Vienna: Christmas Markets Tour with Punch & Treats, Max 16
★4.1 (109 reviews)
Inner city · max. 16 people
Visits Spittelberg, MuseumsQuartier and Rathausplatz; about 2 km on foot
From, per person71 €
Check availability13main Christmas markets on the tourist board’s 2026 list
26 Declast day on Rathausplatz; Schönbrunn and Prater run to 6 Jan
23 Declast day for most smaller markets (Spittelberg, Freyung, Am Hof…)
44 €cheapest reviewed tour: evening bus with Schönbrunn lights
Tours
Vienna Christmas market with a guide: which evening fits you
You do not need a tour for the Vienna Christmas market itself, because entry to every market is free. A tour pays off when you want three markets with tastings in one evening, a food-led walk, no walking at all or a concert; prices start at 44 €. Each one below is rated by guests on GetYourGuide.
Markets on footPunch & treats walk3 markets in ~2.5 h, tastings included · ★ 4.1 (109) · from 71 €Check availability →
Food firstFood & drinks tourFour lesser-known markets · ★ 5.0 (14) · from 125 €Check availability →
No walkingBus & Schönbrunn lights~3 h from Albertinaplatz · ★ 4.2 (78) · from 44 €Check availability →
Market + musicSchönbrunn concert eveningMarket voucher + Orangery concert · ★ 4.4 (123) · from 84 €Check availability →
All markets
Vienna Christmas markets 2026: all 13 compared
The Vienna Tourist Board lists 13 main Christmas markets for 2026. Rathausplatz is the biggest and the one most people mean; Spittelberg, Freyung and Am Hof are the cosiest; Schönbrunn and the Prater are the only ones open into January. Most smaller markets close on 23 December, so plan them first.
Dates and hours: Vienna Tourist Board (wien.info), checked Oct 2026
Wiener Christkindlmarkt
The main market in front of City Hall: candle archway, carousel, kids’ Christmas world and the Eistraum ice rink13 Nov – 26 Dec 2026U2 Rathaus
Open until26 Dec
Details
Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Schönbrunn
In the palace forecourt: ice rink, Ferris wheel, children’s railway, Imperial Lights in the gardens6 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027U4 Schönbrunn (~5 min walk)
Open until6 Jan
DetailsK&K Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Belvedere
Baroque palace backdrop with an imperial theme; turns into a New Year market20 Nov – 31 Dec 2026U1 Hauptbahnhof (~10 min walk)
Open until31 Dec
DetailsWeihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz
About 70 craft stalls between the Art History and Natural History museums20 Nov – 26 Dec 2026U2/U3 Volkstheater
Open until26 Dec
DetailsWeihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg
Stalls in narrow Biedermeier lanes; sustainable, fair and organic products13 Nov – 23 Dec 2026U2/U3 Volkstheater (~5 min)
Open until23 Dec
DetailsAltwiener Christkindlmarkt Freyung
The old Viennese market: a Christmas market here since 1772; glass, cribs, ceramics, music from 16:0014 Nov – 23 Dec 2026U3 Herrengasse (~5 min)
Open until23 Dec
DetailsWeihnachtsmarkt Am Hof
High-quality crafts with Christmas music and choirs; food until 22:0013 Nov – 23 Dec 2026U3 Herrengasse (~5 min)
Open until23 Dec
DetailsWeihnachtsdorf Stephansplatz
About 40 stalls of Austrian products at the foot of St. Stephen’s Cathedral6 Nov – 26 Dec 2026U1/U3 Stephansplatz
Open until26 Dec
DetailsArt Advent Karlsplatz
Art Advent in front of Karlskirche: arts and crafts, open workshops, live bands, organic food13 Nov – 23 Dec 2026U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz
Open until23 Dec
DetailsWeihnachtszauber Schwarzenbergplatz
Light installation around the Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain and a stage programme13 Nov – 26 Dec 20261. district
Open until26 Dec
DetailsWintermarkt Riesenradplatz
Funfair winter market by the Giant Ferris Wheel; open until 02:00 on New Year’s Eve20 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027U1/U2 Praterstern (~5 min)
Open until6 Jan
DetailsWeihnachtsdorf Uni Campus (Altes AKH)
University campus courtyard: ice-stock lanes, carousel, open until 23:00 Thursday to Saturday13 Nov – 23 Dec 20269. district
Open until23 Dec
DetailsWeihnachtsmarkt Türkenschanzpark
Neighbourhood market in the park: glassblowers, jewellery, weekend craft workshop for kids13 Nov – 23 Dec 202618. district
Open until23 Dec
DetailsIn pictures
Vienna Christmas markets in pictures
These photos come from the galleries of the guided tours that visit the Vienna Christmas markets, so you can see what an evening looks like: Rathausplatz and its City Hall, the Schönbrunn palace market, and the stalls, punch and crafts in between.
Rathaus at dusk, RathausplatzRathaus at night, RathausplatzSchönbrunn market at nightCarousel in front of Schönbrunn PalaceSchönbrunn gardens lit up (Imperial Lights)Horse-and-carriage light sculpture, SchönbrunnA stall with paper starsGlühwein and Punsch standPotato pancakes on the griddleHand-blown glass ornamentsGingerbread hearts at a stallGraben with chandelier lightsPhotos from tour galleries on GetYourGuide
Book the markets walk · from 71 €Dates & hours
Vienna Christmas market dates 2026
The 2026 Vienna Christmas market season runs from 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. Rathausplatz opens on 13 November and closes on 26 December, every day 10:00–22:00. On 24 December the open markets close early, and only Schönbrunn, Belvedere and the Prater carry on past Christmas.
Source: Vienna Tourist Board and christkindlmarkt.at, checked Oct 2026
Vienna Christmas market 2026 dates by market
Rathausplatz, every day13 November – 23 December, 25–26 December
10:00–22:00
Thursday 24 DecemberRathausplatz closes early
10:00–18:30
Schönbrunn6 November – 23 December
10:00–21:00
Schönbrunn after Christmas25 December – 6 January
10:00–19:00
Spittelberg, weekdaysweekends from 11:00
14:00–21:30
Eistraum ice rinkRathauspark · 13 Nov – 6 Jan · closed 31 Dec
10:00–22:00
NOV6
First markets openSchönbrunn and Stephansplatz
NOV13
Rathausplatz openswith Spittelberg, Am Hof, Karlsplatz and the ice rink
DEC23
Last day for most smaller marketsSpittelberg, Freyung, Am Hof, Karlsplatz
DEC24
Christmas Eveopen markets close between 16:00 and 18:30
DEC26
Rathausplatz last dayalso Stephansplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz
JAN6
Schönbrunn & Prater closethe last two markets of the season
!
Christmas Day: Rathausplatz, Stephansplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz are open on 25 and 26 December (Stephansplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz 11:00–19:00); Spittelberg, Freyung and Am Hof have already closed on 23 December.
The main market
Vienna Christmas Market Rathausplatz: what to expect
The Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz is the largest Vienna Christmas market: stalls in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall, a candle archway at the entrance, the Herzerlbaum heart tree, a 12-metre carousel, a children’s Christmas world with a reindeer train, and the Eistraum ice rink — about 3,000 m² of ice in the Rathauspark next door.
Source: christkindlmarkt.at and wien.info, checked Oct 2026
Rathaus at duskRathaus at nightStall with paper starsTrees lit in bluePhoto from the markets walk
Every day 10:00–22:0013 Nov – 26 Dec · 24 Dec to 18:30
Eistraum ice rink~3,000 m² · to 6 Jan
Kids’ Christmas worldreindeer train, nativity path
U2 to Rathaus
Or U3 to Volkstheater, Ring exit
U2
Tram 1, 71 or D
Stop Rathausplatz/Burgtheater; tram 2 to Parlament
D
Accessibility: accessible toilets with Eurokey locks, tables and cash machines within reach of wheelchair users, and Braille on the new punch mugs.
Rathausplatz at night
The market is open until 22:00, and the City Hall façade and the trees in the park are lit after dark, so the evening is when most people come. The ice rink runs the same hours, which makes it easy to skate first and warm up at the stalls afterwards.
Rathausplatz in December
December is the main season: the market runs every day until 26 December, and after 23 December most smaller markets around it have closed, so Rathausplatz, Stephansplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz carry the last days before Christmas.
Our pick to see Rathausplatz with a guide
Christmas Markets Tour with Punch & Treats
2.5 h walk · Spittelberg, MuseumsQuartier, Rathausplatz · ★ 4.1 (109)
From71 €
Check availabilityInto January
Vienna Christmas market Schönbrunn
The Schönbrunn Christmas market stands in the palace forecourt from 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, 10:00–21:00 (24 December to 16:00, from 25 December to 19:00). It has an ice rink, ice-stock lanes, a Ferris wheel and a children’s railway, and in the evening the Imperial Lights light up the palace gardens. Take the U4 to Schönbrunn, then walk about 5 minutes.
Source: wien.info, vienna.at, checked Oct 2026
Way 1On your own
U4 to Schönbrunn, entry to the market is freeGo after dark for the lights; pay only for food, drinks and rides
Market0 €
HoursWay 2No walking
Vienna: Guided Christmas Bus Tour & Schönbrunn Palace LightsDouble-decker bus from Albertinaplatz, Schönbrunn market and Imperial Lights entry · ~3 h · ★ 4.2 (78)
From44 €
BookWay 3With a concert
Vienna: Schönbrunn Christmas Market and Classical ConcertMarket voucher (mug, hot drink, dish) + Orangery concert · ★ 4.4 (123)
From84 €
BookWay 4With the palace
Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace & Christmas Market Walking TourGuided palace tour, skip the line, then the market · 2 h · ★ 4.7 (6)
From95 €
Booki
Concert + palace combo: on the version with an evening palace tour, the 19:00 start is the palace tour, and the market is closed when it ends. Use the food voucher at the market before 19:00.
Compare →Baroque backdrop
Vienna Christmas market Belvedere
The K&K Christmas market at Schloss Belvedere runs 20 November – 31 December 2026 in the grounds of Belvedere palace: Monday to Friday 11:00–21:00, weekends and holidays 10:00–21:00, and 11:00–17:00 on 24 and 31 December. It has an imperial theme and turns into a New Year market after Christmas. From the U1 at Hauptbahnhof it is about a 10-minute walk.
Source: wien.info, vienna.at, checked Oct 2026
✓Go to Belvedere if
- You want a palace backdrop without the trip out to Schönbrunn
- You are in Vienna between Christmas and New Year — it stays open to 31 December
- You are combining it with Karlsplatz’s Art Advent on the same eveningAll markets →
✕Skip it if
- You only have one evening: Rathausplatz and the inner-city markets are closer together
- You want an ice rink or rides for kids — Schönbrunn and Rathausplatz have both
A private guide can combine Schönbrunn and Belvedere in one evening: the private imperial markets & palace tour (3 h, from 195 €, no reviews yet) meets you at your hotel in central Vienna.
With a guide
See three Vienna Christmas markets in one evening, with a guide
A guided walk is the easy way to see more than Rathausplatz: the most-booked option visits three markets in about 2.5 hours with hot punch and a treat, from 71 € (★ 4.1 (109)). If you would rather not walk in the cold, the evening bus to Schönbrunn’s market and Imperial Lights starts at 44 €.
Vienna: Guided Christmas Bus Tour & Schönbrunn Palace Lights
★4.2 (78 reviews)
Departs 16:30 from Albertinaplatz
Guests report about 1 hour at Schönbrunn; you can stay on and take the U4 back
From, per person44 €
Check availability
Vienna: Christmas Market Food and Drinks Tour
★5.0 (14 reviews)
Small group · uses tram and metro
Four lesser-known markets, tastings and warm drinks included
From, per person125 €
Check availabilityOur picks
Which is the best Christmas market in Vienna?
For a first visit the best Christmas market in Vienna is Rathausplatz: the biggest, open daily until 22:00 and easy to reach on the U2. For atmosphere pick Spittelberg or Am Hof, for children Schönbrunn, and if you arrive after Christmas only Schönbrunn, Belvedere and the Prater are still open.
First visitRathausplatzThe biggest, with the ice rink next door; every day to 22:00What to expect →
Most atmosphereSpittelbergBiedermeier lanes, fair and organic crafts; weekdays from 14:00Evening route →
With childrenSchönbrunnIce rink, Ferris wheel, children’s railway, craft workshop4 ways to go →
After ChristmasSchönbrunn & PraterOpen until 6 January 2027; Belvedere until 31 DecemberAll dates →
One evening
Vienna Christmas markets in one evening: a route on foot
Three Vienna Christmas markets and the MuseumsQuartier’s winter courtyards sit within walking distance of each other: start at Spittelberg in the late afternoon, cross the MuseumsQuartier to Maria-Theresien-Platz, and finish on Rathausplatz, which stays open until 22:00. The guided walk takes almost the same line with tastings included.
~16:00SpittelbergU2/U3 Volkstheater. Lanes of craft stalls; weekdays open from 14:00, weekends from 11:00
NextMuseumsQuartierWalk through the courtyards of the museum quarter (U2 Museumsquartier); the guided walk stops here too
NextMaria-Theresien-PlatzAbout 70 stalls between the two big museums; Friday and Saturday open to 22:00
EveningRathausplatzThe main market and the ice rink, open to 22:00; U2 Rathaus to get home
OptionFreyung & Am HofTwo craft markets near U3 Herrengasse, open to 21:00 — a second evening, or the next day
We sampled more than we expected and she showed us 3 very different markets and places we would not have found in our own.
Getting there
How to get to the Vienna Christmas markets
Most Vienna Christmas markets are on the U-Bahn: U2 or U3 for Rathausplatz and Spittelberg, U3 for Freyung and Am Hof, U1/U3 for Stephansplatz, U4 for Schönbrunn. The inner-city markets are walkable from each other, so one day ticket covers a whole evening.
Rathausplatz
U2 Rathaus or U3 Volkstheater (Ring exit); tram 1, 71, D
U2
Spittelberg & Maria-Theresien-Platz
U2/U3 Volkstheater; Spittelberg is ~5 min on foot
U3
Freyung & Am Hof
U3 Herrengasse, ~5 min on foot
U3
Stephansplatz
U1/U3 Stephansplatz, at the foot of the cathedral
U1
Karlsplatz
U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz, in front of the Karlskirche
U4
Schönbrunn
U4 Schönbrunn, ~5 min walk to the palace forecourt
U4
Belvedere
U1 Hauptbahnhof, ~10 min walk
U1
Prater
U1/U2 Praterstern, ~5 min walk to the Riesenradplatz
U2
If you would rather not plan the route, the guided markets walk meets you in the inner city and moves between three markets on foot and by public transport.
Food, drinks & gifts
What to buy at Vienna Christmas markets, and what to eat and drink
At a Vienna Christmas market you drink Punsch or Glühwein from a market mug with a 3–5 € deposit: return it for the money back or keep it as a souvenir. In the 2024 price check a Punsch cost about 5–8.50 € on Rathausplatz. For gifts, look for glass and cribs at Freyung, fair and organic crafts at Spittelberg and art at Karlsplatz.
Prices: vienna.at Punsch test, Dec 2024 (cheapest – most expensive); 2026 prices may be higher
What a cup costschecked Dec 2024
Punsch, Rathausplatzcheapest – most expensive5–8.50 €
Glühwein, Rathausplatzmulled wine5–7.50 €
Punsch, Schönbrunn5–9.50 €
Punsch, Spittelberg4.80–8.80 €
Punsch, Am Hof4.50–6 €
Mug deposit: 5 € on Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn, Stephansplatz, Am Hof and the Prater; 4 € at Karlsplatz; 3 € at Spittelberg.
Punschhot fruit punch, with or without alcohol
Glühweinmulled red or white wine
Lebkuchen heartsiced gingerbread to hang up
Maroniroasted chestnuts
Potato pancakesfried on the griddle
Sausagesfrom the grill
What to buy, market by market
Freyungglass, cribs, ceramics
Spittelbergfair & organic crafts
Karlsplatzart, workshops
To taste it all with a local
Christmas Market Food and Drinks Tour
~4 h · four lesser-known markets · tastings and warm drinks · ★ 5.0 (14)
From125 €
Check availabilityHonest verdict
Is the Vienna Christmas market worth it?
Yes, the Vienna Christmas market is worth it if you go to more than one: Rathausplatz is grand but busy, and the smaller markets nearby are what make the evening. Entry is free everywhere. A guided tour is worth paying for if you have one evening and want three or four markets with tastings; on your own you can do the same route for the price of a few cups.
✓Book a tour if
- You have one evening and want three markets with stories and tastingsMarkets walk →
- You want to eat your way through lesser-known marketsFood tour →
- You would rather not walk in the cold — the bus covers Schönbrunn and its lightsBus tour →
✕Skip the tour if
- You are staying in the inner city: the route above is free and on foot
- You only want Rathausplatz — it needs no guide
- You are travelling with small children who want rides and the ice rink more than stories
4.1
★★★★☆
109 reviews on the most-booked Vienna Christmas market walk · GetYourGuide, Oct 2026
Raining and cold, but we had a good time anyway, The guide made it as pleasant for us all as possible considering the weather was not helping. Saw some great things went back the day after to go further when the weather was better. Great guide, did all she could for us over the whole walk. I had issues with a bad leg and it was not too much for me so just about anyone should enjoy the time.
Stuart · Dec 2023 · GetYourGuide
Christmas markets walk →
We really enjoyed this tour as we went to less crowded yet very interesting Christmas markets. We got to drink something warm yet festive to beat the cold. We also enjoyed both savory and sweet treats. We, likewise, appreciate the stories he shared about the food and the culture. Overall, we left the tour with a happy tummy and memorable moments with the rest of the tour group.
Karen · Jan 2025 · GetYourGuide
Food & drinks tour →
Interesting information, modern and historical details were explained well and in an easy-to-understand way. We could have lingered forever at the wonderful light shows in the Schönbrunn gardens, and there was also a huge Christmas market there. Unfortunately, the bus left after about 1 hour back to the starting point. We stayed and took the subway back. Recommended tour
Markus · Dec 2025 · GetYourGuide
Bus tour & Schönbrunn lights →Where to stay
Best area to stay near the Vienna Christmas market
Stay in the Innere Stadt (1st district) to walk to Rathausplatz, Freyung, Am Hof and Stephansplatz; near City Hall to be a few minutes from the main market; or by Schönbrunn if you come after Christmas, when the palace market is one of the few still open.
6 hotelsNear City Hall380–720 m from Rathausplatz
4 hotelsStephansplatzInner-city markets on foot
3 hotelsSchönbrunnFor the market open to 6 Jan
VotivPark Vienna Serviced Apartments
Near City Hall9.4 · 212 reviews
Serviced apartments with the highest guest score in this area.
Guest score9.4/10
Check rates
The Leo Grand
Stephansplatz9.5 · 133 reviews
A renovated historic building 210 m from St. Stephen’s.
Guest score9.5/10
Check rates
Hotel Wien Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn9.0 · 326 reviews
326 reviews; about 1 km from the palace market.
Guest score9.0/10
Check ratesFAQ
Vienna Christmas market FAQ
Short answers to what people ask most about the Vienna Christmas market in 2026 — dates, Christmas Day, January, prices and the mug deposit. Every answer is checked against the official dates for 2026.
When does the Vienna Christmas market start?
The main Vienna Christmas market on Rathausplatz starts on 13 November 2026. Schönbrunn and Stephansplatz open a week earlier, on 6 November, and most other markets open between 13 and 20 November. All opening dates →
When does the Vienna Christmas market end?
Rathausplatz ends on 26 December 2026. Most smaller markets — Spittelberg, Freyung, Am Hof, Karlsplatz — close on 23 December, Belvedere on 31 December, and Schönbrunn and the Prater winter market on 6 January 2027.
When is the Vienna Christmas market 2026?
From 13 November to 26 December 2026 on Rathausplatz, open every day 10:00–22:00 and on 24 December until 18:30. Counting all 13 main markets, the season runs from 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
Where is the Vienna Christmas market?
The main Vienna Christmas market is on Rathausplatz in the 1st district, in front of City Hall. Take the U2 to Rathaus or the tram 1, 71 or D to Rathausplatz/Burgtheater. The other markets are spread across the inner city, Schönbrunn, Belvedere and the Prater. See all 13 →
Where is the main Christmas market in Vienna?
The main Christmas market in Vienna is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, between City Hall and the Burgtheater, with the Eistraum ice rink in the Rathauspark next to it.
Does Vienna have a Christmas market?
Yes — the Vienna Tourist Board lists 13 main Christmas markets for 2026, from the big Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz to small neighbourhood markets like Türkenschanzpark. The first opens on 6 November and the last closes on 6 January.
Is the Vienna Christmas market good?
Yes, especially if you visit more than one. Rathausplatz is the grandest but busiest; Spittelberg, Freyung and Am Hof are smaller and more traditional. On GetYourGuide the most-booked market walk is rated 4.1 from 109 reviews, and the food tour 5.0 from 14. Compare tours →
Is the Vienna Christmas market open on Christmas Day?
Yes: Rathausplatz (10:00–22:00), Schönbrunn (10:00–19:00), Stephansplatz and Maria-Theresien-Platz (11:00–19:00) are open on 25 December. Spittelberg, Freyung, Am Hof and Karlsplatz have closed by then, on 23 December.
Is the Vienna Christmas market open in January?
Only two are: the Schönbrunn Christmas market and the Prater winter market on Riesenradplatz, both until 6 January 2027. Rathausplatz closes on 26 December, though its Eistraum ice rink runs until 6 January.
How much is a Punsch at the Vienna Christmas market?
In the 2024 price check by vienna.at, a Punsch on Rathausplatz cost 5 to 8.50 € and a Glühwein 5 to 7.50 €, plus a 5 € mug deposit. Expect similar or slightly higher prices in 2026.
Can you keep the mug at the Vienna Christmas market?
Yes. You pay a deposit of 3–5 € with your first drink, depending on the market; keep the mug as a souvenir or return it to any stall of the same market to get the deposit back.
Rathausplatz vs Schönbrunn: which Vienna Christmas market is better?
Rathausplatz is better for a first evening: it is central, bigger, open to 22:00 and next to the ice rink and the inner-city markets. Schönbrunn is better with children or after Christmas: the palace backdrop, a Ferris wheel and the Imperial Lights, and it stays open until 6 January. Schönbrunn options →
Is there an ice rink at the Vienna Christmas market?
Yes. The Eistraum ice rink covers about 3,000 m² in the Rathauspark next to the Rathausplatz market, open 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, daily 10:00–22:00 (24 December to 18:30, closed 31 December). Schönbrunn has its own rink too.
Is the Vienna Christmas market free to enter?
Yes, all 13 markets are free to enter. You pay for food, drinks, rides and the ice rink; tours and concert combinations are paid extras. See reviewed tours from 44 € →
Keep planning
Plan the rest of your Vienna Christmas market trip
Plan the rest of your Vienna Christmas market trip from here: compare the six guided tours side by side, pick a hotel within walking distance of Rathausplatz, check how to reach each market by U-Bahn, and see what a cup of Punsch costs.
13 Nov – 26 Dec 2026 · Rathausplatz
See Vienna’s markets before they close
Most small markets close on 23 December. Evening walks and inner-city hotels go first.