Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays, celebrated on a varying date each year according to the lunar cycle (falling on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25). Because the holiday coincides with the arrival of spring, Vienna celebrates the season with a wide variety of festive events and outdoor activities, making the Easter break a wonderful opportunity for a vibrant spring getaway.
In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on March 28, 2027. The following Monday is known as Ostermontag (Easter Monday), which is a national public holiday in Austria. Please note: On Sundays and public holidays, shops and supermarkets are closed, though attractions, museums, restaurants, and cafés operate as usual. Read more about what is open and closed on Sundays and holidays in Vienna.
About two weeks before Easter, several colorful Easter markets open across the city, reminiscent of Vienna’s world-famous Christmas markets. If you missed the festive winter atmosphere in Vienna, visiting during the Easter season is a fantastic way to enjoy a lively, colorful spring vibe.
The Colorful Easter Markets of Vienna
With the arrival of spring and the Easter holiday, several charming markets pop up around the city. These markets feature stalls selling arts and crafts, local handmade goods, seasonal food and drinks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Their famous hallmark is the thousands of colorful painted Easter eggs that decorate the stalls and squares.
Vienna’s main Easter markets take place in three prime locations: the forecourt of Schönbrunn Palace, Freyung Square in the heart of the Old Town (Innere Stadt), and Am Hof Square, which is also located in the 1st District.
1. Schönbrunn Palace Easter Market (Ostermarkt Schloss Schönbrunn)
The Easter market at Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most popular in Vienna and is widely considered one of the most beautiful and romantic Easter markets in Europe. Set within the historic palace forecourt, it offers visitors a special experience combining art, imperial culture, and gastronomy. The market features around 75 stalls selling hand-painted Easter eggs, ceramics, glass art, jewelry, and locally crafted souvenirs.
In addition, visitors can enjoy live jazz and swing performances, creative workshops and games for children, and food stalls serving traditional Austrian dishes.
- Dates: 2027 TBA – typically mid-March to early April
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Address: Schloss Schönbrunn, 1130 Vienna
2. Old Viennese Easter Market at Freyung (Altwiener Ostermarkt)
Located in the heart of the city center, the market at Freyung Square is the oldest traditional Easter market in Vienna. Here you will find Europe’s largest and most famous “Easter Egg Mountain,” stacked with around 40,000 decorated eggs. The diverse stalls offer fine arts and crafts, traditional Easter delicacies (such as Osterpinze sweet bread and roast lamb), and local wines. Live music performances take place daily starting at 4:30 PM.
- Dates: TBA
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Address: Freyung, 1010 Vienna
3. Am Hof Easter Market (Ostermarkt Am Hof)
Just a short walk from Freyung, the market at Am Hof Square is smaller and more intimate, focusing on authentic Easter traditions and local craftsmanship. Stalls showcase works by some of the city’s finest artisans, including ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, and woodwork. Visitors can also sample a variety of artisanal liqueurs and traditional Austrian comfort foods.
- Dates: TBA
- Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday–Sunday & public holidays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (food stalls remain open until 9:00 PM)
- Address: Am Hof, 1010 Vienna
More Things to Do in Vienna During Easter
Beyond the markets, spring in Vienna is a delightful season to explore the city. While Vienna’s weather in spring can be changeable, the city truly awakens after its long winter slumber, with parks and palace gardens bursting into bloom.
Here are a few more recommended activities during the Easter period:
- Classical Music Concerts: Just like the rest of the year, Easter is a wonderful time to attend a classical concert and experience Vienna’s prestigious musical heritage. In April, the main season for the Mozart Concert at the Golden Hall (Musikverein) kicks off again in full swing—an unforgettable Viennese experience.
- Art Exhibitions: Many of Vienna’s world-class museums launch special spring exhibitions around Easter. Be sure to check the current exhibitions at the Albertina Museum or Belvedere Palace.
- Prater Amusement Park: Vienna’s iconic amusement park reopens its seasonal rides in mid-March! Taking a spin on the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) and strolling through the green Prater park is well worth a visit.
- Styrian Spring Festival at Rathausplatz (Steiermark-Frühling): Toward the end of March (March 27–30), a major culinary and cultural festival takes over the square in front of City Hall (Rathausplatz). This lively event showcases the rich culinary traditions and culture of Styria (Steiermark), Austria’s “Green Heart,” with dozens of stalls offering regional specialties, wine, traditional music, and folk performances.
Summary
Celebrating Easter in Vienna is an opportunity to experience European culture at its finest, wander through charming open-air markets, and soak up the city’s refreshing spring atmosphere. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, local cuisine, cultural events, and mild spring weather makes Vienna an ideal spring destination.
For more planning tips, check out our Complete Vienna Guide for Beginners and our recommended 3-Day Vienna Itinerary. Ready to book your stay? Browse our curated list of the Best Hotels in Vienna, based on real traveler recommendations.
