Vienna at Christmas feels like a storybook come to life, and its Christmas markets are the heart of that magic. All across the city, from the glittering “Viennese Dream” market in front of City Hall to the charming stalls at Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces, wooden huts glow with fairy lights, the air smells of roasted chestnuts and hot punch, and every corner is filled with handmade crafts, ornaments and treats.
These markets are special festive events held across the city from mid-November through late December and even into early January. The main market at Rathausplatz, right in front of the grand City Hall, is a highlight that captures the spirit of Christmas like nowhere else.
Vienna’s Christmas markets offer something for everyone from grand, historic markets that feel like they jumped out of a fairytale to small, charming neighborhood spots where locals gather. Whether you want to shop for special gifts, sip on warm mulled wine, or just soak up the magical atmosphere, the Christmas markets in Vienna are a must-see in 2025.
Let’s take a friendly walk through the dates, best markets to visit, tasty food to try, and tips to make your visit unforgettable.
What Are the 2025 Dates for Vienna’s Christmas Markets?
Most of the Christmas markets in Vienna start appearing from 6 November 2025, and by 21 November 2025 all the main ones are open and in full swing. Most markets run until at least 23 December 2025, with a few continuing past Christmas. The longest running are the markets at Schönbrunn and Prater, which stay open right through to 6 January 2026, turning into New Year markets after Christmas.
Opening hours can vary a little, but in general the markets open between 10 am and 12 pm and stay open until around 10 pm. On Christmas Eve (24 December) they usually close earlier than normal, and they remain closed on Christmas Day (25 December). Almost all of them open daily, including Sundays, and entry is free, so you can wander, browse and soak up the festive atmosphere as much as you like.
Exploring Vienna’s Top Christmas Markets
Every market in Vienna feels like a little festive treasure, but some shine extra bright. Here’s a friendly guide to the top 5 must-visit markets in Vienna for 2025.
1. Feel the Magic at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Rathausplatz is the biggest and most famous market in the city. Imagine walking among more than 150 charming wooden stalls, all glowing with colorful lights. Here, you’ll find beautiful handmade crafts, sugary sweets, and lots of traditional decorations.
Rathausplatz Christmas Market 2025 Dates and Opening Hours
A magical Christmas tree stands tall every year, donated by a different Austrian town, and children love the vintage carousel and the Ferris wheel. There’s also an ice rink weaving through the park where you can glide, feeling the festive joy.
In previous years, around 75% of the food, drinks, and products here were organic, so keep an eye out for the word “Bio” on the signs. You will find trays of Sisi, Kaiser Franz, and Mozart krapfen, slices of Sacher and Esterhazy cake, chocolate-drizzled pretzels with almonds, Linzer biscuits, and sugar-dusted apple Stanglkrapfen. Many stalls also sell loose tea blends for Glühwein and punch, while cosy “Premium Glühwein” stands serve hot mulled wine in front of Vienna City Hall. It is easy to spend a few hours just wandering between stalls, enjoying the nativity scenes and festive displays.
2. Experience Christmas at the Stephansplatz Market
Right in the heart of Vienna, the Stephansplatz Christmas market winds all around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with more than 40 stalls serving hot drinks, tasty street food, and beautiful handicrafts. It is one of the easiest markets to visit while you explore the old town, and the illuminated cathedral gives it a very special backdrop.
Stephansplatz Christmas Market 2025 Dates and Opening Hours
📅 2025 opening dates:
- 8 November to 26 December 2025
⏰ Daily opening times:
- Every day: 11 am to 9 pm
- 24 December: 11 am to 4 pm
- 25 to 26 December: 11 am to 7 pm
Here you can warm up with different types of punsch, potato pancakes, pretzels, gingerbread, and rich Käsespätzle with melted cheese and crispy onions. There are also more unique treats, like mulled Lillet, soups served in sourdough bread bowls, gingerbread liqueurs, pine based products, and even baking mixes for classics like Kaiserschmarrn to try at home. It is a cosy market where you can snack, shop for small gifts, and enjoy the view of the cathedral all at once.
3. Enjoy Family Fun at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Set in front of the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, this Christmas market feels grand and cosy at the same time. With 90 stands, a curling rink, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and even a DIY stall where kids can make their own wooden decorations, it is one of the biggest and most family friendly markets in Vienna.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market 2025 Dates and Opening Hours
📅 2025 opening dates:
- 6 November 2025 to 6 January 2026
⏰ Daily opening times:
- 10 am to 9 pm
- 24 December: 10 am to 4 pm
- From 26 December: 10 am to 7 pm
The palace courtyard feels wide and open, so even with many people it does not feel too crowded. The stalls are spread out with plenty of space to wander, and there are open tables between them where you can stop with a drink or snack. You will also find small huts with built in shelves where you can step inside for a moment, warm up, and enjoy your food out of the cold.
4. Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof: Local Flavors in the Heart of Vienna
Tucked just a short walk from Graben, the Am Hof Christmas market feels central yet a bit less touristy. Walk past the Chanel and Dior boutiques and in a few minutes you reach a cosy square filled with warm lights, smaller than some of the big markets but full of atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof 2025 Dates and Opening Hours
📅 2025 opening dates:
- 14 November – 23 December 2025
⏰ 2025 opening times:
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Monday to Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
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Friday to Sunday and public holiday (8 December): 10 am – 9 pm
The food and drink here are a real highlight. You can try local liqueurs, visit the Speck Standl for different kinds of meat, and pick up Schaumbecher treats, those chocolate-coated marshmallows that look like ice cream cones.
One of the stars of the market is the hut selling Hot Kiss drinks, a warm mix of raspberry liqueur, prosecco, whipped cream, and raspberries on top. It tastes as good as it sounds and is perfect for warming up while you enjoy the festive square.
5. Visit Romantic Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
The Belvedere Christmas Market sits right in front of the gorgeous Upper Belvedere Palace, giving you a romantic baroque backdrop while you enjoy your mulled wine. It is smaller and calmer than many of Vienna’s other markets, with around 42 stands, which makes it perfect for couples or anyone who prefers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Belvedere Christmas Market 2025 Dates and Opening Hours
📅 2025 dates:
- 14 November 2025 to 31 December 2025
⏰ 2025 opening times:
- Weekdays: 11 am to 9 pm
- Weekends: 10 am to 9 pm
- 24 December: 11 am to 4 pm
- 25 to 30 December: 11 am to 8 pm
- 31 December: 11 am to 6 pm
In past years, the market has shifted toward traditional Austrian and Alpine food, so you can expect sausages, Leberkäse, giant doughnuts, pretzels, and raclette. There are also classic Christmas treats like chocolate coated fruit, Langos, roasted almonds, roast chestnuts, and even generous portions of tornado fries. With the palace and its art exhibitions, including the famous painting The Kiss, just steps away, it is easy to combine a culture filled afternoon with a cosy evening at the market.
Most Popular Foods at Vienna Christmas Markets
One of the best parts of visiting Christmas markets is the chance to taste tasty local food and warm drinks. You’ll find traditional favorites everywhere in Vienna’s markets.
- Hot mulled wine or Glühwein is a must. Often, it’s served in colorful mugs which you pay a small deposit for.
- If you like fruity flavors, try “Punsch,” which is a warm fruit punch.
- For kids, there’s “Kinderpunsch,” a sweet, non-alcoholic treat.
- Hungry? Try Kaiserschmarrn, Austria’s famous fluffy shredded pancake or Käsespätzle—soft noodles filled with melted cheese.
- You can also munch on roasted chestnuts, spicy Käsekrainer sausages with cheese, potato pancakes called Kartoffelpuffer, and sweet gingerbread known as Lebkuchen.
Each market often has unique mugs and tasty specialties. For example, Rathaus and Schönbrunn markets are known for their delicious food selections, and Belvedere has a special “Schwartzwalder punsch” that is highly recommended.
Planning Your Visit at Vienna Christmas Markets 2025 Like a Pro
To make the most out of your visit to the Vienna Christmas Markets 2025, timing matters. Visiting on weekdays is best to avoid crowds, and early evenings are magical when the lights glow beautifully with fewer people around.
Dress warmly with layers, gloves, and a hat. The streets can be cobblestone, so wear comfy shoes made for walking. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, as some small stalls may not take cards, and refunds for drink mug deposits are usually given in cash.
Many markets are close to each other, making it easy to visit more than one without long walks. For example, you can group Belvedere with Karlsplatz, or Spittelberg with Rathausplatz and Altes AKH.
Getting around is simple thanks to Vienna’s excellent public transport. The U-bahn metro system and trams stop near most markets. For Rathaus, use the U2 line; for Schönbrunn Palace, take the U4 line; and Karlsplatz is served by U1, U2, and U4.
Vienna Christmas Market Map: See It All and Plan Your Route
Tours are also available if you’d rather have a guide share stories and show you the best stalls.
The Heartwarming Charm of Vienna Christmas Markets 2025
The magic of Vienna’s Christmas markets is something that stays with you long after the lights go out. Strolling through the festive stalls, sipping hot Glühwein, and hearing gentle carols create memories filled with warmth and wonder.
So start planning, bundle up, and prepare to step into a Christmas fairy tale right in the heart of Austria’s captivating capital. Don’t forget to check official websites for the latest hours and event updates, and maybe even join a guided tour to discover hidden festive gems.
Vienna is ready to welcome you with lights, laughter, and love this holiday season.
