You can’t really visit Vienna in winter without stepping into at least one Christmas market.
Technically, nothing is stopping you, of course, but it would be a bit like going to Paris and skipping the croissants!
Vienna’s Christmas markets are one of the city’s great seasonal rituals and a huge part of why travellers flock here in late November and December.
Across the city, Vienna hosts around 20 magical Christmas markets every year, ranging from grand, glittering spectacles to small, intimate neighbourhood Christmas villages.
Some are loud and bustling, packed with stalls, selfie sticks and even the occasional ice rink, while others are low-key, cosy and distinctly local. Together, they create a festive network that turns the city into a winter fairytale.
And while Vienna’s Christmas markets are undeniably popular with visitors, they are not just tourist attractions.
Instead, they remain deeply embedded in local life, with Viennese residents regularly meeting friends and family at their favourite markets in the heart of Vienna for an annual fix of comfort food, warming drinks and a gentle moan about how cold it is, despite being very much prepared for winter!
If you’re keen to combine festive cheer with city sightseeing, one of the best Christmas markets to visit in Vienna is the market held in front of Schönbrunn Palace.
It perfectly pairs imperial grandeur with winter magic and has become one of the city’s most popular festive stops.
Here’s all you need to know about visiting…
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Schönbrunn Palace History
Schönbrunn Palace itself is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks and part of the wider UNESCO world heritage site Schönbrunn cultural landscape.
Once the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, the palace is an extraordinary symbol of imperial power and elegance.
Seeing the front of the Schönbrunn Palace framed by twinkling lights and wooden market stalls only adds to the sense of occasion.
Expect classic treats like roasted chestnuts, potato pancakes, dumplings and pretzels, washed down with generous helpings of Glühwein, hot punch or spiced fruit teas.
You’ll also find no shortage of beautifully made souvenirs, from hand-carved wooden decorations to glass ornaments and candles that make ideal gifts, or perfectly acceptable treats to yourself.
The palace was largely completed in the 1740s during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, at the height of Habsburg influence.
Today, visitors can explore the palace through a variety of ticketed routes, including the Imperial Tour, the State Apartments and the more comprehensive Grand Tour.
You can take a guided tour if you are keen to dig deeper into Habsburg history and court life.
Opening Day and Times
Schönbrunn Palace is open daily throughout the year, including public holidays.
During the Christmas season it is wise to book tickets online in advance, as visitor numbers increase and queues can grow quickly, especially at weekends.
Entry to the Schönbrunn Christmas Market is free.
It is usually one of the first markets in Vienna to open, typically in early November. In recent years, opening dates have fallen around the first week of November, often November 8th, making it a good option for early festive travellers.
After Christmas time, when many Viennese markets close, Schönbrunn transitions into a New Year market. This usually runs until around January 6th, extending the winter atmosphere well into the start of the new year for those who want to keep the festive experience going!
The opening hours of the Christmas market are generally from 10am to 9pm daily.
On Christmas Eve, the market closes earlier, usually mid-afternoon, and hours may be shorter on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Always double-check the official website close to your visit, as times can vary slightly year to year.<
How to Get There
The Schönbrunn traditional Christmas Market takes place in the vast courtyard, buy the main gate, directly in front of the palace, creating a dramatic and unmistakably imperial backdrop.
Getting to Schönbrunn is straightforward. Take the U4 metro line to Schönbrunn station and follow the signs to the palace’s main entrance.
Vienna’s public transport system is efficient, affordable and far easier than attempting to drive.
While parking is available in the surrounding area, it can be limited and busy during peak festive periods.
Once inside the market, dozens of wooden stalls fill the courtyard, offering a wide selection of traditional handicrafts, Christmas tree decorations and live music performances.
New Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
In 2024, the market underwent a noticeable redesign, introducing a new layout and refreshed concept.
As with any change to a long-standing tradition, reactions were mixed!
Some visitors welcomed the new, more family-friendly focus, while others missed the feel of previous years.
Either way, the market has evolved into more of a winter village experience, with a strong emphasis on families and visitors of all ages, filled with culinary delights, traditional crafts and a unique atmosphere.
It remains one of Vienna’s most atmospheric and well-attended festive events.
Highlights of the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Market Stalls
Schönbrunn is known for leaning towards higher-quality artisan products rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
You’ll find candle makers, glass blowers, chocolatiers, wood carvers, metal workers and ceramicists, many of whom produce their goods in small workshops.
There are dozens of stalls here, so plenty of choice!
Food and Drink
Food and drink are a major draw, and arriving hungry is strongly advised.
The smell alone is enough to undo even the strongest willpower.
Menus typically include baked potatoes, soups, stews, raclette, waffles, pancakes, pretzels, sweet dumplings and chestnuts, alongside a festive, hot beverage or 3!
Usually served in decorative mugs, and you’ll be asked to pay a deposit, typically between 2-5€, depending on the design.
You can return the mug to reclaim your deposit, or keep it as a souvenir.
Many visitors opt for the latter, resulting in cupboards across Europe quietly filling with mismatched Christmas mugs.
Pro Tip: One of the best ways to walk off your festive indulgence is to climb the hill behind the palace to the Gloriette.
The walk is manageable for most people and rewards you with sweeping views over Vienna, particularly beautiful on a clear winter afternoon in the holiday season.
Mulled wine buzz optional, but not discouraged!
Activities
Schönbrunn’s winter Market also stands out for its range of activities beyond shopping and eating.
There is usually an ice skating area aimed mainly at children, with skating aids and equipment available.
Facilities and pricing can vary year to year, so it’s best to check details in advance if this is a must-do for your visit.
4x ice stock lanes, a traditional winter sport similar to curling, are often set up as well.
These are popular with groups and company outings and add to the lively village feel.
Sustainability has become an increasing focus at the market, with artificial ice used for some activities to reduce energy consumption.
Families with younger children will also find a dedicated DIY crafts hut known as the Holzzirkus. Under supervision, the whole family can work with natural materials and child-friendly tools to create simple woodworking projects. It’s one of those festive atmosphere activities that makes you quietly wish adult-only workshops were also on offer!
Two nostalgic carousels add to the festive charm, alongside a small Ferris wheel that offers gentle rides and lovely views over the decorated market and palace. It’s not designed to thrill, especially when compared to Vienna’s famous Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater, but is the perfect setting for the relaxed winter mood of the Palace’s imperial atmosphere.
Depending on when you visit, live music may also enhance the atmosphere.
Choirs, classical ensembles and traditional Austrian folk bands regularly perform, particularly at weekends and closer to Christmas. Checking the event programme in advance can help you time your visit for a little extra festive magic.
Mini Travel Guide to Vienna
Best Time to Go?
I think it’s best to visit Vienna during the shoulder months of May / June or September to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some good weather.
How to Get to Austria?
You can fly to Vienna International Airport. As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
You can also train to Vienna from many destinations across Austria and Europe. Find routes and book journeys through Trainline.
Where to Stay?
In Vienna, check out the 7th Heaven Vienna Apartments or the Hotel Sacher Wien.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money
Austria uses the Euro for its currency.
I always travel in Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and link easily with Google and Apple pay. Grab yours here.
Best eSIM
I recommend Holafly.
Get a 5% discount using the code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS
Top Austria Tours
Check out these top Austria tours if you’re looking to see the best of this country with an expert guide.
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With its imperial setting, generous mix of stalls, family-friendly attractions and unmistakable holiday atmosphere, the Schönbrunn Christmas Market easily earns its place among Vienna’s best.
Whether you’re visiting Vienna specifically for your first Christmas market experience, or simply happen to be in the city in winter, this is an advent market that delivers charm, history and Christmas village spirit in equal measure.
Even the most determined Grinch would struggle not to feel at least a little festive here!
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