Vienna Christmas Markets 2025: Best Markets to Visit + Highlights for Kids

The Vienna Christmas markets have been on my wish list for years — and when we finally made the trip, they were even better than expected. Honestly, they kind of ruined me for other Christmas markets. The setting, the food, the sheer number of markets all across the city… it’s hard to top.

What I loved most was how different each market felt. There are the big ones with carousels and skating trails, cozy ones tucked into quiet courtyards, and even a few that are great for visiting with kids. You could easily spend a few days just exploring the markets — and we’ve actually gone back for a second visit because we liked them that much.

In this guide, you’ll find the best Christmas markets in Vienna for 2025, including where to go, what to eat, highlights for kids, and where to stay if you’re planning a festive visit.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, we only recommend products and experiences we truly believe in.

Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

From grand palaces to quiet courtyards, here’s a look at the top Christmas markets in Vienna this year — with updated dates, opening hours, and what makes each one worth visiting.

Vienna Christkindlmarkt

This is the big one. Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt is the most well-known and the biggest of all the city’s Christmas markets — and it’s worth seeing, even if it’s the most touristy.

Set in front of the Rathaus (City Hall), the market is packed with stalls selling ornaments, gifts, food and drinks, all under thousands of twinkling lights. A huge Christmas tree stands in the middle, and a giant arch marks the entrance — complete with a carousel underneath.

Many of the vendors are local, selling handmade crafts out of wood, glass, or fabric. You’ll also find plenty of treats like roasted almonds, gingerbread, and steaming mugs of glühwein.

And it’s not just about shopping — the whole park turns into a festive wonderland. There’s a skating trail that winds through the trees, oversized light displays, and the famous “Tree of Hearts.”

If you’re visiting with kids, this is the most wow market. There’s a two-level carousel, a mini ferris wheel, a nativity trail, reindeer train, and even a second skating rink just for young kids.

Where: Rathausplatz
Dates: November 14 – December 26, 2025
Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily (closes at 6:30 pm on Dec 24, 25, 26)

Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz

Note: This market won’t be running in 2025 due to construction at the nearby museums, but it’s expected to return in 2026. It’s still worth knowing about if you’re planning future trips!

Just a short walk from the Rathaus, this market sits between two of Vienna’s most impressive buildings — the Natural History and Art History Museums — and it definitely feels more relaxed than the Christkindlmarkt.

There are about 70 wooden stalls here, with everything from handmade ornaments and wool scarves to traditional snacks and hot drinks. We picked up a ceramic garlic grater here that turned out to be the perfect Christmas gift — and I’ve already been told to grab another if we go back!

It’s a great market for browsing, and while there aren’t any rides or kids’ activities, there’s lots of space to wander. It’s especially pretty in the evening when the museums are all lit up in the background.

Art Advent Market at Karlsplatz

This was actually the very first market we visited in Vienna — we didn’t plan it that way, but we happened to be staying at an apartment right across the road. Not a bad surprise to walk out your door and find one of the city’s most creative markets right there!

Known as the “Art Advent,” this market only allows vendors to sell items they’ve made themselves. You’ll find everything from jewellery and ceramics to clothing and original artwork — and sometimes the artists are working right there in their stalls.

The food here is also different: you’ll find options like potato goulash, raclette, and even buckwheat crêpes or zucchini noodles, and plenty of organic options. It’s a nice change from the usual sausage-and-glühwein scene.

For kids, there’s a big straw play area (that we visited more than once…), pedal-powered rides, and hands-on workshops. It’s a fun market to visit if you want something that feels a bit more local and creative.

Where: Karlsplatz
Dates: November 21 – December 23, 2025
Hours: 12 – 8 pm daily

Christmas Market at Stephansplatz

Right in the heart of the city, this market sits beside St. Stephen’s Cathedral — and it’s one of the most scenic backdrops in Vienna. We passed by this one often, since it’s right on one of the main shopping streets. The cathedral is stunning at night when it’s all lit up… though I’ll admit, I hadn’t quite figured out how to take decent night photos yet, so mine don’t do it justice.

The market itself is fairly small, with two rows of wooden stalls selling ornaments, small gifts, snacks, and hot drinks. It’s festive without being too crowded, and a great spot to stop while exploring the city centre.

Stephansplatz is also on one of the main shopping streets, just steps from the Graben, where giant chandeliers hang above the street in December. If you’re doing some holiday shopping or just strolling through the city centre, this is an easy and festive stop.

Where: Stephansplatz
Dates: November 8 – December 26, 2025
Hours: Daily: 11 am – 9 pm, Dec 24: 11 am – 4 pm, Dec 25–26: 11 am – 7 pm

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung

This smaller market in the centre of Vienna feels a bit more low-key than the others — but in the best way. Surrounded by Baroque buildings and medieval churches, it’s got an old-Vienna charm that makes it feel cozy and authentic.

The stalls here focus on high-quality art, crafts, and food. You’ll find handmade gifts like wood carvings and pottery, and the food options lean more traditional. It’s a nice spot to slow down a bit, especially after visiting the larger markets nearby.

It’s also right across from an organic farmers’ market with Austrian cheeses and regional products — worth a quick browse if you’re nearby.

Where: Freyung
Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2025
Hours: 10 am – 9 pm

 Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof

Just around the corner from Freyung, the Am Hof market is another one that feels a bit more traditional — and it’s set in one of Vienna’s oldest squares. Mozart once performed nearby (which I thought was a cool fact), and the cobblestone setting adds to the charm whether you visit during the day or after dark.

This market is more focused on arts and crafts, with stalls selling everything from stained glass and carved wood to clocks, ceramics, and homemade jams. It’s a great spot if you’re shopping for unique souvenirs or gifts.

And if you’re in the mood for a treat, there’s plenty of food — sausages, raclette, roasted nuts — plus a champagne bar if you want to skip the glühwein for a night. (No mugs here — drinks come in real champagne flutes.)

Where: Am Hof
Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2025
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm, Friday to Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm

K.U.K. Weihnachtsmarkt at Michaelerplatz

Tucked right in front of the Hofburg Palace, this market is small — but it’s one of the most unique. The name K.U.K. stands for kaiserlich und königlich (imperial and royal), and it fits perfectly with the palace setting. You honestly feel like you’re shopping in the time of royalty.

Instead of the usual wooden stalls, vendors here sell their goods from elegant white booths, framed by the grand architecture of the palace and Michaelerplatz square. You’ll often see horse-drawn carriages parked nearby too, which only adds to the vibe.

It’s not a market you’ll spend a lot of time at, but it’s a lovely one to stroll through if you’re nearby, especially when the lights come on in the evening.

Where: Michaelerplatz
Dates: November 11 – December 26, 2025
Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily, Dec 24: closes at 5 pm

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

A little outside the city centre, the Belvedere Palace market is one of the most scenic in Vienna, and well worth the detour. Set in front of a grand Baroque palace, with a small lake reflecting the lights and stalls, this one is all about the views.

It quickly became one of our favourites — we actually went back a few times! The setting is gorgeous, especially at dusk when the lights start to glow and the palace is lit up behind the stalls.

The market itself is a bit more relaxed than the bigger ones downtown, which makes it a nice break from the crowds. You’ll find handmade ornaments, jewellery, and traditional snacks like sausages and roasted nuts. Grab a mug of mulled wine and take your time browsing — or just enjoy the atmosphere.

There aren’t any rides or entertainment for kids here, but the wide open spaces make it easy to visit with little ones. And if you’re looking for a spot to burn off energy afterward, Stadtpark — with one of the best playgrounds in Vienna — is just a short walk away.

Where: Belvedere Palace
Dates: November 14 – December 26, 2025
Hours: Monday to Friday: 11 am – 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
Dec 24: 11 am – 4 pm, Dec 25–30: 11 am – 7 pm, Dec 31: 11 am – 6 pm

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

If you’re only going to visit one market outside the city centre, make it this one. The setting in front of the former imperial palace is just incredible — especially with the giant tree lit up and more than 75 stalls forming a circle around it.

The market here feels festive but not overly busy, and with open space all around, it’s easy to explore with kids. There’s also a stage with live performances throughout the season and plenty of room to wander.

But what really makes this one stand out for families is everything else on the palace grounds. Some of the best things to do in Vienna with kids are found here — from the Children’s Museum inside Schönbrunn, where kids can dress up in period clothing and learn what life was like during the Habsburg era, to the Vienna Zoo, one of the oldest in the world, just a short walk away. It’s an easy spot to spend a full day with younger kids.

Where: Schönbrunn Palace
Dates: November 6, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Hours: Daily: 10 am – 9 pm
 Dec 24: 10 am – 4 pm, Dec 25: 11 am – 7 pm

Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg

This one’s different from all the others — and that’s exactly why it’s worth checking out.

Instead of a big square or courtyard, the Spittelberg market winds through narrow alleys and cobblestone lanes in one of Vienna’s older neighbourhoods. The setting makes it feel more local and intimate, though it can get pretty crowded, especially in the evening.

Each stall has a different design (a nice change from the uniform huts at other markets), and the vendors here sell a wide range of handmade goods — everything from hand-blown glass to leather products and artwork.

And of course, there’s food. We saw everything from roasted ham to stuffed arancini, plus plenty of sweet and savoury snacks. If you’re looking for a market that feels more like a neighbourhood celebration, this is the one.

Where: Schrankgasse, Spittelberggasse, and Gutenberggasse
Dates: November 15 – December 23, 2025
Hours: Monday to Friday: 2 – 9:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11 am – 9:30 pm

Altes AKH Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf at the University Campus)

Just outside the city centre, this market feels more local — and more laid-back. It’s held on the grounds of the old general hospital, now part of the University of Vienna, and it’s a favourite with families.

There’s plenty for kids here — a Christmas train, ponies, carnival-style rides, and even a playground right next to the market. It’s a perfect spot to let them run around while you grab something to eat or check out the stalls.

It’s also known as one of the better markets for food, with everything from traditional Austrian favourites to regional dishes you won’t find at every other market.

Where: Campus of the University of Vienna (Spitalgasse/Alserstrasse)
Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2025
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 2 – 10 pm, Thursday & Friday: 2 – 11 pm, Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm

Genussmarkt bei der Oper

This is one of the smaller markets in Vienna, but a cozy one — and worth a stop if you’re nearby or heading to the Opera House.

Located just around the corner from the Vienna State Opera, this market focuses on Austrian and Italian food and drink. Think cheese, cured meats, pastries, and mulled wine — all served under a tent, so you can browse without worrying about rain or snow.

It’s not one you’d go out of your way to visit, but it’s a nice option if you’re looking for a quiet spot to take a break from the busy streets.

Where: Mahlerstrasse 6
Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
Hours: 12 – 9 pm
Closed Dec 24, Open until 2 am on Dec 31

 Wintermarkt at Riesenradplatz

This market has a totally different vibe from the rest — and that’s kind of the point. Set in Vienna’s Prater amusement park, it’s loud, colourful, and full of energy.

Kids will love this one, with lots of rides, treats, and of course the famous giant Ferris wheel. There’s also a winter train, free live music on the big stage, and other attractions nearby like Madame Tussauds.

You’ll still find mulled wine and Austrian snacks here, but this market is more about fun than tradition. When you’re travelling with kids (especially tweens or teens), it’s a good one to end the day with.

Where: Riesenradplatz (Prater)
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Hours: Monday to Friday: 12 – 10 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
Dec 24: 10 am – 5 pm, Dec 31: open until 2 am

What to Eat and Drink at the Vienna Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting Vienna’s Christmas markets, come hungry. There’s so much more than just sausages and mulled wine (though you’ll definitely want to try those too). Each market has its own food stalls, and you’ll find everything from baked goods to hot dishes and sweet treats.

Some local favourites to look out for:

• Bratwurst & Currywurst – sausages, often served with bread or fries
• Wiener schnitzel – sometimes as a full meal, or as a sandwich
• Knödeln – savoury dumplings
• Krapfen – sugar-covered doughnuts
• Stollen – rich fruit bread, kind of like a lighter fruitcake
• Lebkuchen – decorated gingerbread cookies
• Spekulatius – spiced biscuits
• Weihnachtskekse – assorted Christmas cookies, often homemade

And of course, you’ll find roasted chestnuts and glühwein (mulled wine) everywhere — plus non-alcoholic versions for kids like kinderpunsch or warm fruit punch.

Each market has its own specialty, so it’s worth trying something different at each one. You’ll also find raclette, crepes, goulash, and regional Austrian dishes depending on where you go.

What to Buy at the Christmas Markets

Vienna’s Christmas markets are a great place to pick up meaningful souvenirs or gifts, especially if you’re looking for something handcrafted or locally made.

Here are a few things to look for:

• Hand-carved wooden toys and figurines
• Glass ornaments (some markets even have artists painting them on the spot)
• Pottery and ceramics
• Wool scarves, mittens, and felt slippers
• Nativity scenes — some are traditional, others more modern or minimalist
• Candles, soaps, and beeswax products
• Austrian-made food gifts like jams, schnapps, or honey

We always end up finding something we didn’t expect — like the ceramic garlic grater we picked up at Maria-Theresien-Platz, which turned out to be one of our most appreciated gifts.

Tip: Most markets use reusable mugs for hot drinks, which you can return or keep as a souvenir. They’re different at each market, so if you’re a collector, you might want to hang onto a few!

Highlights for Kids

While most of Vienna’s Christmas markets are family-friendly, a few stand out for having extra fun for kids:

• Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz – This one has the most for kids: a two-level carousel, light displays in the park, a skating trail, plus a separate skating area just for young kids, and a nativity scene trail.
  
• Schönbrunn Palace – Besides the market itself, you’ll find the Children’s Museum and the Vienna Zoo right on the palace grounds — easy to make a half-day visit here.
  
• Wintermarkt at Riesenradplatz – More like a winter fair than a traditional market, this one has Vienna’s iconic giant ferris wheel, carnival rides, a winter train, and a fun atmosphere that’s great for tweens and teens.
  
• Altes AKH – A relaxed local market with carnival rides, ponies, a Christmas train, and a playground right next door. A great place for younger kids to burn off some energy.
  
• Karlsplatz (Art Advent) – There’s a big straw play area, pedal-powered rides, and hands-on craft workshops. It’s also fun to watch some of the artists working in their stalls.

You could easily plan a couple of days just visiting markets with built-in activities — and still feel like you’ve seen a big part of Vienna.

Don’t Miss the Decorations

One of the best things about visiting Vienna in December is the decorations. It’s not just the Christmas markets that make it feel festive — the entire city centre is lit up with twinkling displays and beautiful details that make every street feel like part of the celebration.

Some of the best spots to see holiday lights include:

• Graben – giant chandeliers strung across the street, one of Vienna’s most iconic sights
• Kärntner Strasse & Rotenturmstrasse – long chains of lights and oversized red ornaments
• Popp & Kretschmer Department Store – wrapped in a giant red bow
• Rathauspark – full of light installations, including walk-through ornaments and the famous Tree of Hearts

You’ll spot many of these as you explore the central markets, but they’re also worth seeing on their own. Vienna really knows how to light up the holidays.

Christmas Traditions in Vienna

Austria has some unique holiday traditions that you might notice while visiting Vienna — especially if you’re there around December 5th or 24th.

Christkind (Not Santa)

Instead of Santa Claus, it’s the Christkind who brings the presents in Austria — a fairytale-like figure usually pictured as a golden-haired angel. On Christmas Eve, parents decorate the tree in secret while keeping the kids distracted. When everything’s ready, a bell is rung to signal that Christkind has arrived — and it’s time to open gifts.

The big celebration happens on the 24th, not Christmas Day. Families gather for a special meal and carol singing, and the 25th is usually a quieter day for relaxing or visiting relatives.

Krampus

On the evening of December 5th, you might hear about (or even see) Krampus — a half-goat, half-demon figure that’s basically the spooky sidekick to St. Nicholas. Traditionally, Krampus scares naughty children, but these days it’s more of a wild parade and a local spectacle in parts of Austria.

You won’t usually see Krampus events in Vienna itself, but we actually saw him in Prague, where the tradition has also made its way into their Mikuláš Day celebrations. If you’re travelling through the region in early December, it’s worth checking to see if there’s an event nearby — they’re unforgettable!

Where to Stay in Vienna for the Christmas Markets

Staying near the city centre makes it easy to visit several of Vienna’s Christmas markets on foot. The main ones — at Rathausplatz, Karlsplatz, and Stephansplatz — are all within walking distance of each other, so choosing a hotel or apartment in or near the Innere Stadt is ideal.

For families, 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier is a fun option close to the Museum Quarter and smaller markets. If you prefer something central, KH Opera Apartments are just steps from the Karlsplatz Market and right by the metro for easy access around the city. This is where we stayed, and it was such a convenient base — easy to get around, and we loved having a kitchenette for simple meals and snacks.

For more options, check out our full guide to the best places to stay in Vienna with kids — it covers the most convenient areas and family-friendly picks across the city.

Final Thoughts: Vienna Christmas Markets

Vienna’s Christmas markets completely lived up to the hype — and honestly, maybe even ruined other cities a little for us. Between the beautiful settings, the variety of markets, and how festive the whole city feels, it’s easy to see why people return year after year.

Whether you’re visiting with kids, doing some holiday shopping, or just looking for a festive winter trip, Vienna is one of the best places to experience the magic of Christmas in Europe.

Looking to explore more of Vienna? Be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Vienna with kids, or take a look at this 4-day Vienna itinerary to help with planning. And if you’re hoping to keep the holiday spirit going, the Christmas markets in Prague are magical — plus, a short train ride from Vienna will take you to Bratislava’s charming Christmas markets too. And before you go, be sure to check out Christmas market packing list so you don’t forget the essentials!