Advent in Vienna

The Vienna Christmas Market has an extremely long tradition: in the 13th century the emperor Albercht I had allowed to the fathers of the city to hold a market for citizens during December. The market as we know it today began with its maintenance in the first half of the 19th century. Since then it has been very popular and the favourite one among the Vienna people. Every year it attracts 3.5 million visitors.

The Vienna Christmas Market is a name for more Christmas fairs and villages spread on few locations across town and the surrounding area. The markets are usually set on big city squares and in pedestrian zones in Vienna. You can found a great variety of food and drinks. Also, you can buy season products, Christmas ornaments and lots of decorations.

The admission to Christmas villages and fairs is totally free of charge.

1) The Rathausplatz Christmas Market

Among many Christmas markets and villages across the city of Vienna, the market on the Rathausplatz square in front of the city hall and across from the Burgtheater is definitely the biggest one. Every year approximately 3,5 million people visit this market.

It offers different kinds of food: from traditional stands with roasted chestnuts, creamy cakes, various kinds of pretzel to stands with sausages. As for the drinks, you can have a glass of punch or mulled wine. You can buy many traditional Christmas handmade ornaments made of wood or blown glass.

Also, the parks nearby the square are filled with content for children, while the trees are illuminated and decorated.

To completely enjoy the luxury of scent, light and taste, you should come in the evening. The recommended time of arrival is in the middle of the week, in the late afternoon, when there are people, yet you can still move around without getting stuck in the crowd.

Address: Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna

Working hours: 10:00-22:00, except for Dec 24: 11:00-19:00

Date: November 11 – December 26, 2016

How to reach the Market?

You can use the public transport. The tram lines 1 and D stop right in front of the Market, while other means of transport require a shorter walk from the stop to the square where the market is being held on.

Tram: line 2 (exit on the Rathaus stop), linije 49 and 46 (exit on the Dr.Karl – Renner – King stop). lines 37,38,40,41,42,43,44 (exit the Schottentor stop).

Subway: U3 (exit on the Volkstheater) and U2 (you can exit either on the Rathaus or the Volkstheater stop).

Bus: 1a (exit on the Schottentor stop), 2a and 48a (exit on the Dr.Karl – Renner – King stop).

2) The Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien Platz

This well-visited market is situated between the magnificent Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum. In the centre you can see an enormous monument to Maria Theresia along with the stands offering punch or art works.

From December 27th to 31st this place becomes a New-year-village prepared for New Year’s Eve.

Address: Maria-Theresien Platz, 1010 Vienna

Working hours: Sun – Thur: 11:00 – 21:30, Fri – Sat: 11:00 – 22:00, Dec 24 11:00 – 16:00, Dec 25 – 31: 11:00 – 19:30, New Year’s Eve: 11:00 – 02:00

Date: November 16 – December 31, 2016

How to reach the Market?

You can use:

Subway: U2 (exit on the Museumsquartier stop), U3 (exit on the Volkstheater stop)

Tram: D, 1, 2, 46, 49, 71 (exit on the Dr.Karl – Renner – Ring)

Bus: 48A (exit on the Dr.Karl – Renner – Ring)

3) The Christmas Market in front of Karlskirche

This market is located in front of Karlkirche church. It is the favourite one among the Vienna people for its quieter and more peaceful atmosphere. Also, this market is different from others for its tendency of selling authentic Austrian handicrafts, so only those who make those products are allowed to have their stands there. In addition, the gastronomy is a bit different, since you can find only the authentic specialties. There are the children attractions available as well, such as pony rides. Nearby is also a stage where the music and poetry reading are being performed.

Address: Resselpark, Karlplatz, 1040 Vienna

Working hours: 12:00 – 20:00

Date: November 18 – December 23, 2016

How to reach the Market?

You can use the subway lines U1, U2 and U4 (exit on the Karlsplatz stop).

4) The Old Christmas Market at Freyung

This, though a bit quieter, market is in the centre of Vienna, surrounded by city mansions and the 12th century Schottenkirche church. Approximately 50 stands offer traditional food, drinks and Christmas ornaments. Also, there is a stage where after 16:00 you can listen to Christmas carols.

Address: Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, Freyung, 1010 Vienna

Working hours: 10:00 – 21:00

Date: November 18 – December 23, 2016

How to reach the Market?

The market is only a short walk away from the famous Vienna symbols and south of Schottentor reachable by:

Subway: U2

Tram: 1, D, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 71

Bus: 1A (exit on the Teinfaltstrasse stop)

5) The Christmas Market on Am Hof Platz

Am Hof is one of the oldest squares in Vienna where a market offering handicrafts, antiquities and contemporary works of art takes place.

Address: Am Hof 5, 1010 Vienna

Working hours: Mon – Thur: 11:00 – 21:00, Fri – Sun and Dec 8: 10:00 – 21:00

Food stands: always until 22:00

Date: November 11 – December 23, 2016

How to reach the Market?

You can reach the square using subway line U3 (exit on the Herrengasse stop).

6) The Christmas Village at the Former General Hospital (Altes AKH)

This Christmas village is favourite among students. Where used to be a general hospital, today there is a university campus. You can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere drinking boiled wine without too much crowd, unlike the other markets. This year you can enjoy an ice rink as well.

Address: Altes AKH, 11090 Vienna

Working hours: Mon – Fri: 14:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun and holidays: 11:00 – 22:00

Date: November 12 – December 23, 2016

How to reach the Village?

The market is within a 10-minute-distance from the City library. You can reach it by:

Subway: U2 (exit on the Schottentor stop) and transfer to tram line 43 or 44 (exit on the Lange Gasse stop)

Tram: 33, 5, 43 and 44 (exit on the Lange Gasse stop)

Bus: 13A (exit on the Skodagasse stop)

7) The Christmas Market in the Museumsquartier

This is the most modern Christmas market in Vienna. It offers races with remote control cars and light shows. You can have a drink in the ice pavilion or try out curling. There are no ornament and handicraft stands, the emphasis is on food and drinks.

Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna

Working hours: 16:00 – 23:00, Sat – Sun and holidays: 14:00 – 23:00

Date: November 3 – December 23, 2016

How to reach the market?

You can reach the market using subway line U2 (exit on the Museumsquartier stop) or U3 (exit on the Volkstheater stop).

8) The Christmas Market at Stephansplatz

This is one of the newer markets, situated in the centre next to the cathedral, so it is easy to find. Apart from its beautiful surroundings, this market offers traditional handicrafts of high quality. Of course, you can also find traditional food and drinks. In case you get bored with sweet-tasted beverages, it is good to know that this is one of the rare markets which offers beer.

Address: Stephansplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

Working hours: 11:00 – 21:00, Dec 24 11:00 – 16:00, Dec 25 and 26: 11:00 – 19:00

Date: November 11 – December 26, 2016

How to reach the Market?

Use the subway line U1 or U3 (exit on the Stephansplatz stop).

9) The Christmas Market at Spittelberg

Spittelberg is only a few minutes away from the Mariahilferstrasse, the most popular shopping street in Vienna. The market is located across three narrow streets ideal for winter walks in Vienna. You can enjoy many restaurants and suburb atmosphere.

Address: Spittelberggasse 3

Working hours: Mon – Thur: 14:00 – 21:00, Fri: 14:00 – 21:30, Sat: 10:00 – 21:30, Sun and holidays: 10:00 – 21:00

Date: November 12 – December 23, 2016

How to reach the Market?

Subway: U2 and U3 (exit on the Volkstheater stop)

Tram: 49 (exit on the Stiftgasse stop)

Bus: 48a  (exit on the Sankt Urlichs Platz)

10) The Christmas and New Year Market at the Schoenbrunn Castle

This market is next to the magnificent Schoenbrunn castle with a gigantic Christmas tree in the middle of the square. You can enjoy handmade Christmas decorations, nursery, natural material products… As for the gastronomy, there is an inevitable punch, hot chocolate, cakes and cookies in Victorian style, melted cheese on black bread…

Address: Schloss Schoenbrunn, 1130 Vienna

Working hours: 10:00 – 21:00, Dec 24: 10:00 – 16:00, Dec 25 – Jan 3: 10:00 – 18:00

Date: November 19, 2016 – January 1, 2017

How to reach the Market?

Subway: U4 (exit on the Hietzing or Meidling stop – only a few minutes of walk away)

Tram: 10 or 58 (they leave you in front of the castle)

Bus: 10A (also in front of the castle)

11) The Christmas Market at Riesenradplatz

This idyllic winter fair is situated on the vast green area, next to the Riesenrad amusement park. Apart from many activities in the park, from Thursday to Saturday you can enjoy the live music on stage. Also, the famous Giant Ferris Wheel is there.

Address: Riesenradplatz 2, 1020 Vienna

Working hours: Mon – Fri: 12:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun and holidays: 11:00 – 22:00, Dec 24: 12:00 – 16:00, Dec 31: 12:00 – 02:00

Date: November 19, 2016 – January 8, 2017

How to reach the Market?

Use the subway line U1 and U2 (exit on the Praterstern stop).