We love the Christmas season and getting the chance to cruise on the Danube River was a must do for us! This is a Christmas experience that rarely exists in North America.
Vienna is one of the most amazing ports of call to experience the magic of Christmas. Vienna has nearly a dozen different markets most clustered around the famous Ringstrasse that is in the cities center.
Overview and History of the Christmas Market:
The precursor to the Christmas markets is thought to be Vienna’s Dezembermarkt (December Market), dating back to around 1296.
Emperor Albrecht I granted shopkeepers the rights to hold a market for a day or two in early winter so that townspeople could stock up on supplies to last through the cold months.
Today Vienna has over 20 different markets to explore. Travelers come all over the world come to experience the magic of Christmas.
How to Get to Vienna from your cruise ship:
Vienna is along the Danube River even if your ship is docked near the main area, it is a 3-4 mile walk into town.
The cruise line usually provides a shuttle service, or you can also take advantage of the included tour to see the heart of the city.
That’s what we did then after the tour we stayed behind and explored on our own and caught a taxi back to the ship.
If you prefer to be on your own, you can simply have the front desk order you a taxi.
Pro Tip: The staff will give you a local number to call (in case you get lost), make sure to take this information with you. Your tour director is very familiar with each destination and they will know where to find you and how to guide you back to the ship.
Christmas in Vienna:
Our goal on this cruise was to experience all thing Christmas but we also knew that Vienna is one of the most historical and beautiful cities in the world.
It is filled with museums, Baroque castles and gardens, magnificent architecture and awe-inspiring monuments. You will find yourself whisked away in the magic of Vienna.
Christmas Markets to Explore in Vienna:
1. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, Freyung
- Address: 1010 Vienna
- Dates: Nov 16-Dec 23, 2020
- Hours: 10:00 am- 9:00 pm
This market is located in the heart of the city, it is one of the smaller markets and is a little quieter that some of the bigger markets.
It is tucked away between the surrounding palaces with narrow aisles giving a traditional feel in a jolly atmosphere. If you visit in the evening you will find Christmas Carolers accompanied by violin and bugle players.
This is a great market to find food or drinks to take home with you, such as honey, chocolate, spices, Schnapps or many handmade decorations.
It won’t take you long to explore it, but it is totally worth visiting!
Pro Tip: Purchase your Mulled wine (Gluhwein) in a souvenir mug. After you are done with your drink you can return it for a refund, or you can take it home as a souvenir. Each market has their own unique mug.
2. Spittelberg Christmas Market
- Address: 1070 Vienna
- Dates: Nov 13- Dec 23, 2020
- Hours: 2pm to 9pm (Mon-Thurs)
- 2pm to 9.30pm (Fri)
- 10am to 9.30pm (Sat)
- 10am to 9pm (Sun and public holidays)
During the 1980’s, this area was set for demolishment to make way for new construction but intervention by activists and politicians brought renovation and then rejuvenation to the area.
A thriving collection of bars, restaurants, and shops has since sparked Spittelberg to life, and the Christmas market is a symbol of this success.
Unlike other Christmas markets, which are in wide areas, the Spittelberg Christmas Market winds its way through narrow streets, alleyways and courtyards. The Christmas market is flanked by lighted doorways that lead into galleries, craft shops, or busy bars.
This layout gives the market a particularly cozy feel, a sense that the stands are embedded in the life of the area. It also means it can get absolutely jam-packed at peak times.
It is one of the best Christmas Markets in Vienna, with a romantic atmosphere, and you will find many handmade crafts and gifts from local artists.
Pro Tip: Bring local cash, some stands accept credit cards, but many only take cash.
3. Schloss Schönbrunn
- Address: 1130 Vienna
- Dates: Nov 21- Jan 3, 2020 23 10:00 am- 9:00 pm
- Dec 24- 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
- Dec 25- Jan 3- 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Schloss Schonbrunn Christmas Market is very elegant with the Palace as its background. It is beautiful with a magical scenery and a Christmas tree that will completely mesmerize you!
This market is filled with handmade Christmas decorations and gifts made using natural materials.
You will find decorations for the house, unique gifts and sip on mulled wine as you listen to live Christmas music.
4. Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz
- Address: 1010 Vienna
- Dates: Nov 15- Dec 26, 2020
- Hours: Sun 10:00 am- 9:30 pm
- Fri- Sat 10:00 am- 10:00 pm
- Christmas Eve, Dec 24- 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz market is considered one of the liveliest markets in Vienna. It will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit! It is Vienna’s largest Christmas market with over 150 booths with all sorts of Christmas delights to choose from.
You will find a wide range of Christmas decorations and gifts as well as delicious cuisine. Enjoy mulled wine and hot chestnuts as you browse through the stalls looking for the perfect gift to bring home.
Pro Tip: The “Vienna Magic of Advent” event in the adjoining Rathausplatz is something you shouldn’t miss.
5. Weihnachtsmarkt Karlsplatz
- Address: Karlsplatz and Resselpark
- Date: Nov 20- Dec 23, 2020
- Daily: 12:00 pm- 8:00 pm
This market has more that 70 booths from local craftsmen and artisans. If you love real handcrafts and handmade gifts that this is definitely a great choice.
You’ll find ceramics, Christmas decorations, wooden toys, woolen sweaters and blankets, jewelry and much more.
You’ll also enjoy live music as well as fire shows on a regular basis. You can hear anything from Christmas carolers to harp solos as you make your way through the booths.
You’ll find gingerbread and cookies fresh from the oven and, of course, hot chestnuts to snack on.
Pro Tip: For a culinary delight try Schupfnudeln (German potato noodles)
6. Christmas Village, Altes AKH
- Address: 1090 Vienna
- Dates: Nov 13- Dec 23, 2020
- Hours: Mon- Wed: 2:00- 10:00 pm
- Thurs- Fri: 2:00- 11:00 pm
- Sat: 11:00 am- 11:00 pm
- Sun: 11:00 am- 9:00 pm
This Christmas market is on the University campus of the old Vienna Hospital. You will find local craftsmen and their work. Artisans from Vienna come and demonstrate their work.
Watch as candle makers, blacksmiths and artists create their masterpieces.
You can also try out your skill for ice skating where you will find an ice-skating rink. There are also several children activities to keep the young entertained.
A live show by Punch and Judy on Saturdays along with a choo choo train and a merry go round will keep the Christmas spirit alive!
Must Try Foods at the Christmas Markets:
Make sure to try some of the Christmas goodies while you are there! There is so many to choose from.
Some of our must tries are, Roasted Chestnuts, Kaisekrainer (sausage with cheddar in the center), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Schaumbecher (Ice cream cone topped with marshmallow foam).
Also, don’t forget the mulled wine (glühwein). You will find both red and white mulled wine. While red is the most popular, we actually preferred the white. Let us know which one you like best!
No matter which Christmas market you attend, all are magical and will get you in the mood for Christmas. There are so many Christmas markets around the world. We will definitely be cruising for the Christmas season again!
How about you? Have you been to some of the Christmas markets in Vienna? What was your favorite Christmas delicacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.