Christmas Markets in Vienna

The Christmas Markets in Vienna truly are 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: 17th November - 24th December 2012
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 09:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., 24th 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: 23th November - 23rd December 2012
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 09:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 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, located between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art. The Christmas atmosphere is provided by festively decorated market stalls, as well as a vast array of culinary delights
Where: Maria-Theresien Platz
When: 21st November - 24th December 2012
Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., 24th December: 10:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m.
www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Christmas Village at the University Campus
The Christmas Village at Vienna's former General Hospital ("Altes AKH") will enchant the visitor with its traditional Viennese atmosphere. The lovingly designed and decorated market stalls located on the many narrow alleyways offer beautiful Christmas gifts as well as delicious mulled wine.
Where: Universitätscampus, Alserstrasse
When: 17th November - 23rd December 2012
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 02:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday & Holidays: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
www.weihnachtsdorf.at

Art and Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace
Approximately 60 exhibitors present handicrafts and original gifts such as hand-made Christmas decorations and nativity sets for visitors to admire and purchase. The fragrance of fresh Christmas cakes, biscuits and hot punch also contributes to the Christmas atmosphere.
Where: Parade Court, in front of Schönbrunn Palace
When: 24th November - 26th December 2012
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 09:00 p.m., 24th December: 10:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m., 25th December 2012 - 1st January 2013: 10:00 a.m. - 06:00 p.m.
www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at

Christmas Market 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: 15th November - 23rd December 2012
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 02:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m., Friday: 02:00 p.m. - 09:30 p.m., Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 09:30 p.m., Sunday & Holiday: 10:00 a.m. - 09.00 p.m.
www.spittelberg.at

Old-Style Viennese Christmas Market
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: 23rd November - 23rd December 2012
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 09:00 p.m.
www.wien.info

Divina Art Christmas Market on Karlsplatz
This market unites more than 60 craftsmen and women from 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 is offered.
Where: In front of the Karlskirche, Karlsplatz
When: 23rd November - 23rd December 2012
www.divinaart.at (German only)

Ice Pavilions at the MuseumsQuartier
The Ice Pavilions are specially constructed at the MuseumsQuartier for winter. Try out unusual punch specialties or extravagant delicacies, accompanied by a variety of activities such as curling, entertainment for the kids, DJ winter club nights and video projections.
Where: MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz
Opening Hours: 10th November - 23rd December 2012, Monday - Friday: 04:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 02:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
www.mqw.at