Vienna Christmas markets are extremely popular and often crowded, especially in the evenings and on weekends, with the main Rathausplatz market often becoming shoulder-to-shoulder. To avoid the heaviest crowds, visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Weekday evenings are generally moderate, while weekends are chaotic.
Weekends are always crowded toward the end of the day. And many locals meet up at a market after work, for example, to share a mug of punch. Ad: Just before sundown on a weekday evening is probably your best chance of combining the perfect atmosphere with room to enjoy it.
Yes, Vienna's Christmas markets are generally considered absolutely worth it, offering a magical, festive atmosphere with dazzling lights, delicious food (like sausages, chestnuts, and Glühwein), unique crafts, and attractions like ice skating, but be prepared for significant crowds, especially at popular spots like the Rathausplatz, with weekends being particularly busy. The sheer variety, beauty, and historic settings make them a top European holiday destination, though managing crowds by visiting on weekdays or earlier in the day helps.
How many days do you need in Vienna for Christmas markets?
At least 3, there's so much to do and see. We just did 9 cities for their Christmas markets and Vienna was by far the best one! In Vienna we only have 1 cathedral 😄 and around 30 markets. Probably 3 full days would a good choice.
5 Tourist Mistakes Everyone Makes at Vienna’s Christmas Markets (And How to Avoid Them)
Are Vienna Christmas markets cash only?
Cash is king at Christmas Markets in Austria and Germany (though credit cards are accepted more and more so don't be too worried) #christmasmarket #merrychristmas #christmasinaustria #christmasingermany.
1 in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index, Vienna frequently places as one of the world's top cities to live in. And while it's never explicitly called a 15- or 20-minute city, it nevertheless responds to the social, technological and ecological challenges that we all face.
The summers are both the hottest and wettest time of the year, with average temperatures of around 20°C and above. The mercury regularly drops below zero during the winter, but it stays dry – in fact, you're more likely to get snowed on. And Vienna looks even prettier with a coating of snow.
All you need to know for Christmas in Vienna 👇🏻 Weather and What to Wear. December in Vienna is cold, with temperatures from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F).
St Wolfgang is famed as Austria's advent town – the most festive place in the whole country. And that's some boast. Alongside Germany, Austria has some of the most popular Christmas markets in the world and Salzburg and Innsbruck are thought to be the most spectacular.
Is the Rhine or Danube better for Christmas markets?
The choice between Rhine and Danube Christmas markets depends on your preference for atmosphere: the Rhine offers a fairytale, cozy experience with castles and medieval towns (Cologne, Strasbourg), while the Danube provides grander, imperial city markets in major capitals (Vienna, Budapest, Prague) and a better chance for snow, with itineraries often giving more time in port. Rhine cruises focus on German/Alsatian charm and denser markets, whereas Danube cruises blend iconic cultural capitals with festive markets, often feeling more like a "real winter" holiday, though Rhine markets can be more crowded.
When I visited, the prices at Vienna Christmas markets were quite similar to what I've experienced in the UK. Food was around the £8 – £12 mark and mulled wine cost just under £5. The activities too, were reasonable, and there are plenty of areas to explore and take in for free!
The famous Vienna Magic of Advent market is mesmerising! Held on Rathausplatz, in front of the 19th-century City Hall, with more than 145 stalls, this postcard-perfect market provides an unbeatable backdrop for a spot of seasonal shopping. At night, trees are embellished with lights to create an enchanting woodland.
How late do Christmas markets stay open in Vienna?
All the big locations traditionally stay open until at least December 23rd. Expect several markets to continue through the Christmas public holiday period as well. One or two may even stay open until late December or early January, often in the form of a New Year market.
3 days in Vienna: This is ideal for discovering Vienna's essential attractions in more detail. You'll have more time for its museums and to soak in the city's atmosphere, perhaps sampling some famous coffee houses in Vienna's city center, or taking a guided tour.
In the summer, you can expect warm, pleasant weather across all of Austria. In the western part of the country, average daytime temperatures are typically in the high seventies, while things can heat up a little more in Vienna. However, June, July, and August are also the months with the most rainfall.
