Top Christmas Markets in Austria
Visiting Austria during the holiday season is for many
people a bargain of choice, and whether you are having a weekend in Vienna or
driving around the country, the Christmas markets will amaze you.
Christmas markets - also called Christkindlmarkts, Weihnachtsmarkts,
or Advent markets - are from Germany, but Vienna organized a "December
market" as early as 1298. Markets are more than a tourist attraction; they
have a deep cultural and historical significance and extraordinary shopping
opportunities! The Austrian markets are open from the end of November to around
Christmas Eve.
Avoid going to markets (especially in Vienna), as traffic
will be fluid and parking spaces will be limited. Dress for the cold; it
plunges below zero in November and December in Austria. Be prepared to stand up
too; although many markets have seating and homes near food stalls, it can be
difficult to get space with all the crowds.
What to buy at the Christmas markets
The most unique items you can find are handmade handicrafts;
wooden toys, nutcrackers, a wide variety of ornaments (glass balls, wooden
ornaments, and potpourri, cloth animals, for example), beeswax angels, carved
wooden candle holders, lanterns and knitwear, just to name a few. Some stands,
especially in Vienna, accept the cards, but it is much faster to bring cash and
avoid long queues at ATMs.
If you are hungry, food and drinks are plentiful. Among the
staple foods that you will find in all markets (although often with their own
regional choice), you will find mulled wine in souvenir mugs, hot chocolate,
candied apples, gingerbread hearts, bread bowl soups, paper cones stuffed with
warm chestnuts, pancakes with potatoes, roasted nuts, and of course, sausages
and pretzels.
The Best Vienna markets
Vienna has the largest number of Christmas markets among all
Austrian cities and, depending on what you consider a "market", you
have a choice of more than 30. Below you will find some of the most popular,
where you can easily spend an entire evening.
Rathausplatz
This market is the largest and probably the most spectacular
in Austria. With the backdrop of City Hall, there are more than 150 vendor
stalls and the adjacent park has an ice skating rink with little Christmas
surprises at every corner. It's very family-friendly with lots of activities
for kids like candle making, kiosks, and cookie decorating. There are a lot of
people, so it's better to go during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings.
Art Advent
The Art Advent market is located in front of the
Karlskirche. The crafts are spectacular, and there are even fashion shows and
events around the trotter at the weekend. All the food here comes with a
biological certificate.
The Advent Market & Old Viennese Market
These markets are side by side, so it's easy to tell the
difference. They are much less touristy than Rathausplatz. Thus, in addition to
exceptional food, drinks, and shops, you will also have the opportunity to chat
with locals. The old Viennese market is actually the oldest in the city, with
beautiful wooden panels to guide you.
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
One thing you will notice everywhere in Vienna are the
paintings of Gustav Klimt, a painter best known for The Kiss. Many markets will
offer Christmas items with Klimt motifs and what better place to see Klimt than
the Belvedere Palace, home to many of his most famous paintings. Then, go out
to the Christmas Village which is full of many art-inspired crafts.
Christmas Market on Spittelberg
Do you want to escape from the usual boats that you saw? The
Spittelberg Christmas Market will be the perfect place for you. Festive
alleyways are full of crafts and antiques such as carpets, tarnished silver jewelry, and ceramics. This is the perfect place to find something for this tough friend
who only loves 18th-century wartime medallions.
Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien Platz
Located between the Natural History Museum and the Art
Museum, this is the perfect place to cool off after seeing the extensive
collections. The market also offers some of the largest Austrian donuts to
savor.
Winter at the MQ
It is Vienna's most contemporary Christmas market, with its
art installations, DJs, and ice pavilions. There are even video projections on
the surrounding historic facades, a fun change of pace compared to traditional
markets.
Christmas Market Schönbrunn
What better backdrop for a Christmas market than the famous
Schönbrunn Palace? The stands here surround a large Christmas tree that can
almost compete with that of the town hall. Check the program before you go
because there is often live music from Advent.
Salzburg's Christmas Markets
Salzburg's markets are magical and romantic. Although not as
big and lively as in Vienna, strolling through the cobblestone streets
illuminated by the Austrian Alps is almost breathtakingly beautiful.
Residenz Platz and Salzburg Cathedral
The Christmas market outside of Salzburg Cathedral looks
like a scene from the North Pole and is particularly amazing at dusk, as the
mountains fade and the singers begin to sing. The number of products on the
theme of Mozart is also extraordinary: it is a very musical market! It is right
next to the Residenzplatz market, which makes it easy to walk between the two.
Mirabell Palace Market
Located in the center, right in front of the Mirabell
Palace, it is much smaller than the other markets of Salzburg but is full of
amazing handicrafts.
Hellbrunner Adventzauber
The Heilbrun market is quickly accessible by bus. Outside
the palace of Heilbrun, it is on a plateau surrounded by mountains and you feel
like in a small village Christmas. The most interesting thing about this market
is the windows of the palace; look like they are turning into a massive advent
calendar.
Hallstatt
Near Salzburg lies the fairy tale town of Hallstatt.
Although there is only one main market, it is a vision surrounded by imposing
wooden chalets nestled on the mountainside. It is a UNESCO World Heritage area,
and the surrounding lakes are teeming with swans and fishing boats, even in
winter.
Graz's Christmas Markets
City Hall Market
Graz's main market includes a large Christmas tree to admire
and plenty of dining options to keep you going. In addition to the market
stalls, the surrounding area is full of shops so that all your gifts are
checked off your list.
Schlossberg Hill Christmas Market
This market is not as popular as the City Hall Market
because it's a hike to hit, but it's worth it. Part of the market is in a
covered area belonging to the Schlossberg fort and offers a panoramic view of
Graz while enjoying a punch and a fire. The sunset is spectacular and, to avoid
walking in the dark, you can take the funicular to get to the main city.
Innsbruck's Christmas Markets
Old Town Christmas Market
This market is nestled in the Austrian Alps and surrounded
by medieval buildings, including the famous Golden Roof. Where Vienna's
buildings are vast and impressive, in Innsbruck, architecture is a stepwell
preserved in time, giving the market the appearance of another world.
Hungerburg Christmas Market
It is a very popular ski region and the view from the
Hungerburg market is magical, overlooking the snow-capped city of Innsbruck.
The journey to get there by the Nordkette cable car is an experience in itself.
Marktplatz
The Marktplatz Christmas Market is an ideal place for
families and offers activities for everyone. There is a petting zoo, a carousel, and puppet theaters for children, as well as over 60 stalls and food stalls to
distract parents.
Do not worry, if you arrive in a small town on the way to a
big city, there will probably be a Christmas market wherever you go; a magical
festive escape shared by locals and tourists alike.
Make the most of your trip with guided tours and activities
offered by our trusted partners.
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