Are you thinking about visiting the Vienna Christmas markets this year? The capital of Austria is famous for its Christmas markets and the good news is that in 2023 the Christmas markets will be in full operation from the 10th of November until the 26th of December 2023, and only a few until the 4th. January 2024.
There are several spaces in the city dedicated to this tradition, in fact, the history of the Vienna Christmas market dates back to 1298.
So, in this article we will tell you about the Christmas markets we visited in Vienna in past years, how to get there by public transport and we will include the updated dates for the Vienna Christmas Markets in 2023.
Market opening hours differ from market to market, so keep this information in mind when planning your trip.
Another important thing is that the location of your hotel influences the markets experience, but we also talk about this throughout the article.
So, will you join us on this journey?
Christmas Markets in Vienna You Must Visit
Belvedere Christmas Market
The Belvedere Palace gardens are popular all year round, but at Christmas time you have another excuse to visit them: the Belvedere Christmas market.
Therefore, we suggest that after visiting the Christmas market, go around the Palace and take the opportunity to take a walk in the gardens.
Belvedere Palace has paid entry and the queues are often long, so if you are thinking of visiting the palace, it is a good idea to buy your Belvedere ticket in advance.
Location: opposite Upper Belvedere Palace. To get to the Palace you can take tram lines D, U2Z or 71, or if you prefer to travel by bus, take lines N71 or 69A.
The metro (line U1 leaving at Südtirolerplatz/Hauptbahnhof station) is also an alternative but you have to walk a bit.
Dates: from November 17th to December 23rd 2023 + New Year’s Market (December 31st 2023 from 11:00 – 18:00).
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (weekdays), 10:00 – 21:00 (weekend), 11:00 – 16:00 (24 December), 11:00 – 19:00 (26 December).
Highlights: Murano glass (from Venice), scented soaps, jewelry and candles.
Viennese Dream Christmas Market
The Vienna Christmas Market in front of the Town Hall was our favorite Christmas market!
It’s quite big, in fact it’s the biggest Christmas market in Vienna, and so it has lots of options to buy handicrafts as well as lots of food stalls.
Location: next to the City Hall and to get there you can go by metro (line U2), tram (lines 1, 71, D, U2Z) or by bus (N25, N38), N60, N66).
Dates: from November 10th to December 26th 2023.
Highlights: firstly the ice rink, then the ferris wheel and the tree of hearts, as well as the international carol choirs with free entry on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Schöbrunn Christmas Market
This Christmas market has the perfect setting: Schöbrunn Palace, that is, the Summer Palace of the Emperors of Austria, which is located on the outskirts of Vienna.
Take the opportunity to take a tour of Schöbrunn Palace and gardens and if you have the budget, what do you think about attending a Christmas concert at Schöbrunn that includes mulled wine, or the Christmas concert preceded by dinner in a restaurant close to the palace?
In any case, entry to the Schöbrunn Palace Christmas Market is free, as is visiting the gardens.
Location: next to Schöbrunn Palace, so the best way to get there is to take the Vienna metro line U4.
Dates: from November 18, 2023 to January 4, 2024.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (every day, except those listed below), 10:00 – 16:00 (24 December), 10:00 – 18:00 (from 25 December to 4 January 2024) .
Highlights: Christmas tree, but we recommend that you arrive early and visit Schöbrunn first and only then dedicate yourself to the Christmas market.
Stephansplatz Christmas Market
Being central, next to the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, we thought this Christmas Market would be busier, however the few stalls open didn’t catch our attention.
Maybe that’s why this Christmas market was the big disappointment on this trip to Vienna, despite it being worth seeing St. Stephen’s Cathedral lit up at night, as well as the streets in the old part of the city.
Even so, it is the first Christmas market to be in operation in 2022.
Location: next to Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. To get to Vienna Cathedral, you can take line U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz Station, or you can go by bus, in which case buses 1A, 2A and 3A serve.
Dates: from November 10th to December 26th 2023.
Opening hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (every day, except those listed below), 11:00 – 16:00 (24 December), 11:00 – 19:00 (25 and 26 December).
Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Maria Teresa Square, located in Vienna’s museum area, captures the spirit of the season.
With convenient transport options, including metro, bus, and tram, accessing this market is as delightful as the experience itself.
Location: in Maria Teresa Square, that is, in the museum area in Vienna. To get to the Praça Maria Teresa Christmas Market, you can take the metro, and to do so you must take line U3 to Volkstheater Station, or take the bus (N44 or N49) or tram (for example, lines 1, 2 , 71, D and U2Z).
Dates: from November 15th to December 23rd, 2023 + New Year’s Market (December 31st, 2023 from 11:00 – 18:00).
Opening hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (Sunday to Thursday), 11:00 – 22:00 (Friday and Saturday), 11:00 – 16:00 (24 December), 11:00 – 19:00 (December 25th and 26th).
Karlplatz Christmas Market (Art Advent)
Location: at Karlplatz Square and to get there you can take the metro (lines U1 and U4 leaving at Karlsplatz Station) or take the tram (lines 1, 62, Badner Bahn and U2Z).
Dates: from November 24th to December 23rd 2023.
Opening hours: 12:00 – 20:00 (every day).
Highlights: without a doubt, the nativity scene and the area dedicated to children. This is Vienna’s Christmas Market dedicated to arts as well as organic products. Therefore, you will find very interesting craft products, as well as food that is a little healthier compared to the other Christmas Markets in Vienna.
Michaelerplatz Market, Altwiener Christkindlmarkt 2023
The K.U.K Weihnachtsmarkt, standing for imperial and royal, is the official name of the Old Vienna Christmas Market.
Located next to the entrance of the Imperial Museum, this quaint market, despite its modest size, holds a wealth of charm and interest.
This smaller market is located in the historic heart of the city, offering a unique and cozy festive experience.
Location: next to the entrance to the Imperial Museum.
Dates: from November 17th to December 23rd 2023, from 10:00 to 21:00.
Tips for enjoying the Vienna Christmas Markets
- These Christmas Markets in Vienna that we mentioned are all free to enter;
- the markets are not all open at the same time, some are only open before Christmas, keep this in mind when planning your trip;
- Furthermore, the opening hours are also different, some are open in the morning, others in the afternoon and evening and others all day long;
- The food is really attractive, so take the opportunity to try as many specialties as possible.
As mentioned, these Vienna Christmas Markets, all free to enter, operate at different times – some exclusively before Christmas. Keep in mind their varying opening hours, ranging from morning to evening or all day long. Don’t miss the chance to savor the tempting array of specialties these markets have to offer
Top Accommodations for a Festive Stay in Vienna Christmas Markets
I initially opted for a budget hotel on the outskirts of Vienna, but I wouldn’t recommend it as it was too far from the main Christmas markets.
For a more convenient and enjoyable experience, consider the centrally located, comfortable 4-star Wandl Hotel or the Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth, also a 4-star option situated next to Vienna’s pedestrian zone.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, staying in an apartment might be a practical solution. In this case, both the Penthouse Kohlmarkt by ichbucheAT and the Judengasse Premium by ichbucheAT are excellent choices.
For those seeking economical hotel options with a reasonable location, Kärntnerhof Hotel and Pension Riedl generally offer good value for money.
If none of these options catch your interest, you can explore availability and prices for all accommodations in the capital of Austria through the link and map below.
You May Also Like:
- The Best of Bratislava’s Christmas Markets
- Luxembourg Christmas Market and Winterlights (with video)
- London’s Magical Christmas Markets (with Video)
We are a family traveling around the world and sharing our journey and experiences at passaportenobolso.com. Here you can find plenty of family budget travel tips as well as practical information about numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. We have visited 30+ countries and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Follow our adventures on YouTube / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook.
