Vienna Christmas Markets 2026: Dates, Map & 14 Must-See Spots
Planning a magical winter trip? Discover the best Vienna Christmas Markets in 2026, with full dates, locations, unique features, and a handy map for your festive adventure!
Quick answer
- Vienna's main Christmas markets for 2026 run from early November to late December, with some extending to early January 2027.
- Major markets like Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, and Prater offer extended dates, with Schönbrunn and Prater open until 01/06/2027.
- Many markets, including Rathausplatz, operate with shortened hours on December 24th; check official sites for daily times.
- Karlsplatz's ART ADVENT is uniquely certified organic for all food and drink vendors.
- Prater Winter Market features 37 live concerts in 2026, alongside amusement park rides.
🎄
When I was planning my Vienna Christmas market trip,
I found myself constantly searching for
when each market opened
and where it was located.
The information was so scattered,
and it turned out to be quite a hassle.
After my trip, I realized it would be incredibly helpful to have
all the schedules and locations laid out at a glance.
So, I’ve newly confirmed the 2026 operating schedule
directly from the official websites,
and I've also included
photos from the 10 markets I personally explored
during my previous 6-night, 7-day trip to Vienna with my partner.

For anyone planning a winter getaway to Vienna,
I'll gather **each market's schedule, location, and key features**
all in one convenient spot.

2026 Vienna Christmas Markets
Schedules and Operating Dates
I've compiled a list of **14 major markets**
as introduced by the Vienna Tourist Board.
The numbers in the table correspond to the numbers on the map below.
No. | Market Name · Local Name | Operating Dates | Location · Features |
1 | City Hall Square Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz | 11/13~12/26 | In front of City Hall, with tree and park lights |
2 | Freyung Altwiener Christkindlmarkt | 11/14~12/23 | Old Town Square, traditional handicrafts |
3 | Am Hof Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof | 11/13~12/23 | Am Hof Square, handicrafts & gifts |
4 | St. Stephen's Square Weihnachtsmarkt Stephansplatz | 11/6~12/26 | Around St. Stephen's Cathedral |
5 | Maria-Theresien-Platz Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz | 11/20~12/26 | Between the Museum of Art History & Natural History |
6 | Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg | 11/13~12/23 | Market along the alleyways |
7 | Karlsplatz ART ADVENT am Karlsplatz | 11/13~12/23 | In front of Karlskirche (St. Charles Church), crafts & organic food |
8 | Schwarzenbergplatz Weihnachtszauber Schwarzenbergplatz | 11/13~12/26 | Newly opening in 2026 |
9 | University of Vienna Campus Weihnachtsdorf Uni Campus Wien | 11/13~12/23 | Courtyard of the Old General Hospital Campus |
10 | Prater Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz | 11/20~ 2027/1/6 | Giant Ferris Wheel Square, performances & rides |
11 | Belvedere K&K Weihnachtsmarkt Belvedere | 11/20~12/31 | Around the Upper Belvedere Pond, imperial theme |
12 | Schönbrunn Palace Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn | Nov 6 - Jan 6, 2027 | Palace forecourt, Crafts & family programs |
13 | Türkenschanzpark Weihnachtsmarkt im Türkenschanzpark | Nov 13 - Dec 23 | A lovely spot to explore with a park stroll |
14 | Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens Weihnachtsausstellung und Weihnachtsmarkt in den Blumengärten Hirschstetten | Nov 12 - Dec 20 | Open Thu-Sun, Dec 7-8 additional opening days |
Vienna Christmas Market Location Map
Red indicates
main markets, chosen for their size and popularity,
green shows
markets worth visiting alongside others.

⭐️
If you're visiting after Christmas,
many markets close by December 23rd,
so if your trip is in late December,
make sure to check the closing dates first.
Markets that extend until January 6, 2027,
in this table are Schönbrunn and Prater.
The City Hall Square market itself runs until December 26th,
but its ice rink is open until January 6th,
so their operating periods differ.
On December 24th,
many places have reduced operating hours,
so please check the official websites
for the exact hours on that day.
🔻🔻🔻
Official Vienna Tourist Board Christmas Markets Guide
Vienna City Hall Square Christmas Market |
This is hailed as Vienna's largest
Christmas market! 🎄

With the City Hall building as its backdrop,
you'll find a massive Christmas tree and festive booths.
The surrounding City Hall Park
is also adorned with beautiful light decorations.
If you want to experience market browsing, a park stroll,
and an ice rink all in one place,
this is the perfect market to check out first
if you're looking for a grand experience.


Freyung Christmas Market |
This traditional Christmas market is held in Freyung Square in the Old Town.
It's a historic spot,
with records showing a Christmas market was held in this very square
as far back as 1772!

You can browse unique crafts and decorations,
and on the stage, enjoy Advent programs
including music and craft demonstrations.

Am Hof Christmas Market |
This city center market is where you can explore handcrafted items
and find unique gift ideas.

You can browse handicrafts from over 70 vendors and
gift items.
Booths selling food and warm drinks
are also set up.
It's conveniently located near Freyung,
making it great to explore both squares together.

St. Stephen's Square Christmas Market |
Right below St. Stephen's Cathedral,
you'll find this Christmas market with approximately 40 booths.

It primarily showcases Austrian products and handicrafts,
so it's perfect to include with your sightseeing plans for the cathedral and Old Town.


Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market |
This market is held in the square situated between the Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum.

It's characterized by the museum buildings facing each other on both sides,
and its location is perfect for combining with your museum visits.
It's also a market that will be taking a break in 2025 and returning in 2026
with a brand new concept.

Spittelberg Christmas Market |
This market is perfect for wandering through the charming alleys
and browsing the booths.

It winds through buildings in the Biedermeier style,
where you can explore unique handicrafts and design items.
If you're looking for a different atmosphere than the large square markets,
this is a place worth adding to your itinerary.

Karlsplatz Christmas Market, Art Advent |
This market is held in front of Karlskirche (St. Charles Church),
showcasing carefully selected handicrafts.

It's known as the only Advent market in Austria
where the entire food and beverage section is
organically certified.
Since you can admire the cathedral's exterior at the same time,
it's great to combine it with an itinerary that includes both architecture and handicrafts.

Prater Winter Market |
The Winter Market held in Prater Ferris Wheel Square
is a place where you can enjoy live music performances and the fun ambiance of an amusement park.


In 2026, 37 live concerts are planned,
ranging from gospel to pop and soul.
It would be wonderful to stop by and catch a performance! 🎡

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market |
The Belvedere Market is truly a regal affair,
set right around the palace grounds and themed beautifully around the imperial era.

For 2026, it's scheduled to run all the way until December 31st
— perfect for New Year's Eve vibes!
A little heads-up for this year: the market area is being relocated
from directly in front of the palace to the end of the large pond,
towards the Gürtel side.
So, if you're looking at old travel photos, just keep in mind
that the booth layout will be a bit different!

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market |
This enchanting market takes place right in front of Schönbrunn Palace
and charmingly extends all the way to January 6th of the following year!

It's a treasure trove of handicrafts and festive Christmas decorations,
along with delicious food stalls and engaging family programs.
It's perfect for bundling a palace visit with the market into one unforgettable day,
or even as a wonderful spot to explore
after the Christmas rush has settled.


Even though they're all "Vienna Christmas Markets,"
each one offers its own unique charm and characteristics,
whether it's grand palace courtyards or tucked-away charming alleys.
My suggestion is to first pinpoint which markets are open
during your travel dates,
and then build your itinerary around the ones you're most excited to explore,
pairing them with nearby attractions
for a truly fulfilling trip.
I truly hope this guide proves helpful for everyone planning their
2026 winter trip to Vienna! Happy exploring! 🤍
If you're dreaming of a stay right in the heart of Vienna,
where you can stroll to the Old Town Christmas Markets,
then easily pop back to your accommodation for a little refresh
before diving back into the festive fun,
then you might want to check out my review of
Hotel Das Tigra! My partner and I stayed there for 6 nights and 7 days,
and its location was absolutely perfect.
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Vienna Christmas markets in 2026 operate beyond December 26th?
In 2026, the Vienna Christmas markets that operate beyond December 26th are the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and the Prater Winter Market. Both will run until January 6, 2027. The City Hall Square Market (Rathausplatz) concludes on December 26th, but its ice rink remains open until January 6th.
Which major Vienna Christmas markets in 2026 close on December 23rd?
In 2026, the major Vienna Christmas markets that close on December 23rd include Freyung, Am Hof, Spittelberg, Karlsplatz, the University of Vienna Campus, and Türkenschanzpark. It's advisable to check the closing dates in advance if you plan to visit in late December.
What are the special characteristics of the Karlsplatz Market among the 2026 Vienna Christmas markets?
The Karlsplatz Market (Art Advent) showcases carefully selected handicrafts and is the only Advent market in Austria where the entire food and beverage section is organically certified. Held in front of St. Charles Church, it's an excellent place to admire both the architecture and the artisanal crafts.
What attractions can be found at the Prater Winter Market among the 2026 Vienna Christmas markets?
The Prater Winter Market is held at the Giant Ferris Wheel Square, offering a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can enjoy live music performances alongside the amusement park scenery. In 2026, a total of 37 live concerts are scheduled, ranging from gospel to pop and soul.
What changes are expected for the Maria-Theresien-Platz Market among the 2026 Vienna Christmas markets?
The Maria-Theresien-Platz Market will take a break in 2025 and return in 2026 with a new concept. It is held in the square between the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum) and the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), making it an ideal location to combine with museum visits.
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