In Vienna, Christmas markets go hand-in-hand with the winter season. The Austrian capital sees its many public spaces play host to stalls and vendors peddling all manner of warm treats and artisanal crafts that are sure to get anyone—whether local or traveler—into the holiday spirit. Though there are many iconic Christmas markets in Europe—ranging from nearby Germany all the way over to the United Kingdom—Vienna’s Christmas markets are special for their venues, set against the kinds of glittering imperial palaces and grand squares that you’ll only find in Austria. The market season in Vienna is also relatively long, with some running from early November all the way to January, making the city—one of our Best Places to Go in Europe for 2025—a magnificent Christmas destination.
The challenging thing is that there are so many Vienna Christmas markets that it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. Here are our seven recommendations for the markets to see, when they’re open, as well as where to stay nearby. (Though it’s important to say that Vienna is a very accessible city and most of these Christmas markets are in the Innere Stadt, the historic old town of Vienna where many historic landmarks and plazas are located near the most luxurious hotel options in the city.)
No, it’s not literally a “rat house”—rathaus means “city hall” in German, and this festive Christmas market sits the adjacent square (that’s the German platz, a recurring theme in this list). The building, built in the late 19th century in a striking Gothic Revival style, offers a grand backdrop to this twinkling market that sells clothing, crafts, and confectionaries. When you’re feeling peckish, look for a variety of snacks like roasted chestnuts, Viennese sausages, and potato pancakes. As for attractions, you’ll find here an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and the Bussiplatz (informally, “the kissing spot”) where tokens of love and heartfelt wishes can be left under a heart-shaped tree.
Dates: November 15 – December 26
Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Where to stay nearby: Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna (a 10-minute walk away)
One of the most popular tourist sites in Vienna is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a 14th-century church done in the Romanesque and Gothic style and famous for its steep, multicolored roof decorated with about 230,000 glazed tiles that depict the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria; and a double-headed eagle, the symbol of the historic Habsburg royal family. As such, the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s is similarly traditional, with Austrian arts, crafts, and delicacies available among its roughly 40 booths that line Stephansplatz. Once you’ve had your fill, step into St. Stephen’s to catch one of their regular Christmas concerts, where ticket sales go to the conservation of the city’s most important religious landmark.
