It’s easy to get into the holiday spirit at a European Christmas market, and some of the most festive can be found in Vienna, Austria. The tiny wooden stalls burst with all-things-Christmas, from glittering ornaments to handmade jewelry, apparel, candles and more. And then there’s the food: Candied almonds, sizzling sausages, potato latkes, chimney cakes (baumkuchen) and of course spiced wine (glühwein), to name a few.
While some are open during the day, the markets are truly magical at night. Strings of lights dangle overhead like stars; the soft hum of conversation and laughter fills the air; and wonderful smells are everywhere. Many of Vienna’s markets are within walking distance of each other and the city’s excellent public transit options make it easy to visit those further away.
Each market had its own personality and a signature glühwein mug to match. Pay a small deposit with your first beverage purchase and get it back when you return the mug. Or don’t return it…and build a collection of your favorites as travel keepsakes.
Most markets open by mid-November and run through December 23. Hours vary by market and the day of the week. Most vendors operate on a cash-only basis, but some vendors take credit cards for higher-end purchases. Surprisingly, some markets do not have restroom facilities despite the emphasis on spiced wine and other beverages—so plan accordingly.
Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite Vienna Christmas markets:
Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz – This market is billed as one of Europe’s biggest and most beautiful, with Vienna’s impressive city hall as a backdrop. In addition to the approximately 100 vendors, there’s outdoor ice skating, a Ferris wheel and carousel as well as light displays and the Tree of Hearts in the park. The market is eco-friendly, too, as many of the products, food and drinks are organic and sustainably grown.
Karlsplatz – A stone’s throw from the metro station and right in front of the ornate Karlskirche church is the Karlsplatz market. It’s the place to go for one-of-a-kind, locally produced jewelry, ceramics, decorations and other fine art items.
Maria-Theresien-Platz – A statue of Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780) watches over one of Vienna’s busiest holiday markets in the square that bears her name. The market is located in the Museumsquartier and is flanked by the Natural History and Art History museums. You’ll find approximately 70 booths with traditional foods and merchandise, in an Instagram-worthy setting.
Stephansplatz – The Stephansplatz Christmas market is located in the heart of the downtown shopping district, and it’s worth a visit just to see the area’s lights and decorations. The market boasts approximately 40 stalls that circle St. Stephen’s cathedral, which has risen from the square since the mid-13th century. Visitors can tour the cathedral, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or buy tickets for one of the many Christmas concerts held at St. Stephen’s.
Spittelberg – This was our favorite market, with about 125 stalls winding through several narrow streets. Spittelberg has a strong community feeling, with residents and tourists mingling over high-tops and noshing side-by-side on warm potato latkes brushed with garlic butter, bratwurst, potatoes, and of course glühwein. Duck into some of the area’s interesting shops and galleries between bites.
University of Vienna – This market was a little hard to find. Our phone navigation dropped us on a busy street with no market in sight. But we crossed the roadway and found it tucked into a treed courtyard on the university campus. This family-themed market features ponies, carousel rides and even a Christmas train in addition to the usual food and merchandise stalls.
We also visited the Amhof market near the Hofburg palace complex. Nearby Freyung market featured vendors selling regional and organic produce. There are also markets at Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces, for those who want to combine a visit to these historic sites with a Christmas market experience.
Regardless of which market (or markets!) you visit, Vienna at Christmastime will likely be among your most cherished holiday memories.