Vienna transforms into a festive wonderland each winter. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 markets.

What are we covering? 

• 📍 The top Christmas markets in Vienna: Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Stephansplatz, Spittelberg, Maria-Theresien-Platz, Freyung & Am Hof
• 📅 Dates and locations (updated yearly)
• 🍷 Food & drink highlights – from Glühwein to roasted chestnuts
• 🎁 Handmade gifts, crafts, decorations & traditions
• 🚆 How to get around easily with the U-Bahn & Vienna City Card
• 💡 Insider tips from locals on the best times and ways to visit
   

Top Christmas Markets

The top Christmas Markets that you must visit this Christmas. I have also personally ranked the top 10 Christmas markets as a local.

 

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt (Vienna Christmas Dream)

Vienna’s biggest and most famous market, set in front of the Rathaus (City Hall). A festive wonderland with 100+ stalls, sparkling lights, and one of Europe’s largest skating rinks. It’s lively, crowded, and iconic — perfect if you want the “big Christmas market” experience.

• 📅 Dates: Mid-November – Dec 26 (2025)
• 📍 Location: Rathausplatz, 1st district
• 🚇 Nearest U-Bahn: Rathaus (U2) / Schottentor (U2, U5, trams)
• 💡 Tips: Visit midweek evenings to avoid weekend crowds. Don’t miss the ice rink and light displays in Rathauspark.
   

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

Set in the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace, this market has a royal backdrop and a more relaxed feel. Known for its artisanal crafts and high-quality food, it’s also family-friendly and turns into a New Year’s market after Christmas.

• 📅 Dates: Late Nov – Dec 26 (New Year’s Market until Jan 4, 2026)
• 📍 Location: Schönbrunn Palace courtyard, 13th district
• 🚇 Nearest U-Bahn: Schönbrunn (U4)
• 💡 Tips: Combine with a palace tour earlier in the day. Best in the afternoon as the palace lights come on.
   

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

One of the most romantic markets, famous for the view of the illuminated Belvedere Palace reflected in the pond. Smaller than Rathaus or Schönbrunn, but very atmospheric and a photographer’s favourite.

• 📅 Dates: Mid-November – Dec 26 (2025)
• 📍 Location: Upper Belvedere Palace, 3rd district
• 🚇 Nearest U-Bahn: Südtiroler Platz (U1) + trams D, O, 18
• 💡 Tips: Visit after dark for the best photos.
   

Stephansplatz Christmas Market

In the heart of the city around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this market is compact, lively, and always busy. Great for a mulled wine break while shopping or sightseeing in the city center.

• 📅 Dates: Mid-November – Dec 26 (2025)
• 📍 Location: Stephansplatz, 1st district
• 🚇 Nearest U-Bahn: Stephansplatz (U1, U3)
• 💡 Tips: Climb the cathedral tower for incredible views of Vienna lit up at night.
   

Spittelberg Christmas Market

A cosy, alternative-style market spread through the cobbled lanes of Spittelberg in the 7th district. Known for local crafts, handmade gifts, and a less touristy vibe.

• 📅 Dates: Mid-November – Dec 23 (2025)
• 📍 Location: Spittelberg quarter, 7th district
• 🚇 Nearest U-Bahn: Volkstheater (U2, U3)
• 💡 Tips: Perfect for couples and those who prefer a smaller, more intimate atmosphere.
   

Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village

A large, open market set between two grand museums, with over 70 stalls. Offers a broad mix of food, decorations, and souvenirs, right in Vienna’s cultural center.

• 📅 Dates: Late Nov – Dec 26 (2025)
• 📍 Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1st district
• 🚇 Nearest U-Bahn: MuseumsQuartier (U2) / Volkstheater (U2, U3)
• 💡 Tips: Combine with a museum visit at Kunsthistorisches or Natural History Museum.
   

Freyung & Am Hof Markets

Historic and traditional markets in Vienna’s Old Town. Freyung dates back to the 18th century and focuses on organic foods and nativity scenes, while Am Hof has a mix of crafts and charity stalls.

• 📅 Dates: Mid-Nov – Dec 23 (2025)
• 📍 Location: Freyung & Am Hof squares, 1st district
• 🚇 Nearest U-Bahn: Schottentor (U2, trams)
• 💡 Tips: Ideal for authentic gifts and a less commercial vibe.

Local Tip: The best way to enjoy the Christmas markets is like the Viennese do — pick one or two in an evening, start with a mug of Punsch to keep warm, and hop on the U-Bahn instead of driving. - Sebastian Wallis, Local

 

Special Tours & Experiences

• Christmas Markets Tour: Meet a local guide to get an insider's perspective of the Christmas markets of Vienna.
• Christmas all day trip from Budapest to Vienna & back: Spend a day visiting the Christmas markets in Vienna and Budapest. 
• Christmas private day trip: from Salzburg to Vienna & back: Vist the Christmas markets in Salzburg & Vienna with a private driver.

 

Food & Drink Highlights

The markets aren’t just about twinkling lights – they’re a feast for the senses. Each stall has its own specialty, but some classics are everywhere:

• Glühwein & Punsch → steaming mugs of spiced red wine or fruity punch keep the cold away.
• Roasted chestnuts → the smell alone is part of the Christmas atmosphere.
• Lebkuchen → soft, spiced gingerbread hearts, often decorated with icing messages.
• Käsespätzle & sausages → hearty snacks that pair perfectly with mulled wine.

Culturally, visiting the Christmas markets isn’t just about shopping – it’s a ritual. Locals meet friends after work for a cup of Punsch, warm up with a snack, and catch up under the lights.
 

Conclusion

Vienna’s Christmas markets are more than just shopping stalls - they’re part of the city’s festive heartbeat. From the grandeur of Rathausplatz to the intimacy of Spittelberg, each market offers its own atmosphere, traditions, and treats. Whether you’re here for mulled wine with friends, authentic handicrafts, or a photo-perfect palace backdrop, you’ll find it in Vienna.

✨ Plan ahead, dress warm, and take your time, because the magic of Vienna at Christmas is in soaking it all in, one market at a time.