The 8 BEST Austria Christmas Markets to Visit 

Looking for the best Austria Christmas markets?

Austria has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. It’s also a fantastic country to explore!

From the sparkling streets of Vienna to the markets in the snowy towns of Tyrol, each Christmas market is steeped in tradition!

Best Christmas Markets in Austria

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Why You Should Explore the Christmas Markets in Austria

What makes the Christmas markets in Austria stand out? Austria has some of the world’s most famous Christmas markets. There’s a festive spirit, unlike any other Christmas market in Europe! Whether you visit the huge Christmas markets in Vienna – think ice rinks, hundreds of stalls and delicious food, or travel to small alpine towns to buy handcrafted gifts, Austria has it all!

So why choose Austria at the top of your Christmas destinations list?

Austria Has Some of the Best Christmas Markets in the World

Popular opinion has consistently voted Vienna as one of the best cities in Central Europe to visit 

Best Austria Christmas Markets

From the large Christmas tree in the main square to the handmade gifts and wooden stalls, Christmas markets in Austria have it all.

The Advent Stalls Have Amazing Traditions

Christmas markets in Austria are packed full of traditional handicrafts, handmade Christmas decorations, seasonal treats, mulled wine, and more.

A Winter Wonderland No Matter Where You Go

Austria transforms into a whirlwind of Christmas music, Christmas decorations, and winter cheer from November to January.

There’s so much to see in Austria

As well as visiting the christmas markets, you can explore the beautiful cities (my favorites are Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck), try skiing and spend time in the Alps. 

Best Christmas Markets in Vienna

Of all the best Christmas markets in Austria, narrowing down the best can take a lot of work. Whether you prefer the most popular Christmas markets or the smaller ones Austria offers, there’s something for everyone.

Some of our favorites are listed below.

Viennese Dream Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt at Rathaus City Hall)

One of the best Christmas markets in Austria is the world-famous Viennese Dream Christmas Market. It’s the biggest Christmas market in Austria, transforming Vienna every year!

Christmas markets in Vienna are a big deal. There are over 20 Christmas markets in Vienna, but the Christkindlmarkt is by far the biggest. It’s right on Rathausplatz Square in front of Rathaus City Hall in the city center.

Vienna Central Christmas Market

This market has over 150 stalls, an ice rink, and delicious food. 

The entrance is free, and a special market area is dedicated to children who visit to make Christmas crafts, cookies, and other amazing sweet treats.

There are plenty of family-friendly places to stay nearby! Some of our recommendations include:

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, Vienna

Against the beautiful baroque backdrop of Belvedere Palace, this market runs from mid-November to Boxing Day.

You’ll find a variety of excitement waiting across more than 50 stalls, but the Christmas village brings unique Christmas gifts and a special twist on your visit to Vienna that you won’t find at any other Vienna Christmas market.

Belvedere Palace Christmas

The Christmas Village also has other sites in Vienna, including the University of Vienna campus on the site of the old general hospital. 

Some of our recommendations on where to stay nearby include:

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, Vienna

This Vienna Christmas market is known for its classic style. Right in front of the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, it focuses heavily on arts and crafts and handmade gifts and goodies.

It’s exemplified by a giant Christmas tree right in front of the palace, creating a magical feel that you can only find at the best Christmas markets.

Schonbrunn Palace Christmas market food

It’s also special in that after Christmas Day, it keeps going through New Year’s Eve and beyond, remaining open as a New Year’s Market until January 4th.

Why not combine your visit with a visit to the palace? This is what we did!

Our recommendations for staying nearby include the following:

Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz

This market occurs between two important museums on Maria Theresien Square and is decorated with stunning lights.

Maria Theresien Square is home to a 19th-century Art History Museum and the Natural History Museum. At this Christmas market, you can also experience the usual Christmas goodies, from strudel to sausages to mulled wine. It’s also close to Hofburg Palace, another site not to be missed on any visit to Vienna.

You can stay at:

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Christmas Market at Spittelberg, Vienna

Visiting this Christmas Market on our list is like stepping back in time. The market is in a revitalised 19th-century historical area and weaves along the narrow streets as well as inside shops which take part in the market.

The history of Vienna is rife in this market, and it’s especially exciting for those with a sweet tooth looking for traditional Austrian treats. It’s one of the best Christmas markets to experience an authentic taste of how life has been in Vienna throughout the centuries.

In addition to mulled wine, sweets, and hot chocolate, you’ll find handcrafted jewelry made of silver and bronze to bring home as a unique souvenir.

Places to stay include:

More Amazing Austria Christmas Markets

The Christmas market season does not start and end in Austria’s capital, and elaborate Christmas market treats can be found all over.

The Christmas market options mentioned above in Vienna are only a sample of what the city has to offer. Outside of Vienna, though, there are many more markets to explore.

The Christmas market options below are outside Vienna, exploring the rest of Austria.

Christmas Market Under the Golden Roof, Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a skier’s paradise, and the Innsbruck Christmas market transforms what was already a winter wonderland into a lively, bustling place filled with festive cheer.

The beautiful Christmas market is in one of Austria’s safest, smallest cities, and the beauty of the mountains isn’t to be missed.

Innsbruck Austria Christmas Markets

The highlight of the market in Innsbruck is the local delicacy known as kiachln, a sauerkraut doughnut! There are also plenty of fun experiences for kids at the market, including a carousel. The whole city is walkable, so it is great for those looking for a full experience.

All of this takes place under the beautiful Goldenes Dachl, or golden roof of the Old Town of Innsbruck, a famous landmark and symbol of the city.

The Emperor used to watch festivals from the tower, and now the market falls under its gaze every Christmas.

Places to stay in Innsbruck include:

Panoramic Christmas Market, Hungerburg, Innsbruck

You can visit this smaller market on the mountainside by taking a cable car up the mountain from Innsbruck.

The breathtaking sight is unique at night when you can see Innsbruck lit up with Christmas lights 

At the Hungerburg market, you’ll find plenty of delicious treats and beautifully crafted gifts. The cable car to the market runs directly from Innsbruck city center. You can stay nearby in Innsbruck in hotels including:

Salzburg Christkindlmarkt

This traditional Christmas market in Salzburg is everything an Austrian Christmas market should be. It takes place in Salzburg’s Old City, a World Heritage Site, and its history winds back through time, all the way back to the 15th century!

Salzburg Christmas Market

The modern advent market opened in 1974 and has everything you’d imagine a Christmas market would be like—food, drinks, gifts, music, entertainment, and more. The stunning lights and wooden huts only add to the atmosphere.

They also have special children’s events, like storytime, singalongs, parades, and more. There’s also the Christ child visit and a Krampus run for everyone – not to be missed!

In Salzburg, you can stay at:

About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.

Editor/Writer/Content Creator

Kirsten is a family travel expert who has been traveling with kids for over 20 years. She has been featured in Parents Magazine, AFAR, Vogue, NBC, Lonely Planet, and Thrillist, to name a few. Kirsten is also the content creator behind Groups Are A Trip, a site for planning trips with extended family and friends.