One day in Vienna Christmas markets 2024

Vienna Christmas markets are ones of the most beautiful and famous markets in Europe and in the world. During these festive days, the streets of the lovely town of Vienna transform into fairy-tale spots which attract numerous tourists from all over the world. And in the evening, the Christmas lights make it more elegant and fascinating.

Coincidentally or not, I was in Vienna for 2024 New Year’s Eve with my dear friends.
And it seems to me that 2024 is almost ending in the same place 🙂

 

 

History of Vienna Christmas markets

According to some records, the first market, known as the “December Market,” was held in 1296 with the permission of Duke Albert I of Austria. But there were more proofs that the first Christmas market in Vienna was held in 1772 on the Freyung Square, in the city’s centre. In this square, the “Old Viennese Christmas Market”  is held in the present time, as well.

During the centuries, markets were usually held in other European countries around Christmas. Since the 1980s, more Christmas markets have been held in Vienna. Today, these markets are part of the tradition and holiday spirit, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Well, it is the most wonderful time of the year…

 

3 tips to know before you visit markets

♦ Be prepared for the huge afternoon and evening crowd, especially for the weekends. So, if you don’t like the crowd and if you have enough time, visit the markets during the working days and early dusk, and see some of the best Vienna attractions as well. Of course, it is better to feel the festive atmosphere in the evening, with all these lights and decorations, but the choice is upon you.

◊ Make a plan about which markets you would like to visit, especially if you are in Vienna for just one day or you have limited time, as we had. It is not possible to visit all of them during one day and evening.

♦ Take cash with you, because it is not possible to pay with cards on every stand.

 

Locations of Vienna Christmas markets

Usually, Vienna Christmas markets open in the middle of November, and usually last until Christmas Day. Opening time is about 10 or 11 AM, and the markets close at 9 or 10 PM.

All of them are different and similar at the same time, with stands filled with spiced mulled wine, punch, various snacks, sweets, crafts and souvenirs.

So, take a look at the list of the most popular Vienna Christmas markets in 2024 with dates and locations.

1. Rathausplatz
2. Maria-Theresien-Platz
3. Stephensplatz
4. Am Hof
5. Freyung
6. Karlsplatz
7. The Belvedere Palace
8. Schönbrunn Palace
9. Prater,
10. Spittelberg, etc.

Even though we made a plan for which markets we would like to visit, the reality was different. One day is not enough to see all of them and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
But, it is a reason to come again to Vienna next year 🙂

 

Christmas mugs 

One of the characteristics of the market are specially designed holiday mugs for mulled wine, punch, or hot chocolate. Every market has its mugs in various colours and shapes.

So, don’t be surprised about the higher price of drinks served in these mugs (approximately 10 or 11 EUR). Actually, the price includes a deposit of 5 EUR. After you finish your drink, you can return the mug and get back the deposit. Or, you can keep it and take home as an interesting souvenir.

And this year, the most popular mug was a red shoe 🙂

 

Vienna Christmas market on the Rathausplatz

Christkindlmarket is the most famous Christmas market in Vienna, located on the Rathausplatz. It looks amazing with many decorations which surround Rathaus, Vienna’s historic city hall built in a neo-Gothic style.

⏰Opening time: 15th of November – 26th December 2024,
from 10 AM to 10 PM, except on 24th December: 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

 

There you can find many stands with food and drinks, as well as souvenirs, festive decorations and handcrafts. Kids like riding in the carousel, and in the Christmas workshops. Ice skate lovers can enjoy an ice rink and frozen paths through Rathausplatz Park.

 

A heart tree and flying red heart

But, when a night comes, the Town Hall looks magical. Probably, you have seen many reels on the internet these days of how the market looks illuminated. One of the highlights is the flying red heart which comes from the heart tree and goes across the market every half an hour from 6 PM to 9 PM. Numerous small hearts on a tree in a park are illuminated together with the heart and large red balls on the ground, creating a romantic atmosphere.

 

By the way, the New Year’s party with DJ Alex List will be held at the Rathausplatz on the 31st of December, from 10 PM to 2 AM.

Well, I was at this place on the 31st of December 2023 with my sister and girlfriends. We had a great time dancing and drinking the mulled wine with numerous tourists and visitors at the concert dedicated to Falco, the famous Austrian pop singer.
At midnight, the fireworks and wonderful melody of “The Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss marked the beginning of the new 2024. It was a fantastic feeling to be part of a crowd dancing to the beats of the wonderful waltz…

 

Christmas market on the Maria-Theresien-Platz

 

Christmas market on Maria-Theresien-Platz is located between the Natural History Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. 

⏰Opening time: 13th of November – 26th December 2024,
Sunday-Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM.
24th December: 11 AM to 4 PM; 25-26th December: 11 AM to 7 PM.

 

Surrounded by two impressive imperial buildings, visitors can enjoy culinary delights and find various Christmas decorations, crafts, lamps, and souvenirs.

 

 

Stephensplatz market

The Stephensplatz Christmas Market is located in the heart of the town, around St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
And yes, it was very crowded on the market😀

⏰ Opening time: 8th of November – 26th December 2024, from 11 AM to 9 PM,
except on 24th of December: 11 AM to 4 PM, 25-26th of December, 11 AM to 7 PM.

 

Like in other markets, you can find food, drinks, souvenirs, and festive decorations on the Stephenplatz market. In the evening, the illuminated cathedral looks marvellous.

 

Take your time and visit the impressive St. Stephen Cathedral built in a Gothic style, the landmark of Vienna.

 

Christmas Market Am Hof 

Weihnachts Markt Am Hof is a market located in Am Hof Square, the historical part of the centre of town.

⏰Opening time: 15th November – 23rd December 2024.
Monday-Thursday, from 11 AM to 9 PM; Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 9 PM.

 

In the past, this square was a part of the Roman military camp of Vindobona. Then, it was a place for tournaments under the Babenbergs from 1165. It became a marketplace around 1280 under the the Habsburgs rule.

The Christmas market started to be held in 1842 and it has continued until today. There you can find local food, wine and various handmade and crafts products, decorations, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and accessories. It is popular among the locals, as well.

 

In the centre of Am Hof Square, there is a Madonna column which dates back to 1667 and the reign of Emperor Leopold I. The square is surrounded by several impressive buildings. Among them are a large church – Kirche am Hof church from the 14th century, and Park Hotel Hyatt.

 

Freyung Market

Close to Am Hof Market, you can visit the Freyung, the Old Viennese Christmas Market.

⏰Opening time: 15th November – 23rd December 2024, from 10 AM to 9 PM.

 

The first time, the Christmas market was held in 1722. There you can find stands with various handcrafts, food and drinks.

Freyung Square is surrounded by part of the Schottenstift abbey complex, which includes a church founded in the 12th century and former palaces. One of the most famous is the impressive Palais Ferstel, built in 1860 for the bank and stock market. The square stretches along three streets: Freyung Square, Herrengasse, and Strauchgasse. A Gothic passageway connects the square with Herrengasse Street.

However, the palace is mostly famous for the legendary Café Central in the ground hall. Making a reservation can be a good idea since it is very popular and many people are always waiting on the street to enjoy cafes, sweets and Viennese specialities.

 

Karlsplatz market

One of the most popular Vienna Christmas markets is the Karlplatz market. It is located in front of the impressive Karlskirche – St Charles Church.

⏰ Opening time: 15th of November – 23rd December 2024, from 12 PM to 8 PM.

 

This market is known as the Art Advent. Besides the stalls with various arts and unique crafts, handmade ceramics, soaps, toys, clothes, jewellery, and decorations, you can find the stalls with food and drinks. This market is usually crowded and it is interesting to kids.

If you have time, you can climb to the top of the church to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

 

 

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace  

The Christmas market in front of Upper Belvedere Palace is a perfect place for an imperial and romantic atmosphere.

⏰Opening time: 15th November – 31st December 2024,
Monday – Friday 11 AM to 9 PM; Saturday – Sunday 10 AM – 9 PM;
24st December: 11 AM – 4 PM; 25-30st December: 11 AM-7 PM; 31st December: 11 AM to 6 PM.

The baroque Belvedere Palace is in the background of the market stalls which stand at the entrance of the southern gate. My sister and I planned to visit this charming market, but we didn’t because of limited time. However, if you have enough time, combine a visit to the Christmas market and the beautiful Belvedere Palace.

 

 Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn

Another more romantic Christmas market is located in front of the Schönbrunn Palace.

⏰Opening time: 8th of November 2024 – 6th January 2025,
 from 10 AM to 9 PM; 24th December 10 AM to 4 PM, 25th December to 6th January: 10 AM to 7 PM.

It is an interesting place for the whole family. When you pass through the starry portal at the entrance, the magic of Christmas begins. On 90 market stands, you can find traditional crafts, handcrafted ornaments, food and drinks. Also, there is an ice stock game (similar to curling), a 15×30 m ice rink for ice skating lovers, a wooden stall for small kids for wooden work projects, a children’s train, a large Ferris wheel, and a carousel.

And find a time to visit the wonderful Schönbrunn Palace and ZOO, as well. In a word, you can stay all day and evening at the Schönbrunn Palace.

 

Winter market at Riesenradplatz – Prater

Unlike other markets, Prater is a place open 365 days a year. On the Riesenradplatz, you can find a giant Ferris Wheel, a Rollercoaster Restaurant and Madame Tussauds Museum.

⏰Opening time for winter markeet: from 16th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.
Monday-Friday: noon to 10 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM to 10 PM.
24th December: 10 AM to 5 PM, 31st December: 12 noon to 2 AM; 1st January 2025: 11 AM to 10 PM.

Besides entertainment facilities, there are stands with food, drinks, winter accessories and souvenirs.

The Riesenradplatz will be one of the popular places for New Year’s Eve, with programs and live concerts from 8 PM to 2 AM. Also, the traditional New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will be broadcast live on our LED wall on 1 January 2025 starting at 11 AM.

 

A few smaller Vienne Christmas markets

Depending on your time, you can find a few smaller Christmas markets while you stroll around Vienna.

♦ Spittelberg, from November 16th to December 23rd, is known as an “eco-event.” Market stands are mounted between narrow streets and buildings in the Spittelberg quarter, close to the Museums Quartier and Marie-Theresien Platz.

◊ Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna, known as The Altes AKH market, from 15th November to 23rd December 2024.

♦ Palais Liechtenstein, from the 14th November to 22nd December 2024. 

◊ Hirschstetten Advent market, from the 14th of November to the 22nd of December 2024, only Thursdays to Sundays. It is located in the botanical Hirschstetten gardens, on the far side of the Danube in the city’s 22nd district.

 

What to drink at Vienna Christmas markets

For sure, you will not be hungry and thirsty at the Christmas markets 🙂

The smell of mulled wine, chestnuts, sausages and various specialities, tempts you from the stalls and you don’t know what to try first!

 

♦ Mulled wine or Glühwein is the best and the most popular drink to warm you on cold days. It is served hot in festive mugs, usually spiced with cinnamon, star anis, cardamom, cloves, and orange or lemon juice.
◊ Christmas punch – Weihnachtspunsch is another popular drink. There are many variations of punch, it can be non-alcoholic or with alcohol, various fruits and exotic spices, the choice is yours.
♦ Hot chocolate with whipped cream or rum.

 

What to eat at Christmas markets

Taste some of the local snacks and specialities.
♦ Roasted chestnuts (Maroni) and big pretzels filled with various ingredients, such as cheese or Nutella.

 

◊ Tornado fries or chips on a stick: thinly sliced raw or cooked potatoes fried in butter or vegetable oils.
♦ Kumpato potato: actually, it is a Turkish traditional baked potato with various ingredients. The price is 10-12 EUR for each portion.

 

◊ Traditional Austrian Bratwurst sausages or hotdogs are served in a bun or on a plate. One of the favourites is Käsekrainer, a sausage filled with cheese.
♦ Raclette: melted cheese is served on top of a slice of bread. Someone adds ham, bacon, fresh onions, peppers or paprika.
◊ Tyrolean specialities like Gröstl, a mix of fried potatoes, mincemeat, bacon, onion and eggs. Another popular dish is Kasspatzle, spätzle with cheese and fried onion (10,8 EUR portion).
♦ Taste a vegetable or garlic soup, or classic goulash, served in a bread bowl.
◊ Langos is a Hungarian speciality. It is a freshly fried dough with garlic butter and cheese. The price is 5,5 to 6,9 EUR.

And something sweet…

♦ Kaiserschmarren is a thick and shredded pancake served with apricot or plum jam and powdered sugar, named after Emperor Franz Joseph.
◊ Lebkuchen, some kind of gingerbread. 
♦ Bauernkrapfen, the traditional farmer’s doughnuts with jam.
◊ Apfelstrudel, candied nuts, chocolate-covered fruit, and more.

 

What to buy at Vienna Christmas markets

As I have already mentioned in the text, you can find various products and souvenirs in all stands over the Christmas markets. It depends on your interests and what you want to take home for your family, friends, and you, as well.

♦ Holiday mugs: you can buy them separately or you keep them after you finish your favourite drink.
◊ Various handcrafts, festive decorations for home, lamps, candles, ceramics, jewellery, scented soaps.
♦ Fashion accessories.
♦ Food, such as cheese, sausages, prosciutto, jams, honey, and various sweets.

And of course, the famous Mozartkugeln you can find in shops all around the town.

 

Christmas decorations on Vienna streets

The centre of Vienna looks stunning during Christmastime. The streets and buildings are illuminated and interestingly decorated with millions of LEDs, and you don’t know where to look first!

Graben Street is the most famous and beautiful pedestrian street in Vienna with stunning buildings and luxury shops.

 

It looks amazing with large chandeliers, especially in the night.

 

Also, one of the famous pedestrian streets is Kärntner Street, close to the Viennese Opera and Sacher Hotel.

 

Across Kärntner Street, there is a famous Popp-Kretchmer Fashion store with a red bow. This corner became one of the most photographed spots in the city, day and night, on social media!

 

Vienna Christmas markets

Vienna is an amazing city, and during the Christmas time, it became more attractive, both to locals and tourists.
The aromatic scent of mulled wine, punch, sausages and roasted chestnuts can be felt all around the Vienna Christmas Markets.

Despite a huge crowd, soak up a festive atmosphere and enjoy Christmas days.
Well, as a song by Andy Williams says:

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”