What is the oldest Christmas market in Vienna?

The oldest Christmas market in Vienna is the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt (Old Viennese Christmas Market) located on the Freyung square. It dates back to 1772 (with some roots to 1626) and focuses on traditional crafts, glass decorations, and nativity scenes.

Which is the most famous Christmas market in Vienna?

Viennese Christmas Dream on City Hall Square

With over 100 stalls, the Christmas market in front of the Town Hall is not only the largest, but also the oldest Christmas market in Vienna. The many different market stalls provide visitors with all kinds of delicacies, great gift ideas and a festive flair.

When was the first Christmas market in Vienna?

Vienna's first recorded Christmas market dates to 1298, when Albrecht I granted citizens the right to hold a December fair.

Which Christmas market is Austria's oldest?

Its unique location in the heart of Salzburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the traditional market stands and its long history make it one of the oldest and most beautiful Advent markets in the world. The origins of the famous Salzburg Christmas market go all the way back to the late 15th century.

What is the oldest Christmas market?

Some notable mentions of these winter markets are those in Munich in 1310, Bautzen in 1384, and Frankfurt in 1393. However, it was Dresden's Striezelmarkt, first held in 1434, which is widely considered to be the first genuine Christmas Market.

Vienna Christmas Market - The Earliest Christmas Market in Europe

What is the most famous Christmas market in the world?

Dresden, Germany

There are actually eleven different Christmas markets sprinkled throughout this festive city, but the Striezelmarkt is by far the largest and most famous.

What is the oldest market in Europe?

Since 1561, the La Batte Market has been the beating heart of Liège every Sunday without fail. This Belgian institution attracts millions of visitors to its colourful stalls, in a delightfully animated atmosphere.

What is the most famous market in Vienna?

The Vienna Naschmarkt. Vienna's most famous market serves up a vibrant culinary lineup with around 120 stalls, a market hall and numerous eateries. The selection ranges from Viennese to Indian and from Vietnamese to Italian. The Naschmarkt has developed into a meeting point for young and old.

Where is Europe's oldest Christmas market?

Since 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas Market has been turning the city into a winter wonderland. With its four centuries of tradition, it's the oldest Christmas market in France, and one of the oldest in Europe!

What is the most Christmassy town in Austria?

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.

What is the name of the famous Christmas market in front of Vienna City Hall?

Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz. Austria has plenty of Christmas markets. But the most famous is on Vienna's Rathausplatz: the square in front of the town hall. This Christkindlmarkt is the centrepiece of the Viennese Christmas experience…

Will it snow in Vienna in December 2025?

I went through the recent 25+ years of December records for the main Vienna weather station and combined them with my own experiences. Here's the deal: It snowed on Christmas Eve in 1996, 2012 and 2025. It snowed on Christmas Day in 2007 and 2021.

What is the best Christmas market in Europe?

Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe​? You'll find some of the most magical markets in Brussels, Bruges, Cologne, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, Aachen, and Lille — all easily reached with Eurostar.

Which Christmas market is best in Austria?

The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna exudes the finest imperial flair. In front of the festive illumination of the imperial palace, everything the Christmas heart desires is offered, from traditional handicrafts like wood carvings to nostalgic toys and charming decorative items.

What is famous to buy in Vienna?

Popular items to buy in Vienna include Mozartkugeln (chocolate pralines), Sachertorte (famous chocolate cake), and Austrian wines. Traditional Viennese porcelain, Gustav Klimt-inspired souvenirs, and handmade crystal glassware also make great gifts.

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.
 

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market in the world?

CNN named Rathausplatz the most beautiful Christmas market in the world for 2025, and honestly? They got it right. After visiting 100+ Christmas markets across Europe, I can tell you exactly why this one earned the title: ✨ That 200-heart LED tree that makes everyone stop and stare.

What is the most Christmassy town in Europe?

1. Berlin, Germany. It's official – Berlin takes first prize as the most festive city to celebrate the holidays in Europe. This city is no stranger to Christmas markets, with the city's first Christmas market dating back to 1530.

Which is the oldest Christmas market in the world?

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the first genuine Christmas markets in the world. Founded as a one-day market in 1434, it celebrated its 590th anniversary in 2024. Its 240 stands attract about 3 million visitors from all over the world.

Which is the best Vienna Christmas market?

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.

What is the oldest market in Vienna?

In 1223 the market place which is considered to be Vienna's oldest market is referred to as forum altum. Documents from the year 1282 indicate that the city's fish market was held at the location of Hoher Markt.

What is the number one thing to see in Vienna?

Top 10 Things to See in Vienna

• Staatsoper – State Opera House. ...
• Schönbrunn Palace. ...
• Tiergarten Schönbrunn – Vienna Zoo. ...
• Naschmarkt. ...
• Kunsthistorisches Museum – Museum of Fine Arts. ...
• Stephansdom – St. ...
• The Prater Amusement Park. ...
• The Sisi Museum.

Where is the earliest Christmas market in Europe?

Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and one of the first true Christmas markets; earlier markets of the season were "December markets". Early mentions of these "December markets" can be found in Vienna (1298), Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384), and Frankfurt (1393).

Which European city hosts one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets?

Strasbourg has been holding Christkindelsmärik around its cathedral since 1570, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.