If visiting the magical Austria Christmas Markets is on your bucket list destination, you are in the right place! You are about to discover the top most magical Christmas Markets in Austria to visit in 2023!
My first visit to Austria was during Christmas time, and it was so magical and one of the most incredible experiences of my life! I have learned that all Christmas Markets in Austria is unique. Some focus more on food, some on handcraft, some are great for families and kids, while some are a perfect destination for a romantic couple getaway.
In this article, you will find the top Christmas markets in Austria: Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, and Salzburg. Plus, this guide is packed with very helpful information on how to visit, where to stay, how to get there, and more.
All you have to do is to dive into this amazing list and fall in love with the culture in Austria and experience how the locals spend this special time of the year. Because of the uniqueness of the Christmas Markets in Austria, make sure you plan to visit a variety of Christmas Markets for a great delightful experience. So without further ado, let’s dive into this amazing list.
You might also be interested in:
- A complete guide to visiting Hallstatt
- A complete guide to visiting Salzburg + Best Christmas Markets
- A complete guide to visiting Innsbruck
Austria Christmas Markets Overview
Where are the Most Magical Austria Christmas Markets?
Each Christmas Market in Austria is so unique, so I recommend visiting at least a couple of different ones. I have listed the destinations that are easy to access and to travel between cities, and to give you the opportunity to visit the most magical Christmas Markets in Austria – also, called Advent markets in Austria.
Vienna Christmas Markets
In my opinion, Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities on the Planet! Visiting Vienna during Christmas time is even more magical.
Vienna offers more than 20 Christmas Markets around the city, all of them offering beautiful crafts, decorations, and amazing local food to try. During Christmas time in Vienna, you can also enjoy ice skating at Rathausplatz. You have the option to book a tour for only US$35 and do a 2.5-hour, small-group winter walking tour of the city
Innsbruck Christmas Markets
With 6 Christmas Markets and more than 200 stalls, Christmas time in Innsbruck is not only colorful and magical but also, very easy to walk around and visit the city and many Christmas Markets.
It is surrounded by the snowy Alps and it is a perfect fairy tale scenario when you visit the Christmas Markets. You can take the cable car up into the mountains for an amazing experience and views of the snow covering the roofs. You have the option to book a tour to visit Innsbruck Christmas Markets with a local guide.
Salzburg Christmas Markets
In Salzburg, you will find Christmas markets placed right outside many historic buildings. You can enjoy the markets, as you view the historical buildings, as when these two come together, they offer a completely magical experience. You can easily stroll under them while taking in history, and all the Christmas spirit. You also have the option to visit Salzburg Christmas Market on a day trip from Vienna.
Graz Christmas Markets
Graz is the second-largest city in Austria and it is located on the Southeastern side of the country. The city is very walkable and the most popular Christmas Markets are only within walking distance from each other. The Christmas Markets are magical, with the backdrop of the city’s Christmas lights which are lit daily from 4:30 pm until midnight.
How does Graz celebrate Christmas? How many Christmas markets are in Graz? Discover a wide variety of Styrian traditions and customs, which include a wide range of seasonal products, including the traditional GlĂĽhwein with this private tour.
The Best Christmas Market in Vienna
1. TOWN HALL CHRISTMAS MARKET – The largest Christmas Market in Vienna
| When | from November 19th – December 26th, 2022 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 10:00 to 9:30 PM | Fridays and Saturdays till 10:00 PM |
In central Vienna, right outside the Town Hall, you’ll find the biggest and quite possibly, the most beautiful Christmas market in Austria, the Chriskindlmarkt at Rathausplatz. Also known as the Vienna Christmas Dream, this market is the place to be if you want to experience a traditional Austrian Christmas market during the festive season.
At the entrance (where there’s no fee), you are greeted by an overhanging arch filled with gorgeous Christmas decorations. The Town Hall square is lined with nearly 150 booths selling everything from Christmas gifts to Christmas tree decorations and a wide variety of traditional Viennese food.
While you are wandering through the market, it’s best to admire all of the items at the booths while sipping on traditional Austrian GlĂĽhwein (mulled wine) and munching on some delicious roasted chestnuts – a real Austrian treat!
Not only is the market known for its fantastic booths, but adjacent to the market is the ice rink, located in the Rathauspark, another reason to visit this beautiful Christmas Market in Vienna!
The best way to get to the market is via public transport or walking. You can catch Tram 1, 72, or D, which stops right outside the market. With its enormous decorations and being located in the heart of Vienna, it’s easy to find! Or you can also book a very affordable tour, and visit the Christmas Market with a local guide.
The Hotel Stefanie is the oldest hotel in Vienna, with over 400 years old of history and a great location, only 250 feet from the GredlerstraĂźe Tram Stop.
This Vienna Christmas Markets Tour walking tour takes you to some of Vienna’s traditional Christmas Markets to see the magical holiday decorations and handicrafts that reflect the season. Also, while you are exploring Christmas in Viena, one of the traditions and a must-do is to go to St. Peter’s Church for the famous Christmas and New Year concert. It is recommended to book your ticket in advance.
2. BELVEDERE PALACE – The most impressive Austria Christmas Market
| When | from November 19th – December 26th, 2022 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 10:00 to 9:30 PM | Fridays and Saturdays till 10:00 PM |
The event at Belvedere Palace is one of the most, if not the most, impressive Christmas markets in Vienna. The whole palace lights up for the occasion, and it’s a joy to witness from every angle.
Not least from the Landstraßer Gürtel entrance where you’ll be wowed by the palace’s reflection in the decorative lake in front.
Each Christmas around 40 stalls are set up in front of the baroque palace, selling handcrafted toys, trinkets for your tree, beautifully scented candles, and authentic snow globes. Of course, there are huts selling plenty of punch to warm you up too, and typical Austrian treats to curb any hunger pangs.
There are often bands or singing groups providing entertainment in the evenings and if you arrive early enough, you can combine your visit with a look around the art museum that’s housed within the palace. This is a particularly romantic market for couples to enjoy, and one which doesn’t normally get as busy as Schönbrunn, or those in the city center.
Take tram line D from the city center, or take the metro U1 U-Bahn station SĂĽdtiroler Platz – Hauptbahnhof
Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere has a great location, this 4-star hotel offers a buffet breakfast, sauna, and indoor pool, and very high reviews from customers.
Don’t miss a tour of the Belvedere Palace and you buy your ticket in advance and skip the line and the crowds.
3. SCHONBRUNN PALACE – Royal Atmosphere Christmas Market in Vienna
| When | from November 19th – January 4th, 2023 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 10:00 to 9:00 PM |
The Christmas Market from the Schonbrunn Palace is without a doubt one of the most beautiful in Vienna. Each year, the courtyard from Schonbrunn Palace transforms into a magical land, with stands selling punch and mulled wine, traditional Austrian sweets, and delicious grilled sausages.
The focus of the market is on crafts and arts, so expect to find some beautiful, stylish artisanal pieces to take home with you. What makes this Christmas market special is the royal atmosphere of the Schonbrunn Palace.
It’s even better if you have watched the 1955 Sissi movie, the princess’s summer residence. For the Christmas market, all the decorations are carefully chosen to be silver and gold, which couldn’t be more royal, especially with the impressive palace as a backdrop. As it’s quite away from all the other Christmas Markets in Vienna, Schonbrunn is not as crowded as others.
Like all the main Christmas markets in Vienna, the one from the Schonbrunn Palace has its own mug design, which changes each year. You can take the mug home with you, as a souvenir, by not returning it and taking your deposit back.
You can easily reach the Schonbrunn Christmas market from the main train station in Vienna, by taking the Metro U4 U-Bahn station Schönbrunn. You can even walk if it’s not too cold.
Boutique Hotel Das Tigra is a family-run hotel that offers a very central location on a quiet street in the heart of Vienna, just a 10-minute walk away from Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. The Herrengasse Underground Station (line U3) is only a 3-minute walk from the hotel.
Even if you are visiting just for a few hours, you can still pretend and feel you are a princess here. Make sure if you are planning to visit the Schonbrunn Palace during Christmas time, you book your tour in advance and skip the lines and the crowds.
4. SPITTELBERT CHRISTMAS MARKET – A Smaller and cozy Christmas Market n Vienna
| When | from November 10th – December 23rd, 2022 |
| Opening Hours | Monday – Thursday from 2:00 PM-9:00 PM | Weekends from 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM |
If you love smaller, cozy Christmas markets, Vienna’s Spittelberg Christmas Market is for you. Spittelberg is a sweet and utterly charming little neighborhood that is located around the Museums Quartier. Even if you’re not visiting during the holiday season, it’s 100% worth it to wander around its adorable narrow streets and courtyards, which are filled with restaurants, bars, concept shops, and galleries.
The Christmas market winds its way through these streets and courtyards, which are beautifully decored with twinkling lights, making it feel a lot more intimate, cozy, and fun to explore.
Amongst the Spitterlberg Christmas Market’s stalls, you’ll find plenty of food and drinks like Christmas-inspired decorated cupcakes, unique homemade liquors, chocolates, and waffles.
Other stalls sell anything from soaps and candles to jewelry to clothing, so even though the market is small, there’s enough variety to keep you interested. Vienna hosts many big and impressive Christmas markets, but I’m certain that this one will steal your heart, and you definitely won’t regret adding it to your Vienna itinerary.
You can take Tram 49 (get off at Stiftgasse), buses 2A (to Stiftgasse), and 48A (to Sankt Ulrichs Platz), or the Subway’s U3 (get off at Volkstheater).
The NH Collection Wien Zentrum is a nearly renovated hotel, located on Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s biggest shopping street, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the city center can be reached underground in about 8 minutes. If you are driving, they offer a private parking garage and it is a great option in Viena.
You can book in advance a Vienna Christmas Market tour and visit the best markets with a local guide.
The Best Christmas Market in Innsbruck
5. HALL IN TYROL CHRISTMAS MARKETS – The family magical Christmas Market in Austria
| When | from 25 November – 24 December 2022 |
| Opening Hours | Monday – Friday: 3 pm – 8 pm | Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm | Sunday: 1 pm – 9 pm |
The Christmas market in Hall in Tirol is one of the best Christmas markets in Austria if you’re looking for a traditional medieval setting. Surrounded by centuries-old buildings and narrow cobbled lanes, this market is small and intimate compared to big city markets.
No wonder it’s a favorite among the locals to spend enjoyable evenings drinking, eating, and shopping away from the bigger tourist crowds in nearby Innsbruck. The Hall Christmas market usually opens on the 2nd last Friday of November and remains open daily until 24 December.
What makes this market special is the numbers of the Advent calendar on the buildings around the upper town square. They disappear one by one as Christmas day approaches.
If you’re at the market in Hall in Tirol around 18:00 every evening, you’ll hear trumpeters play traditional Christmas melodies. Make sure to get a mug of hot Glühwein to sip on while you listen. Afterward, treat yourself to a Kiachl (fried dough with a filling), some Käsespätzle (Austria’s version of macaroni and cheese), or roasted nuts.
The stalls selling unique local arts and crafts are the perfect place to do Christmas shopping for loved ones back home. And if you have small kids, they’ll enjoy the petting zoo or camel rides.
Hall in Tirol is a medieval town about 10 km from the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. The Christmas market is easily reached by bus. Arriving by train is also possible, but requires a 15 to 20-minute walk to get to the old town. You have the option to book a tour with a local guide to visit the Innsbruck Christmas Market.
The Altstadthotel WeiĂźes Kreuz is centrally located in the pedestrian area in the historic heart of Innsbruck, this traditional historical hotel has been built in 1465 and entirely renovated in 2020. Note that they are located in the pedestrian zone and don’t have parking at the hotel.
You have the option to book a tour with a local guide to visit the Innsbruck Christmas Market.
6. SEEFELD CHRISTMAS MARKET – A charming Christmas Market in Austria
| When | from November 25th to January 6th, 2023 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 14:00 to 21:00 |
The Seefeld Christmas Market is one of 9 Christmas markets in Tyrol, Austria that carry a seal of approval for their authenticity and product quality. This cozy market next to the village church in the center of Seefeld in Tirol is attracting more visitors every year.
The train station that brings visitors from Innsbruck and Garmisch Partenkirchen is just a few minutes walk away. Seefeld is on a sunny plateau which makes it a beloved holiday region in winter and summer.
But when the sun goes down, the welcoming lights of the Christmas market turn the village into a romantic festive wonderland. The smell of roasted chestnut, steaming mugs of GlĂĽhwein, and other traditional Christmas delicacies fill the air.
There are fires to provide warmth and local choirs and theatre groups provide soulful entertainment. The Seefeld Christmas Market is open daily from the end of November to the beginning of January. Seasonal highlights include visits by St Nikolaus and some devil-like Krampusse at the beginning of December, as well as advent singing in mid-December.
From Innsbruck, you can reach the train station in Seefeld, directly adjacent to the pedestrian zone Seefeld, in about 35 minutes.
The family-run Hotel Maximilian is located in the heart of Innsbruck’s Old Town, next to a pedestrian zone, offering air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi.
7. MARKET MARIA-THERESIEN STRAĂźE – Christmas Market with picturesque mountain views
| When | from 25 November 2022 to 6 January 2023 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 11 am – 9 pm, 24 December 11 am – 3 pm:00 to 21:00 |
Innsbruck has amazing things to do, and it is one of the most popular destinations in Austria for winter sports enthusiasts, and also, a great place for visiting the Christmas Markets. The Christmas market in Innsbruck opens as part of the mountain Christmas from mid-November in 6 different locations in the city, and one of the best markets to visit is the Maria-Theresien-StraĂźe Christmas Market.
It is surrounded by a sparkling sea of modern Christmas lights. A special eye-catcher is the illuminated mountain crystal that towers up above the market and watches over the stalls, lined by trees covered in tiny, sparkling lights, and is home to approx. 30 market stalls that offer winter cuisine and gift ideas.
Innsbruck is a picturesque city situated on the river Inn, right at the foot of imposing mountain peaks. The Nordketten cable car takes you comfortably from the city center to lofty heights of over 2,200 meters. You can also stroll through the cozy alleys and let yourself be enchanted by the delicious smells of Christmas delicacies. Every evening there is live Christmas music here.
It is easy to access by public transportation, with options to take subway lines, light rail, or public buses. The closest station is Schottentor is 65 meters away or a 1 min walk.
The Nala Individuellhotel is located in the center of Innsbruck, with a terrace that overlooks the surrounding mountains, a 24-hour reception, and a bicycle rental, and their breakfast is exceptional!
You can go on a tour with a local guide and explore the Magical Christmas in Innsbruck with this amazing Magical Christmas Tour – Witness Innsbruck at a special time of year that brings magic to the city. Visit Christmas markets, admire iconic sights, and learn more about the city’s festive traditions.
The Best Christmas Market in Salzburg
8. SALZBURG’S CHRISTMAS MARKET IN THE CITY CENTER – A Christmas Market in the city of Mozart
| When | from November 217th – January 1st, 2023 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM | Weekend from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
Home to Mozart and “The Sound of Music”; named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing preserved baroque architecture and unique blend of German and Italian influence, Salzburg is a perfect winter destination in Europe.
The Christkindlmarkt am Domplatz is the largest and most famous Christmas Market in Salzburg and has been held at Cathedral Square since 1974.
This famous Christmas Market draws countless visitors from all over the world every Christmas season and is also very popular with the locals. The traditional huts blend to create a unique atmosphere, along with special lighting that stretches above the market like romantic stars across the night sky.
The organizers have also ensured that visitors are treated to a colorful daily events program that includes readings of Christmas stories for children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts, visits by the “Christ Child”, and festive melodies performed from the surrounding towers, and so much more.
The Cathedral is located in the center of the town so it is impossible to miss it, and it is the largest Christmas Market in Salzburg. You also have the option to visit the Salzburg Christmas Market on a day trip from Vienna.
You can enjoy a central location in close proximity to many of the famous landmarks and sights of Salzburg when you stay at the Imaluer Hotel Pitter. Recently renovated, the hotel offers a panoramic view over the city and its surrounding from the IMLAUER Sky – Bar & Restaurant.
If you are planning to visit Salzburg during Christmas time, I recommend buying the Salzburg Card for free admission on free rides, to skip the lines and avoid the crowds
9. HOHENSALZBURG FORTRESS COURTYARD – Magical Christmas Market in the Castle
| When | from 25 November 2022 to 18 January 2023 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
The Hohensalzburg Fortress Christmas Market in Salzburg is under the linden trees in the castle courtyard and is not only the highest Salzburg Christmas Market but also one of the most atmospheric.
The Hohensalzburg fortress was built in 1077, and it was one of Europe’s largest castles at that time, and it is actually the largest preserved castle in central Europe. This fortress was built to protect the archbishops and the principality from any possible attacks.
Lit by traditional Herrnhuter stars, the quaint courtyard is a merry place to shop for local crafts and listen to live music. A free, supervised children’s workshop in the “Children’s Hödlmoser atelier” features Christmas music, cookie-baking, arts and crafts, and provides entertainment from 2.00 to 5.00 p.m
The stalls offer a fine selection of Salzburg delicacies, local handicrafts, and gift ideas. In this market, you can find local arts and crafts, very charming gifts, and a great lively social interaction, besides great views of the city.
You will either take a steep but scenic hike or a funicular to get to the market. The view over the city is worth the climb. Buy a ticket to tour the fortress while you’re there, or get a free ticket to spend time at the market and enjoy the castle grounds – If you are interested in a day trip from Vienna to visit the Salzburg Christmas Market, it is a great option to book this tour.
Rated as wonderful by the guests, the Villa Flöckner is located less than 0.6 mi from Mirabell Palace, close to Hohensalzburg Fortress, Getreidegasse, and Mozart’s Birthplace. Private parking is available on-site.
I also recommend booking in advance your ticket to visit the Hohensazlburg fortress, as it is a place you don’t want to miss during your visit to Salzburg. Also, the Silent Night Oberndorf Christmas Eve Tour from Salzburg is an amazing tour to enjoy the festive Christmas Eve celebrations in the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, near Salzburg. It was here the now world-famous song was first sung. Drink your fill of the magical atmosphere, among the snow-covered foothills of the Alps.
The Best Chrismas Market in Graz
10. AUSTEIRERN MARKET GRAZ – The coolest Austria Christmas Market
| When | from November 18th to December 18th, 2022 |
| Opening Hours | Friday 12 PM – 9 PM | Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM | Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM |
Located in a former castle moat called “Kasematten” on top of the Schlossberg hill you can find the “Aufsteirern” Christmas market in Graz.
In summer mostly used as an open-air stage, this place turns into a festively decorated living room for Christmas. Both, its special location and unique ambiance make this Christmas market one of the coolest ones in Austria!
Once at the Christmas market, don’t miss out on the delicious and fruity mulled wine. The prices are a bit more expensive than anywhere else in the city, but at least it’s served in the cutest mugs ever! If you get hungry, head to one of the many food stalls offering typical, hearty Austrian dishes.
Most of them are very meat-heavy but don’t worry if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Fries and baked potatoes are usually available to buy as well. Besides the mulled wine and food stalls, you can also find locals selling handmade crafts such as decoration, jewelry, and other nice stuff.
So, take your time and don’t rush through this market. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on the most beautiful souvenirs to buy!
Getting to the market alone is a real adventure already. If you’re fit enough, you can either climb up some steep stairs or follow the road up on the backside of the hill. A more convenient way is to take the Schlossberg funicular. As soon as you’re on top of the Schlossberg simply follow the signs saying “Aufsteirern”. You also have the option to visit the main Christmas Markets in Graz with a private local guide.
Decorated with antiquities and works of art, the Schlossberghotel is a great option because it is located at a central location directly at the foot of the Schlossberg in the historic city center of Graz, and it is rated as excellent by the guests.
If you are planning to visit Graz during Christmas time and want to take a private 2 hours Christmas Market tour, I recommend booking in advance and enjoying the magical markets.
Austria Christmas Market Conclusion
Christmas time in Austria is magic! The beauty of the country gets even more complete when you get to see some of the best Christmas markets in Austria and discover the sights, sounds, tastes, and traditions, attracting millions of visitors every season.
There are amazing things to do in Austria during wintertime you are planning to spend Christmas in Austria, you will be amazed to find out all the amazing things to do in Austria in winter. From museums to all the festive Christmas decorations to the amazing enchanting Christmas markets in Vienna.
Each Christmas Market in Austria is so unique, so I recommend visiting at least a couple of different ones, and don’t forget to try some of the traditional food and drinks such as the fried sausages and goulash soup and to have a mug (or a couple) of GlĂĽhwein.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the 10 Most Magical Christmas Markets in Austria, and if you have any questions, just leave me a comment below.
You may also enjoy reading:
- 10 Best Things to do in Innsbruck
- Winter guide to Salzburg and Christmas Market
- Ultimate Hallstatt Winter Guide
- How to explore Brussels, Belgium in 1-day
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Love all those Chrismas markets. I have been last year in Austria around Xmas time and I loved it. All the markets are super cute and you can fell the lovely atmosphere and the vibes.
This post had me sighing all the time- what lovely vistas and look at all those gorgeous stuff to buy. Love love love this post and all of your contributors have done such a fab job of bringing the Christmas market alive for me 🙂
I have only been to Innsbruck in Austria and it was right after Christmas, so there weren’t any of the markets open, but I would love to return and explore more of Austria (especially Vienna) during Christmas.
I’m from Austria and I’ve been to some of the Christmas markets you mention here but there are still some missing. Hope I get the chance to visit them in the future!
These Christmas markets look so good! I loved visiting Vienna but really want to go back during the holiday season. Salzburg looks magical at Christmas.
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed this Krista. Austria is magical any time of the year, but I think that during holidays it is even more incredible.
Awesome to hear you are from Austria Maria, how lucky you are. Austria is hands down one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited.
You are absolutely right Alessia, we can get lost in the Christmas Markets for days and still fall in love with them all.
I know right? ha ha…it is dangerous to not want to buy everything. I had to control myself for all the days I was visiting the Christmas Markets.
Hi Elina, oh you will love Vienna during Christmas time – Vienna is gorgeous always, but during Christmas time it is just magical