My Favorite Vienna Christmas Markets

Vienna during the holiday season is magical. The streets are lit up with lights, the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine in the air, and festive music plays in every corner. Visiting the Christmas markets quickly became one of my favorite parts of living here, and after exploring several of the city’s most popular markets, I’ve ranked some of my favorites.

1. Rathaus

If you only visit one market in Vienna, make it Rathaus. The moment you step onto the square and see the massive City Hall illuminated, with a giant Christmas tree in front of it, it feels like stepping into a snowglobe. The market is enormous, with ice skating paths weaving through the trees, dozens of food stalls serving everything from apfelstrudel punch to roasted chestnuts, and rows of decorated booths selling crafts and gifts. I plan to do all of my holiday shopping at one of their many ornament booths! There’s a very lively energy, making it easy to get swept up in the holiday spirit. Whether it’s skating or sipping Glühwein, Rathausplatz captures everything you imagine when you think of a European Christmas market.

2. Schönbrunn Palace 

Schönbrunn Palace brings a whole different kind of magic. With the palace itself as a backdrop, the market feels like it belongs in a fairytale. The stalls are smaller and more curated, and the atmosphere is calmer than the hustle of Rathausplatz. There is also a Lindt Hot Chocolate booth, making some of the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had. It’s the perfect spot to wander slowly, sip wine, and browse handcrafted gifts. Afterwards, you can check out the light display on the side of the palace or walk around the gardens in the back. The combination of elegant architecture, warm lights, and festive scents makes this one of the most scenic markets in Vienna. 

3. Am Hof 

Am Hof is very charming. It’s smaller and less crowded, giving it a more local, relaxed vibe. It is in the middle of a square, surrounded by traditional European architecture. The food and drink selection is wonderful, with langos, punch, a chocolate fountain, crepes, and warm nuts. The cozy layout makes it easy to take your time, chat with friends, and really soak in the holiday atmosphere. There are many handcrafted pieces, a perfect place to shop for gifts to bring home. This market is a gem, cozy, friendly, and festive.

4. Stephansplatz

Stephansplatz is iconic thanks to its location next to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Walking through it is beautiful, especially with the cathedral’s color-changing lights towering above the stalls. I would recommend the bread bowls, especially the pumpkin soup one. However, this market is smaller, extremely crowded, and doesn’t have the same personality as the others. It’s worth a quick stop if you’re already in the area, but I wouldn’t spend hours here. Think of it more as a sightseeing stop than a full market experience.

Final Thoughts

Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, and each market has its own personality. Rathausplatz is unbeatable for size and festive energy, Schönbrunn feels like a fairytale, Am Hof is cozy and intimate, and Stephansplatz is beautiful and crowded. Visiting even one market is enough to make you fall in love with Vienna during the holidays, but if you can, make it a goal to see them all! Collecting mugs from each of the markets I’ve been to has been a mission for me these last couple of months. Sipping hot chocolate under the lights, strolling past decorative stalls, and embracing the city's magic really does get rid of the homesickness!