The best Christmas markets in Austria to visit this festive season
6 Minute Read
Summary
- Austria's Christmas markets feature traditional crafts, festive foods, and illuminated historic settings.
- Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck offer standout markets in city squares, palace grounds, and alpine streets.
- Markets run from mid-November to late December, making early planning essential for visitors.
Few places do Christmas quite like Austria. Against a backdrop of imperial palaces and baroque courtyards, the country's Christmas markets transform into magical scenes that draw travellers from around the globe each winter.
The stalls overflow with hand-carved wooden ornaments and mouth-blown glass baubles crafted by local artisans. Stop for a Vanillekipferl, a buttery crescent-shaped shortbread rolled in vanilla sugar that practically melts on your tongue, or Lebkuchen, spiced gingerbread Austria has been perfecting for centuries.
From Vienna's grand squares to Salzburg’s baroque center and Innsbruck’s snow-dusted streets, Austria’s Christmas markets capture the season’s spirit. Here’s what not to miss when it comes to the best Christmas markets in Austria.
Christmas markets in Vienna
When it comes to Christmas markets in Austria, Vienna’s Christmas markets tend to top the list. Vienna has more than twenty Christmas markets spread around the city, varying in size, theme, and popularity. It’s worth walking around the city to see what you stumble upon, but these Christmas markets in Vienna are not to be missed.
Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
Where: Rathausplatz, A-1010 Wien, Austria
Situated in front of Vienna's City Hall, the Vienna Christkindl Market at Rathausplatz—officially designated as the Wiener Christkindlmarkt and locally called the Vienna Christmas Dream features over 150 stalls offering a mix of food, drinks, and goods.
A skating rink and occasional live music add to the festive atmosphere. The market is stunning at any time of day, but it's particularly magical after dark when the lights come on. Keep an eye out for the iconic floating heart!
Stephansplatz Christmas Market
Where: Stephansplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
Set against the backdrop of the beautiful St. Stephen's Cathedral, this Christmas market in the heart of Vienna is considered the most traditional.
Known locally as the Weihnachtsmarkt am Stephansplatz, the market on this square dates back centuries. Around 40 stalls sit at the foot of the cathedral, offering high-quality Austrian-made products, from handcrafted ornaments and ceramics to seasonal treats.
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
Where: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
Located on the palace grounds, the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace is a bit outside of the city centre, but it's well worth a visit. It's a larger market and very family-friendly; there's a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a children's train, and even curling rinks. The market also features around stalls selling traditional crafts, gifts, and festive food and drinks, including mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
The backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace is especially stunning after dark, when the whole courtyard glows with festive lights.
Christmas markets in Salzburg
You may know Salzburg as the home of Mozart and the main location behind The Sound of Music, but when it comes to Christmas in Salzburg, this city is best known for the Krampus, who can be found stomping around the city’s Christmas markets on St. Nicholas Day. Visiting during this time is an amazing experience, but even outside of this celebration, Salzburg’s Christmas markets are magical.
Salzburg Christkindlemarkt
Where: Domplatz 1A, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg's most historic and traditional Christmas market, the Salzburg Christkindlemarkt (also called the Salzburg Cathedral Square Market), is set on the grand Domplatz and Residenzplatz, the sweeping squares in front of the city's famous cathedral.
With over 100 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and warming drinks, there is plenty to explore. It's also where many of the city's festive programs take place, including children's events, concerts, and the Old Town Krampus Parade on St. Nicholas Day.
The Alter Market
Where: 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Also known as the Charitable Market, the Alter Market is ideal for those who want their purchases to make a difference.
This smaller, more intimate market is run entirely by volunteers, with over 60 organizations represented, meaning every purchase goes directly to a good cause. The atmosphere is warm and community-driven, setting it apart from the larger commercial market.
Hellbrunner Adventzauber
Where: Schloss Hellbrunn, Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Hellbrunner Adventzauber (or Hellbrunner Advent Magic) is just outside the city centre in the courtyard of Hellbrunn Palace, a striking 17th-century baroque palace that provides a stunning backdrop for the market. With over 100 exhibitors, visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and festive treats while exploring the illuminated grounds.
Like some of the other markets, this one also features a Krampus parade for children. Note that entry is ticketed before 7 p.m., though the price includes a complimentary hot drink.
Christmas Markets in Innsbruck
While not as popular as Vienna or Salzburg, Innsbruck's Christmas markets are just as charming, especially set against the backdrop of the old town and the Alps, which give the city a very romantic feel during the festive season. There are only a handful of markets in Innsbruck, including some with only about ten stalls, so be sure to walk around and see what you find. These are the best Innsbruck Christmas Markets.
Christmas Market in the Old Town
Where: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Nestled in the enchanting heart of Innsbruck’s old town, this Christmas market captures the magic of the season. Twinkling lights illuminate charming stalls, while a majestic Christmas tree towers over the cobblestone square.
Wander down Märchengasse (Fairy Tale Alley), where life-sized folk figures bring beloved stories to life. Indulge in Kiachl, a mouthwatering deep-fried pastry filled with sauerkraut or cranberries and dusted with icing sugar, a local delicacy not to be missed.
Christmas Market at Market Place
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Where: Marktplatz, Innrain 4, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
A beautiful 14-meter-tall Swarovski tree, decorated with thousands of sparkling crystals, serves as the dazzling symbol of the Christmas Market at Market Place. Also called the Christkindlmarkt am Marktplatz, this venue is arranged to resemble a cozy Tyrolean country village right along the banks of the River Inn.
It’s very family-friendly, offering targeted children's attractions including traditional puppet shows, petting areas, storytelling, and a nostalgic carousel.
Christmas Market in Maria-Theresien-Straße
Where: Maria-Theresien-Straße, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Sparkling white winter lights and a giant illuminated rock-crystal archway line the avenue of this modern Christmas market, formerly known to the city as the Christkindlmarkt Maria-Theresien-Straße.
Best known for offering international gift goods, contemporary culinary snacks, and sleek, glass-accented stalls rather than rustic wood ones, this market is unique because it transitions seamlessly into a New Year's market, remaining open well past Christmas Day.
Panorama Christkindlmarkt Hungerburg
Where: Hermann-Buhl-Platz, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
The designated ‘panoramic’ Christmas market in the mountains, also called the Hungerburg Christmas Market, offers stunning alpine views over Innsbruck.
Exceptionally pretty at any hour, it’s magical in the late afternoon when you can catch the sunset over the snow-covered mountain ridges. Getting up to the square is a primary attraction, as visitors ride the futuristic Nordkettenbahnen funicular directly from the downtown core.
Plan your trip
Austria's Christmas markets typically open in mid-November and run daily through late December, with most closing their main trading hours on or around December 24. Exact dates vary by city and market, so it's always worth confirming official calendars before you lock in your flight details.
For an easy way to experience Europe's holiday season, consider a guided tour or river cruise with one of CAA Travel's preferred partners.
To plan your Austrian Christmas market adventure, visit the CAA Travel hub for trip planning, booking, and expert support, or book an appointment with a CAA Travel Agent.
