It’s this time of the year again, the Christmas decoration is almost all set in Vienna, and in just a few weeks the Christmas markets will open, starting the magical Vienna Christmas season.
If you are planning a trip to Vienna in November or December you might wonder, which is the best Christmas market to visit, what you shouldn’t miss, and where to start at all.
Here are some of my favorite Christmas markets in Vienna and their opening times for the 2024 season.
1.Wiener Christkindlmartk Rathausplatz
Opening dates:
15.11 – 26.12.2024
Open daily 10am-10pm (except 24 Dec 10am-6:30pm)
This is the main and biggest Christmas market in Vienna. Located right in front of the city hall, you’ll enjoy the magical Christmas lights and the stunning building lit up in the background at night. Some of my favorite parts of this market are the carousel, the ice skating (yes, you can do ice skating here), and standing right under the big Christmas tree on a snowy day (snows add all the magic here).
This is definitely a market you will not miss on your trip, even if you wanted to, somehow all roads lead here. My tip is to avoid going during the weekend, especially on Sunday as it gets way too crowded (people stand on the street opposite the market to drink their Punsch because there is no place at the market). But weekdays are totally fine, and a great time to stroll and enjoy the lights and decorations.
The main downside? The market closes right after Christmas (and for Christmas expect more people than this little place can handle). So many people come to Vienna between the holidays and are always disappointed when they find out most Christmas markets (especially this one) will be closed, so if you want to visit it plan a trip before then. My absolute favorite time is the end of November for a more cozy, less crowded experience.
2. Christkindlmarkt auf dem Hof
Opening dates: 15.11 – 23.12.2024
Opens Monday to Thurday 11am-9pm and weekends 10am-9pm
One of my favorite Christmas markets if I want to just go drink a cup of Gluhwein in a cozy yet central atmosphere. Every year I am totally obsessed with their Lavendel Gluhwein which is a mulled wine with lavender, that tastes both delicious and refreshing, a great way to warm up on a cold day. They also have a little Champagne bar for a glamorous touch if you want to make your time at the market a bit more sophisticated and special.
The market is located just a few steps from the luxury boutique store area in a square called Am Hof. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings, and just a very short walk away you would find the next cute Christmas market.
3. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung
Opening dates:
15.11 – 23.12.2024
Open daily 10am-9pm
If you are looking for a more artisanal market, where you can buy handmade souvenirs and ceramics this market deserves a look. Located at the beautiful Freyung square, right next to Palais Ferstel (which you have to stroll through) it has a charming and cozy atmosphere but can get crowded because of how small and narrow it is. One thing I like here is the cocktails, they have warm and cold cocktails that you can enjoy while savoring the atmosphere.
4. Art Advent Karlsplatz
Opening dates:
15.11 – 23.12.2024
Open daily 12pm-8pm
This might well be my favorite Christmas market, and that is for one special reason – the fairy Christmas lights. This place looks right out of a fairytale. Located at Karlsplatz right in front of the Karlskirche you can find here handmade art pieces, delicious snacks, the dreamiest Christmas lights, and fun activities for kids, and adults. I’d usually come here to take extra romantic photos with those lights, and it’s worth a visit.
Other markets:
These were my personal go-to markets, whether to enjoy an afternoon with friends, take Christmas photos, or just get inspired with some Christmas magic. But these are not the only Christmas markets in Vienna.
There is the Christmas market at Stephansplatz that you will not miss by any chance just because it is located in the very heart of the city right by the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It can get crowded though, that’s why I often skip it, but having this central location it is a nice stop on your way to enjoy the dreamy Christmas lights in the city center.
There is also the Christmas market at Belvedere that I absolutely love but don’t go nearly as often to because it is a bit away from the city center. One amazing bonus of this market is that it is one of the very few left open until New Year’s, and no doubt it is beautiful with the magical Christmas lights over the little pond right in front of the palace (make sure to visit right at sunset for the magical colors and lights).
The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace also stays open until after New Year’s and is no doubt charming and romantic having the most beautiful palace as its backdrop.
For a local experience, you might want to visit the Christmas market at Spittelberg. It is not as opulent, and dreamy as the big and famous Christmas markets but has its art atmosphere and is loved by locals.
For more interesting info and videos go follow me on Instagram, and if you want to book your Christmas photoshoot in Vienna just get in touch through my booking page or via email info@milabuchelli.com