In Vienna, the capital of Austria, December is a time of eager anticipation. Advent here means Christmas markets, strolls through the festively decorated streets of the Innere Stadt—the historic center—open-air concerts, stops at kiosks for steaming hot Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), and delicious breaks in classic Viennese cafés, where traditional Habsburg pastries and sweets are a true highlight.
Christkindlmarkt
The Vienna Christmas Market boasts an over 700-year tradition. Since 1975, the “Christkindlmarkt” has been held in the iconic “Rathausplatz.” In the shadow of Vienna’s majestic Town Hall and surrounded by the bustling park, 140 stalls offer everything you need for an unforgettable day and magical holiday celebrations.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas and Culture Market
This year, too, the Christmas and Culture Market at Schönbrunn Palace welcomes visitors outside the beautiful baroque residence.
Some 60 exhibitors present a rich variety of items, from handmade Christmas tree decorations in wood, straw, felt, glass, and stone, to ceramics, tin toys, intricate ironwork, and hand-carved nativity sets. You’ll also find nostalgic paper cuttings, delicate woodwork, monastery crafts (handcrafted miniature floral décor), and skill-based games.
Fresh local delicacies and spiced punch specialties ensure visitors can savor the flavors of Vienna. The program features guided tours of the market—”Christmas at Schönbrunn”—and Schönbrunn Advent concerts performed on the stage in front of the grand Christmas tree.
Young guests can enjoy the interactive Christmas workshop “Poldi’s Christmas Shop” as part of the “Experience Schönbrunn Palace” program, where children can bake cookies in the historic oven of the Café Ristorante Residenz.
Artisanship and creativity mingle at the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Museum of Natural History. During Advent, this square hosts more than 60 stalls with traditional crafts and unique gifts, while the Museum of Fine Arts features a special winter art exhibition, with works spanning from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Another culture-rich setting is the Christmas market in front of the Belvedere Palace, where visitors can also admire works by Klimt, including a special exhibition marking 150 years since the artist’s birth and his iconic “The Kiss.”
Traditional Christmas Market – Freyung
The famous Traditional Christmas Market opens its doors in one of Vienna’s most beautiful downtown squares. You’ll find fine handicrafts, typical Christmas treats, and a lively cultural program.
The Old Vienna Christmas Market in Freyung square boasts a tradition dating back to 1772. Here, you can shop for crafted decorations, glass ornaments, nativity scenes, and ceramics. Overlooking Freyung square is the newly restored Schönborn Palace, a splendid 18th-century building that now houses the Moya Museum of Young Art.
Later in the day, musicians fill the square with festive songs, creating a magical Advent atmosphere surrounded by the historic “Palais Viennese,” the “Austria Fountain,” and the Schottenkirche church. Don’t miss the wide selection of irresistible regional specialties worth tasting.
Spittelberg Market nestles along the narrow lanes of this Biedermeier-style district, popular especially for its artisanal jewelry, ceramics, and handcrafted wares. If you’re still in the mood for more shopping—accompanied by a fragrant, steaming punch—head to the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz or to the Advent Market in front of the Belvedere Palace.
Beyond streets and squares, the traditions of Advent color Viennese homes, too: every week, a red candle (one of four, symbolizing the countdown to Christmas) is lit, marking the growing excitement for the festivities.
Vienna at New Year’s
Vienna is equally enchanting at New Year’s Eve, when the historic center transforms into a huge open-air party. The New Year’s Trail leads from Rathausplatz through the city’s most atmospheric streets, with food stalls and performances of all kinds—from rock to operetta.
On December 31st, you can also take a Danube river cruise, attend the grand Kaiserball at the Emperor’s Palace, join dazzling galas organized by City Hall or top hotels, or toast to the new year aboard the legendary Majestic Imperator, a luxury historic train.
The Vienna State Opera offers Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus”. For New Year’s Day, both locals and tourists enjoy the traditional Katerfrühstück (so-called “hangover breakfast”)—in the city’s atmospheric cafés or on the main square, where a giant screen broadcasts the renowned Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert.
Other Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna Magic of Advent and Christmas Market at Rathausplatz
16.11 – 26.12.2018
www.weihnachtstraum.at
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
21.11. – 26.12.2018
www.weihnachtsdorf.at
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
from 23.11. – 2./12.2018
www.weihnachtsdorf.at
Christmas Village at Altes AKH
17.11. – 23.12.2018
www.weihnachtsdorf.at
Old Viennese Christmas Market
23.11. – 23.12.2018
www.altwiener-markt.at
Advent Market Am Hof
16.11. – 23.12.2018
www.weihnachtsmarkt-hof.at
Christmas & Culture Market and New Year’s Market at Schönbrunn Palace
24.11. – 26.12.2018
27.12.2018 – 06.01.2019
www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at
Art Advent – Art & Crafts at Karlsplatz
23.11. – 23.12.2018
www.artadvent.at
Christmas Market on Spittelberg
15.11. – 23.12..2018
www.spittelberg.at
Winter Market at the Ferris Wheel Square
17.11. – 06.12.2018
www.wintermarkt.at/wintermarkt
Christmas Market at Stephansplatz
16.11. – 26.12.2018
www.weihnachtsmarkt.at
K.u.K. Christmas Market
16.11. – 01.01.2019
www.kuk-weihnachtsmarkt.at
