Christmas markets in Vienna are a great way to spend time with family and friends while also enjoying the festive atmosphere. In Vienna, it is the smell of hot punch, fresh pastries, cinnamon, gingerbread, live music, festively decorated streets, and a special atmosphere. They’re a wonderful way to spend your time in Vienna, and there are many different kinds of markets. Some are just for tourists, but others are completely local and only open on certain days of the year.
Whether you’re looking to make some new friends, get some great deals on gifts, or just enjoy the atmosphere of a big city at Christmas, Vienna is the place to be. If you want to feel the spirit of European Christmas and plunge into a winter fairy tale, Vienna is a great choice! In this article, we will share tips for a great trip to the Austrian capital and tell you about the most interesting Christmas markets in Vienna.
History: Christmas markets in Vienna
Vienna is believed to have hosted the first ever Christmas market. This was back in 1298! Here are a few Christmas markets you should visit in Vienna this season.
#1 Viennese Dream Christmas Market
It’s not for nothing that Vienna is called the “Viennese Christmas Dream.” Visitors are greeted at the entrance by a large arch decorated with candles. Along with 150 booths, two skating rinks, designated ski trails, a town hall craft studio, a carousel, and brilliantly illuminated trees in Town Hall Park and on the Ringstrasse arrayed in front of the grandly lit up town hall building. Interesting to observe that on the eve of the holidays, the Town Hall building transforms into a sort of advent calendar; paintings are placed in the windows, and each day leading up to Christmas, a new window opens. It is hardly shocking that more than three million people visit this magnificent place each year.
For those eager to get into the holiday mood, the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of City Hall is an outstanding highlight. The distinctive setting lends this market its particular appeal, and the mouthwatering aromas will no doubt lull you into the spirit of the season. Children can learn how to make Christmas cookies or candles in a section designated for them on the ground floor of City Hall. Not to mention, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, free concerts with international choirs performing Christmas carols are featured.
#2 Karlsplatz’s Christmas market in Vienna
A picturesque place that is perfect for families with kids. Here, the market square is typically covered in hay from which parents and their children build fortresses. Nearby, live donkeys and sheep chew grass in the paddock. Besides that, parents can unwind with one or two glasses of hot punch or go souvenir shopping while their kids are crafting Christmas decorations in the workshops. Crown the moment with one or two pages from eFab 02/2022 edition.
#3 Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
Explore baroque lifestyles and traditional handicrafts. The popular Christmas Village Belvedere Palace is set against the glorious baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence, one of Vienna‘s most beautiful and significant sights. In the park near the Belvedere palace complex, everything is decorated on a truly imperial scale. Several exquisite Christmas trees welcome the audience. Conjointly, wooden trays beckon with an exclusive assortment of handcrafted Christmas tree ornaments, gourmet foods, and artisans’ wares. Generally, more than 40 festively decked out market stalls display classic handcrafts, spectacular Christmas decorations, and gourmet treats. Children will be able to ride on an almost fabulous train.
#4 Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square
Experience impressive Viennese buildings and traditional customs at the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square this winter, located between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art. A crowded fair with a wide range of festive assortments—Christmas decorations and toys, artwork, all kinds of goodies— gospel choirs, and various performers. There is no escaping the Christmas atmosphere with festively decorated market stalls and a vast array of culinary delights.
#5 Schönbrunn Palace: One Of Top Christmas Markets In Vienna
The market sits just outside the walls of the lovely Baroque Schönbrunn Palace of Francz Joseph and Sis Emperor. Hot punch and freshly baked Vanillekipferl fill the air with a delightful aroma. In terms of assortment, it resembles the Belvedere in many aspects. Over 60 vendors offer handicrafts and one-of-a-kind items in front of this historic palace, including nativity scenes and handcrafted Christmas ornaments, for passersby to enjoy and buy. As in all of Vienna, a wide range of Austrian specialties are also offered here, from classic fried foods like Bauerngröstl (fried bacon slices and potatoes) to the adored dessert Kaiserschmarrn. The market is open every day between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
#6 Christmas Market at Spittelberg
Spittelberg is a cosy pedestrian area with small, romantic streets and pretty 19th-century houses. A revitalised heritage district from the Biedermeier period. There are wooden tents with a traditional Christmas assortment: sweets, toys, souvenirs, and gifts. In numerous restaurants and pubs, you can get delicious food or a couple of beers. While there, you can send a postcard from the Spittelberg Christmas post office. Throughout the festive season, you will find objets d’art, ceramics, warm jumpers, rugs, and jewellery made of silver, enamel, and brass at the Christmas Market at Spittelberg.
Cheers!
Fab Team
