THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN VIENNA 2025
All dates, tips & highlights
Starting in early November, Vienna turns festive as the first Christmas markets open across the city. From the imperial setting of Schönbrunn Palace to the traditional charm of the Rathausplatz and the cozy lanes of the old town – every Vienna Christmas market has its own unique atmosphere.
If you’re visiting Vienna at this time of year, stopping by a Christmas market is simply a must. In this guide, you’ll find the most beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna 2025 with all dates, opening hours and highlights to help you plan your winter visit perfectly.
Vienna Christmas Market –
the Heart of the Holiday Season
The Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is, for many visitors, the essence of the city’s holiday season. Few places capture the classic Christmas spirit of Vienna quite like this one – grand, festive, and full of life. Set against the neo-Gothic backdrop of Vienna’s City Hall, you’ll find more than a hundred stalls selling handcrafted gifts, Christmas ornaments, sweet treats, and of course plenty of punsch and mulled wine.
As you wander through the Rathauspark, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sea of twinkling lights – glowing hearts and stars hanging from the trees, cheerful music playing in the background, and skaters gliding across the ice rink. It’s Vienna’s most famous – and busiest – Christmas market, perfect if you want to soak up the full holiday atmosphere.
📅 November 14 – December 26, 2025
⏰ Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (until 6:30 PM on December 24)
More information on the official website.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market –
Imperial & Elegant
Set against the baroque backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace, this is one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Vienna. The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market blends festive charm with imperial elegance and is a must-see during the holiday season. Around 90 beautifully decorated stalls offer traditional crafts, glass art, ceramics, wooden toys, and regional treats like punsch, roasted chestnuts, and sweet pastries.
Beyond the market itself, Schönbrunn offers plenty to experience: a vintage-style wheel and carousels bring a festive sparkle for kids, little ones can try out the children’s ice rink, and adults can join in a round of ice stock curling. At the craft workshop, small gifts and decorations are made – a lovely activity for families and anyone who enjoys a more playful take on Vienna’s Christmas spirit.
📅 November 6, 2025 – January 6, 2026
⏰ Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (until 4:00 PM on December 24; December 25 – January 6 until 7:00 PM)
More information on the official website.
Spittelberg Christmas Market – Charming & Local
Tucked away in the narrow lanes of Vienna’s Spittelberg neighborhood in the 7th district, this market shows the city’s more authentic, neighborhood side. The Spittelberg Christmas Market is one of Vienna’s most beloved off-the-beaten-path holiday markets, combining traditional craftsmanship with a sense of modern environmental awareness. Along Spittelberggasse, Schrankgasse, and Gutenberggasse, dozens of stalls line the cobblestone streets, offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, felt and wooden goods, and creative gifts you won’t find at the larger city markets.
Food lovers will enjoy the mix of classic punsch and mulled wine, regional specialties, and vegan treats, all perfect for a cozy winter stroll. Wandering through the historic quarter as warm lights glow above the old façades and the scent of spices fills the air is one of the most magical Advent moments in Vienna.
📅 Nov 14 – Dec 23, 2025
⏰ Mon–Fri 2:00 PM–9:30 PM, Sat, Sun & Holidays 11:00 AM–9:30 PM
More information on the official website.
Christmas Market Am Hof – Artful & Urban
The Christmas Market Am Hof is where Viennese craftsmanship meets city-center flair. Many of the vendors are certified artisans who work year-round in Vienna and the surrounding regions – from glassblowers to goldsmiths. If you’re looking for authentic, locally made gifts, this is the place to find them.
When it comes to food and drinks, there’s plenty to enjoy: alongside Käsespätzle and winemaker’s punsch, you can even raise a glass at the Champagne bar – a wonderful contrast where Viennese decadence meets rustic comfort. As you wander across the square in the evening and the golden lights shimmer above the stalls, you’ll feel that unmistakable mix of elegance and coziness that makes Christmas time in Vienna so special.
📅 Nov 15 – Dec 23, 2025
⏰ Daily 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
More information on the official website.
Belvedere Christmas Market – Elegant & Romantic
In front of the baroque facade of the Upper Belvedere Palace, a beautiful Christmas setting unfolds every year. As the lights reflect in the pond and soft music drifts through the park, it’s one of those moments you shouldn’t miss. The atmosphere feels festive and graceful – and it’s hard to imagine a more photogenic place to capture your Vienna Christmas memories.
Around 40 stalls offer high-quality crafts, ornaments, and a fine selection of Austrian specialties – from Käsespätzle and raclette bread to traditional sweets. A real highlight here is the Feuerzangenbowle, a classic mulled wine with a flaming sugarloaf slowly melting into it – the smell alone is part of the experience. The market combines the imperial setting of the palace with the cozy buzz of a true Viennese Christmas market – a place where history and holiday spirit come together perfectly.
📅 November 15 – December 31, 2025
⏰ Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Dec 24 until 4:00 PM, Dec 25–30 until 8:00 PM, Dec 31 until 6:00 PM)
More information on the official website.
More Christmas Markets in Vienna 2025
Vienna’s holiday season is all about variety. Across the city, you’ll find countless Christmas and Advent markets, each with its own charm, craft traditions, and unique atmosphere.
Whether in the city center or the outer districts, every market shows a different side of Christmas time in Vienna and adds its own touch to the city’s unmistakable festive spirit.
Altwiener Christkindl Market
The Altwiener Christkindl Market on Freyung is the oldest of its kind in Vienna, with roots dating back to 1772. Among stalls filled with hand-carved nativity figures, ceramics, and glass art, you can still feel the charm of old Vienna. If you’re looking for a truly traditional Christmas atmosphere, this is the place to experience it.
📅 November 15 – December 23, 2025
⏰ Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🔗 More information on the official website
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz
Set around the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this Christmas market lies right in the heart of Vienna. If you’re strolling through the city center, it’s the perfect place to stop for a punch, a few roasted chestnuts, or simply to watch the bustle for a moment. Thanks to its central location, it’s easy to reach and ideal for adding a bit of holiday spirit between sightseeing, shopping, or a coffee break – no detour needed.
📅 Nov 15 – Dec 26, 2025
⏰ Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Dec 24 until 4:00 PM, Dec 25 & 26 until 7:00 PM)
🔗 More information on the official website
Art Advent Karlsplatz
In front of the Karlskirche, the Art Advent Karlsplatz offers one of Vienna’s most creative Christmas markets. Here, art and craftsmanship take center stage – every item is made by the artists themselves. Instead of plastic souvenirs or mass-produced goods, you’ll find handmade pieces, organic snacks, and a truly sustainable concept. In the evening, when the church is beautifully lit and local musicians perform, it creates a warm and unmistakably Viennese atmosphere.
📅 Nov 21 – Dec 23, 2025
⏰ Daily 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🔗 More information on the official website
Christmas Village – Campus University Vienna
Set in the courtyard of the University of Vienna Campus, the Christmas Village is one of the city’s favorite Advent spots. Many stop by after work or university to enjoy a punch and some fried potatoes with friends. The atmosphere is relaxed, with wooden stalls, regional specialties, and the chance to try ice stock sport – a classic winter pastime that adds a local touch to this cozy Viennese market.
📅 Nov 15 – Dec 23, 2025
⏰ Mon–Thu 2:00 PM– 10:00 PM, Fri 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM–11:00 PM, Sun 11 AM–9 PM
🔗 More information on the official website
Winter Market at Riesenradplatz
Beneath Vienna’s Ferris Wheel, Winter Market at Riesenradplatz combines holiday cheer, music, and local food. With a cup of punch and some hearty snacks, you can take in the festive atmosphere — and if you’d like, it’s easy to pair your visit with a ride on the Ferris wheel or a stop at Madame Tussauds next door. In the evening, when the area is beautifully lit, the Prater shows its special winter charm — a perfect way to round off your day in Vienna.
📅 Nov 16 2025 – Jan 6 2026
⏰ Mon–Fri 12 PM–10 PM, Sat, Sun & holidays 11 AM–10 PM (Dec 24 until 5 PM)
🔗 More information on the official website
Christmas in the Flower Gardens Hirschstetten
At the Flower Gardens Hirschstetten, you’ll find a unique Christmas experience surrounded by beautifully decorated greenhouses, themed exhibitions, and small market stalls. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful holiday atmosphere. It’s a lovely spot if you want to see Vienna’s quieter side – perfect for families or a relaxed afternoon away from the city center bustle.
📅 Nov 21 – Dec 22, 2025
⏰ Thu–Sun 10 AM–8 PM
🔗 More information on the official website
Discover Vienna’s Christmas Markets
As you wander through Vienna’s Christmas markets, you’ll quickly notice that each one has its own unique character. Some feel traditional and nostalgic, others creative and modern – but everywhere you’ll catch that unmistakable scent of punch and roasted almonds in the air. Take your time to visit more than one market, pause for a moment, listen to the music, and soak in the atmosphere. That’s how you’ll experience the magic of the city right where it shines brightest during the Christmas season.
📌 You might also like:
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👉 Christmas in Vienna – festive lights, music, and the city’s magical holiday spirit.
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👉 Vienna Travel Guide 2025 – your complete overview for the perfect Vienna trip.
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👉 Vienna Packing List – everything you need for a winter visit to Vienna.