th.
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Ice Skating Rink Opening Hours: November 16th to January 6th.
- Daily: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- December 24th: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- December 31st: Closed.
Amusement Park Opening Hours: November 16th to December 26th.
- Daily: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- December 24th: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Cookie Making Workshop Opening Hours: November 15th to December 24th.
- Daily: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- December 24th: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
2. “Christmas Village” – The Market at Belvedere Palace Square
Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s most impressive buildings and a wonderful attraction in itself. The palace is divided into two parts: Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere. In the square between the buildings, there’s a fantastic garden and the location of the annual Christmas market. This market features about 40 stalls offering food, drinks, souvenirs, and beautiful handmade crafts.
How to get there?
You can reach Upper Belvedere Palace by subway, tram, or bus.
- Subway: Take the red line, U1, to Südtirolerplatz station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk.
- Tram: Line D to Schloss Belvedere station.
- Bus: Line 69A to Quartier Belvedere station.
You can reach Lower Belvedere Palace by tram:
- Tram: Line 71 to Unteres Belvedere station.
- Lines 2, D to Schwarzenbergplatz station. From there, it’s a few minutes’ walk.
Address: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße.
Christmas Market Opening Hours: November 15th – December 26th. The New Year’s market will operate from December 27th to December 31st.
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- December 24th: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- December 25th and 26th: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
3. The Festive Market at Maria-Theresien-Platz – Christmas Village and New Year’s Eve Village
Maria-Theresien-Platz is located precisely between two impressive museums: the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum. The square itself is meticulously maintained and beautiful, but during Christmas and New Year, it becomes even more stunning and colorful. In the heart of the square, there are beautifully designed wooden stalls offering hot wine and various delicacies.
Please note: This year, the market’s activity will continue even after Christmas! The market will slightly change its format after Christmas and transform into the “New Year’s Eve Village,” operating until December 31st.
How to get there?
The square is centrally located. You can easily reach it from all the main attractions in the First District. Whether you’re touring Hofburg Palace, its royal gardens, or are at the Parliament and City Hall, you can walk along the Ring Road until you reach the square.
If you’re arriving by public transport, you can take the subway, orange line (U3) or purple line (U2), and get off at Volkstheater station. From there, you’ll need to walk about 4 minutes.
Another option is to take the trams on the Ring Road and get off at Dr. Karl Renner Ring/Burgring station. Tram lines: 46, 49, 71, 1, 2, D stop at this station. From there, the walk is about 5 minutes.
Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz.
Christmas Market Opening Hours at Maria-Theresien-Platz: November 13th – December 26th.
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- December 24th: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- December 25th and 26th: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
New Year’s Market Opening Hours at Maria-Theresien-Platz: December 27th – December 31st.
- December 27th to 30th: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- December 31st: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
4. The Christmas Market at the University of Vienna Campus
The large campus of the University of Vienna is located where the city’s central hospital once stood. Today, it’s a particularly active area full of young people studying there. During Christmas, the campus square is decorated with colorful lights, and many stalls are arranged along the alleys within the complex. The campus market is charming and fun. You can taste hot wine and a variety of foods, as well as buy gifts and souvenirs.
How to get there?
The simplest way is to arrive from the direction of Schottentor. From this station, you can walk along Alserstrasse until you reach the campus (about a 15-minute walk). Alternatively, you can take tram number 43 or 44 and get off at Lange Gasse station.
Address: Altes Akh, Alser Straße.
Market Opening Hours: November 15th to December 23rd.
- Monday and Wednesday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Thursday and Friday: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
5. Christmas and New Year Market at Schönbrunn Palace Square
Schönbrunn Palace is magnificent all year round. It is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Vienna. The palace, its gardens, and its many activities make it a must-see if you visit Vienna. During the holiday season, a particularly lively Christmas market is held in the square next to the palace. This market features about 60 stalls selling art objects, souvenirs, and unique gifts, as well as stalls with hot wine, punch, and various pastries.
Drinking hot wine with the illuminated palace in the background is definitely a wonderful experience!
See the stalls waiting for you at the Schönbrunn Palace market:
Please note: After Christmas, the market slightly changes its format and reopens as the New Year’s market. There are still stalls as before and slightly different souvenirs.
How to get to Schönbrunn Palace?
The palace is not in the city center, but it’s easily accessible. The simplest way is to take the subway. The green line, U4, goes directly to Schönbrunn station. Get off there and follow the signs towards the palace. It’s a 5-7 minute walk from the subway station.
Alternatively, you can reach the palace by tram lines: 10 and 60, or by bus line 10A. Get off at Schönbrunn station.
Address: Schönbrunn Palace, Schönbrunner Schloßstraße.
Christmas Market Opening Hours: November 8th – December 26th
- Daily: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- December 24th: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
New Year’s Market Opening Hours: December 27th – January 6th
- Daily: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
6. Christmas Market in Spittelberg
If you’re more drawn to ancient, narrow alleys, mysterious streets with bars and boutique shops, then Spittelberg is worth a visit. It’s a trendy and young area close to the city center. During Christmas, a wonderful Christmas market is held in one of the old side streets. This narrow, somewhat hidden market is bustling with life until late at night, and you can find several drink and food stalls, as well as handicraft stalls by local artists.
How to get there?
The simplest way to reach this market is to get off at Volkstheater subway station. The purple (U2) and orange (U3) lines stop at this station. You’ll need to exit at Burggasse street and continue walking for about 5 minutes until you reach the market alley called Spittelberggasse.
Address: Spittelberggasse.
Christmas Market Opening Hours: November 16th – December 23rd.
- Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Friday: 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
- Sunday and Holidays: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Additional Christmas Markets around the City:
7. The Art Market near Karlsplatz
This market is trendy and a bit different from the rest. It’s located in the square of Karlskirche (St. Charles Church). It features art from a variety of local and regional artists. There are also several drink and food stalls. Throughout the day, there are workshops and music performances.
How to get there?
The most convenient way is to get off at Karlsplatz subway station. The red (U1), purple (U2), and green (U4) lines stop at this station. From the station, take the Resselpark exit. The market is held in the park near the church.
Address: Resselpark, Karlsplatz.
Artist Market Opening Hours: November 15th – December 23rd.
- Daily: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Food stalls open until 9:00 PM.
8. Christmas Market am Hof in the City Center
This market is absolutely wonderful and perfectly located in the city center. The market takes place in a large square between the beautiful buildings of the Old Town. About 80 stalls for drinks, food, and souvenirs await you.
How to get there?
The nearest subway station to this market is called Herrengasse. The orange subway line (U3) stops at this station. From there, it’s about a 3-minute walk to am Hof square.
Address: am Hof.
Market Opening Hours: November 15th – December 23rd.
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
9. Winter Market at Prater Park near the Giant Ferris Wheel
This market is located in the heart of Vienna’s amusement park, the Prater. In the square of the famous Giant Ferris Wheel, you’ll find a variety of stalls offering hot drinks, food, and souvenirs. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, starting at 7:00 PM, there will be live music performances. There are also fun activities for children.
This market extends beyond Christmas until January 6th!
How to get there?
Near the park, there’s a subway station called Praterstern (lines U1 and U2), from which you can take a short walk to the park itself.
Additionally, you can reach the park by tram lines 5 and 0, or by bus lines 5B or 80.
Map.
Address: Riesenradplatz.
Market Opening Hours: November 16th – January 6th.
- Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- December 24th: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- December 31st – January 1st: 12:00 PM (noon) to 2:00 AM.
10. “Old Vienna” Market at Freyung Square
This market is more for locals and is located in the heart of the Old City. It’s relatively small and includes a number of drink and food stalls. There are musical performances and activities for children almost every day during the holiday season.
How to get there?
The nearest subway station to this market is called Herrengasse. The orange subway line (U3) stops at this station. From there, it’s about a 4-minute walk to Freyung square.
Map.
Address: Freyung.
Market Opening Hours: November 15th – December 23rd.
- Daily: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
11. The Holiday Market at St. Stephen’s Square, near the Main Cathedral
In St. Stephen’s Square, to the right of the city’s magnificent cathedral, there’s a small and very charming Christmas market. The market has several rows of stalls offering drinks, food, and souvenirs.
As you wander through the old streets of the city center, you’re sure to pass by this market, as it’s the most central one in the city.
How to get there?
The most convenient way is to take the subway. Get off at Stephansplatz station, where the red (U1) and orange (U3) lines stop. Take the cathedral exit, and to the right of the cathedral, you’ll see the market.
Address: Stephansplatz.
Market Opening Hours: November 8th – December 26th
- Daily: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- December 24th: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- December 25th – 26th: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
12. The Market in the Museum Quarter
Vienna’s Museum Quarter is a closed complex, slightly secluded from the bustling streets. It’s an art and entertainment hub most loved by young Viennese. The market stalls are uniquely styled and wonderfully lit. Besides hot wine, the market also features art stalls, live music, and more.
How to get there?
Two subway lines reach near the market complex. The purple line (U2) goes directly to the entrance of the Museum Quarter. Get off at Museumsquartier station. Another line that comes nearby is the orange line (U3). Get off at Volkstheater station and walk about 5 minutes to the complex entrance.
Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070.
Market Opening Hours: November 10th – January 8th.
- Daily: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
13. The Picturesque Market in Türkenschanzpark
In the heart of Türkenschanzpark, located in Vienna’s 18th district, far from the tourist hustle and bustle, there’s a particularly romantic and beautiful market. The market, of course, has all the classic drink and food stalls, as well as stalls selling handmade souvenirs and decorative items. In addition, there are live music performances almost every weekend.
How to get there?
From the city center (Schwedenplatz), take the green subway line (U4) to the last station called Heiligenstadt in the north of the city. From there, take bus number 10, which goes directly to the park entrance. Get off at the Dänenstraße bus stop. The market is quite close to the entrance from the road where you got off, so you’ll need to walk a little along the illuminated paths of the park.
Address: Türkenschanzpark, 1180. Entrance from Peter-Jordan-Straße.
Address: Dänenstraße.
Market Opening Hours: November 15th – December 23rd.
- Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Souvenir stalls close at 9:00 PM).
- Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Souvenir stalls close at 9:00 PM).
- December 24th: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
More Information on the market and performance times.
Traditional Food and Drinks to Try at the Christmas Markets
As you wander through Vienna’s various markets, you’ll surely encounter a variety of unique foods and drinks specific to this time of year. Here are some recommendations for food and drinks you should definitely try when visiting Vienna’s markets.
1. Hot Wine / Punch
Without a doubt, this is the highlight of the Christmas markets. Hot wine, called Glühwein in German, is the perfect drink for the cold Viennese winter days, and it’s a very easy way for Austrians to get tipsy and enjoy themselves even on cold and gloomy days. Hot wine comes in combination with a variety of fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or oranges. There are versions of hot wine that also include egg liqueur (Eierlikör), which is definitely an interesting and tasty addition. For children, you can find non-alcoholic hot wine.
Please note: You pay a deposit for the specially designed cup, and you can certainly keep it as a souvenir.
2. Doughnuts
Perhaps a bit surprising, but during this time of year, it’s customary to eat doughnuts (especially filled with apricot jam). Austrians call doughnuts “Krapfen.” At the Christmas markets, you’ll often find giant doughnuts covered in powdered sugar in various shapes.
3. Caramelized Apples on a Stick
Symbolically, caramelized apples on a stick are sold at the Christmas markets. In the past, apples were traditionally hung on Christmas trees to commemorate the story of Adam and Eve and the Tree of Knowledge (and also because they didn’t really have original decorations like today).
4. Roasted Almonds
These almonds undergo a process of boiling in sugar water, roasting, and then caramelizing. With added cinnamon, they make a delicious snack on the go and are also a traditional food for this time of year.
5. Pretzel
You can find this large, bagel-like pastry at almost every typical Austrian event. At the Christmas markets, it’s sold in large quantities. You can buy either the savory or sweet version.
Besides all of these, you can, of course, find very filling foods like sandwiches, sausages, pancakes (American or Austrian “scrambled” style), goulash (meat cooked in sauce with vegetables), dumplings (filled dough balls), baked/fried potatoes, roasted chestnuts, cotton candy, ice cream, and more.
Important to remember!
It’s a good idea to bring cash with you. While most stalls can now accept credit cards, there are still some stalls at the markets that only work with cash.
Weather and What to Wear
The Christmas period marks the beginning of winter in Vienna. This is when temperatures plummet and it gets very cold. In recent years, it hasn’t snowed before Christmas, but there’s always a good chance of it as temperatures hover around 0 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it’s crucial to dress appropriately before heading out to the Christmas markets.
It’s best to dress in layers, like an onion, with several layers and a good coat. It’s important to remember to take walking shoes suitable for the cold (preferably with good, insulated soles), as well as a wool hat, scarf, and gloves. While hot wine certainly helps with the cold, don’t rely solely on it.
The markets are outdoors, and it definitely gets cold when darkness falls.
Shop Opening Hours for Christmas and New Year
On Christmas Day itself, Vienna becomes quiet and rather empty. This is when Austrians spend time with their families, and many return to the villages where they grew up.
During the holidays and also on New Year’s, most shops are closed. We’ve compiled the exact opening hours for shops and restaurants during the holidays here.
In any case, if you plan to visit attractions on these days, you should check directly on the attraction’s website whether they are open during the holidays. Most attractions and restaurants will be open on December 25th and 26th.
On December 25th and 26th, shops will be closed. Restaurants and attractions will be partially open (you should check directly with the attractions/restaurants you wish to visit). Schönbrunn Palace, the Albertina Museum, and the Art History Museum, for example, will be open.
On January 1st, shops are closed.
We wish you a warm and enjoyable holiday in wonderful Vienna!
For comprehensive information about Vienna’s attractions, you can read our article about the city. The article lists all the must-see places by each district of the city. Click to go to the article.
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