Lyla Lindsey
Austria's Christmas markets are a magical experience, with the country's cities and towns transforming into a festive wonderland. Vienna, in particular, is known for its stunning markets, with its historic city centre, famous palaces, and impressive galleries providing a beautiful backdrop to the festive stalls. The markets traditionally begin in early to mid-November, with the major markets opening by the last week of the month, and they usually stay open until at least 23 December.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Vienna, Austria |
| Dates | Mid-November to Christmas |
| Opening Times | 10am-10pm |
| Products | Gifts, souvenirs, food, drinks, decorations, handicrafts |
| Activities | Ice skating, curling, Christmas workshops for kids |
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What You'll Learn
Christmas markets in Vienna begin in November
Vienna is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. With backdrops of famous, historic buildings, such as the Rathaus and Schönbrunn Palace, the markets in Vienna are gorgeous. Each market in Vienna is unique, with different holiday gifts and foods for sale. The Christmas markets in Vienna are an age-old tradition, with the forerunners of the present-day events dating back to the Middle Ages when, in 1296, Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or "Krippenmarkt".
The Christmas markets in Vienna begin in November, with most opening in mid-November and all the major markets opening by the last week of the month. The markets run until late December, with some transforming into New Year's markets and continuing until early January. The specific dates vary slightly for each market, and hours can also vary, but the main ones generally open at 10 am or 11 am and close at 8 pm, 9 pm, or 10 pm.
The Christmas Market at Spittelberg, for example, offers objets d'art, ceramics, jumpers, rugs, and jewellery. The popular Christmas Village Belvedere Palace is set against the glorious baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence, with over 40 festively decorated market stalls offering traditional handcrafted goods, elaborate Christmas decorations, and special culinary delights. The market is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm.
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market, one of the city's most popular markets, spreads out around the Rathaus (City Hall). It is filled with food stalls, stands selling hot mulled wine and hot chocolate, and lots of holiday gifts and souvenirs. This market is open from November 16 to December 26, with hours from 10 am to 10 pm, and from 10 am to 6:30 pm on December 24.
The Art Advent market at Karlsplatz is a must-visit for those seeking something truly exceptional. The vendors here differ from those at the city's other Christmas markets, with talented artists from across the region selling high-quality, jury-approved crafts.
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Christmas markets in other Austrian cities
Christmas markets in Austria typically begin in early to mid-November, with all the major markets opening by the last week of the month. Here is a guide to some of the best Christmas markets in Austrian cities other than Vienna:
Graz
Graz is Austria's second city and is proud of its UNESCO designations for culture, heritage and design. It is also famous for its castles.
Salzburg
The city of music and culture, Salzburg offers several Advent choral concerts as well as Christmas markets. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at Dom and Residenzplatz is particularly elegant, with traditional huts in the heart of the city's baroque old town. The Grossarl Valley offers a rustic charm, with handcrafted nativity scenes displayed by torchlight and candlelight.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, surrounded by the Tyrolean mountains, has markets in the old town and on the banks of the Inn. The Innsbruck Marktplatz Market is considered one of the most beautiful Austrian Christmas markets. It opens around four weeks before Christmas.
Linz
Linz Christmas Market is located in the heart of Austria's vibrant Upper Austria region. It beautifully combines traditional Austrian customs with the city's artistic and cultural heritage. Local delicacies reflecting the unique flavours of the region are available, including the famous Linzertorte, a delicious almond pastry with a lattice crust, named after the city itself. Linz is Austria's former 'steel city', which has transformed into a lively centre for modern arts and culture.
St. Wolfgang
One of the most charming Advent markets is in St. Wolfgang, where you can experience regional traditions and authentic handicrafts, with the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang in view.
Other Christmas markets in Austrian cities include:
- Schloss Hof
- Seebenstein
- Wels
- Altenmarkt-Zauchensee
- Kufstein
- Lienz
- St. Johann in Tirol
- Zell-Gerlos
- Montafon
- Schwarzenberg
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Christmas markets with ice skating
Christmas markets in Austria typically begin in early to mid-November, with all the major markets opening by the last week of the month. The markets continue through the Christmas holiday period, with some remaining open until late December or evolving into New Year markets in early January.
The Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the city. It offers a range of traditional handicrafts, nostalgic toys, and decorative items. The palace provides a stunning backdrop for the market, creating a magical atmosphere. Nearby, the Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna offers curling for those who want to try something different.
The Christkindlmarkt on Vienna's Rathausplatz offers countless stalls with handicrafts and culinary delights. Visitors can also enjoy a punch at the stands and glide around the ice rink, which is one of the biggest in Europe. The ice rink is suitable for all ages and skill levels, with a beginner's area and a professional track. The market also features a children's programme and a tree full of hearts in front of the illuminated town hall.
The Christmas market in the Volksgarten in Linz is another excellent option for ice skating. This market, held in the beautiful surroundings of the Volksgarten, offers a variety of holiday treats and gifts. It is open daily from 23 November to 23 December.
For a more intimate and rustic experience, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at Dom and Residenzplatz is a wonderful choice. Located in the heart of the baroque old town, this market features traditional huts that give the festive setting a unique atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a skate on the ice rink and explore the handcrafted nativity scenes displayed by torchlight and candlelight.
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Christmas markets with unique holiday mugs
Christmas markets in Austria usually start in mid-November and end in late December, with some extending into early January. The country is known for its romantic Christmas markets, with twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and a magical atmosphere.
If you're looking for Christmas markets with unique holiday mugs, Vienna is the place to go. Each of Vienna's Christmas markets offers a distinctive holiday mug, and collecting these mugs from each market is a fun activity for visitors. The mugs come in various shapes, such as small boots, and you can purchase them or rent them and get your deposit refunded when you return them.
Vienna Christmas Markets
- The famous Christkindlmarkt, known for its unique atmosphere and located in front of the Stephansdom cathedral.
- The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on Freyung Square, featuring an adjoining organic farmer's market with specialties from rural Austria.
- The Christmas market at Belvedere Palace, set in a baroque backdrop, offering creative gift ideas and culinary delights.
- The Stephansplatz market, located in front of the cathedral, is usually one of the earliest to open.
- The Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna, which offers curling, and the Wintermarkt at Riesenradplatz, which is great for kids.
- The market at Palais Niederösterreich, featuring cuisine and products from Lower Austria.
- The Weihnachtsquartier, a design market held in the historical Urania building, great for unique gifts.
- The Michaelerplatz market, located at one end of the Hofburg palace, known for its unique white booths.
- The Am Hof market, representing the historical centre of medieval Vienna, where the first Duke of Austria set up his court.
Christmas Markets in the Rest of Austria
- Schloss Hof Christmas market, held on weekends and public holidays from mid-November to mid-December.
- Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at Dom and Residenzplatz, featuring traditional huts in the heart of the baroque old town, creating a unique atmosphere.
- Innsbruck's Christkindlmarkt in the old town, with the sounds of tower brass players, the scent of mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts in the medieval streets.
- St. Wolfgang Advent market, where you can experience regional traditions and authentic handicrafts with a view of the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang.
- Wolfgangsee Advent, held from Wednesday to Sunday during the Advent season.
- Altenmarkt Advent market, open on Saturdays, Sundays, and November 28th.
- Linz Christmas market on Linz's main square and in the Volksgarten, running from late November to late December.
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Christmas markets with traditional Austrian food
Christmas markets in Austria usually start in early to mid-November, with all the major markets opening by the last week of the month. The markets continue through the Christmas period, with some staying open until late December or early January.
Austria is home to some of Europe's best Christmas markets, with Vienna and Innsbruck being particularly popular destinations. The markets in Vienna are set against the backdrop of famous, historic buildings, such as the Rathaus and Schönbrunn Palace. Each market in Vienna is unique, with different holiday gifts and foods on offer.
The Christmas markets in Austria offer a variety of traditional Austrian food, including:
- Baked potatoes with various toppings, such as butter and chives, sour cream and parsley, or chilli con carne
- Sausages, including bratwurst and Käsekrainer (a sausage filled with cheese, served in a bun or with a roll, and topped with pickles, fried onions, and mustard)
- Roasted chestnuts, usually sold in paper cones
- Austrian Christmas cookies, such as vanilla crescents, Linzer cookies (made with ground nuts and almonds and filled with apricot or raspberry jam), rum balls, gingerbread, and coconut macaroons
- Classic Nut Corners (Nussecken) and Cinnamon Stars
- Kaiserschmarrn, a dessert that is baked and then torn into pieces, and glazed with powdered sugar
- Grammelknödel, a large dumpling made from potatoes and filled with slow-cooked pork, onions, garlic, and herbs, served with sauerkraut and bacon
In addition to food, the Christmas markets in Austria also offer handcrafted gifts, traditional decorations, and festive activities such as ice skating and curling.
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Frequently asked questions
Christmas markets in Austria usually begin in early to mid-November and all the major markets are typically open by the last week of the month.
Christmas markets in Vienna open in late November and run through December.
There are over 20 official Advent markets in Vienna, each with its own unique vendors and holiday mugs. Some notable markets include:
- The Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna
- The Wintermarkt at Riesenradplatz
- The market in front of Schönbrunn Palace
- The market in front of Belvedere Palace
- The market at Spittelberg
- The Karlsplatz market
Austrian Christmas markets are full of lights and fragrances. You can expect to find handcrafted gifts, traditional decorations, and culinary delights such as hot punch and mulled wine.
