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WHERE: Vienna, Austria
WHEN: from November 11th to December 26th 2023
Few cities in the world manage to evoke the charm of Christmas in such a strong and suggestive way as the Austrian capital. Christmas in Vienna is one of the most heartfelt events during the Advent season.
Suffice it to say that it attracts over a million visitors every year. Throughout the city, from the center to the outskirts, it is possible to find truly unique and incredible markets. And the offer is enriched with the inevitable ice rinks, unique handcrafted products linked to tradition; and, even beers specially created for the event.
These are some of the reasons why it is worth packing and traveling to Austria in November and December.
CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA 2023: THE MARKETS
ART ADVENT KARLSPLATZ
Period: 17 November – 23 December 2023
One of the favorite markets for Viennese and tourists. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique and truly suggestive atmosphere. In the splendid setting of Karlsplatz, you can wander around extraordinary and incredible markets. The offer is really wide, and the quality of the products is truly excellent.
You can taste Austrian culinary delights or buy typical handicrafts of the region. In addition, you can see extraordinary live performances and art installations on the Kunstinsel; amazing dances with amazing effects, and so much more. Don’t miss Soluna Rising and Dreamdancer.
And, there is also no shortage of shows dedicated to children. From 12 to 19, children can attend activities and workshops dedicated to them.
Open every day, from 12:00 to 20:00, from 17 November to 23 December 2023.
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Period: 11 November – 26 December
The famous and beautiful market on Rathausplatz. This is said to be one of the most beautiful and interesting in the city; a romantic, suggestive and nostalgic atmosphere, suitable for all ages. About 150 stands. You can take a stroll, breathing in the scent of chocolate and gingerbread which permeates the air. And also a lot of lavender. You will find special stands with the essence of Provence, decorated in a truly elegant way.
The main feature is, above all, the variety of the offer. And above all, the decorations. The splendid Rathausplatz, that is, the Town Hall Square, is even more magical.
Among the many products, both artisanal and non-artisan, there is great space for chocolate, sold in many flavors and shapes; you will find, in fact, everyday objects, really realistic, made with the delicious substance. Anyone looking for a special gift can indulge themselves in splendid wooden toys, naturally and impeccably finished. Families and, in particular, the little ones, cannot miss the meeting with the Christkindl Wiener; for 6 weeks, from Thursday to Sunday, until Christmas Eve, the Christkindl passes in front of the tree of the Town Hall to recite its own stories.
One of the unmissable events is the beautiful and scenic ice rink in the southern area of the splendid Rathauspark. You can skate on a rink of over 4500 square meters. To enter, a ticket of approximately €6.50 is required. All the info from here
Open every day, until December 24th, from 10:00 to 21:30. Every Friday and Saturday, closing at 10pm. On December 24th, open from 10:00 to 19:00.
SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN
Photo ©, MTSWien
Period: from 18 November 2023 to 04 January 2024
The Schloss Schönbrunn Christmas Market is a traditional Viennese Christmas event. There are about 80 exhibitors from Austria and neighboring countries, hosted in this suggestive location, beautifully illuminated by the Schönbrunn Palace. In the center, the splendid tree all lit up.
Among the various stands present, you can buy exclusive products of traditional craftsmanship, design products in glass, wood, ceramic, paper; and, again, traditional toys and Christmas decorations. The wide range is completed by the exclusive Schönbrunn Edition; it is a series of selected articles, in a limited number. And, for the little ones, interesting workshops where you can witness the processing of marzipan and ginger bread.
The concerts are also very beautiful, which you can attend for free. Live performances with truly suggestive gospel choirs.
Those looking for gastronomic delicacies will be spoiled for choice. Bauerngröstl, Kaiserschmarrn, chestnuts or the inevitable gingerbread; and, then, punch, and wine in all its variations.
The market is visited by over 1 million people every year! These numbers explain the importance quite well. As proof of the quality, since 2012, Schloss Schönbrunn has obtained the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
We also point out that the market is not limited to Boxing Day. The bill, in fact, continues with concerts of jazz and art
CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA: AM HOF
Period: 17 November – 26 December 2023
Am Hof, is one of those markets you don’t expect. Perhaps because, unfairly considered and less advertised than other Weihnachtsmarkt. Yet, strolling among the approximately 70 exhibition stands, there are many reasons why it is worth spending a few hours here.
First of all, the location, really beautiful, albeit slightly out of the way from the center. It takes place in Gersthoferstrasse, a beautiful area lined with historic buildings from different eras. Let yourself be enveloped by the scent of cinnamon, vanilla and gingerbread. Stroll among stalls of art, crafts, and splendid decorations.
Be sure to try the Am Hof Beer, a traditional drink prepared specifically for the occasion that you can only find here.
You can admire the traditional Punsch-Häfer, the famous cups of the best quality of porcelain; a special exhibition highlights the stages of its implementation.
ALTWIENER MARKT
A very rich billboard for a market totally based on tradition. Art and culinary tradition are the main aspects of this market where you can really breathe a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Atltwiener market takes place in the Freyung area, near Palais Daun Kinsky, and not far from Volksgarten. You will find splendid decorations and decorations, nativity scenes, ceramics and handicrafts.
It is open every day, from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 21:00. On the official website, from this link, all the information and updates.
WEIHNACHTSMARKT AM SPITTELBERG
Period: 16 November – 26 December
For over 25 years, the Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg has been one of the busiest Christmas markets in Vienna. Mainly focused on tradition, it offers products from all over the world; here, it is the right place to make your Christmas gifts, at very competitive prices.
An extraordinary market between arts and crafts stands; a truly suggestive and welcoming place in Biedermeier, not far from the historic center. Spittelberg, is one of the largest pedestrian areas in the city.
The gastronomic offer is also excellent, thanks to numerous clubs and small restaurants where you can stop even for a simple bite. Every year, the traditional Spittelberg market welcomes around half a million visitors.
Open every day, from Monday to Thursday, from 15:00 to 21:00; on Friday, from 15:00 to 21:30; on Saturday, from 10:00 to 21:30; Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 to 21:00.
STEPHANSPLATZ
Photo ©, Pfarrmedien Österreich
Period: from 10 November to 26 December 2023
The beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral, in the square of the same name, is the setting for this splendid Advent market. Splendid lighting and decorations in the city center. An extremely elegant market, truly unique and not to be missed for your Christmas Vienna.
The Stephansplatz Market differs from the others because it emphasizes above all the quality aspect. Here, in fact, among the various stands, you will find extremely elegant, refined products of great artistic and handcrafted quality. Prices are slightly higher than other markets. And it couldn’t be otherwise.
Open every day, until December 23rd, from 11:00 to 21:00; December 24th, from 11:00 to 16:00; on December 25th and 26th, from 11am to 7pm.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Vienna is not an extremely cheap city to stay in. Generally, far from the historic center, the structures are cheaper. If possible, the advice is to book in advance, trying to find a good solution from a quality-price point of view.
If your vacation, in this period, is limited to a weekend, we recommend staying in the historic center. You are in the center, you can easily move on foot and… you can breathe the magical Christmas atmosphere at any time. Try taking a look at this link.
You will hardly find anything for less than €100 a night, but for just three days, a sacrifice can be made.