From summertime to Christmastime in Vienna: The first Christmas markets open - and here is the ultimate list
- AlpineFoxes Team
- Nov 11, 2025
- 4 min read
It feels like only a few weeks ago the outdoor swimming pools closed, and in Vienna, everyone is currently enjoying the pleasantly warm rays of the autumn sun. But already, a rather suspicious flurry of activity is taking hold in the city's squares. On Graben, chestnuts and potatoes are being roasted with gusto. A familiar, yet suppressed, hammering, knocking, and strategic cable unrolling can be clearly observed. And ever since a 28-meter-tall spruce tree from the Brixental valley in Tyrol arrived at Vienna's City Hall Square a few days ago, it was clear to everyone: there's no denying it, it's officially Christmas time in the city!
Most Christmas markets haven't opened yet, but they're already springing up everywhere. While people are currently still preferring to toast each other with Aperol on the terrace of "Kameel," I suspect that soon it will be mulled wine at their favorite punch stand.
Well then, the fox is always on the pulse of the times. Therefore, here's a little reminder if you're planning to answer the call of punch soon. This way you can start planning your visit to Vienna!
Opening November 14th, 2025
Christkindlmarkt at the Rathausplatz: daily 10-22, 24.12.2025: 10-18.30 Uhr
The classic Viennese Christmas market. It's usually very crowded, but a stroll through the beautifully decorated Rathauspark is still wonderful. The best time to visit is during the week, after dark.
Weihnachtsmarkt at the Spittelberg: Mo–Th: 14:00–21:00 Uhr, Fr–Su: 10:00–21:00 Uhr
You already know Spittelberg from my guided tours of Vienna. With its narrow, winding streets, it's the perfect place for a Christmas market. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. It's best to visit during the week!
Weihnachtsdorf on the grounds of the Old General Hospital (Altes AKH): Mo-We.: 14-22, Th, Fr.: 14-23, Sa.: 11-23 Uhr, Su.: 11-21 Uhr
Less well-known to tourists, but all the more popular with Viennese locals. Christmas parties are often held here, so it can get quite lively. The Old General Hospital (Altes AKH) is a beautiful, atmospheric place. So you'll still find something of a hidden gem here, at least among visitors to Vienna.
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at the Freyung: daily 10:00–21:00
Traditional. Elegant. Viennese. The Freyung is unpretentious, but it's a popular spot with locals. The products on offer often come from farmers and producers near Vienna. It's the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and enjoy a few glasses of delicious punch!
Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof: Mo-Th: 11-21, Fr, Sa, Su, Holiday: 10-21
Just a few steps from Freyung Square, you'll find another Christmas market. Here, too, the focus is on cozy get-togethers with mulled wine and the elegant atmosphere of Vienna's city center. The perfect stop before or after one of my city tours!
Weihnachtsdorf at Belvedere Palace: Mo-Fr.: 11-21, Sa, Su.: 10-21, 24.12.: 11-16, 25.+26.12.: 11-19
The Belvedere provides a magnificent setting to prepare for Christmas. First, art and culture inside, then a mulled wine outside – combining education and fun in one.
🦊 Attention, special fox tip:
Weihnachtsmarkt in the Türkenschanzpark: Mo-Fr.: 15-22, Sa, Su, Holidays.: 12-22
This is a true hidden gem, guaranteeing you'll find yourself only among Viennese locals. It's a bit further from the center, but the short trip to the park (about 20 minutes from the city center) is well worth it. Only in Vienna can you so quickly escape the splendor of the city center and find yourself in an enchanting Christmas forest.
Opening November 21st, 2025
Kunstadventmarkt at St. Charles Church (Karlskirche): täglich 11-21 Uhr
St. Charles Church (Karlskirche) provides a particularly beautiful backdrop for this Christmas market, especially in the evenings. Here you'll find a variety of unique souvenirs and interesting types of punch, mulled wine, and other festive drinks.
And that's not all! There are also numerous Advent and winter markets throughout the city, such as in the Prater and its Bohemian counterpart, in the Hirschstetten Flower Gardens, at the Remise Transport Museum, and even at the main train station and the Westbahnhof!
The fox wishes you lots of fun! Perhaps you'd also like to join my Advent tour through the city center on December 12th at 4 pm and get into the Christmas spirit? Then grab your ticket now! I'm looking forward to seeing you!
Christmas season in Vienna is a unique experience you shouldn't miss – whether on a self-guided stroll through the city or on a private tour with the AlpineFoxes. Come along!
I'd love to visit one of the Christmas markets with you on your next trip to Vienna!
Claudia, Martin, and the AlpineFoxes Team
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