Ranking Vienna’s iconic Christmas Markets

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Vienna. The historic streets fill with festive cheer, the smell of gluhwein lingers and the squares light up with festive decorations. And an essential part of that Christmas atmosphere is due to the city’s many Christmas markets that are peppered throughout the Austrian capital. To help you navigate your way around these holiday essentials, here is our ranking of the best Christmas markets in Vienna.

Christmas market in Vienna

- © Burben / Shutterstock

5. University of Vienna

In fifth place, we have one of the city’s more unknown Christmas markets, the Christmas Village at Campus University of Vienna. Established in 1999, we love this market’s traditional Viennese atmosphere and range of stalls. What’s nice about this one is as it is less popular than others on this list, it isn’t as busy or overwhelming. That said, it is also rather small, so perhaps making for a good family-friendly activity. The market is open daily from November 11th to December 23rd and is easily accessible via trams 5, 33, 43 or 44 (stop at Lang Gasse).

4. Rathausplatz

Undeniably Vienna’s most iconic Christmas market, each year, locals and tourists alike look forward to this Winter Wonderland along the City Hall. Known as the Viennese Christmas Dream Market, this one is large and full of many different activities for folks of all ages. You’ll also find some great food stalls and even various international choirs performing carols at the weekends. The only downside to this one, is the sheer size of the crowds it attracts. This can make for a rather unpleasant experience as you try to slither through seas of people all clamouring for some hot chocolate or gluhwein. The market is open daily from November 11th to December 26th. You can access it easily by public transportation via tramlines 1, 71 or D to Rathausplatz/Burgtheater.

Christmas Market at Rathausplatz

- © S.Borisov / Shutterstock

3. Belvedere

An iconic Viennese location, the Belvedere Christmas market is enchanting and an obvious seasonal highlight. With the breathtaking baroque Palace as a backdrop, this market feels historic yet timeless with a lot to see all around. The stalls are rather small but qualitative and you can find anything you may be looking for, from food to Christmas gifts. The Christmas Village is open daily from November 17th until December 23rd. You can access it by hopping on tram D or metro U1.

Christmas Market at the Belvedere

- © Renata Sedmakova / Shutterstock

2. Schönbrunn

Each year, the legendary Schönbrunn Palace puts on a Christmas market in its main square. We absolutely love this one for its enchanting atmosphere and large selection of vendors and stalls. That’s right, with over 60 stalls, the market offers a fantastic array of goods from local Austrian artisans and producers. And talk about a magical setting? It’s no surprise the Austrian Versailles continues to attract so many visitors year after year. The market is open from November 18th until January 4th. Check out the official website for more information about the various events that are organised at the market.

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn palace

- © David Strohmer / Shutterstock

1. Maria Theresien Platz

Our favourite Christmas market in Vienna! This one has it all, a grand historic setting, space to walk around and breathe without fear of getting trampled by crowds, and an incredibly varied selection of stalls. Located just between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts, this market is truly Vienna’s best. The Christmas Village manages to flawlessly balance excellent food stalls, with artisanal displays, so, if there’s only one Christmas market you visit while on your trip, we firmly recommend that it be this one.

Christmas Markets at Maria Theresien Platz

- © rustamank / Shutterstock

Editor's note!

Be on the lookout for each Christmas market’s own unique mugs, that come with gluhwein or other hot drinks and make for perfect souvenirs.

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