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Advent is when Vienna, Austria looks its most festive: more than twenty Vienna Christmas markets spread across the city, from the huge Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall to small artisan stalls in the cobbled lanes of Spittelberg. Below you’ll find the 2026 dates for the main markets, which ones are worth your evening, and how to see them without paying peak December prices.
The main and biggest one is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, running in 2026 from November 13 to December 26, daily from 10 to 22 (only until 18:30 on Christmas Eve). If you fancy some skating, there’s an Eistraum ice rink next to the stalls, open until January 6, 2027.
If you want something smaller and prettier, you’ve got options. Dates below apply for 2026.
- Schönbrunn – November 6, 2026 to January 6, 2027. The longest season of all and the best backdrop, right in front of the palace.
- Stephansplatz – November 6 to December 26, right below the cathedral.
- Spittelberg – November 13 to December 23. An artisan market in cobblestone streets in the seventh district, no chains.
- Karlsplatz – November 13 to December 23. Art Advent with organic food and a kids’ workshop.
- Am Hof – November 13 to December 23.
- Freyung – November 14 to December 23. The oldest market in the city.
- Maria-Theresien-Platz – November 20 to December 26, between the two big museums.
The market at Belvedere, one of the loveliest in past years, isn’t happening in 2026.
December is Vienna’s most expensive month for accommodation all year. If you want to see the markets without paying double, go on a weekday right after they open in mid-November – the same atmosphere, prices a third lower.
Browse accommodation in Vienna during Advent
Getting Between the Markets
- Rathausplatz – U2 Rathaus, or any tram along the Ring.
- Stephansplatz – U1 and U3 Stephansplatz.
- Maria-Theresien-Platz and Spittelberg – U2 Museumsquartier or U2/U3 Volkstheater; Spittelberg is a few minutes’ walk from there.
- Am Hof and Freyung – a few minutes’ walk from U3 Herrengasse.
- Karlsplatz – U1, U2 and U4 Karlsplatz.
- Schönbrunn – U4 Schönbrunn.
If you’re hopping between several markets in one evening, a 24-hour ticket (€10.20, or €9.70 digital) pays for itself from the fourth ride. The inner-city markets – Stephansplatz, Am Hof, Freyung, Rathausplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz – are all within about twenty minutes’ walk of each other.
After Christmas: New Year’s Eve in Vienna
Once the markets close, Vienna moves on to Silvesterpfad – a circuit of stages across the centre, from City Hall through Freyung, Am Hof and Graben to Stephansplatz, where New Year’s Eve music plays free and outdoors. The programme for the 2026–2027 turn of the year hasn’t been published yet.
Planning the Rest of Your Trip
The markets are only part of Advent in Vienna. For sights, cafés, where to stay and getting around, see our complete Vienna travel guide. And if you have a spare day, pick one of the best day trips from Vienna – the Twin City Liner boat to Bratislava also runs on Advent weekends.
When do the Christmas markets in Vienna open in 2026?
The first to open, on November 6, are the markets at Schönbrunn and Stephansplatz; the main market at Rathausplatz follows on November 13. Most close on December 23. Rathausplatz, Stephansplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz run until December 26, and Schönbrunn until January 6, 2027.
Which is the best Christmas market in Vienna?
The biggest is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, with the Eistraum ice rink right next to it. Schönbrunn has the best backdrop and the longest season, and Spittelberg in the seventh district is the pick for handmade gifts without chain stalls.
When is the cheapest time to visit Vienna’s Christmas markets?
December is Vienna’s most expensive month for accommodation. Go on a weekday right after the markets open in mid-November – the atmosphere is the same and prices are about a third lower.
