As Winter approaches, town of Vienna transforms right into a magical wonderland crammed with festive lights and decorations. Some of the cherished traditions on this enchanting capital are the Vienna Christmas markets, recognized domestically as “Weihnachtsmärkte.” These markets deliver households, pals, and guests collectively to have fun the spirit of the season in fashion.
We’ll take you on a journey to discover Vienna’s hottest Christmas markets, highlighting their distinctive choices and interesting histories. From the enduring Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt to the charming Spittelberg Market tucked away within the previous streets, every market presents pleasant treats and treasures for each style. Get able to immerse your self within the festive ambiance that envelops this lovely metropolis in the course of the vacation season.
Guide to the High Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna is likely one of the most lovely cities on the planet, and its Christmas markets are among the many greatest in Europe. On this part, we’ll introduce you to a few of our favourite Vienna Christmas Markets, every providing a singular and festive ambiance.
On this article, we’ve got targeted on the Viennese Christmas markets that we’ve got personally visited. All these charming Christmas markets are free to enter.
Tip: We extremely advocate shopping for a Vienna Metropolis Card, which may present free public transportation and discounted admission charges to cultural sights. Obtain their app and digital metropolis information, iVie earlier than you go.
1. Wiener Christkindlmarkt
Often known as the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Wiener Christkindlmarkt is likely one of the hottest festive markets. This large Vienna Christmas Market takes place in entrance of the gorgeous Metropolis Corridor at Rathausplatz.
Wiener Christkindlmarkt captivates guests with all kinds of stalls and leisure choices. This market is thought for its family-friendly ambiance, with quite a few sights designed particularly for youngsters.
There’s a big ferris wheel, and an illuminated strolling path with quite a few nativity scenes. We couldn’t resist the center formed mugs, which you should buy from a stall close to the well-known Coronary heart Tree.
Guests collect there to share their love and particular moments. This distinctive show is one other splendid facet of the market, showcasing the true spirit of the season.
This well-known Viennese Christmas Market is open from 10am-10pm every day. There are rest room amenities positioned inside the market and underground on the Ringstrasse.
- Ice-skating: There’s a big ice-skating rink that provides enjoyable for individuals of all ages.
- Coronary heart Tree: The Herzerl tree is adorned with a complete host of illuminated purple hearts.
- Youngsters’s workshops: Children can discover ways to make Christmas decorations and sing introduction carols within the youngsters’s hut.
2. Maria Theresien Christmas Market
With a first-rate location on Maria-Theresien-Platz subsequent to the Kunsthistorische Museum (Artwork Museum) and Naturhistorisches (Pure Historical past Museum), that is one other in style Viennese Christmas market.
The 19th century Maria-Theresa memorial statue is surrounded by elegantly adorned stalls promoting festive ornaments and items.
- Native merchandise: Pattern a spread of gourmand Austrian meals, corresponding to Wiener schnitzel and apfelstrudel.
- The general public conveniences are positioned pretty near the Naturhistorisches – ensure to deliver 0,50 euros to make use of them.
- The opening hours are 11am-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11am-9pm from Sunday to Thursday.
3. ART ADVENT Christmas Market
One other unimaginable market is the ART ADVENT, also referred to as Karlsplatz Christmas Market. It’s set amidst the gorgeous backdrop of the baroque-style St. Charles’ Church (Karlskirche).
This market focuses on distinctive, handmade merchandise, making it the proper place to discover a particular present for pals and households. Benefit from the conventional wood fairground rides, excellent for households and kids.
There are public conveniences conveniently positioned available in the market itself. This sustainable Christmas market is open from 12am-8pm every day.
- Artisanal merchandise: Native artists and craftspeople showcase their work, accessible for buy to offer your Christmas presents a private contact.
- Food and drinks: Take pleasure in scrumptious native treats like Glühwein, a heat, spiced wine, and roasted chestnuts.
- Youngsters’s actions: from writing workshops to candle making and story telling.
4. Belvedere Christmas Market
Located in entrance of the magnificent Belvedere Palace, the Belvedere Christmas Market is likely one of the most picturesque areas to expertise Vienna’s festive ambiance. This market on Prinz Eugen-Straße is barely smaller than some others, providing a extra intimate and romantic setting.
Purchase a conventional snow globe from one of many stands – they originated in Vienna! After shopping the stalls, head to Café Goldegg on Argentinierstraße. Opened in 1910, this conventional Viennese café is in style with locals. Attempt the wiener schnitzel or the meat goulash, each are scrumptious.
- Distinctive items: Discover the artisanal stalls for unique and fantastically crafted items on your family members.
- Surroundings: The gorgeous palace serves as a implausible picture alternative, creating lasting recollections of your go to.
- Opening hours are from 11am-9pm Monday to Friday and 10am-9pm Saturday to Sunday.
5. Schonbrunn Palace
The backdrop to this lovely Viennese Christmas market is Schonbrunn Palace. Though it takes round 30 minutes to get right here from Vienna metropolis centre, it’s nicely price it.
As you stroll by Parade Court docket, you’ll come throughout a big Christmas tree and a handcrafted nativity scene with over 250 collectible figurines. The tree is adorned with twinkling fairy lights and ornaments, creating an eye catching, shimmering show.
Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market is open from 10am to 9pm every day till Four January. There are bogs to the best of the gates as you enter, with a 0,50 euro cost.
- Festive decorations: Discover the artisanal stalls for unique and fantastically crafted items on your family members. We picked up a number of papier-mâché tree ornaments right here.
- Surroundings: The gorgeous palace serves as a implausible picture alternative, creating lasting recollections of your go to.
- The Court docket Carousel: set it in movement by pedalling!
6. Am Hof Introduction Market
With a handy location within the 1st District within the centre of Vienna, Am Hof is in style with locals at Christmastime. As such, it may well get fairly crowded at Am Hof market. We recommend going early – the market opens from 10am to 9pm from Friday to Sunday and runs till 23 December.
- Foodie focus: Take pleasure in a tipple on the Champagne Bar or a kartoffelpuffer (potato pancake) at one of many different stands.
- Cute souvenirs: This yr, the ceramic mugs at Am Hof Introduction Market are a number of the coolest going!
- Round 75 stalls, a few of that are miniature retailers which you could go inside!
7. Outdated Viennese Christmas Market
Often known as Freyung or the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, this conventional Viennese market focuses on craft objects and high quality meals. It’s positioned a couple of minutes stroll from Am Hof Introduction Market, so you’ll be able to simply mix the 2 in a single go to.
This picturesque market can also be fairly packed at sure instances of the day, so go early if you wish to browse with ease. The market is open from 10am to 9pm till 23 December. There aren’t any public bogs at this market – head to those close to Am Hof as an alternative.
- Farmer’s market: an excellent number of spice desserts, meats and cheeses.
- Historic environment: flanked by the 12th century Scottish Church (Schottenkirche).
- Nativity scene: 150 foot lengthy mural painted on the again of the stalls.
8. Spittelberg Christmas Market
For a singular ambiance, head to the Spittelberg district in Vienna at Christmas. Right here, the slender cobbled streets are teeming with fashionable retailers and bars.
We extremely advocate reserving a desk at TIAN Bistro for dinner. Positioned at Schrankgasse 4, Tian focuses on sustainable vegetarian and vegan delicacies.
Their plant based mostly cooking is the most effective we’ve got ever had! Founders Christian Halper and Paul Ivić have created an unimaginable Sharing Chef’s Backyard tasting menu utilizing natural elements and uncommon greens. The philosophy is about utilizing the entire vegetable, from root to leaf.
Take pleasure in a choice of pure wines chosen by André Drechsel and Nico Hammerl, awarded Sommelier Group of the 12 months 2023 by Gault& Millau. TIAN even have a Michelin starred vegetarian restaurant within the centre of Vienna – TIAN Wien at Himmelpfortgasse 23.
Spittelberg Christmas Market is open from 2pm to 9pm from Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 9.30pm on Fridays, 10am to 9.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 9pm on Sundays.
- Eco-friendly market: specializing in fair-trade, domestically produced and natural objects.
- Lovely structure: many of the buildings are within the Biedermeier fashion, relationship from 1815 to 1848.
- Attention-grabbing souvenirs: LED wax lights, distinctive piggy banks, hand-knitted merino clothes.
Different Viennese Christmas Markets
There are a number of different Christmas markets in Vienna, which we both didn’t get time to go to on this event or visited briefly. These embody:
- College Campus (Altes AKH) – massively in style with locals, resulting from its concentrate on meals and coated seating. This can be a good place to go when it’s actually chilly! Open from 2 pm to 11 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 11 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to eight pm on Sundays.
- Prater (Winter Market Riesenradplatz) – options dwell music, a ferris wheel and flying chair experience and is open from 12 midday to 10 pm on Fridays and 11 am to 10 pm from Saturday to Sunday.
- Introduction Im Gartenpalais Liechtenstein – a smaller market in a picturesque setting, open from Four to 9 pm on Fridays and from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Hirschstetten Introduction Market – positioned within the lovely Botanical Gardens within the 22nd District, and open from 10 am to eight pm.
- Michaelerplatz (Ok.U.Ok. Weihnachtsmarkt) – a small market positioned on the sting of the Hofburg Palace, open from 10 am to eight pm.
- Stephansplatz Christmas Market – subsequent to St Stephen’s Cathedral, with round 40 stalls and open from 11am to 9pm.
- Introduction Delights Market (Mahlerstrasse) – not happening this yr resulting from renovation work, however will reopen in 2024.
Vienna Festive Environment and Decorations
When visiting the Vienna Christmas markets, you instantly discover the pleasant festive ambiance and gorgeous decorations. The markets are adorned with lovely Christmas lights, illuminating the streets and including an imposing glow to town.
The festive ambiance, distinctive decorations, and fascinating shows set the Vienna Christmas markets aside, making them a must-visit vacation spot in the course of the vacation season.
Among the best locations to see Christmas lights in Vienna is within the MuseumsQuartier. Spanning 90,000m2, this Viennese cultural hub is lit up fantastically for Winter im MQ. Head to Museumsplatz from 4-11pm on Fridays or 2-11pm from Saturday to Sunday to admire the illuminated constructing facades.
It’s also possible to e book tickets to Austria’s largest backyard of lights, Illumina. It takes place at Laxenburg Palace Park from 24 November 2023 to 11 February 2024. The park is round 35 minutes from central Vienna and people and not using a automotive should purchase shuttle bus tickets.
Culinary Experiences on the Viennese Christmas Markets
When visiting the Vienna Christmas markets, you’ll be delighted by all kinds of scrumptious meals choices. The market stalls are crammed with conventional Austrian meals which might be positive to entice your style buds and supply a memorable culinary expertise.
One of many in style snacks discovered on the market are potato spirals. These thinly sliced and seasoned potatoes are served on a stick, making for a tasty and handy snack as we flick through the market.
Moreover, you shouldn’t miss the possibility to savor the candy and fragrant gingerbread cookies. These conventional treats are available in numerous styles and sizes, typically adorned with festive icing and decorations.
After all, your exploration of the markets’ culinary delights wouldn’t be full with out sipping on some sizzling punch. This heat and aromatic beverage, usually made with spices and fruits, offers a comforting heat and provides to the festive spirit. Along with sizzling punch, many meals stalls provide numerous varieties of mulled wine and sizzling chocolate to maintain us cozy throughout our market go to.
Listed here are only a few of the numerous attractive meals choices you could encounter on the Vienna Christmas markets:
- Schnitzel: A basic Austrian dish consisting of breaded and fried meat, usually served with potato salad or french fries.
- Bratwurst and Sausages: Obtainable in numerous flavors together with cheese-filled and spicy varieties, these could be loved as a standalone snack or in a hearty sandwich.
- Kaiserschmarrn: A candy, shredded pancake-like dessert, served heat with powdered sugar and fruit compote.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped over boiled potatoes, accompanied by pickles and onions, presents a gooey and satisfying deal with.
As you discover the numerous meals stalls on the Vienna Christmas markets, you might be positive to come back throughout quite a few different culinary surprises and temptations that may make your go to a very unforgettable expertise.
Actions and Leisure
Stay Music Experiences
Throughout your go to to Vienna Christmas markets, one of the fascinating experiences was having fun with the dwell music. You may e book to attend Christmas live shows, which is able to put you within the vacation spirit. As well as, many proficient musicians and choirs carry out at numerous venues inside the markets, making a festive ambiance with their melodic tunes.
Outside Actions
On the Vienna Christmas markets, there are many out of doors actions for all ages. For instance, the Rathausplatz ice rink and curling within the MuseumsQuartier are to not be missed. There are various enjoyable fairground rides on the Prater Christmas market.
Cultural Actions
Throughout the Christmas season, Vienna’s historic websites and cultural venues present the proper backdrop for having fun with the vacation spirit. Whereas exploring town’s distinctive markets, don’t overlook to immerse your self in these exceptional landmarks and treasures.
We advocate visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Artwork Historical past) and the Museum of Pure Historical past. These two premier museums, located reverse one another at Maria-Theresien-Platz, are dwelling to an unlimited assortment of artworks, artifacts, and pure wonders.
The place to Keep in Vienna
No go to to Vienna could be full and not using a keep on the historic Lodge Bristol, positioned at Kaerntner Ring 1. This world-class lodge, positioned instantly reverse the Vienna State Opera, presents unique lodging, mixing the magnificence of bygone years with state-of-the-art facilities.
The Lodge Bristol has many unique Artwork Deco options, in addition to a sublime Lounge and Bar, and has been going sturdy since 1892. A part of The Luxurious Assortment by Marriott Bonvoy, it’s a stone’s throw from right here to town centre.
We stayed within the Chinoiserie Opera Suite, which is extraordinarily spacious and boasts fabulous views of the Opera Home. There are two lovely marble loos and an oval salon adorned with treasured vintage chinoiserie. We loved a scrumptious breakfast on the lodge, with omelettes and poached eggs cooked to order.
Journey and Transport Info
We flew to Vienna with Austrian Airways, however there are a lot of airways flying into Vienna Worldwide Airport. We then took the CAT (Metropolis Airport Prepare) which takes simply 16 minutes into Wien Mitte. The ticket value was included in our Vienna Metropolis Card.
As you discover Vienna’s Christmas markets, it’s important to know easy methods to navigate town and get round effectively. Fortunately, Vienna’s public transport system is well-designed and simple to make use of, making it easy to go to most of the magical markets throughout your keep.
For many metropolis middle Christmas markets, a brief stroll is normally all it takes to immerse your self within the festive ambiance. Vienna’s metropolis middle is pedestrian-friendly and excellent for a leisurely stroll with a heat beverage in hand.
The public transport system in Vienna consists of buses, trams, and metro (U-Bahn) traces, and it is a wonderful choice for reaching Christmas markets not positioned within the metropolis middle. Because of Vienna’s in depth transport community, you’ll be able to simply entry all markets, even these positioned on the outskirts of town.
Here’s a fast overview of the transport strategies accessible:
- Metro (U-Bahn): Probably the most handy and quickest strategy to journey inside the metropolis. It operates from 5:00 am to 12:30 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. Tickets could be bought on the station or on the Wiener Linien app.
- Trams: A dependable and cozy strategy to journey round Vienna. With over 30 traces, trams can deliver us near quite a few Christmas markets all through town. Trams usually run between 5:00 am and midnight, with some traces providing evening service.
- Buses: Buses complement the tram and metro techniques, connecting much less central areas. Most buses run between 5:00 am and midnight, however there are additionally evening buses accessible.
When utilizing public transport, contemplate these ticket choices:
- Single ticket: €2.40
- 24-hour ticket: €8.00
- 48-hour ticket: €14.10
- 72-hour ticket: €17.10
- Weekly go: €17.10 (legitimate from Monday to the next Monday at 9:00 am)
In abstract, navigating Vienna in the course of the Christmas market season is a breeze, because of town’s environment friendly public transport system and pedestrian-friendly metropolis middle. Bear in mind to decorate warmly and benefit from the lovely scenes Vienna has to supply in the course of the vacation season.
Ultimate Ideas on the Vienna Christmas Markets
The Vienna Christmas markets rework town right into a Winter wonderland, full with ice-skating rinks, snow-covered pathways, and warming treats to bask in. With each step you are taking, the Christmas spirit comes alive and presents an unforgettable expertise.
General, the vary of actions and leisure alternatives on the Vienna Christmas markets made our go to an unforgettable expertise. By exploring these Vienna Christmas markets, you’ll be able to immerse your self within the festive ambiance that makes town much more magical in the course of the vacation season.
Get extra Vienna tips about the official web site.
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