Christmas Markets in Vienna

Vienna's Christmas markets are truly an age-old tradition. The forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages. When, in 1298, Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or Krippenmarkt. Since then, the character and prevalence of these markets has changed considerably. Last year there were approximately 21 official Advent markets in Vienna selling a vast array of Christmas gifts and mouth watering treats.

Magic of Advent in the Rathauspark
Find a traditional Christmas market and festively illuminated trees in the Rathauspark. Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, gingerbread hearts, roast chestnuts, baked potatoes, candied fruits and aromatic berry laden punch are on sale at some 150 stalls. Inside City Hall, children can craft their own Christmas gifts out of clay, paper and glass at the workshop in the Great Hall, or bake cookies and vanilla crescents.
Where: Rathauspark, on the square in front of the City Hall
When: 14 November - 24 December 2009
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 09:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., 24 December 10:00 a.m. - 06:00 p.m.
www.christkindlmarkt.at

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
Explore baroque lifestyle and traditional handicrafts. The popular Christmas Village is set against the glorious baroque backdrop of the world-famous Belvedere palace, one of Vienna‘s most beautiful and significant sights. More than 40 festively decorated market stalls offer traditional handcrafted goods, elaborate Christmas decorations and special culinary delights.
Where: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße
When: 20 November - 23 December 2009
Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 a.m. - 09:00 p.m.
www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz
Experience impressive Viennese buildings and traditional Christmas customs at the Maria-Theresien Platz this winter. The Christmas Village in the heart of Vienna opens its doors this year for the 4th time amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna‘s majestic Ringstrasse. The Christmas atmosphere is provided by festively decorated market stalls as well as a vast array of culinary delights
Where: Maria-Theresien Platz
When: 18 November - 23 December 2009
Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., 24 December 11:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m.,
www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Christmas Village Altes AKH
The Christmas Village at Vienna's former General Hospital ("Altes AKH") will enchant the visitor with its traditional Viennese cosy atmosphere. The lovingly designed and decorated market stalls located on the many narrow alleyways offer an array of beautiful Christmas gifts as well as distinctive and mulled wine.
Where: Universitätscampus, Alserstrasse
When: 14 November - 23 December 2009
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 02:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Sunday & Holidays: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.,
www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace
Approximately 60 exhibitors present handicrafts and original gifts such as hand-made Christmas decorations, mangers or objects made of natural materials are available for visitors to admire and make purchases from. The fragrance of fresh Christmas cakes and biscuits and hot punch also contributes to the atmosphere and feeling of Christmas.
Where: Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace
When: 21 November - 26 December 2009
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., 24 December: 10:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m., 25 & 26 December: 10:00 a.m. - 06:00 p.m.,
www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at

Christkindlmarkt Spittelberg
Spittelberg is a revitalized heritage district from the Biedermeier period with narrow side streets. At the Christmas market you can find objects d'art, ceramics, warm pullovers, rugs and jewellery made of silver, enamel and brass.
Where: Spittelberg, behind the Volkstheater
When: 15 November - 23 December 2009
Opening Hours: tba
www.spittelberg.at

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt
The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is located against the backdrop of numerous palaces in the Freyung district of the Old Town. The goods on offer cover everything from hand-decorated Christmas tree candles to traditional basket ware
Where: Freyung, Schottengasse
When: 21 November - 23 December 2009
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
www.altwiener-markt.at

Divina Art Christmas Market on Karlsplatz
This market unites more than 60 craftsmen and women from mid Europe presenting their unique work. Besides the market the visitors can discover the convergence of town and countryside, children and adults, art and culture. Spectacular fire shows, an intelligent yet hearty programme for children, the best live music, daily poetry readings and much more will be offered.
Where: in front of the Karlskirche, at Karlsplatz
When: 21 November - 23 December 2009
Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
www.divinaart.at

Ice Palace at MQ
An Ice Palace is specially constructed at the MuseumsQuartier for winter at the MQ. Try out quite unusual punch specialties or extravagant delicacies accompanied by a variety of activities like curling, fun activities for the kids, winter sounds with DJs and video projections.
Where: MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz
When: 12 November - 23 December 2009
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 04:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 02:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
www.mqw.at