For decades I dreamed of visiting the Christmas markets of Europe, with visions of Michael and me bundled up in our coats while holding mugs of steaming mulled wine and strolling row after row of vendors selling unique goods they handcrafted.
But year after year, something got in the way. We’d already burned through our vacation days. Flights were too expensive. Or we had commitments we couldn’t miss (why do people insist on having birthdays and weddings during the holiday season? So rude, am I right?).
Finally—finally—the stars aligned. There we were, walking through the Vienna airport, ready to hop on a train into the city to experience our very first European Christmas market.
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I’ll admit, I was nervous I’d hyped them up in my head only to be disappointed—a classic case of Paris Syndrome. But hours of research set me up with realistic expectations, and soon enough, we were zigzagging through Vienna, seamlessly combining visits to it its iconic sights with stops at its festive holiday markets.
Now that I’m back home and my fingers have thawed, I’m thrilled to share my best tips for visiting Vienna’s Christmas markets so you can enjoy the same magical experience. And as an extra treat, I’m revealing my favorite markets in the city—handpicked for travelers short on time.
ABOUT VIENNA’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS
While the origins of Vienna’s Christmas markets remain a topic of debate, one thing is certain: they are a major draw for visitors to the city. Last year alone, more than three million people attended Vienna’s largest market, and based on my own experiences, these beloved traditions show no signs of slowing down.
So, what exactly is a Viennese Christmas market? While each of the city’s 20+ markets has its own unique personality, they share several common elements. Vienna’s Christmas markets typically feature rows of charming stalls where vendors sell crafts, gifts, and prepared foods. These markets are a feast for the senses, with twinkling lights, nativity displays, and festive music—whether it’s playing over speakers or, if you’re lucky, performed live by local groups.
However, despite their retail-focused appearance, these markets are about much more than shopping—they’re designed to bring people together. At some of the smaller, more intimate markets away from the city center, you’re more likely to see locals catching up with friends and family over a warm mug of mulled wine.
Mostly, though, Vienna’s Christmas markets have to be seen to be believed, which is why I’m sharing my very best tips for making the most of every magical moment below.
TIPS FOR VISITING THE VIENNA CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Markets, markets, everywhere
It’s true! Vienna boasts an impressive number of Christmas markets, and the good news for visitors is that most of them are conveniently concentrated in the city center.
Markets come in all shapes and sizes
From tiny clusters of a few stalls in a square to sprawling markets that can feel almost overwhelming, Vienna’s markets come in all shapes and sizes. This variety is a blessing for visitors, as you can tailor your market-hopping to fit your schedule and energy levels.
Bundle up, buttercup
No matter where you’re coming from, Vienna is cold in December. And while you’ll be surrounded by festive cheer at the markets, you won’t be moving around much—so layers are your best friend. Wool base layers are perfect for this kind of outing, and don’t forget your winter accessories: a hat, scarf, and gloves. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
All day and all of the night
Most Vienna markets run all day, typically starting around 10 a.m. and closing at 9 or 10 p.m. (though it’s always smart to double-check hours before heading out). For the best experience, I recommend visiting during daylight hours to enjoy thinner crowds and then returning in the evening to soak in the magical glow of the twinkling lights.
Bring cash
While I was pleasantly surprised to find that most vendors at the markets accept cards or mobile wallets, there are still enough cash-only stalls to make it worth carrying some Euros. Plan to withdraw money from a local bank before your visit (I don’t recommend using the standalone ATMs on-site for security reasons). You’ll also need cash for the bathroom at many markets, as they typically charge a small fee.
Wait, that looks familiar
While you’ll find some locally made treasures at the markets—particularly at one of my favorite spots that only allows local items (more on that later!)—be warned that you’ll also encounter plenty of mass-produced goods. In fact, you might notice the same products popping up across multiple markets. From garlic graters to nightlights to imported alpaca socks, for better or worse, repetition is part of the experience.
Keep the kids (and kids at heart) busy
Even the smaller markets usually offer activities to keep everyone entertained (though there’s usually a small fee). From carousels and ice skating to Eisstockschießen (Ice Stock Sport, a style of curling), there’s plenty to engage non-shoppers and your little ones alike.
Dogs are people too
In Vienna, dogs are treated like family and are often seen tagging along with their humans wherever they go—even at the Christmas markets. It certainly makes for some prime dog-watching over a cup of mulled wine! Unlike in my home city of Charlotte, though, Vienna’s dogs are remarkably well-behaved.
Bring your camera
Many markets feature photo ops to help you commemorate your visit, which is such a thoughtful touch in this Instagram age. Just be courteous to your fellow marketgoers by sharing the space, and respect signs prohibiting photos of vendors.
Order your hot beverage like a pro
Brr… when the only thing that will warm you up is a mulled wine or hot chocolate, head to one of the many stalls throughout the market for the remedy. When you find one that draws you in, hop in the line labeled kasse to place your order.
Different vendors may have different specialties, but most will have an assortment of the following boozy and non-boozy options: Red and white mulled wine (glühwein), rum punch (punsch), berry punch (beerenpunsch), kids punch (kinderpunsch), hot chocolate (heiße Schokolade), and tea (tee). If you spot Feuerzangenbowle (fire-tongs punch), give it a try—it’s a rum-soaked sugar cube set ablaze before being added to your drink (watch those eyebrows!).
(As for what not to order, skip the glühbier. Mulled beer is… kind of gross).
When you order, you’ll pay a deposit for the mug (usually around €5), which you’ll get back upon returning it. Some markets issue tokens to ensure mugs are returned to the same booth. At large markets like the one at Rathausplatz, it’s easy to forget where you bought your drink, so snapping a quick photo of the booth can save you from wandering aimlessly. When returning your mug, be sure to hop back into the Kasse line—cutting the line might earn you a stern lecture, as we witnessed firsthand.
Take advantage of the Mug ATM
Okay, so it’s not an official thing, but we discovered you can pay for a drink with a credit card and then return the mug for your deposit—this time in cash. It’s a fun, unexpected way to replenish your Euros without steep ATM fees. Just use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (I recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred) to maximize value.
Or bring it home as a souvenir
I’m usually a patches-for-souvenirs kind of person, but functional keepsakes like market mugs are a worthy exception. For just €5, you can bring home a tangible memory of your trip, perfect for reminiscing over your morning coffee.
If you’re aiming to collect different mugs, though, be prepared for some quirks: not every market has a dedicated mug, some markets offer multiple designs, and others recycle mugs from elsewhere. For instance, we ended up with a Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz mug from Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien. My advice? Stick to the ones you truly love rather than turning it into a checklist.
Don’t leave without something to eat
Chances are, the delicious smells emanating from the market stands will lead you to this tip on your own, but make sure to plan at least one meal at a market. The food is hearty and delicious, perfect for a chilly evening. Some popular options include:
- Maroni (roasted chestnuts—yes, over an open fire)
- Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles that might make you abandon mac and cheese forever)
- Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes)
- Krapfen and Bauernkrapfen (two styles of filled doughnuts)
- Leberkäse (a cross between meatloaf and ham, sometimes stuffed with cheese)
- Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancake pieces with jam, a true delight)
- Wurst (sausages, which—somewhat ironically—are actually the best)
MY FAVORITE MARKETS IN VIENNA
If you’ve landed here after Googling “Best Christmas markets in Vienna,” this section is for you. After spending time at nearly every major market in the city (more than a dozen!), I’ve handpicked four markets that I believe should be on every visitor’s list.
Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien
The Christmas village on the campus of the University of Vienna (Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien) has been delighting locals and visitors for a quarter of a century. Thanks to its location a little further from the bustling markets in the city center, this market offers a more laidback and local atmosphere. It’s larger than it first appears, so give yourself plenty of time to wander with a warm mug in hand while admiring the charming decor. Who knows—you might even find yourself under the mistletoe!
→Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien // Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Wien, Österreich
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Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof
As if having recipes on the official market website isn’t telling enough, the Christmas market at Am Hof Square (Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof) is a foodie’s favorite. This market is best enjoyed with a group of friends who love to share—you can each order something different and meet back up at one of the market tables for a festive Viennese feast. With just two of us, Michael and I had to “settle” for roasted chestnuts and raclette-drenched potatoes with speck.
→Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof // Am Hof, 1010 Wien, Austria
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Wiener Christkindlmarkt
I’ve never experienced anything quite like the sheer scale of the Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz. One word comes to mind when I think of this market: grand. Spanning multiple blocks, it’s enormous, and the decorations are just as impressive. From the 99 vendors to the towering tree in front of City Hall to the winding ice-skating track, there’s nothing quaint about this market.
And yet. Despite its size, this market is undeniably charming. There’s room to breathe while exploring the lights and decorations along the paths, and the lines for food and drink are surprisingly reasonable. Better still, three-fourths of the food and drinks on offer are organic and sustainably grown. Just make sure you don’t arrive too late to enjoy it all; the lights and music shut off promptly at 10 p.m.
→Wiener Christkindlmarkt // Rathauspl., 1010 Wien, Austria
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Art Advent
Okay, I’ll admit it—I saved my absolute favorite market for last. Art Advent is everything I could dream of in a European Christmas market: a fully local lineup of vendors (no mass-produced gifts here!), inclusive dining options with sustainability in mind, and fun for the entire family. One of my favorite aspects is the daily demonstrations by artists and artisans, showcasing their craft and inspiring a love of local arts for future generations.
For an authentic Viennese Christmas market experience and the chance to support local creatives, I can’t recommend a visit to Art Advent at Karlsplatz enough.
→Art Advent // Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Wien, Austria
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF VIENNA
I might be biased, but I truly believe that visiting Vienna’s Christmas markets should be on everyone’s travel wish list—even if you don’t celebrate the holiday. At their heart, these markets are about more than just religious traditions or festivities; they’re about bringing warmth and light to the community during the darkest days of the year, supporting local artists, and bringing people together.
I’m so grateful that Michael and I decided to give each other the gift of a long weekend exploring Vienna’s markets instead of exchanging more “stuff.” The memories we created together are far more valuable than anything that could be wrapped and placed under the tree, and I hope you’ll soon have the chance to feel the same.
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Questions for you:
What are your favorite foods at the Christmas markets?
What do you look for in a Christmas market? Do you prefer grand markets or smaller ones?
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