Your Ultimate Guide to Vienna's Top 10 Christmas Markets
Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking architecture, and charming Christmas markets. This Christmas season, you can immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of Vienna's festive markets - each with its unique character, products, and food. Whether you're looking for handmade ornaments, artisanal gifts, or traditional Austrian food and drinks, Vienna has got something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll take you on a tour of the top 10 Christmas markets in Vienna and give you an insight into the range of products and food available, including the unique and exquisite Edelglas, handmade glass creations from Poland and the Czech Republic.
Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz:
Located in front of the spectacular 19th-century Vienna City Hall, Wiener Christkindlmarkt is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Vienna. It boasts over 150 stalls selling a wide range of products, including handmade ornaments, candles, toys, clothes, and leather goods. For foodies, there's no shortage of delicious treats to try – from roasted chestnuts to traditional Austrian Strudel, and Glühwein (mulled wine).
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market:
Step back in time and enjoy the enchanting ambiance of the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market, located in the former imperial palace courtyard. This market offers a unique shopping experience with many traditional handicrafts available to buy. Be sure to try the delicious Maroni (roasted chestnuts) and hot chocolate while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the palace.
Advent Market at Karlsplatz:
The Advent Market at Karlsplatz is a smaller and more intimate market, situated in the picturesque setting of the Karlskirche church. Here you can find an array of local arts and crafts, including handmade pottery, delicate glassware, and of course, the exquisite Edelglas. The market also offers a range of gourmet stalls selling traditional Austrian cuisine, such as sausage stands, sweet and savory strudels, and roasted almonds.
Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz:
Combine your Christmas shopping with a cultural experience at the Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz. This market is located between two of Vienna's most popular museums, the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum. Here you can admire the magnificent Christmas lights illuminating the tree-lined square while sipping on traditional Austrian Glühwein and trying delicious street food from around the world.
Old Viennese Christmas Market at Freyung:
Step back in time and experience Vienna of the past at the Old-Viennese Christmas Market at Freyung. This market is one of the oldest and most traditional in Vienna, with its roots dating back to the 18th century. It's the perfect place to find handmade crafts, such as wooden toys, hand-painted ceramics, and traditional Advent wreaths. The market also offers an excellent selection of Austrian specialties, including Gulasch, Kaiserschmarrn, and Punsch.
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at the University of Vienna:
Located in the heart of Vienna's historic city center, the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is another traditional and cozy Christmas market selling handcrafted decorations, ceramics, and candles. You can also enjoy a variety of traditional Austrian and international cuisine, including roasted chestnuts, hot wine punch, and freshly baked Strudel.
Christmas Market at Spittelberg:
Located in the charming Spittelberg neighborhood, this market offers a unique and intimate atmosphere with its narrow, cobbled streets and historic architecture. The market has over 100 stalls selling handmade crafts, from jewelry to glassware, and seasonal goods such as Advent wreaths and candles. Food lovers should not miss the chance to try traditional Austrian cuisine, such as Knödel (dumplings), Baumstriezel (chimney cake), and gingerbread.
Christmas Market at Belvedere Palace:
The Christmas market at Belvedere Palace is set against the backdrop of the magnificent baroque palace. Here you can find a variety of handcrafted goods, such as wooden toys and pottery, and taste traditional Austrian food and drinks, including Schnitzel and hot punch. Make sure to stop by the "paint your own glass ball" workshop, where you can create your personalized Christmas decoration as a unique keepsake.
Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof:
Located in the heart of Vienna's historic city center, the Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof is another popular market that offers a wide range of products, from handcrafted Christmas tree decorations to delicious street food such as roasted almonds, schnitzel, garlic bread, and even sushi. Be sure to try the unique Glühmost (hot cider) or the traditional Austrian Punsch.
Winter im MQ:
The Winter im MQ (MuseumsQuartier) is not afraid of modernity, offering a contemporary twist on traditional Christmas markets. Here you can discover young and trendy designers and artists from Vienna's creative scene showcasing their work, including jewellery, fashion, and art prints. You can also try street food from different parts of the world, including tacos, burgers, and hotdogs.
Vienna's Christmas markets are among the best in Europe, offering a magical festive experience for visitors from all over the world. With over ten markets to choose from, each with its unique atmosphere, products, and food, it's difficult to choose just one to visit. Whether you're buying gifts for loved ones or soaking up the holiday spirit, you'll find everything you're looking for in Vienna's Christmas markets. And if you've fallen in love with the unique glass creations of Edelglas from Poland and the Czech Republic – you now know exactly where to find them. Happy shopping and enjoy the season!