What to Eat, Drink and Do at Vienna’s Christmas Markets
It’s true, Christmas is the most wonderful and magical time of the year in Vienna. With over ten large Christmas markets and countless smaller versions dotting the city, it can also easily get a little overwhelming: Where to go? When to go? What to get? We tell you all you need to know about the beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna. Don’t forget to have a look at top 5 Christmas markets to visit as well!
Indulge & enjoy.
This is not the time to count calories (when is it ever?) - the delicious food and drinks on display at Vienna’s Christmas markets is simply too good to pass up. Sample your way through the amazing Punsch (rum-based fruit drinks) and Glühwein (mulled wine, red or white, with spices) variations or try a hot chocolate spiced with Mozart liqueur. Try roasted chestnuts (or “Maroni”, as we call them), Kaiserschmarrn (heavenly shredded pancakes and a winter favorite), waffles or the amazing Austrian version of donuts (Bauernkrapfen) or go for a classic sausage (be sure to try Käsekrainer, filled with cheese!) with a roll.
Stock up on gifts.
From beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments (did you know snow globes were actually invented in Vienna?) over wooden toys to cured ham or sweet gingerbread: Vienna’s Christmas markets offer a wide array of unique gifts, which is why you often also see locals doing their Christmas shopping at these stalls. Why not make an effort to support small business owners and independent stores this year while simultanously making sure your gifts will actually be one-of-a-kind?
Bring cash.
Even though more and more stalls offer payment via card, cash is still somewhat king in Austria, especially at temporary markets like these. So make sure you have some cash on hand, otherwise you might miss out!
Don't haggle.
There is a time and place for haggling with stall owners, and this is definitely not it. Many Christmas markets in Vienna have made a conscious effort to move away from cheap, mass-produced goods and now offer locally produced crafts lovingly made by independent designers. Bear in mind that renting these stalls does not come cheap either - respect the goods displayed and prepare to pay a fair price for these often unique pieces.
Beat the crowds.
Yes, Christmas markets are prettiest when it's dark and everything is lit up. Good thing the sun sets at roughly 3.30pm in December, then! Be aware that popular Viennese Christmas markets (like the one at St. Stephen's Cathedral, the one in front of the Rathaus or the one at Schönbrunn palace) can get very crowded at night. Why not swing by right when they open or try them at dusk in the afternoon? The atmosphere is just as magic, but you won't be sharing it with 50.000 other people.
Time it right.
Be aware that traditionally, most Christmas markets in Vienna open fairly early (by mid-November!) but close right after Christmas; so if you plan to be in town over the holidays, be sure to check them out rather sooner than later as they might be gone by Dec 26. Also, most Christmas markets are only open until 9/10pm! This list featuring all opening dates and times comes in handy for sure.
Score a souvenir.
By now, pretty much every Christmas market has their own custom mug which you have to pay a little extra fee for when you get a drink. When you bring back the mug, you get the money back - or you simply take it home with you as a nice reminder or cute gift for a loved one. Each market has their own unique mug, and they are different each year.
