Christmas Markets in Vienna
The Best of Festive Shopping in Austria's Capital
Looking for unique gifts and seasonal atmosphere? There's no better place to get into the Christmas spirit than Vienna's Christmas and advent markets.
Vienna’s Christmas markets are a famous and well established Austrian tradition. Originally styled as advent fairs, many now run beyond Christams Eve, often remaining open until late December. There are many to choose from. Turn a corner and you are sure to find a collection of brightly lit wooden huts, selling mulled wine, gingerbread and Christmas gifts.
The quality of the markets varies. However, the following come highly recommended.
The Rathaus
The Rathaus Christmas market is probably the most well known of Vienna’s Christmas markets. Set outside the impressive gothic style town hall, it is certainly one of the prettiest. For the period of the market, the surrounding park is transformed into a magic forest. Lanterns shaped like hearts, bears and snowmen illuminate the trees, whilst fairytale huts occupy small clearings, offering up music and Christmas displays to delight grown ups and children alike.
In fact, Rathaus is the perfect place to take children. Indoors or out, they won’t be bored. The town hall, the outside of which is transformed into a giant advent calendar, plays host to a substantial Christmas workshop, where the children can try their hand at making gifts. Pony rides are offered in the parkland and if that does not appeal, there is a motorised train that can transport them to the carousel rides on the periphery of the fair.
The market itself occupies a central position. In all there are roughly 163 traditional wooden stalls offering the gluhwein, a hot mulled wine drink, punch, hot snacks and a wide range of gifts and decorations. However, the selection here is not particularly striking or original. For markets showcasing original handcrafted items, try the Arts and Crafts market in Karlsplatz or the Schronbrun Palace Christmas market.
Karlsplatz Market
Running from the 23 November -23 December, Karlsplatz market is situated in a square at the front of the church of St. Charles Borromea in the Belvedere quarter of the city. It’s a warm, vibrant place to soak up the Christmas spirit and snatch up a few bargains. Entertainment for the children is on offer in the form of a large central arena full of straw. But this market is most notable for its excellent range of craft stalls. Open from midday, it is most atmospheric after dark when the stalls are brightly lit and the smell of hot chestnuts fills the air. Walk and browse as the participating craftsmen give demonstrations of wood and leatherworking. There are some very attractive handmade Christmas decorations on sale here. Particularly striking are the painted glass candle holders, reminiscent of stained glass. Also worth a look are the jewellery stalls showcasing original hand made pendants and earrings in silver.
Schronburg Market
Located in the front courtyard of the former Imperial summer residence, Schronburg’s market is small but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in atmosphere and goods provided by craftsmen from all over Austria and Germany. Open from the 24th November -26 December, browse the stalls, with a mug of gluhwein to the sound of live carols from the stage under the Christmas tree. Many of the gifts are similar to those found elsewhere but the quality is excellent. Hand carved wooden decorations and curiosities are a speciality. Best buys are the Christmas decorations which are unlikely to be found elsewhere; intricately carved wooden decorations and beautifully painted papier mache stars and baubles that have the feel and look of light ceramics.
Maria Theresien Platz
Finally, there is the market at Maria Theresien Platz. One of Vienna’s newest markets, it is situated between the museums of fine art and Vienna’s natural history museum. While it is by no means as visually spectacular or well established as the nearby Rathaus, it is well worth a look. The stalls arch round in a wide circle, allowing the crowds to move freely. They are a mixed bag, many selling widely available mass produced goods not particular to Vienna. However, amongst them are some interesting and original stalls. Look out for silver rings, designed and hand made with an unusual ‘frosted’ look and honey based candles and beauty products.
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