in Vienna, Christmas markets go hand in hand with winter season. The Austrian capital sees its many public spaces play host to stalls and vendors peddling all kinds of warm treats and artisanal crafts that are sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit – be it a local or a traveler. However there are many iconic Christmas markets in Europe – from nearby Germany All the way in United Kingdom-Vienna’s Christmas markets are special for their locations, with glittering royal palaces and grand squares that you’ll only find in Austria. The market season in Vienna is also relatively long, with some running early November in all ways JanuaryMaking a city – our one The best places to visit in Europe for 2025– A fantastic one Christmas destination.
The challenging thing is that there are so many Vienna Christmas markets that it can be overwhelming to decide which one to visit. Here are our seven recommendations for markets to visit, when they’re open, as well as where to stay nearby. (It’s important to say though Vienna is a very accessible city and most of these Christmas markets are in Vienna’s historic Old Town Inner Stadt where many historical landmarks and plazas are located nearby. The most luxurious hotel option in the city.).
No, it’s not literally a “house of rats.”Rathaus Means “city hall” in German, and sits on the square next to the festive Christmas market (it’s German. platza recurring theme in this list). A charming late 19th-century Gothic Revival-style building provides a magnificent backdrop to this glittering market selling textiles, crafts and confectioneries. When you’re feeling peckish, look for a variety of snacks like roasted chestnuts, Viennese sausage and potato pancakes. As for attractions, you’ll find an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and the Bussiplatz (informally, “kissing place”) where tokens of love and heartfelt wishes can be left under a heart-shaped tree.
Dates: November 15 – December 26
Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Nearby Accommodation: Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna (10 minutes walk away)
One of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a 14th-century church built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles and famous for its steep, multicolored roof decorated with some 230,000 glazed tiles depicting the Viennese coat of arms and coats of arms. Austria; and the double-headed eagle, symbol of the historic Habsburg royal family. Likewise, the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s is just as traditional, with Austrian arts, crafts, and delicacies available at 40 booths along Stephensplatz. Once you’ve had your fill, head to St. Stephen’s to catch one of their regular Christmas concerts, where ticket sales go toward the preservation of the city’s most important religious landmark.