Austria
Austrian Winter is truly a magical season and if you find joy in Christmas then you will adore spending time in this country during December. My favourite cities for their famous Christmas markets are Vienna and Salzburg. There is more than enough time to see plenty here in under a week, especially if you are short on time. There is also plenty to do around the rest of the country if you have more time.
Another must-see in Austria during December is the city of Innsbruck - which I have not included in this guide. The air is brisk and often at this time you may see snow. There are plenty of beautiful Christmas markets to visit!
Vienna
These Christmas markets are all located within the centre of Vienna and are relatively within walking distance to each other, if you are spending your day strolling around the city you will absolutely run into most of these markets as you ponder the beautiful historical sights of Vienna. There is so much history and so much to see so why not combine it with a bit of fun Christmas market hopping?
Maria-Theresien-Platz
@ashleegreen
A small market along the square filled with stalls selling unique Christmas souvenirs, decorations and glühwein. The most stunning location with views of the Museum of Modern Arts standing impressively behind the market located in former imperial stables and the monumental Natural History Museum opposite.
This year the market will run from November 15th to December 26th with these opening times:
Sundays - Thursdays 11am - 9pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 10pm
December 24th closes 4pm
Details
Spittelberg
@ashleegreen
A locals spot tucked away up Spittelberggasse and surrounding alleys, this market is spread along two closed-off side streets and does not disappoint. There are plenty of glühwein options and a few authentic food stalls which are a must try. After the stallholders pack away their shops in the evening, the locals will move around the corner to another courtyard where they continue to drink glühwein and punsch until late.
This year the market will run from November 16th to December 23rd with these opening times:
Mondays - Thursdays 2pm - 9pm
Fridays 2pm - 9:30pm
Saturdays 10am - 9:30pm
Sundays & Holidays 10:30am - 9pm
Details
Belvedere Palace
@ashleegreen
A stunning market spread alongside the front of the palace; you will walk through the magical lit up Southern gate which make you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. This market is one of the smallest and quieter with around 20 stands on each side.
Here you can find authentic handcrafted ornaments, a refined selection of traditional Austrian foods such as sausage and leberkase or desserts like churros and kaiserschmarren (a sweet pancake-like dish).
This year the market will run from November 17th to December 31st with these opening times:
Weekdays 11am - 9pm
Weekends 10am - 9pm
Closing early December 24th (4pm) and December 25th & 26th (7pm)
Details
Schloss Schönbrunn
@ashleegreen
One of the larger markets with over 80 stalls in front of the impressive Schönbrunn Palace, this is not one to be missed. The smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will surely put you in the festive spirit as you stroll through this light filled display.
This year the Christmas and New Years market will run from November 18th to January 4th 2024 with these opening times:
Monday - Sunday 10am - 9pm
December 24th - 10am - 4pm
December 25th - January 4th - 10am - 6pm
Details
Salzburg
With the mountains and forest surrounding this beautiful city, from the moment you step off the train you feel like you are in another world. It is a small town but there are many Christmas markets to see while exploring this lovely little town on foot. Transportation is easy by hopping on the bus or tram which will take you right to the markets. These are my noteworthy Christmas markets that I highly recommend visiting.
Mirabellplatz
@ashleegreen
Possibly a locals favourite, the Advent Market Mirabellplatz is a small atmospheric experience with sweet treats and delicious punsch. Located conveniently close to the centre of town, this is easily accessible by foot or public transport. The stands are filled with carefully handcrafted gifts and ornaments. Have conversations around large benches placed through the market with loved ones and a hot punsch or wulled wine in hand. Take a stroll after to admire the grand baroque style designs of the stunning Mirabell Gardens.
This year the Christmas market will run from November 28th to December 24th with these opening times:
Friday, Saturday & Holidays - 10am - 9pm
December 24th - 10am - 3pm
Details
Fortress Hohensalzburg
@ashleegreen
A real hidden charm for the adventuring travellers. An idyllic walk on the way up to Hohensalzburg Fortress with shining herrnhut stars lighting the way. The castles courtyard offers selections of gifts, crafts and specialised delicacies. You must try a slice of fresh tarte flambee and a typical hot mug of mulled wine while enjoying the sounds of Austrian live music and fresh ambience above the rooftops of town.
This year the Christmas and New Years market will run from November 24th to December 18th with these opening times:
Advent weekend - Friday - Sunday 11am-7pm
Christmas music from 3:30-6:30pm
Free admission, mention "Advent Market" at cash desks on the way to the Fortress courtyard
Details
General Information
WHAT TO TRY AT THE MARKETS?
🔸Glühwein - Delicious mulled wine to warm your hands
🔸Punsch - If you are not a fan of wine try this mulled rum, it is less sweet and comes in different flavours, I loved the apple and peach options.
🔸Langos - A large piece of deep fried thin dough and coated. My favourite is the salt and garlic, simple and delicious.
🔸Maroni - Roasted chestnuts you can find in every market
🔸Leberkase - A thick slice of meat (usually pork) seasoned and served in a bun
🔸Hot cocoa - A typical tasty mug of warm cocoa, the best was at the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas markets served with whipped cream.
TO NOTE.
▪️When ordering hot drinks and food, their system requires you to pay a deposit of about 2 euro for your mug or plate which is then refunded once you return the crockery.
▪️Most of these markets are cash only. There are usually ATM's within short distance of the markets to get money out.
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