
It’s difficult not to love Vienna at Christmas. Those days when the smell of hot wine lingers in the air, the lights give off a fairytale feel and freshly baked Christmas treats make your mouth water as you watch snowflakes dance in the sky. This is the magic of Christmas in Vienna and its markets are the best way to experience it.
Rathausplatz
The most spectacular market of all (and the most touristy)! A Christmas village with 150 wooden stands, in front of the majestic Town Hall and an ice rink in the middle. The Town Hall has a specially designed space for children to make Christmas cookies or candles.
From 15 November to 26 December
Karlsplatz
In front of the imposing Karlskirche Church, lies an alternative Christmas market full of crafts. Take a photo on the wooden bridge with the christmas lights and the beautiful dome in the background. There, all food and drinks available are organic.
From November 22 to December 23
Extra Tip: Two steps from the Karlsplatz Market there is a cute café, the Wunderladen coffee shop, with tasty cap cakes made by a Greek woman every day. It’s perfect for a stopover after the markets for a hot coffee and some cap cakes of course. (Argentinierstraße 1, 1040 Wien)
Belvedere Palace
Explore the baroque way of life in the popular Christmas village behind the Upper Belvedere, one of Vienna’s most important sights with its impressive architecture and magnificent garden. More than 40 benches with traditional handmade goods, elaborate Christmas ornaments and gastronomic delicacies.
From November 22 to December 26
Maria–Theresien Platz
Enjoy impressive Viennese buildings and traditional customs at the Maria-Theresien Square Christmas Market, amidst the museums of Fine Arts and Natural History. The statue of Maria Therese will observe you from the center as you walk around with a mug of warm sweet Glühwein wine.
From November 20 to December 26
Schönbrunn Palace
Probably the most stylish Christmas market of all. It is in front of the famous Schönbrunn Palace with 60 benches filled with original gifts and Christmas ornaments. The smell of hot punch and freshly baked Vanillekipfel (vanilla cookies) fill the air with Christmas warmth.
From November 23 to January 5
Stephansplatz
Although one of Vienna’s newest seasonal Christmas markets is also one of the most traditional. The impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral offers a magnificent backdrop behind the 40 Christmas-tree benches and colorful lamps.
From November 15 to December 26
* The article was originally published in the journal Taste & Travel of Athinorama – Issue 2- Winter 2019.
À bientôt
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