9 Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Vienna

Christmas markets are a huge reason to visit Vienna, Austria. These markets open in mid-November, and are full of Christmas cheer, with live performances, ice skating, and so many delicious things to eat and drink. They can also be cold, and crowded, but we’ll show you how to have the best time possible!

Christmas markets in Vienna are a tradition going back hundreds of years. The city was first given the “privilege” of hosting a December market in 1298 by Albert I. Each year the city takes great pride in its Christmas decorations, and its schedule of performances and live events, leading up to the city-wide celebration on New Year’s Eve.

These markets are also called Christkindlmärkte or Weihnachtsmärkte. Over the years, the markets have changed a bit, with increased emphasis on sustainability. Many of the markets go through a judging process to approve vendors.

We spent a month in Vienna so we had plenty of time to explore the Christmas markets, along with lots of museums and palaces. Here are our top tips for enjoying Vienna’s Christmas markets. Sometimes knowing what to expect make the difference between a good and bad experience.

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Our Best Tips for Visiting Vienna Christmas Markets

Ready to start visiting Vienna’s famous Christmas markets? Here are our top tips to make sure you’re prepared and ready to enjoy some traditional holiday fun. Keep in mind these markets run from mid-November through December 23rd.

Excited to figure out your Christmas market schedule? We’ve got the best Christmas markets in Vienna, including which ones are best for shopping, ambiance, etc.

1. The Party Starts at Sunset

The markets open daily at 11:00. If you are looking for gifts or exploring with little kids, get there early when it is less crowded and the best selection. But it is after sunset, when all the Christmas lights are on that the markets really come alive. And with the magic come the crowds.

2. Expect Crowds

Vienna’s Christmas markets are popular! Expect crowds as soon as the sun sets. Some markets are narrower (like Spittelberg), which leads to shoulder-to-shoulder bottlenecks. Other markets, like the palace markets, have stalls arranged in a larger semi-circle, so you can move around with ease, but may still find lines for popular food stands.

While you should be careful of your belongings when in crowds, keep in mind that Vienna is generally a very safe city.

3. Bring Cash

Most vendors at Vienna’s Christmas markets only take cash. Some stalls with more expensive gifts may take cards, but all food and drink vendors rely on cash. Try to have small bills or exact change to keep the line moving.

4. Pay a Deposit For Your Drink Mug

When you purchase a beverage- whether alcoholic or not, it will come in a souvenir mug. Some markets have mugs exclusive to them (marked with the specific market), while others are more general. These are all intended to be souvenirs and are marked with the current year. When you purchase your first drink, you will pay a deposit for the mug (4 to 6 €).

If you’d like a second drink, simply hand in your original mug and they’ll fill a fresh mug for you with your new drink. If you’d like to keep the mug and take it home, go ahead! You can also return the mug to any drink stall at that market and get your deposit back.

5. Dress Warmly

Vienna gets cold after the sun goes down! While it can be hard to eat with thick gloves on, dress warmly to keep out the chill. We often found ourselves clutching warm mugs and stamping our feet to stay warm.

6. Learn a Few Words in German

A few words in German will go a long way toward communicating, as many vendors, while pleasant, are moving quickly through long lines. Knowing whether you want your bratwurst “mit soße” (with sauce) for example, will make everyone’s life easier.

It’s also helpful to know your basic numbers, for example- “zwei Glühwein bitter” (two Glühwein please), though English will do in a pinch. A “danke” (thank you) goes a long way!

7. Be Prepared to Stand and Eat (or Drink)

There are both tall and shorter tables distributed around the Christmas markets, but there are generally no places to sit. You are expected to stand and eat or drink, or rest your plate on the high table.

Bathrooms are available at the palace markets, but harder to find at the neighborhood and street markets. Older folks may struggle with not having seating available to take a rest.

8. Check for Live Performances

Many of Vienna’s Christmas markets have a robust schedule of live performances, from choirs to caroling. They also offer children’s activities and crafts. Check the website for each market to see details, or just show up and see what happens!

There is so much happening in Vienna in winter, you’ll find endless activities, both indoor and outside.

9. Take Public Transportation

Many markets are in pedestrian-only areas, so nearby parking is not always possible. Public transportation is easy, affordable, and safe in Vienna.

Most markets are located near a tram or Metro stop, and the city center is very walkable. If you enjoy exploring the city on foot, consider taking one of Vienna’s historic walking tours.

Why Visit Vienna Christmas Markets

We love visiting Vienna any time of year, but there are so many reasons to visit during Vienna’s Christmas markets. Here’s a few or our top reasons we enjoy these traditional markets.

Atmosphere

Vienna’s Christmas markets are full of festive holiday cheer. Austrian Christmas traditions include an emphasis on advent, and lots of cookie baking!

There are lots of holiday lights, often a large Christmas tree, sometimes an advent calendar counting down the days to Christmas, and even live performances.

When the sun goes down around 4:30, and the weather is cold, these markets are a great place to be social and festive and embrace the holiday season.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Shopping is a big part of Viennese Christkindlmärkte! You’ll find everything from souvenir items to handmade gifts. People shop for holiday gifts, traditional food and treats, art, and keepsakes.

Some Christmas markets have higher quality goods than others. Each market has its own focus, but some things are everywhere.

Delicious Food and Drink

The food and drink is what brings you back to Vienna’s Christmas markets over and over. At the end of the day, whether it’s a hot baked potato or a warm glass of Glühwein (traditional mulled wine), there’s something warm and filling waiting for you.

Friends and family meet up to try different dishes and enjoy a hot beverage together. Our favorite Christmas market foods include Glühwein (of course!) and Spaetzle. There’s even Kinderpunsch for the kids!

Over the last few years, the markets have become more sustainable. They focus on paper or recyclable materials, and all use reusable mugs. The returned mugs are then washed and used for another customer, cutting down on waste.

There You Have It

These are our top tips for getting the most out of Vienna’s Christmas markets and having a safe and enjoyable holiday! We enjoyed browsing, chatting, eating and drinking and hope that you will to.

Visiting a Vienna Christmas market is such a fun part of the holiday- even if it’s cold out, you’ll be filled with Christmas spirit in no time!

Bonus tip: You can take a Christmas Market Tour to learn about Austrian culture while trying a few local specialties. We wrote an article explaining Austrian Christmas traditions.

We’ve got a complete guide to the Vienna Christmas markets, as well as our top picks for food and drink at the markets!

Don’t miss our top things to do in Vienna in winter, our guide to using public transporation, and our favorite walking tours.