You can already plan your trip to the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2023!

It has only been a couple of days since the Christmas markets in Vienna closed. Some remained open until January 8th, while others closed around Christmas. Even though they have barely managed to clean up the mess, the planning has already started for the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2023. Even though we don’t have the dates for most of the Christmas markets (yet), the Christmas market at Präter has already announced its upcoming Christmas market in 2023.

The Christmas market at Präter opens on November 18th in 2023 and remains open until January 7th in 2024. This is a great market with stalls, food, a giant amusement park (which is there all year around), and a stage with almost daily concerts. In other words, a fantastic place to visit if you want to have fun and enjoy a Christmas market in Vienna.

christmas market at stephansplatz

Why is this important?

The Christmas markets follow trends and patterns. In 2022, the Christmas market at Präter opened at the same day as the Christmas market at Rathausplatz and the Christmas market at Schönbrunn. As a result, we can make a wild guess and expect the same to happen in 2023. If that is so, you can expect most of the Christmas markets in Vienna to open on November 18 in 2023. If you want to be sure, you can add one week to the estimation. What do I mean? If the Christmas markets don’t open on November 18, they will for sure open on November 25.

Order a plane ticket to Vienna and come on November 18. You will surely be able to visit the Christmas market at Präter, and most likely the Christmas market at Spittelberg (as it normally opens one week earlier than the Christmas market at Präter). Whether or not the Christmas markets at Schönbrunn and Rathausplatz will open on November 18 remains unsure, but you will have plenty of things to do in Vienna.

There are several other Christmas markets in Vienna opening earlier than the Christmas markets at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn. As a result, you can expect there to be Christmas markets at Freyung, Hof, and Stephansplatz by November 18 in 2023 as well.

Would you like to read more about the Christmas markets in Vienna? Click the link to read about the locations of the Christmas markets, what to eat and drink at the markets, and a fantastic route that will let you discover some of the best Christmas markets in Vienna on foot.

Are you ready?

The dates for the Christmas markets in 2022 and the Easter market in 2023 are here!

Are you planning a trip to Vienna before Christmas this year? Or maybe an Easter trip to Vienna in 2023? We have now published the dates for the Christmas markets in 2022 and for the Easter market in 2023 here in our Vienna Guide.

We haven’t updated our Vienna Guide frequently in recent years, mostly due to COVID. But, now that life is returning to normal, it is time to welcome tourists to Vienna once again.

Are you ready for a trip to the spectacular and wonderful city of Vienna?

The earliest Christmas markets in Vienna will open on November 11th, while the biggest and most popular markets at the Rathausplatz and at Scönbrunn will open one week later.

Most markets will remain open until December 23rd or December 26th, but the Schönbrunn market will turn into a New Years Market after Christmas and remain open until January 4th in 2023.

What about the Easter market?

Two and a half months after the New Years Market at Schönbrunn has closed, it is time for the Easter Market that will open on March 25th in 2023. This will remain open for 1 1/2 weeks, and it is a fantastic way to enjoy a market with a nice atmosphere, combined with the wonderful surroundings of the Schönbrunn castle!

Would you like to know more about these events?

We wish you a pleasant stay in Vienna!

Christmas markets 2024

Vienna has several Christmas Markets and they are all known to be among the best in all of Europe. What is especially cool in Vienna is that every Christmas Market has its own cup which you can buy, and of course, drink hot chocolate and glühwein from it. So, if you visit all the different markets, you can return home with ten different cups if you would like to!

Christmas markets in Vienna

Vienna’s most famous Christmas market is at the Rathausplatz in front of the City Hall. This is very beautiful, especially in the evening as the house of the city council is illuminated. But there are several other Christmas Markets to be visited in Vienna. The Schönbrunn Palace has a great Christmas Market, you can find another one in front of Karlskirche, there is an untraditional but brilliant market at Spittelberg, and the list could go on forever.

If you want to experience a real Christmas atmosphere, Vienna is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. Read further about some of the different markets, and check out the dates of the different Christmas markets in the list under this text.

Dates for the Christmas Markets in Vienna in 2024


Rathausplatz Christmas market dates 2024

November 15, 2024 – December 26, 2024
These are not the official dates, but based on the dates in previous years, this is what we estimate. It might be that the Christmas markets will open one week earlier, but we cannot say anything for sure before the dates are officially announced.

  • 2023: November 10 – December 26
  • 2022: November 19 – December 26
  • 2019: November 15 – December 24
  • 2018: November 16 – December 26

This is the most popular and famous Christmas market in Vienna. It is much more than just a market. Here you can find many programs for adults and kids, including an ice skating rink, a magical train, beautiful lights, and so much more. This is the place to go if you want to take fantastic photos.

Are you looking for a hotel or apartment close to Vienna’s most famous Christmas market? Look at the map below for price examples and great hotel and accommodation possibilities.

Booking.com

Schönbrunn Christmas market dates 2024

November 15/22, 2024 – January 4, 2025
These are not the official dates, but based on the dates in previous years, this is what we estimate. In other words, we expect the Christmas market by Schönbrunn to open on either November 15 or 22, 2024.

  • 2023: November 18 – January 4 (2024)
  • 2022: November 19 – January 4 (2023)
  • 2019: November 23 – December 26
  • 2018: November 18 – December 26

The Christmas market by Schönbrunn is located quite far from the city center, but it is still very popular due to the fantastic surrounding of the market. The Schönbrunn castle is an attraction in itself; you can walk in the park for hours year round. There is a fantastic view if you visit the Glorietta, and families will enjoy visiting the zoo in the park. The market has beautiful illumination at night, and since you should visit Schönbrunn anyway, this is a win-win situation. This market remains open until the start of the new year, making it perfect if you come to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Vienna.


Maria-Theresien Platz Christmas market dates 2024

not announced yet…

The Christmas market at the magnificent Maria-Theresien Platz is very popular among locals and it looks amazing, especially as both museums surrounding the Christmas market turn on the illumination in the evenings.


Spittelberg Christmas market dates 2024

November 14, 2024 – December 23, 2024
These dates are not official, so only our guess based on the Christmas market dates in earlier years.

  • 2023: November 16 – December 23
  • 2022: November 11 – December 23
  • 2019: November 14 – December 23
  • 2018: November 18 – December 23

This isn’t a traditional Viennese Christmas market. It doesn’t have magical illumination at a giant square. Instead, this is a market located in tiny streets where you walk up and down. People stand in the middle of the street and drink their hot wine, and the stores in the area are a natural part of the Christmas market. In a way, this is Vienna’s most special Christmas market, and you should definitely visit it.


Wintermarkt Präter Christmas market dates 2024

November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
We don’t know the dates for sure yet, but this is our guess based on the dates of the Christmas market at Prater in the recent years.

  • 2023: November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
  • 2022: November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023

Präter is a fantastic area in Vienna. Here you can enjoy a giant Ferris Wheel and enjoy an adrenaline kick as you pay to ride one of the many roller coasters in the area. Before Christmas, a big winter market is added to the area, and it certainly has a traditional Christmas market atmosphere. Once again, this is an area you should visit anyway, and because of the Christmas market, you just got one more excuse to do so. There are daily concerts from Wednesday to Sunday at 19.00 during the entire period of the event.

christmas market at präter

Belvedere Christmas market dates 2024

November 22, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Only an estimate, but if we are lucky, it might open one week earlier. The Christmas market opened on November 17 in 2023.

The Belvedere Christmas market is quite similar to the other Christmas markets, but it stays open through Christmas, all the way until New Year’s Eve. This beautiful market will help you buy local foods and drinks, and take some magnificent photos, especially in the evening.

belvedere Christmas market

Christmas market at Hof in Vienna in 2024

November 15, 2024 – December 23, 2024
This is one of the Christmas markets with the earliest openings in Vienna. It opened on November 10 in 2023, so if we are lucky it will open on November 8 in 2024, but the dates are not yet official.

The Christmas market at Hof is a hidden gem in the center of Vienna. Here you will find many locals drinking hot wine, eating sausage, and other popular food. Here you can buy authentic handmade goods from Austria, giving it a greater sense of being a local Christmas market than Vienna’s other Christmas markets.


Read more about the different Christmas Markets:

christmas shopping in vienna

What can you buy at the Christmas markets in Vienna?

As you visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, you will find many similar objects at the different Christmas markets. Obviously, there are differences, but you will also see many similarities between the different markets.

One of the most important things you will find at every Christmas market in Vienna is the hot wine, often referred to as glühwein. Since the wine has been boiled, it normally comes without alcohol, but the taste of alcohol and wine is strongly present in the drink. As a result, most kids dislike the traditional hot wine served at the different Christmas markets. Hot wine, or mulled wine, or glüh wine, also consists of some additional spices (depending on who makes it). Cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg are some of the most used spices.

If the kids don’t like the hot wine, they feel otherwise about the chimney cake. This is often referred to as the Sekler Cake, a sweet dough with sugar grilled and later dipped in cinnamon, cocoa, walnut, or vanilla. If you choose the cinnamon taste it reminds you quite a lot of cinnamon buns, just that it is much bigger and incredibly delicious. It might be that this is a favorite of kids, but don’t worry, adults love it as well.

chimney cake

It is very normal to find fruits covered with chocolate as well. This is another favorite of adults and kids as you get apples, strawberries, and other chocolate-covered fruits.

Would you like some more serious food? There are several options at the Christmas markets in Vienna.

This region is well known for delicious meat, and also sausages. As a result, you will find sausages of all kinds at the Christmas markets in Vienna. Some are filled with paprika, onion, and spices, while other sausages are more harmless and with less taste.

Another tasty thing you can enjoy at several Christmas markets is warm soup served in bread buns. What tastes better than a warm goulash soup, or maybe a pumpkin cream soup or a garlic cream soup in minus 5 degrees in the evening while enjoying the beautiful illumination of the Christmas markets in Vienna?

goulash soup at christmas market

Austria is also known for its tasty cheese. Consequently, you will find several stalls where you can buy traditional cheese from Austria of all sorts. These are just some examples of what you should eat and drink at the different Christmas markets in Vienna.

Would you rather buy a souvenir, a present, or something else? You can find all sorts of objects and handicrafts at the markets.

Are you looking for some handmade soap consisting only of natural ingredients? It is very likely that you will find this if you visit the different Christmas markets in Vienna. Would you rather buy some toys for your children? There are often handmade toys available in several stalls.

One typical thing to buy is Christmas decorations. You can buy a model of Joseph and Mary in the stable with their Jesus child, or maybe some decorations that you can hang on your Christmas tree. Does it sound more interesting with a candle holder surrounded by beautiful glass that makes it shine in all sorts of colors? You will find them in all sorts of shapes and sizes if you go to the Christmas markets in Vienna.

The ladies will also find the earrings, rings, purses, wallets, and similar objects extremely tempting.

christmas globes in vienna

There are so many options. The best thing you can do is to set aside several hours and just visit all the different Christmas markets in Vienna. You will find so much more than this. The great thing is that there are changes from year to year. As a result, you will always see things you haven’t seen before and find objects you didn’t know you needed (before you actually see them).

A nice walk to help you discover some of the nicest Christmas markets in Vienna.

It is healthy to walk. So, why not discover some of Vienna’s most popular and beautiful Christmas markets on foot? Here we will share a fantastic stroll that will take you through beautiful streets and simultaneously bump into some of the best Christmas markets in Vienna.

Let’s start at Stephansplatz.

Stephansdom is one of the most famous attractions in Vienna. Here you can find a Christmas market as well. It isn’t the biggest, but it is especially good for those hungry and thirsty. You can get here on foot or by metro, making it an ideal place to start our Christmas market tour in Vienna.

christmas at stephansplatz

When you have finished looking around at the market, walk along Graben (a beautiful street) and at the end, head towards Bognergasse. Here you will find exclusive shopping along the way (Prada, Louis Vuitton, and several other stores). After walking here for a few minutes, you will reach the Christmas market at Hof. This might not be the most famous Christmas market in Vienna, but it is beautiful and worth a visit.

walk to christmas market am hof

When you are finished visiting the Christmas market at Hof, it is time to walk to the most famous of all Christmas markets in Vienna. The traditional Christmas fair located in front of the city hall (Rathaus) is less than 1km away. If you want a traditional Austrian Wiener schnitzel along the way, stop and have a meal at Cafe Landtmann (located extremely close to Rathausplatz).

Walk towards the Schottengasse, all the way to Schottentor. There you can turn left onto the Universitätsring. You will soon see Café Landtmann on your left side and the beautiful Christmas market at Rathausplatz on your right side.

walk to rathausplatz

This is a real Winter Wonderland in Vienna. This is more than just a Christmas market where you can eat and rink. Here you can go ice skating, and there are many other activities available. It might seem trivial, but it is beautiful, especially in the evenings. In other words, you must go there at least once when it is dark. The city hall itself is amazing, and with the lights from the Christmas market, this is one of the most magical places you can go in the world during this time of the year.

christmas lights

This is probably the Christmas market where you will spend most of your time. However, you still have more to discover, so drink your hot wine and get ready to walk along the Universitätsring further until you reach the Burgring. You can then keep walking until you see the monumental buildings of the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History on your right side. You have arrived at the Maria-Theresien Platz which means you are ready for even more Christmas market shopping).

Once again, this Christmas market is surrounded by two beautiful buildings, which makes it look even better. There are lots of stalls here where you can buy objects and if you have some time left, you should consider visiting one or both the museums at the square.

christmas walk in vienna

Above, you can first see the walk from the Christmas market at Rathausplatz to the Christmas market at Maria-Theresien Platz. As you finish there, walk towards Operning (or drop by Hofburg to take pictures first). You will soon see the magnificent opera building in Vienna. Turn left after the opera building, and you are ready to walk onto Kärtner Strasse. This is yet another beautifully decorated street in Vienna, and as you walk straight forward, you will end up at the Stephansplatz by the Stephansdom.

kärtner strasse

It has been quite a walk, hasn’t it? Are you satisfied? Not only have you seen some of the best Christmas markets in Vienna, but you have also seen many of the city’s most popular sights and attractions.

Would you like more? One of Vienna’s most special Christmas markets is the so-called Spittelberg market. This is located in several small streets not far from the Maria-Theresien Platz. If you use Google Maps, head for Stiftgasse, and you will find what you are looking for. If not, follow the instructions on the map below and take a detour after your trip to the Christmas Market at Maria-Theresien Platz.

spittelberg christmas

The Christmas market at Spittelberg is special because it differs from all the others. It isn’t located in a big square. Instead, it is located on small streets. There are stalls here and there, but many stores in the streets also turn into a natural part of the Christmas market. Consequently, this Christmas market has a special atmosphere that you should enjoy and visit while in Vienna.

We guess you are getting tired by now. If you still have energy left in your legs, you can walk from the Spittelberg market to Mariahilferstrasse for some normal shopping. Would you rather continue your crazy Christmas market walk? Head towards Karlsplatz. It isn’t far away and there you will find yet another Christmas market at a giant square with a beautiful church in the background.

christmas at karlsplatz

The picture above might seem a bit empty, but it was made in the morning before the market opened. If you use public transportation, this is a spot easy to reach as Karlsplatz is a spot where several subway lines intersect.

Since you are addicted to Christmas markets, you should definitely walk from Karlsplatz to the famous attraction Belvedere. This is yet another attraction that you will love, and you will certainly enjoy the Christmas market at Belvedere as well.

When you have finished this walk, it is probably time to go to bed. If you still want more, the final destination of your Christmas market marathon in Vienna should be Schönbrunn. This final destination is located quite far from the city center, making it a 6,5km walk from Belvedere to Schönbrunn. A much easier way to get to Schönbrunn is by using the metro system which is fast and easy to use in Vienna.

Have you been able to visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn as well? You can travel home and say with good conscience that you have discovered the most beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna!

schönbrunn christmas

Pictures from the Christmas markets in Vienna

Have you been to the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2019 already? Or are you coming? Or are you at home crying because you cannot visit the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2019? No matter what your answer is, here you have some pictures to cheer you up and bring the Viennese Christmas atmosphere to your home!

The city of Vienna turns into one giant Christmas market every year in December. You can find Christmas markets everywhere, but some of them are more famous than others. Do you have a favorite? Write a comment and let us know!

But now, enjoy these pictures from the Christmas markets in 2019.

Don’t you feel like visiting Vienna after watching these pictures? That is easy to understand!

Vienna Christmas Markets in 2019

When are the Christmas markets opening in Vienna in 2019? What are the dates for the Christmas markets? Find answers to the most popular Vienna Christmas market questions and get other useful information needed to be well prepared!

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it becomes even more beautiful before Christmas. It has the most amazing Christmas markets in the world, and the biggest secret is that the entire city kind-of turns into a Christmas market. But, when will the Christmas markets be arranged in Vienna in 2019?

Merry Christmas Vienna
The Christmas markets in Vienna – S. Borisov / Shutterstock

About the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2019

The dates for the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2019 are now ready and official. Read on, and plan your trip to Vienna immediately.

If you have some time left, why not consider a day trip to Prague in which you can enjoy the Christmas markets in the Czech capital as well? You can read more about those Christmas markets here.

Vienna Christmas markets 2019 dates

The Christmas market at Rathausplatz (the most famous market)

November 15th – December 24th

The Spittelberg market (an awesome market in small streets)

November 14th – December 23rd

The Schönbrunn Christmas market dates in 2019

This is supposed to open on November 23rd and it will remain open until December 26th. Then it will be replaced by the so-called New Years’ market which is open until the first week of January 2020.

These are the most important Christmas markets in Vienna, but do not forget – there are lots of other markets as well. As you walk to the Maria-Theresien Platz (between the two awesome museums) you will find another Christmas market. If you keep on walking towards the Karlskirche, you will find another market. In the popular Prater area, you will discover yet another Christmas market, in fact, you will find small and large Christmas markets almost wherever you go in Vienna.

What are you waiting for? Plan your stay in Vienna, book your flight tickets and book your hotel straight away!

Christmas markets in Vienna in 2018

The fantastic Christmas markets will return to Vienna again in 2018. Here are the most important dates and some useful information.

A photo from the Christmas market in front of the City Hall in Vienna – Shutterstock / Burben

There are lots of beautiful cities worth visiting before Christmas, but we dare to say that Vienna is the most beautiful of them all before Christmas. The reason is simple, Vienna is a giant Christmas market in itself. There are some beautiful Christmas markets worth visiting, but as you walk around in the city, you will discover small and larger markets everywhere. You will find people drinking hot wine everywhere, and the city is simply stunning. If you haven’t been to Vienna before Christmas, 2018 is your year!

Want to know more about some of the most famous Christmas markets in Vienna? Check our short descriptions of the different Christmas markets in Vienna here.

Vienna Christmas market dates 2018

  • The biggest and most famous Christmas market in Vienna is the one in front of the City Hall (Rathaus). This will be open from November 17th till December 26th in 2018.
  • Another very nice Christmas market is the one by Belvedere. This will be open between November 23rd and December 26th in 2018.
  • There is an annual Christmas market at Maria-Theresien Platz (between the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History). This will be open from November 21st till December 26th.
  • If you haven’t been to Schönbrunn yet, visit the castle between November 18th and December 26th to enjoy the Christmas markets there.
  • The most special Christmas market in Vienna is located in Spittelberg. Here you have several small streets with stands everywhere. So, it is not a giant market, but lots of small streets making the entire area into a Christmas market maze (almost). It is absolutely worth a visit. It will be open from November 16th till December 23rd.

These are the most important dates and Christmas markets in Vienna. Are you looking forward to these markets already? As you plan your trip, read through our list of recommendations for those coming to Vienna for the Christmas markets. These are useful pieces of advice that might give you a helping hand as you plan your trip.

Have you got any questions related to the Christmas markets in Vienna? Write a comment and we will do our best to help you out!

Vienna Christmas market recommendations

Vienna might be the most beautiful city in the world to visit during the Christmas market season. It has a fantastic atmosphere, tons of Christmas markets and beautiful lights everywhere.

Those who love a city with Christmas markets will love Vienna. If you haven’t been to the city before, you must visit it during the Christmas market season. We have been to Christmas markets all across Europe, but nothing can compare to the city of Vienna before Christmas. It isn’t just a city with Christmas markets; it is a big Christmas market in itself. You will find stands everywhere where you can buy hot wine, there are lots of markets, and there are some unique markets entirely different from the markets you find elsewhere in Europe (for example the Spittelberg market).

Christmas markets vienna
Visit the beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna – By Burben / Shutterstock

The goal of this article is not to tell you about the different Christmas markets in Vienna. If you want to read more about the Christmas markets in Vienna, click the link and read that article. In this article, we will give you some recommendations and tips that will help you as you visit Vienna in November/December with the intention of visiting the Christmas markets.

Vienna Christmas market recommendations

Be ready for crowds

Vienna is fantastic before Christmas. As a consequence, you should prepare yourself for crowds everywhere, especially during the weekends. The most famous Christmas market in Vienna, the one in front of the City Hall (Rathausplatz), is the most crowded of them all. It can sometimes be hard to look at all the products at different stands because of the amount of visitors. Some people enjoy the crowds, but if you do not particularly enjoy them, try visiting the Christmas markets during day-time on weekdays (not weekends). In the afternoon/evening, there will be crowds every single day of the week.

Walk around on foot

As we mentioned in the introduction, Vienna is a fantastic city in the Christmas market season. There are Christmas fairs everywhere. As a result, we recommend you to discover the city center of Vienna on foot. Walk around, feel the smell of the city, and discover Christmas fairs you did not read about in our Vienna Guide or elsewhere on the Internet. Stop to taste some hot wine at a stand somewhere in the middle of nowhere.  Bring a GPS (or have Google Maps ready) so that you will find your way back home after walking up and down streets in the center of Vienna because you might not actually know where you are!

Christmas market in Vienna
A picture from the Christmas market at Karlsplatz in Vienna – By trabantos / Shutterstock

Buy a hot wine mug

As you visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, you are most likely to fall in love with the city. By the time you return home, you will be eager to plan your Christmas market trip to Vienna next year. One of the nice traditions you can create is to buy the annual Christmas market cup at the fair in front of the City Hall. Every year they produce a new cup, and thus this can be a nice souvenir to bring with you back home.

Bring warm clothes

Do not forget that Vienna can get quite cold in November and December. You might not feel it at once, but if you plan on walking around the city for several hours, you might get cold feet, or your ears might get red. Bring some extra warm clothes instead, ensuring you can stay outside for hours without feeling miserable because of the cold.

Eat at the Christmas markets

You might not want to eat all your meals outside at the Christmas markets, but make sure to eat at the Christmas fairs a couple of times. There are so many interesting things to taste, and you will probably have the chance to eat some food you haven’t tasted before. Maybe you are a skeptic who only loves food you love from before, but sometimes you had to fall in love with that food as well, so why not try something new, and maybe you will fall in love once again? If you taste something you do not like, so what? You spent a couple of Euro tasting something, which makes you a few Euro poorer, but an experience richer. We think you will say that it was worth it!

Live in the heart of Vienna

There are Christmas markets everywhere in Vienna. Most of them are located in the heart of Vienna, with some exceptions, for example, the Christmas fair by Schönbrunn. Still, you will save a lot of time if you live in the heart of Vienna, which will give you immediate access to the shopping opportunities Vienna has to offer during this period. You should know that living at a hotel in Vienna is quite expensive, at least if you compare it with Budapest and Prague, but that is a part of what you need to calculate as you plan your trip to Vienna.

There are many hotels to choose from, but here you have some recommendations: Hotel Sacher, Hotel Am Stephansplatz, Hotel Zur Viener Staatsoper.

Merry Christmas Vienna
We wish you a merry Christmas from Vienna – S. Borisov / Shutterstock

Be early with your bookings

It can get really crowded in Vienna during the Christmas fair season, but not only on the Christmas markets but also in restaurants. As a result, you should book your table at your favorite Vienna restaurant as soon as possible. The same is true if you want to book an airport transfer in Vienna, enjoy a concert or take part in a guided tour of some sort.

Bring your camera

You probably have a good camera on your phone, but if you want to travel back home with some fantastic pictures, you might want to bring your real camera as well. As you visit the Christmas markets you will have plenty of chances to make some awesome pictures, especially in the evenings. But, making a good photo in the evening can be a hard task, so if you have a stand for your camera, bring that with you as well.

What is your advice?

Have you been to Vienna for the Christmas markets before? Do you havesome experience or piece of advice to give? We would love for oyu to share whatever comes to your mind!

Christmas markets in Vienna 2017 dates

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and before Christmas it might be the most beautiful of them all. Find out when to visit Vienna before Christmas to discover the beautiful Christmas markets.

Lots of cities in Europe have beautiful Christmas markets, but there is something special about Vienna. It isn’t just a city with a Christmas market, but the inner city feels like a giant Christmas market in itself. People drink hot wine on every street corner, there are minor markets everywhere, and then at some special locations you can also enjoy giant Christmas markets.

Christmas market in Vienna
A picture from the Christmas market at Karlsplatz in Vienna – By trabantos / Shutterstock

Vienna Christmas market dates

You are probably wondering when this years Christmas markets in Vienna will open and close. The most popular Christmas market in front of the City Hall (Rathaus) will open on November 18th and stay open until December 26th (some booths until December 30th). We originally guessed that this market would open one week earlier, but seems like they delayed the opening of this years Christmas market with one week (compared to last year). If you arrive one week earlier, maybe you should visit the Christmas markets in Budapest which will open on November 10th instead?

The Christmas market by Schönbrunn will open on November 18th as well and stay open until December 26th. But, from December 27th it will be re-opened, but then as a New Years market which will remain open until January 1st.

There will be several other Christmas markets in Vienna, but these are the most important and famous markets. We wish you a fantastic Christmas celebration.

If you want to discover the beautiful Christmas markets in Prague as well, read more about the Christmas markets in Prague right here.

Dates for the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2017

Are you preparing your travel to Vienna before Christmas in 2017? When will the Christmas markets be arranged in Vienna in 2017?

Unfortunately the dates for the Christmas markets in Vienna in 2017 remain a secret so far. Normally they are published in August or September, so you will have to be patient till then. But, we do have a guess for the opening of the most famous Christmas market in front of the City Hall in Vienna. If they follow tradition the Christmas market will open on November 10th or 11th and remain open till the start of January.

When will the Christmas markets in Vienna be arranged in 2017?
When will the Christmas markets in Vienna be arranged in 2017?

We will update our blog with more information as soon as official information has been released. You can also check our what’s on in Vienna article for more information.

But, do not despair. There are so much to do in Vienna before Christmas, and one of the best way to prepare for your Vienna Christmas market trip is by reading our article telling you why Vienna is the number one city in Europe to visit before Christmas. The city is so beautiful before Christmas that you simply have to check it out and enjoy it!

You can also read more about all the different Christmas markets in Vienna right here.

Why Vienna has the nicest Christmas markets in Europe!

We have been traveling around Europe to visit the beautiful Christmas markets here and there. Know what? If you want to visit the nicest city in Europe before Christmas, come to Vienna!

There are lots of cities in Europe with beautiful Christmas markets. Lots of people praise the markets in Prague and the markets in Budapest. Why do we have the courage and baldness to say that Vienna is the best city in Europe before Christmas? Are the Christmas markets in Vienna better than the Christmas markets in the mentioned and other cities in Europe?

christmas-markets-in-vienna
S.Borisov / Shutterstock

The difference between Vienna and the other cities

If you visit a city like Krakow before Christmas you will for sure be able to enjoy the fantastic Christmas market at the Main Market Square. As you visit Budapest you can go to the Vorosmarty square or in Prague you have the markets at the Wenceslas square and at the Old Town Square. In Vienna it is completely different. The city has some very famous and magnificent Christmas markets, but we dare to say the difference is as follows:

“In other cities you visit a Christmas market. In Vienna the entire city is a Christmas market.”

If you go for a walk in the city center of Vienna you will of course see the magnificent Christmas market in front of the City Hall. This is the most famous Christmas market in town. But, as you walk towards the St. Stephens Cathedral you will most likely meet several other markets as well. At some locations you will just see a stand where you can buy hot wine, while you at other locations will see lots of stands creating their very own little Christmas market. And yes, Vienna is packed with such markets and stands everywhere. And what makes it even better is that all stands are packed with people out there enjoying life and drinking some hot wine, especially during the weekends.

The fact that the streets are illuminated and that the Christmas markets all have special lights on during the evening makes everything even more fantastic. Again the Christmas market by the City Hall is the most beautiful of them all, but all the other markets are fantastic as well!

Vienna has some very special Christmas markets

As mentioned earlier Vienna is like a living Christmas market. You will find lots of smaller and bigger markets around, but you most not forget that Vienna has even more to offer. The so-called Christmas market by Spittelberg is one of the pearls you definitely have to experience. As someone who likes shopping you will of course visit the Mariahilferstrasse while in Vienna. Just by the metro stop Neubaugasse you will find a church and the Stiftgasse is located next to it. Enter into this street, pass by the parking house and you will soon understand that you are in Christmas wonderland. There are lots of streets next to one another packed with stands, small stores and it is one of the most amazing Christmas markets in Europe. And yes, it has an amazing atmosphere.

What are you waiting for? Jump on the plane and come to Vienna! The city has the most amazing Christmas markets, and the city in itself is like a giant Christmas market throughout December! If you haven’t seen it yet, hurry up! If you have been there once, you for sure understand what we are talking about!

Happy Christmas!