Visiting Austria during the festive season is a bucket list item for many; whether you embark on a weekend city break in Vienna or enjoy a driving tour around the country, the Christmas markets will leave you dazzled.
Christmas markets – also called Christkindlmarkts, Weihnachtsmarkts, or Advent markets – originated in Germany. However, Vienna hosted a ‘December Market’ as early as 1298. The markets are more than a tourist attraction; they hold deep cultural and historical significance, along with amazing shopping opportunities! The markets in Austria are open from around late November to roughly Christmas Eve.
Avoid driving to the markets (especially in Vienna) as punch will be flowing, and parking spots are limited. Dress for the cold; temperatures can dip below freezing in November and December in Austria. Be prepared to stand a lot; while many markets offer some seating and firepits near food stalls, it can be challenging to find a spot amidst the crowds.
What to Buy at the Christmas Markets
The most unique items you can find include handmade crafts such as wooden toys, nutcrackers, a huge variety of ornaments (like glass baubles, potpourri and wood ornaments, fabric animals), beeswax angels, carved wooden candle holders, lanterns, and knitted clothes, just to name a few. Some stalls, especially in Vienna, accept cards, but it is much faster to bring cash to avoid long lines at ATMs.
If you become hungry, expect plentiful food and drink options. Some staples found at every market (often with a regional twist) include mulled wine in souvenir mugs, hot chocolate, candied apples, gingerbread hearts, bread-bowl soups, paper cones filled with warm chestnuts, potato pancakes, roasted nuts, and, of course, sausages and pretzels.
The Best Vienna Markets
Vienna has the most Christmas markets of any Austrian city, and depending on your definition of a ‘market’, there are more than 30 to choose from. Below are some of the most popular, where you can easily spend an entire evening.
Rathausplatz
This market is the largest and possibly the most spectacular in Austria. With the majestic backdrop of City Hall, there are over 150 vendor stalls, and the adjacent park features an ice-skating trail with delightful surprises at every turn. Family-friendly activities abound, like candle-making, games, and cookie decorating. However, it can get very crowded, so it’s best to attend during off-peak times such as weekday mornings.
Art Advent
The Art Advent market, located in front of the Karlskirche, features spectacular crafts, along with weekend fashion shows and busker events. All the food offered here is certified organic.
The Advent Market & Old Viennese Market
These markets sit side by side, making it easy to hop between them. They are far less touristy than Rathausplatz, allowing you not only to enjoy amazing food, drinks, and shopping, but also to engage in conversation with locals. The Old Viennese Market is actually the oldest in the city, boasting beautiful wooden signs to guide visitors.
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
Throughout Vienna, you will encounter paintings by Gustav Klimt, renowned for The Kiss. Many markets offer Christmas items adorned with Klimt motifs, making Belvedere Palace an ideal place to see his most famous works. Afterwards, step into the Christmas Village, filled with an array of art-inspired crafts.
Christmas Market on Spittelberg
If you’re in search of something different from the usual crafts, the Christmas Market on Spittelberg will be just the place; enjoy festive alleyways filled with artisan goods and antiques like rugs, tarnished silver jewelry, and ceramics. It’s the perfect location to find unique items for that hard-to-shop-for friend.
Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien Platz
Situated between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, this market is perfect for refreshing yourself after seeing the vast collections. Additionally, this location houses some of the best Austrian doughnuts you will ever taste.
Winter at the MQ
This is Vienna’s most contemporary Christmas market, featuring art installations, live DJs, and ice pavilions. There are even video projections on the surrounding historic facades, providing a fun-filled change of pace from the traditional markets.
Christmas Market Schönbrunn
What better backdrop for a Christmas market than the famous Schönbrunn Palace? The stalls here surround a large Christmas tree that rivals the one at the Town Hall. Be sure to check the schedule before visiting, as there is often live Advent music.
Salzburg’s Christmas Markets
The Salzburg markets are magical and romantic. Though they may not be as big and busy as those in Vienna, wandering around the cobbled streets illuminated by lights with the Austrian Alps as a backdrop is overwhelmingly beautiful.
Residenz Platz and Salzburg Cathedral
The Christmas Market outside Salzburg Cathedral resembles a scene from the North Pole, especially at dusk when the mountains fade into the night and carolers begin singing. The market features a plethora of Mozart-themed goods, creating a very musical atmosphere! It’s conveniently located next to the Residenzplatz market, making it easy to stroll between both venues.
Mirabell Palace Market
Centrally located right in front of the Mirabell Palace, this market is much smaller than others in Salzburg but is rich in amazing handcrafted goods.
Hellbrunner Adventzauber
The Hellbrun Market is just a quick bus ride away. Situated outside Hellbrun Palace, it is perched on a plateau surrounded by mountains, giving you the feeling of being in a charming Christmas village. One of the highlights of this market is the palace windows, which transform into a massive Advent Calendar.
Hallstatt
Near Salzburg lies the fairy-tale town of Hallstatt. Although there is only one main market, it’s a stunning vision surrounded by towering wooden chalets nestled into the mountainside. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with surrounding lakes frequented by swans and fishing boats, even in winter.
Graz’s Christmas Markets
City Hall Market
The main market in Graz features a large Christmas tree to admire, along with plenty of food options to keep you satisfied. Besides the stalls in the market, the surrounding area is filled with shops where you can check off items from your gift list.
Schlossberg Hill Christmas Market
This market may not be as popular as the City Hall Market due to the hike involved in reaching it, but it’s well worth the effort. Part of the market is housed in a covered area belonging to the Schlossberg Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Graz while sipping on hot punch and warming by a roaring fire. The sunset views from here are spectacular, and to avoid walking in the dark, you can take the funicular back down to the city center.
Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets
Old Town Christmas Market
Tucked away in the Austrian Alps, this market is surrounded by medieval buildings, including the famous Golden Roof. Whereas the grand architecture of Vienna makes an impressive statement, Innsbruck offers a taste of history that makes this market feel truly magical.
Hungerburg Christmas Market
A popular ski region, the view from the Hungerburg Market is enchanting, overlooking the snow-covered city of Innsbruck. The journey to get there via the Nordkette cable car is an experience in itself.
Marktplatz
The Christmas Market at Marktplatz is a family-friendly destination with activities for all ages, featuring a petting zoo, carousel, and puppet theaters for children, alongside over 60 stalls of shopping and food to delight adults.
Fear not if you find yourself in a small town on your way to a larger city; there will likely be a Christmas market in every location, offering a magical festive escape enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
