The Christmas season is nearly upon us, with jingle bells a-jingling as the smells of punch and Lebkuchen slowly fill the air. For the Viennese, advent can mean only one thing – going to the Christmas markets, which are re-opening in 2021 after a two-year break. The Christmas markets in Vienna are set to open this Friday, November 12.
COVID-19 Measures
As daily infection rates continue to climb, city representatives and market operators have decided to tighten COVID-19 measures. Unlike previous years, most markets will only be accessible through designated points of entry.
Visitors will have to comply with the “2-G rule” and provide either a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery. PCR-Tests will no longer be accepted for adults. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 will require a negative PCR-Test (or proof of vaccination). Once inside, guests will be able to explore the market without any restrictions and can sit down to enjoy their Glühwein at one of the many restaurants and bars.
While most markets will check documents at the entrance, others, like the Christmas market in Resselpark, will only restrict access to specially designated punch and food areas. If government-imposed measures change at any point, the organizers have pledged to apply the changes seamlessly, without closing the market.
Die Qual der Wahl (The Agony of Choosing)
Metropolitans who arrived in Vienna during the pandemic may not know where to best sip on Jägertee (tea with a shot of rum) or nibble on Bauernkrapfen (fried, flat dough served with a dollop of jam) – which is why we’ve put together this helpful list of the Vienna’s most storied Christmas markets. Of course, you can always just visit all of them, which some would say is the most viable way to find your personal favorites.
Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz
Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
November 12 – December 26, 2021
Opening hours:
Sun -Thu 11:00 – 21:30; Fri – Sat 11:00 – 22:00
December 24: 11:00 – 19:00; December 25 & 26: 11:00 – 21:30
The biggest Christmas market in Vienna and perhaps one of the most beautiful in Europe has something for everyone – with a focus on some things. Over 155 wooden huts sell visitors everything from sparkly Christmas decorations to handmade toys and of course plenty of food and drinks.
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
November 17 – December 26, 2021
Opening hours:
Su-Th 11:00 – 21:00, Fr & Sa 11:00 – 21:30
December 24, 11:00 – 16:00
December 25+26, 11:00 – 19:00
Nestled in between the Art History and Natural History Museums, this cosy market offers handmade art, Glühwein and Punsch and has been beloved for its unique location by museum-goers for years. Visiting one of the museums beforehand is not a requirement, even if capping a cultural experience with a hot glass of punch is a quintessential Viennese experience.
Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Vienna
November 20 – December 26, 2021
Opening hours:
Daily from 10:00 – 21:00
December 24, 10:00 – 16:00, December 25+26, 10:00 – 18:00
© Wien Tourismus / Christian Stemper
The famously butter-colored summer residence of the Habsburgs offers a historical backdrop to this classic Christmas market experience. The beautifully decorated wooden huts set up in front of Schönbrunn palace recall a bygone era of splendor and majesty. Back in the present, visitors can enjoy a traditional Austrian Kaiserschmarren or enjoy some music at one of the many concerts offered at the palace.
Christmas Market in Resselpark
Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna
November 19 – December 23, 2021
Opening hours
Daily from 12:00 – 20:00, food until 21:00
You can find this unique market, also known under the name “Art Advent”, tucked away between the famous baroque giant, Karlskirche, and the Resselpark. This market is known to many as THE place to get pieces made by local artisans during the holiday season – also available in this online shop. Apart from a great selection of handicrafts spread across more than 85 stands, visitors can look forward to live concerts, fire dancers and street theatre. There are even children’s activities, from a carousel to a mini petting zoo and lots of hay to play in. And all the food served at the market is certified organic, which is a great argument when someone asks if that is your third langos.
Christmas Market on Spittelberg
Spittelberggasse, Stiftgasse, Schrankgasse, Gutenberggasse, 1070 Vienna
November 12 – December 23, 2021
Opening hours:
Mo-Th 14:00 – 21:00, Fr 14:00 – 21:30
Sa 10:00 – 21:30, Su & Holidays. 10:00 – 21:00
Situated in the Spittelberg quarter of the 7th District, this market offers a really special selection of goods. In the tiny stalls spread out across several streets you can find handcrafted products made by local artists including hats, jewellery, ceramics and much more – think Christmas gift rather than Christmas décor. And when you´re done shopping, head out to one of the many bars tucked into the Biedermeier style buildings and end your perfect Christmas day with a cup of Glühwein.
