The Best Holiday Markets in Vienna

With over 20 official advent markets in Vienna, there’s no shortage of places to sample Glühwein (warm mulled wine) or punsch (in many flavors!) and collect mugs specific to each market. Markets typically run daily from late November to just before Christmas.

• Rathausplatz Christmas Market: Vienna’s quintessential market is in front of the historic city hall (aka Rathaus). With at least 100 stalls, this market has no shortage of holiday gifts or snacks, like roasted chestnuts or sausages. The nearby park also features Advent light displays and ice skating, making this a particularly family-friendly market.

• Belvedere Christmas Market: Located at the Upper Belvedere Palace, this Christmas market features the most romantic location next to a Baroque palace. Visit the Belvedere museum and stay for the sunset views over the lake, then snap photos at twilight of the palace, dressed in its holiday splendor.

• Schönbrunn Christmas Market: With its classic style in front of the Hapsburg summer palace, the Schönbrunn market also emphasizes arts and crafts as much as traditional holiday wares. This market feels a bit more spacious than some of its counterparts, making it a good choice for those particularly averse to crowds. Don’t miss the apricot punsch!

• Stephansplatz Christmas Market: Located right in St. Stephen’s Cathedral Square, this is the most centrally-located market in Vienna, making it popular as well for locals grabbing after-work drinks (which were some of the best among all the markets).

• Art Advent Market at Karlsplatz: This market is run by a local arts and crafts association, which distinguishes itself in a few ways. Jury selection approves all the products here and must be both unique and local. Most of the food and drinks here are not only traditional, but organic.

Tips for visiting the markets:

• Dress warmly! It is winter and all the markets are outdoors. There are few, if any, places to warm up indoors. Also, wear comfortable shoes as there aren’t many places to sit.

• To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit on weekday late afternoons before the after-work crowds, or in late mornings right after opening. However, the holiday light ambience will be missed.

• It’s easy to avoid alcohol — ask for kinderpunsch. It’s the alcohol-free (alkoholfrei) alternative to punsch and glühwein.

• The mugs that drinks come in carry a deposit (usually a few euros), which is refunded when the mugs are returned. Keep the mug if you like it - most mugs are unique to each market.

No visit to Vienna is complete without indulging in its traditional cuisine.

• Demel: Vienna’s renown cafe and confectioner, has been operating since 1786. Be prepared to wait to enjoy the cafe, or simply browse the retail shop and select a few confections to go. They generally have a wonderful gingerbread house on display in the window during the holiday season.

• Cafe Landtmann: Open since 1873, Cafe Landtmann epitomizes the Grand Cafe experience of Vienna. Enjoy coffee and a cake or strudel, or indulge in a classic Viennese dish, like schnitzel. And it’s just a quick walk from the Rathausplatz Christmas Market.

• Joseph Brot: With multiple locations in Vienna. Grab a bread loaf for a picnic or quick pastry on the go, or enjoy a light, locally-sourced meal in one of their bistro locations. No reservations.

• Horváth Weinstüberl: Enjoy a casual meal at one of Vienna’s wine pubs (or heurige). This one is open year-round and celebrates the wine culture of Vienna. One of the only cities in the world that produces wine inside its city limits. Try a selection of house-made spreads or a local dish like kasnock'n (dumplings with cheese and onions).

• Lugeck: This the casual, modern tavern opened by the family known for its two Schnitzel-focused restaurants (Figlmüller). Here, enjoy classic Viennese dishes, like tafelspitz (boiled beef), or a burger, washed down with a beer.

• MAST Weinbistro: Focused on high-quality, seasonal and local produce and organic, natural wines. MAST celebrates Austrian cuisine in a modern setting. Reservations are strongly recommended.

• Pramerl and the Wolf: Worth a splurge. This Michelin-starred restaurant’s intimate setting sets the stage for a memorable multi-course meal. Wines are expertly selected to match. Note that there is no a-la carte option to dine here. Restaurants strongly recommended.