As Vienna’s festive season begins, Christmas markets have started to open across the city, with new attractions and traditional stalls ready to welcome visitors.
Here’s a look at when each market will open and what’s on offer this year.
The first to open this season was a new market at Franz-Jonas-Platz in the 21st district, Floridsdorf, on 7 November. Schönbrunn Palace and Stephansplatz followed on 8 November.
Schönbrunn Palace
With new organisers this year, the entire forecourt of Schönbrunn Palace has been dedicated to the Christmas market, offering over 90 stalls selling local arts, crafts, and culinary treats. New additions include a small ice-skating rink and curling lanes. The market runs until 6 January, open daily from 10:00 to 21:00 until 23 December, after which it will close at 19:00.
Stephansplatz
This market offers a variety of locally crafted items alongside food and drink stalls. Open from 8 November to 26 December, the hours are 11:00 to 21:00 until 23 December, 11:00 to 16:00 on Christmas Eve, and 11:00 to 19:00 on the final two days.
MuseumsQuartier
“Winter in the MQ” opens on 14 November, launching with a concert by Oskar Haag. A specially designed “winter sky” installation will stretch across the main courtyard, offering shelter from rain and snow. Live music will be held every Wednesday from 18:30, while DJs will perform from 18:00 to 22:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The advent market will run until 23 December, with stalls open Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 23:00 and two hours earlier at weekends.
Rathausplatz
The market at Rathausplatz opens on 15 November, with the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony set for the following day. Open daily until 26 December from 10:00 to 22:00, it will close at 18:30 on Christmas Eve. Attractions include a Ferris wheel and an ice rink, also opening on 15 November.
Am Hof
Starting on 15 November, this market runs until 23 December, open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00, with stalls opening an hour earlier on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Food and drink are available until 22:00.
The Old Vienna Christmas Market on Freyung
This traditional market in the first district opens on 15 November and runs daily from 10:00 to 21:00 until 23 December.
Karlsplatz
The Art Advent market at Karlsplatz opens on 15 November and runs until 23 December, daily from 12:00 to 20:00. This year, it will showcase artisans who have rarely exhibited here before, selling jewellery, clothing, tableware, figurines, and Christmas decorations. Organic food and drink options are available, and performances from various bands will take place from 16:00.
Vienna University Campus
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Christmas Village at the Old General Hospital (Uni Campus) in the 9th district opens on 15 November and runs until 23 December. The market is open from Monday to Wednesday, 14:00 to 22:00, and an hour later on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays, visitors can explore from 11:00 to 23:00 and on Sundays until 20:00.
Spittelberg
Opening on 16 November, the Christmas market at Spittelberg in the 7th district has introduced new rules following complaints from residents about noise and litter. The number of stalls has been reduced, and none are allowed on Burggasse. The market will run for five weeks until 23 December, with hours from Monday to Friday, 14:00 to 21:30, and from 11:00 to 21:30 at weekends.
Maria-Theresien-Platz
The Christmas market surrounding the monument to the 18th-century queen, situated between the Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Museums, will run from 13 November to 26 December, open daily from 11:00 to 21:00, with extended hours on weekends.
Belvedere Palace
The Christmas market at Belvedere Palace will open on 15 November, running until 26 December, from 11:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 21:00 at weekends.
Christmas Lights
Although the city’s festive lights have been up for some time, they remain unlit. Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig and Chamber of Commerce President Walter Ruck will switch them on at 17:00 on 15 November. From then, the chandeliers on Graben, the red baubles in Rotenturmgasse, and the golden rain on Kohlmarkt will all be aglow, lighting up the city centre with seasonal cheer.
