Event Details
Welcome to the Vienna Christmas Markets 2026
Every year, Vienna transforms into one of the most magical Christmas destinations in Europe. From early November, dozens of Christmas markets open across the city, from the iconic Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz to the imperial setting of Schönbrunn Palace. Admission to all major outdoor markets is free of charge.
The Main Markets in 2026
Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz – Vienna's largest and most famous Christmas market, with around 150 stalls surrounding the historic City Hall. Visitors can browse traditional crafts, decorations and seasonal treats while enjoying the spectacular lighting display along the park pathways. The adjacent Ice Dream skating rink in Rathauspark remains open until 6 January 2027. Opening hours: daily 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Christmas Eve until 6:30 PM.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market – Set in the baroque Ehrenhof (Cour d'honneur) of Schönbrunn Palace, this market offers traditional crafts, regional cuisine and a dedicated family program with rides and creative workshops. Open from 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. Daily 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Christmas Eve until 4:00 PM; from Christmas Day until 7:00 PM). Advance online ticket booking is strongly recommended due to high demand.
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz – Located directly in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral, this market is open from 6 November to 26 December 2026, daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Christmas Village at Maria Theresien Platz – Between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum, one of Vienna's most photogenic market settings. Open from 20 November to 26 December 2026.
Old Viennese Christkindlmarkt at Freyung – A particularly traditional market in the heart of the first district, open from 14 November to 23 December 2026, daily 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Christmas Market Am Hof – Nestled in the historic inner courtyard of Am Hof. Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Open from 13 November to 23 December 2026.
Market Dates at a Glance
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market: 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027
- Christmas Village Stephansplatz: 6 November to 26 December 2026
- Wiener Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz: 13 November to 26 December 2026
- Christmas Market Am Hof: 13 to 23 December 2026
- Old Viennese Christkindlmarkt Freyung: 14 November to 23 December 2026
- Christmas Village Maria Theresien Platz: 20 November to 26 December 2026
Food & Drink Highlights
No visit to the Vienna Christmas markets is complete without a warm Glühwein or Punsch served in a traditional ceramic mug, crispy Maroni (roasted chestnuts) straight from the brazier, and Viennese street food classics such as Langos, Käsekrainer and freshly baked pastries. The ceramic mugs make a popular souvenir and small deposit is usually required.
Visitor Tips
- Weekday visits are significantly quieter than weekends; Saturday evenings at Rathausplatz in particular attract very large crowds.
- For the Schönbrunn Palace market, advance online booking of a timed entry slot is strongly recommended as walk-up access cannot always be guaranteed.
- Use the Vienna U-Bahn (metro) to reach all markets easily; driving in the city centre is not recommended.
- For Rathausplatz, the nearest stops are Rathaus or Burgtheater on line U2.
- Wear warm, comfortable shoes as you will be spending several hours on cobblestones.
- Book accommodation well in advance: December is peak season in Vienna and the best hotels sell out months ahead.
