Best Christmas Markets in Austria

Picture this: snow dusting the rooftops of baroque palaces, the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting through cobbled streets, orange lights twinkling above charming squares. Between late November and December, cities across the country transform into winter wonderlands of carols, glühwein (mulled wine), handmade gifts, and sparkling trees. Go wander Vienna’s grand boulevards or Innsbruck’s Alpine streets, and see how Austria’s Advent season feels like stepping into a living snow globe. From centuries-old Christkindlmarkts to smaller village fairs, here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets in Austria.

The best Christmas markets in Vienna

Vienna hosts some of Europe’s most famous Advent markets, each one distinct in atmosphere and charm. The city’s grand architecture provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas season, with markets stretching from the imperial palaces to quiet, romantic squares.

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt

The Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz is the city’s showstopper. Set against the majestic Neo-Gothic Vienna City Hall, this market boasts more than 100 stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, candles, and sweet treats. The aroma of cinnamon, roasted almonds, and maroni (roasted chestnuts) fills the air, while the centerpiece — a towering Christmas tree glowing with thousands of lights — creates a fairy-tale setting. Children can enjoy the ice-skating rink and carousel, while carolers and brass bands add to the warm, communal spirit.

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

A visit to the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market feels like stepping into a regal winter postcard. Surrounded by the former imperial summer residence, the market focuses on traditional craftsmanship and artisanal food. Sip hot glühwein as you browse ceramics, handmade toys, and wool scarves, or listen to classical ensembles playing festive music under the palace façade. Once Christmas passes, the market seamlessly transforms into a New Year’s fair, where you can toast with sparkling wine and admire fireworks illuminating Vienna’s skyline.

Belvedere Palace and Spittelberg

Another must-see is the Belvedere Palace Christmas Village, renowned for its romantic setting beside the palace’s reflecting pool where shimmering lights double in the water. Meanwhile, the Spittelberg Market offers a cozier feel, nestled within narrow cobbled streets lined with boutiques and studios. This artsy quarter attracts locals with its glassblowers, jewelry makers, and stalls serving hearty Austrian fare such as Käsekrainer sausages and potato pancakes.

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The best Christmas Markets in Salzburg

Few places capture the Christmas spirit like Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. Surrounded by snow-capped Alps, the city’s historic squares glow with fairy lights and echo with carols. Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt traditions date back to the 15th century, making it one of the oldest festive markets in the world.

Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at Cathedral Square and Residenzplatz

Centered around Cathedral Square and Residenzplatz, this market radiates old-world charm. Wooden chalets are draped in garlands, selling ornaments, woolen hats, and gingerbread hearts, while the scent of mulled wine fills the air. Don’t miss the choir performances under the cathedral’s baroque façade — an experience that feels lifted from a Christmas card. Children love the nativity scene trail, which guides visitors through elaborate handmade cribs displayed around the old town.

Hellbrunn Palace and St. Wolfgang

For a family-friendly experience, head to the Hellbrunn Advent Magic, set in the gardens of the palace famous for its trick fountains. Over 700 Christmas trees shimmer with fairy lights, and reindeer await eager visitors near the stables. Just outside Salzburg, the lakeside village of St. Wolfgang hosts the Salzkammergut Advent, where candlelit boats glide across the lake, and a 19-foot lantern floats on the water — a breathtaking sight reflecting the village’s church steeple.

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Innsbruck: An Alpine winter postcard

Set in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, Innsbruck offers a storybook Christmas experience framed by snow-dusted mountains. The city’s Advent markets are smaller but steeped in Alpine tradition — blending rustic charm with festive cheer.

Maria-Theresien-Strasse

For a modern twist, stroll along Maria-Theresien-Strasse, where sleek glass stalls line a glittering boulevard of lights. Here, you can sip sparkling Prosecco or Tyrolean punch while admiring illuminated mountain views. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Krampus run, a local tradition where costumed “Krampus” figures parade through the streets in a thrilling (and slightly spooky) nod to Alpine folklore.

Old Town and Marktplatz Markets

Innsbruck’s Old Town Christmas Market sits beneath the famous Golden Roof, a 15th-century landmark shimmering with gilded copper tiles. The stalls brim with handcrafted wooden decorations, Tyrolean knitwear, and traditional sweets like Kiachl — deep-fried pastries sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with cranberry sauce. For another option, you’ve got the Marktplatz Market nearby which is perfect for families, featuring a carousel, puppet theater, and a magical “Fairy Tale Alley” where storybook scenes come alive.

Graz: Austria’s culinary capital of Christmas

Graz, Austria’s UNESCO-listed city of design, brings a unique flavor to the Christmas season. Its Advent markets are known for their artistic flair, culinary creativity, and eco-friendly touches; even the decorations are made from sustainable materials.

At Hauptplatz, the main square, a massive Advent calendar is projected onto the facades of Renaissance buildings, while the city’s ice nativity scene, sculpted entirely from crystal-clear ice, amazes visitors every year. Nearby Färberplatz and Mehlplatz host smaller markets with live music, local design stalls, and pop-up mulled wine bars serving regional specialties like Styrian pumpkin soup and roasted chestnuts.

Foodies should not miss the Advent Parade of Delights, a festive event that celebrates local products, wines, and pastries. Between sips of glühwein, make sure to taste Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Vanillekipferl, crescent-shaped vanilla cookies that melt in your mouth.

Linz: A riverside market of lights

On the banks of the Danube, Linz Christmas Market turns the city’s baroque Main Square (Hauptplatz) into a glowing winter stage. The scent of roasted almonds mingles with the sound of church bells as visitors browse stalls selling glass ornaments, lace crafts, and candles.

Families will love the Volksgarten Advent Market, with its nostalgic rides, ice rink, and puppet theater. Be sure to try Linzertorte, the city’s famous jam-filled pastry, said to be the world’s oldest cake recipe. Pair it with steaming hot punch as carolers fill the night with festive melodies.

When do the Christmas markets in Austria open?

Most Christmas markets in Austria open in mid to late November and run through December 23 or Christmas Eve, with some — like Schönbrunn’s — continuing into the New Year. Check official sites such as austria.info for up-to-date opening dates and hours.

What is Christkindlmarkt?

The word Christkindlmarkt literally means “Christ Child Market.” Originating in Germany and Austria in the late Middle Ages, these markets were created to prepare communities for Advent. Today, they’re central to Austrian Christmas culture and a mix of religion, community, and joy. The Christkind (Christ Child) still opens many markets with a ceremonial blessing.

What food and drink should I try at the Christmas markets in Austria?

Austrian markets are a feast for the senses. Warm up with glühwein, punsch, or hot chocolate, and snack on maroni (roasted chestnuts), Bratwurst, and Kiachl pastries. Sweet lovers should try Lebkuchen, Vanillekipferl, and Apfelstrudel — all traditional holiday treats. For more inspiration on Christmas market food across Europe, see Festive Foods to Try at Christmas Markets.

What should I buy at the Christmas markets in Austria?

Look for handmade gifts that showcase local craftsmanship — carved wooden ornaments, wool scarves, glass baubles, and beeswax candles. Vienna’s Spittelberg and Salzburg’s Hellbrunn markets are especially known for artisanal products.

What’s the biggest Christmas market in Austria?

The Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz holds that honor, drawing nearly three million visitors annually. With its dazzling decorations, ice rink, and over 100 stalls, it’s a must-see — but don’t miss the smaller, more intimate markets in Salzburg or Innsbruck for a truly local touch.

Celebrate the most enchanting time of year with Insight Vacations’ Austria tours. Whether you’re sipping glühwein under palace lights or strolling through Alpine villages, you’ll discover why Austria’s Christmas markets are among the most magical in the world.