Vienna Christmas Market Dates & Opening Hours (2026)

If you’re planning to visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, the first thing you’re probably wondering is when do the Vienna Christmas markets start? 

Most Vienna Christmas markets open from mid-November until Christmas Eve or Boxing Day, although some do remain open until the first week of January. 

Here’s a quick overview of the 2026 opening dates and opening hours to help you plan your Vienna Christmas market trip.

*While I do my best to keep this guide up to date, opening dates and times can change. Check the official market websites before your visit to confirm the latest information

Vienna Christmas Markets Map

To help you find the best Christmas markets in Vienna, here’s a map showing the markets featured in this guide.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt (Rathausplatz)

Location: Rathausplatz, opposite Vienna City Hall
How to Get There: U2 to Rathaus (closest station) or U3 to Volkstheater. You can also take trams: 1, 71 or D to Rathausplatz/Burgtheater
Time to Explore: Allow 1.5 – 2.5 hours (or longer if you plan to go ice skating)

The Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the biggest and most famous Christmas market in Vienna. 

Even the entrance to this market is something special, you’re greeted by an illuminated arch, topped with a bow and ‘Wiener Christkindlmarkt’ written in cursive lights. It perfectly frames the market, with the carousel, giant Christmas tree and rows of market stalls set against the impressive backdrop of Vienna City Hall.

The market is large enough that you could easily spend an hour or more wandering between the cute little stalls. Alongside gifts and handmade crafts, you’ll find festive food and drink stands, including Glüwein served in Christmas mugs. There’s also a huge ice skating rink that winds through Rathauspark.

One of the highlights at the Wiener Christkindlmarkt is the flying heart (Known as the Herzerflug or Heart Flight), a glowing red love heart that passes over the market to illuminate the heart tree. You can see this display every 30 minutes after dark. If you want to enjoy it, I’d carefully select your viewing position several minutes before it starts as the crowds quickly gather below.

While I’ve visited this market during the day and at night, I’d definitely recommend visiting in the evening as it’s so much more magical after dark with the glowing lights and you get to see the flying heart. Although, as Vienna’s busiest market, visiting during the day can help beat the biggest crowds.

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn)

Location: Parade Court, Schönbrunn Palace
How to Get There: U4 to Schönbrunn or take tram 10 or 60 to Schloss Schönbrunn
Time to Explore: Allow 1.5 – 2 hours (or longer if you’re visiting Imperial Lights)

Wandering the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace is one of my favourite things to do in Vienna and visiting the Christmas market there is no exception. 

The Christmas market stalls line the forecourt in front of the palace alongside a huge central Christmas tree. There is also a small carousel, Ferris wheel and mini ice skating rink set up for kids.

There are plenty of food and drink stalls, but expect to queue. I visited on a Saturday afternoon and had to line up for over 20 minutes to buy a hot dog. Carefully read the signs as there were separate queues to order and collect. A few people around me unfortunately waited in the long queue for collection, only to get to the counter and realise they hadn’t ordered or paid yet.

One thing that surprised me was the price of food and drinks. I wasn’t in the mood for a Glüwein, so I ordered a Coke Zero to have with my hot dog only to regret it when I realised I’d paid the equivalent of $7.50 Australian dollars for a can. I also had to pay to use the toilet here, at a cost of €1. 

In the palace gardens, there is a Christmas lights installation, named Imperial Lights set up with light sculptures which includes fairytale scenes, animals and even Mozart. While the Christmas market itself is free, to visit Imperial Lights you need to purchase a ticket, which has timed entry. I’d recommend booking in advance as the tickets do sell out during busy periods. While the light installations are interesting to wander and look at, the tickets are expensive, so perhaps skip it if you’re on a budget.

While Schönbrunn Palace is one of the busier Christmas markets in Vienna, it feels more spacious and spread out than Rathausplatz. The palace backdrop really is spectacular, making it one of the markets I’d definitely recommend visiting.

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere)

Location: Upper Belvedere Palace, Prinz-Eugen-Straße 
How to Get There: Tram D to Schloss Belvedere (stops directly outside the palace) or U1 to Südtiroler Platz (around a 15-minute walk)
Time to Explore: Allow 45 minutes – 1 hour 

The Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere is where you’ll find the famous boot-shaped Christmas market mug in Vienna. 

It’s a smaller Christmas market set within the grounds of Belvedere Palace, with little wooden stalls lining the courtyard and a small carousel at the end. There is also a festive themed photobooth where you could snap some photos and send yourself a free digital copy.

I found this market to be quieter than the larger ones, which made it enjoyable to walk around the stalls with a hot chocolate in hand while taking in the palace surroundings. 

Before visiting, I assumed drinks were served in the famous boot-shaped mugs and expected to see everyone walking around with them. Instead, I discovered that the boot mugs came from a dedicated stall. Once you’ve finished your drink, instead of returning the mug for the deposit (pfand), you can exchange it for the boot-shaped souvenir mug.

Between getting the boot mug, wandering around without the crowds and the free photobooth, this was one of my favourite Christmas markets in Vienna. 

If you’re deciding which markets to prioritise, I’d definitely add the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market to your itinerary.

Stephansplatz Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf am Stephansplatz)

Location: Stephansplatz, outside St. Stephen’s Cathedral
How to Get There: Take U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz
Time to Explore: Allow 30 – 45 minutes

The Weihnachtsdorf am Stephansplatz is located directly outside St Stephens Cathedral in the heart of Vienna, making it one of the busiest Christmas markets in the city, with visitors constantly passing through as they explore the city centre.

You’ll find a large Christmas tree, rows of festive stalls and plenty of lights. I visited around 7pm on a Saturday, and it was so busy that I didn’t get the chance to browse the stalls properly. 

What I did really enjoy was wandering the surrounding streets after visiting the market. The Christmas lights strung between the buildings were beautiful, making this one of the most festive parts of Vienna to explore, even if you don’t spend long at the market itself.

If you’re already exploring Vienna’s city centre, this market is well worth a visit. To enjoy it at its best, I’d recommend visiting during the day or mid-week when you’ll have more space to browse the stalls.

Art Advent Christmas Market (Karlsplatz)

Location: Karlsplatz, in front of St Charles’ Church
How to Get There: Take the U1, U2 or U4 to Karlsplatz or tram 1
Time to Explore: 1 – 1.5 hours 

The Art Advent Christmas Market at Karlsplatz wasn’t originally on my list of Christmas markets to visit in Vienna, but I’m glad my boyfriend suggested it. 

Despite being one of the larger Vienna Christmas markets, Karlsplatz has a more relaxed atmosphere, especially compared to Rathausplatz. The market was spread out and there were fewer crowds, which made it much easier to explore the market and browse the stalls.

I should have realised it from the Art Advent name, but I was pleasantly surprised to find so many unique handmade arts and crafts in the stalls. We spent quite a while browsing all the stalls before stopping to enjoy the live music performed by a local band.

The market also felt particularly family friendly. There were children’s activities, including an interesting junkyard themed ride with a pedal powered track. I also saw lots of children happily playing in bundles of hay. 

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, browse handmade crafts or are visiting Vienna with children, Karlsplatz is one of the markets I’d prioritise. It offers a completely different vibe compared to the city’s busier markets.

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt (Freyung)

Location: Freyung Square
How to Get There: U3 to Herrengasse or trams to Schottentor/Burgtheater 
Time to Explore: Allow 45 minutes – 1 hour 

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is a small, cosy Christmas market surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. It has a much more local feel than some of Vienna’s larger and busier Christmas markets. It’s also known as the Old Viennese Christmas Market, as it’s the oldest traditional Christmas market in Vienna.

The stalls are filled with handmade crafts and beautiful Christmas ornaments, making this one of the best markets in Vienna for Christmas shopping. It was the perfect spot to grab a mug of Glüwein and stroll around.

There is also a small stage set up for entertainment, although there wasn’t a performance during my visit in the middle of the afternoon. I did notice a schedule of times displayed by the stage, so you could check this and return later in the day.

The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is also located a few minutes walk from Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof, making it easy to combine a visit to both of the markets in the same afternoon. If you’re looking for a market with more of a traditional atmosphere, this is one to add to your itinerary.

Am Hof Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof)

Location: Am Hof Square
How to Get There: Take the U3 to Herrengasse, U1 to Stephensplatz or U2 to Schottentor 
Time to Explore: Allow 45 minutes – 1 hour

Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof is one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna to browse handmade gifts, artisan food and local products. Set in a historic square, it has a much more traditional feel than some of the larger Christmas markets.

Walking into the market, I was immediately greeted by the smell of nuts roasting and couldn’t resist buying a bag to snack on while wandering between the stalls.

Alongside festive decorations and Christmas gifts, I noticed several stalls selling locally produced cheeses, cured meats and other regional specialties. It felt more like a traditional European market than something designed just for tourists. 

I visited mid-afternoon and found it was the perfect time of day to avoid the crowds and enjoy browsing the stalls.

Because it’s only a few minutes from Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, these two markets are easy to visit together. If you’re looking to browse handmade gifts, sample local food and experience a more traditional Christmas market in Vienna, I’d recommend visiting them both.

Prater Winter Market (Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz)

Location: Riesenradplatz, Prater Amusement Park
How to Get There: Take the U1 or U2 to Praterstern, Trams 5 or O, or the S-Bahn to Praterstern 
Time to Explore: Allow 1–2 hours (or longer if you plan to enjoy the rides)

The Wintermarkt is set up inside the famous Prater amusement park, creating an atmosphere unlike any other Christmas market in Vienna. The market stalls are set up alongside the rollercoasters and amusement rides, combining a festive atmosphere with carnival fun.

Once you’ve explored the market stalls, you can continue exploring the park to enjoy the rides, including the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad). 

If you’re already visited several Vienna Christmas markets, Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz is a great way to mix things up a bit. It’s also one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna for families, with plenty to keep children entertained.

While the Christmas market is located inside Prater, the amusement park itself is free to enter, so you only pay if you choose to go on the rides. Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz is also one of the last Vienna Christmas markets to close, running until the first week of January, making it a great option if you’re visiting after Christmas Day.

Other Christmas Markets in Vienna

While this guide focuses on the Christmas markets that I’ve personally visited, Vienna has several other markets to explore if you have the time. 

You’ll also most likely stumble across some smaller Christmas markets as you visit other attractions in the city.

Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz)

Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz)
You’ll find Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market between the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum).

It’s a popular market, with rows of wooden stalls with a range of seasonal food, drinks and gifts.

Spittelberg Christmas Market

Unlike many of Vienna’s Christmas markets, which are set up in large squares, the Spittelberg Christmas Market stalls line some of the narrow streets of the Spittelberg neighbourhood.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to visit during my Christmas market trip but it’s not too far from the city centre and located just behind the MuseumsQuartier.

Christmas Village at the University Campus (Weihnachtsmarkt im alten AKH)

Located within the grounds of the university campus, this Christmas market is popular among students and locals. 

It’s also within walking distance of Rathausplatz, making it easy to combine with a visit to Vienna’s main Christmas market if you have extra time.

Christmas Magic Schwarzenbergplatz

A brand new market opening for the first time in 2026, Christmas Magic Schwarzenbergplatz will be located in the heart of Vienna’s city centre. 

The new market promises enchanted light installations around the fountain, live music, arts and crafts, plus a range of traditional Christmas food and drinks. 

If you’re visiting Vienna for the Christmas markets in 2026, this looks like another market worth adding to your itinerary.

Vienna Christmas Market Tips

Avoiding crowds
The Vienna Christmas markets are some of the busiest in Europe, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. To help avoid the crowds, visit markets in the afternoon rather than the evening.  In December, it will be dark by around 4.00pm, so you can still enjoy seeing the festive lights later in the afternoon.

Bring cash
While most vendors will accept cards, some stalls are cash only. I’d recommend carrying cash to ensure you don’t miss out on any purchases. 

Wear layers
I’d recommend dressing in layers as you are likely to warm up while walking between markets. However, once you’ve stopped to browse a stall or to enjoy a Glüwein, you’ll likely feel the cold. Don’t forget a warm hat and gloves.

Plan your route
Many of Vienna’s Christmas markets are within walking distance of each other, while others are easily connected by the U-Bahn or trams. Planning your route in advance will help you to visit several markets in the same afternoon without wasting time travelling across the city.

Christmas mugs (Pfand) 
When ordering hot drinks, including Glüwein or hot chocolates, these will be served to you in reusable mugs. When paying for your drink, you’ll also be required to pay a mug deposit (pfand), usually €4–5. Then, once you’ve finished your drink, you can return it to the stall to receive your deposit back or you can choose to keep it as a souvenir. 

Each market has its own mug design, choose your favourite souvenir mugs to keep wisely as you’ll quickly build up a collection.

Where to Stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets

Vienna is well connected via public transport, with U-Bahn (subway), trams and buses. The Christmas markets in Vienna are also spread throughout the city and you’ll likely use public transport to get around. 

As long as you are within a short walk of a U-Bahn station, you’ll be able to reach all the main markets easily.  

I’ve stayed near Westbahnhof every single time I’ve visited Vienna because accommodation tends to be cheaper than in the city centre, and it’s well connected by both the U-Bahn and trams. From here, you can reach most of the Vienna Christmas markets in around 15 minutes, while Belvedere Palace Christmas Market takes closer to 30 minutes.

Budget

JO&JOE Vienna
I stayed at JO&JOE hostel on my most recent trip to Vienna. Located inside an IKEA building, it’s one of the most unique hostels I’ve stayed in and is just a few minutes walk from Westbahnhof station. 

The dorms were spacious with sturdy bunks, and there were plenty of communal spaces to relax or hang out with other travellers. If you’re visiting Vienna on a budget, I’d happily stay here again.

Mid-range

Hotel Motel One Wien-Westbahnhof
If you’d like the convenience of staying near Westbahnhof but would prefer a private hotel room over a hostel, Hotel Motel One is a great choice.

It’s located directly opposite the station, making it easy to explore the Christmas markets by public transport.

Luxury

Hotel Sacher Vienna
If you’re planning a special Christmas trip, Hotel Sacher would be hard to beat for a luxury stay. 

This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Vienna’s city centre and within walking distance of several popular Christmas markets. 

Overall, accommodation in Vienna can be quite expensive compared to other European capital cities, especially during the Christmas season. I’d recommend booking accommodation as early as possible to secure the best choice and prices. 

I usually compare hotels on Booking.com before each trip, as it’s the easiest way to compare prices across different areas of Vienna.

Vienna Christmas Market FAQ

When do the Vienna Christmas markets start?

The Christmas Markets in Vienna begin on 6 November 2026 with the opening of Stephansplatz Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf am Stephansplatz) and Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn).

When is the best time to visit the Vienna Christmas markets?

The Vienna Christmas markets are some of the most popular and busiest in Europe. To try and avoid the crowds, I’d recommend visiting in early December on weekdays rather than weekends. Then timing your market visits for early afternoon rather than evenings. Remember, in December it will be dark at around 4:00pm, so you’ll be able to enjoy the festive lights.

Are the Vienna Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?

Yes, several of Vienna’s Christmas markets are open on Christmas Day. These Christmas Day markets include: Wiener Christkindlmarkt (Rathausplatz), Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, Belvedere Palace Christmas Market and Stephansplatz Christmas Market.

If you’re visiting over Christmas, it’s worth checking the official market websites before your visit as opening hours and days can change.

Which Vienna Christmas markets are still open in January?

Two of Vienna’s most popular Christmas markets remain open until the first week of January, Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and the Prater Winter Market (Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz).

Where are the Vienna Christmas markets?

There are Christmas markets in various locations across Vienna. Some markets in the city centre are within close walking distance of one another, while others can easily be reached using the city’s public transport system. 

You can also refer this: Vienna Christmas Market Map

How many Christmas markets are in Vienna?

There are around 20 Christmas markets in Vienna, ranging from larger markets with over 100 stalls or smaller cosy local markets.

Are the Vienna Christmas markets free?

Yes, all of the Vienna Christmas markets included in this guide are free to enter. Note that additional activities such as the Imperial Lights at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market are a ticked event.

What is the best Christmas market in Vienna?

The Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is Vienna’s most iconic Christmas market and the one I’d recommend if you could only visit one. It’s a huge market with more than 100 stalls, a massive ice skating rink and a giant Christmas tree set against the grand backdrop of Vienna City Hall. Then add in the glowing lights and the famous flying heart, it’s easy to see why it’s Vienna’s most popular Christmas market.

Where can you get the boot-shaped Christmas market mug in Vienna?

You can find the iconic boot-shaped Christmas market mug in Vienna at Belvedere Palace Christmas Market. Before visiting, I expected to see everyone drinking from the boot-shaped mugs, but I soon discovered they aren’t used to serve drinks. Instead, once you’ve finished your drink, you take your regular pfand mug to a dedicated stall and exchange it for the souvenir boot-shaped Christmas mug.

Is Vienna worth visiting for Christmas markets?

Vienna is absolutely worth visiting for Christmas markets. It’s one of the most festive cities I’ve visited in Europe, with around 20 different Christmas markets spread across the city.  Many are within easy walking distance of each other, while others are easily reached by public transport. 

Each market also has its own atmosphere, specialities and reasons to visit. That’s what makes Vienna different from other Christmas market destinations I’ve been to, where the markets can feel quite similar.

Final Thoughts: Vienna Christmas Markets

I arrived in Vienna searching for the famous boot-shaped Christmas mug. I left with a collection of mugs that I somehow had to fit into my already overpacked backpack, but more importantly, a new appreciation for how unique each of Vienna’s Christmas markets really is. 

If you’re planning to visit Vienna for Christmas markets, don’t just visit Rathausplatz if you have the time. Each market has its own atmosphere, specialties and reasons to visit, so I’d recommend exploring as many as you can. 

Vienna is easily one of my favourite cities in Europe to visit at Christmas time.