The beautiful city, a World Heritage Site, shines even more. Visit the Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria

Vienna's Christmas markets are a great place to visit

Vienna is the capital of Austria, which borders eight countries in Central Europe, including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. International flights arrive at Vienna International Airport. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes from the airport to the city by car, train, or bus. It is known as the "City of Music" because famous musicians such as Mozart and Beethoven lived there, and it is also an international city that is home to the United Nations secretariat.

One of the attractions of Vienna is the Christmas market. Although it is held in other European cities, Vienna has a particularly large number of markets compared to other cities, and since some areas have markets close to each other, you can visit several markets in one day. In addition, it is held in picturesque buildings and scenery such as the old town, which is designated as a World Heritage Site, so you can enjoy the majestic atmosphere that can only be found in this location.

Christmas markets usually run from mid-November until the day after Christmas, depending on the location, and most are open every day during this period.

Each market has dozens of shops, sometimes as many as 100, mainly selling Christmas items and toys.

One of the joys of a Christmas market is eating your way around. The minimum temperature in Vienna at this time of year is often chilly at 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, but you can enjoy the deliciousness of hot, piping hot mulled wine and hot snacks.

There is a wide variety of food, such as large whole baked potatoes topped with cheese and sauce, raclette, which is melted cheese on black bread, and soup in a hollowed-out bread. There are also sweets such as waffles, crepes, and knudel (mashed potatoes rolled into balls), so be sure to visit the Christmas market with an empty stomach and enjoy eating your way around.

When it gets cold, warm yourself up from the inside by drinking Punsch, a hot drink made with spices and fruit (some contain alcohol). The mugs that Punsch is served in have original designs at each market and can be taken home. Some markets offer different designs every year, so it's fun to collect them.

Three Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm

Now, all of the Christmas markets are very attractive, but we will focus on three that have unique charms.

The largest in the city! The market in front of City Hall features a traveling amusement park and even an ice skating course

The Vienna City Hall stands on the Ringstrasse, the ring road that encircles the center of Vienna. The city's largest market will be set up in the square and park in front of the building.

This Christmas market not only has about 100 food and drink stands, but also a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel that are available for a limited time. There is even a mini train that runs through the grounds, making it feel like a small amusement park.

In addition, a huge 30-meter-tall Christmas tree stands in the center, and the trees in the garden in front of the city hall are also lit up. The overall atmosphere is very festive, like a theme park.

Another highlight is the outdoor skating rink, which is 3,000 square meters in total area (about the size of half a soccer field). Although it is called a "rink," it actually has a skating course that runs through the fantastically lit-up trees, creating a romantic world (rental shoes and lockers are available).

There are also plenty of photo spots all around the area that are perfect for social media. Take your best shot in front of the arch-shaped decorations at the entrance to the market, the Christmas tree, the merry-go-round, and the glowing ornaments in the park.

Not only can you "visit food stalls" and "eat your way around," but you can also "skate in a mini amusement park." Everyone can enjoy themselves like a child at a theme park.

Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square

Not in a square, but in the palace gardens! An elegant market in the grounds of Schonbrunn Palace

If the market in front of the city hall introduced earlier is a place where you can return to your childhood and have fun to your heart's content, then the market on the Schönbrunn Palace grounds is a place where you can enjoy an elegant atmosphere.

There are many other elegant Christmas markets in Vienna, but this one is in a class of its own. While most markets are held in the "square in front of" historical buildings, this one is held on the "palace grounds".

Schönbrunn Palace was built as a summer palace for the Habsburgs and has been registered as a World Heritage Site since 1996. It is lit up at night and exudes a gorgeous atmosphere. Inside the approximately 80 stalls lined up in front of the palace, it feels like you've wandered into a fairy tale world.

The recommended photo spot is the gold photo frame for commemorative photos, which will further enhance the gorgeous atmosphere. Anyone can take a picture that is sure to look good! You will end up with a wonderful photo that includes the palace and the Christmas tree.

If you want to experience the elegant feeling of being transported back to the good old Habsburg era, this is the place to go.

Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn

"Arts & Crafts Market" where you can find works by local artists

The Art & Craft Market held in front of Karlskirche is different from other markets that mainly sell Christmas goods and food. Here, stalls by local artists are lined up, making you feel like you're touring an art gallery.

There is a wide variety of items on offer, including glassware, pottery, wood, stone, paper art, jewelry, paintings, etc. There is also an artist demonstration corner on the premises, where you can see the production process up close.

Additionally, music concerts and street performers also appear, adding to the artistic atmosphere.

There will be a corner where children can experience candle making and art, as well as other amusements such as a foot-propelled trolley, a mini coaster, and a retro merry-go-round.

Art Advent – Arts & Crafts on Karlsplatz

Stay longer during the Christmas season and visit multiple markets

There are many other Christmas markets in Vienna that are worth visiting. Here is a summary of the best ones.

The market around the majestic "Stephen's Cathedral"

St. Stephen's Cathedral stands at the center of Vienna's Old Town, a World Heritage Site. It is the symbol of the city and was completed in 1359, nearly 700 years ago.

The cathedral has been watching over the city since ancient times, so it has a solemn atmosphere. When it is lit up, combined with the Christmas tree illumination, it creates a romantic atmosphere.

Christmas Market on Stephansplatz

The market at Maria Theresa Square surrounded by beautiful museums

The House of Habsburg ruled Austria for 645 years, from the time of the Holy Roman Empire. A Christmas market will be held in the square between the two museums built facing each other to display the wonderful collections of the emperors.

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz

Christmas market held in the square in front of the Royal Palace

Although small, the market takes place in a square surrounded by the beautiful Royal Palace and the over 800-year-old Michaeler Church.

The 2023 event has yet to be scheduled, so please check the website for information.

kuk Weihnachts- and Silvestermarkt at Michaelerplatz

Christmas market in a baroque palace and gardens

Belvedere Palace, which means "beautiful view," is a baroque palace that was completed in 1723. A Christmas market is also held in the gardens surrounding this palace.

There are plenty of photo spots, such as the illuminations decorating the large pond in the garden and the illuminated palace reflected on the water's surface. This is a must-visit place for photography lovers.

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

Experience a warm atmosphere at the Freiungplatz market

The market held at "Flyung Square" is not large, but has a wonderful atmosphere. There are 50 stalls. There is also a small stage where concerts and other events are held, and because it is small, you can feel close to the people and experience a warm atmosphere.

Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung

Enjoy food and art at the Am Hof Market

Am Hof Square is next to Freyung. As I mentioned before, one of the joys of the Christmas market is eating your way around, and there are plenty of food stalls here. There are also many art stalls selling miscellaneous goods and decorations, so you can enjoy the feeling of going around a gallery while munching on something.

Christmas Market Am Hof

The market is held in a residential area on Spittelbergstrasse.

What makes this Christmas market different from other markets is that it is held in an old residential area, where many locals gather, making it wonderful to experience the local atmosphere.

Not only will there be food stalls, but the shops inside the building will also participate, resulting in a total of over 120 shops. With so many shops, you can find a wide variety of products, including not only Christmas goods, but also art, handmade items, and miscellaneous goods.

Christmas Market on Spittelberg

There are many more markets in Vienna that we could not introduce in this article. If you want to experience them all, you can enjoy visiting them all. Also, during the Christmas season, the city is decorated with lights all over the city, giving it a different look than other seasons. Be sure to visit Vienna, which is filled with a festive atmosphere.

Interview and photography: Valenta Ai

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