Guide to Vienna Christmas Markets 2023 (Free Map)

Free Travel Map of All Christmas Markets

After many years of living in Vienna, Christmas market openings are still my favorite time in the city! That is why I’ve prepared a map for you with the complete Guide to Vienna Christmas Markets:

Things to know before going to Christmas Markets

1. Dress for a cold weather
2. Make sure to take cash with you! Vienna has this special thing about paying with a card – what is so special about it is that it’s rarely happening (haha), but Christmas markets are no different – usually, you will be asked to pay with cash.
3. Punch is not as expensive as it seems – usually, you will be asked to pay for the punch (3,5-5,5 euro) + for the mug (plus 5euro). You can take a mug with you as a souvenir, especially because each Christmas Market has their own design! But when you give a mug back – you will also receive your money back.
4. Be prepared to stand a lot – Christmas markets areas usually provide very few sitting spots

My Top 4 Christmas Markets

All the Christmas markets have their special magic and vibe. After living in Vienna for (almost) four years – those 4 are the ones I always look forward to. Those are the ones I visit more than once and make sure to bring my guests to:

1. 1. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt auf der Freyung
      • This traditional Viennese Christmas fair is situated in one of the most beautiful squares in the heart of Vienna, the Freyung. It features a mixture of exquisite craftwork, special treats typical for Christmas time in Vienna, and a varied cultural program – in a somewhat quieter and less touristic atmosphere.
   2. Weihnachtsmarkt Schönbrunn
      • Christmas Market in front of the Palace door? Sign me in. This Christmas market tends to be less crowded than the other central ones – especially if you come here during the week – and additionally, you can grab your Glühwein and walk around the park. Additionally – this place has a strong focus on high-quality arts and crafts.
   3. Art Advent Karlsplatz 
      • I adore the Karlsplatz area – any time of the year. With the Christmas market, it just gains an additional 100 points from me. You will not regret going there. Also, this is a place where every booth must make its own goods and pass a jury test.
   4. Wiener Weihnachtstraum – Rathausplatz 
      • The most tourist one, yes, but also the most spectacular one! With lights, crowds of happy people, Christmas music all around, lights, smells, and an ice-skating ring – it truly feels like traveling to the Santas Village.

New Christmas Attractions around Vienna

This year (after unfortunate 2020, when the Christmas Markets mainly were canceled) – Vienna is offering a few new spots. Here are the details about the new attractions:

Illumina, the magical garden of lights in Laxenburg Palace

This attraction is entirely new, but I have already seen it all over social media – looks spectacular and is worth checking out (I know I will). Laxenburg is situated about 15 km south of Vienna. The magical garden of lights in Laxenburg Palace Park is prepared to delight you with its fascinating play of lights, water shows, and sound projections.

On the approximately 2 km long circular path around the park, sparkles with more than a million lights in the evening, you immerse yourself in a fascinating world full of light and music. Atmospheric light installations, spectacular water shows, laser projections, and inspiring sound projections accompany you on your walk through the Laxenburg Palace Park, one of the most important historical landscape gardens in Europe.

– Illumina Website

Open: November 2023 – January 2024
Tickets: You need to book tickets in advance. For adults €15. Book them here
Opening times: daily from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
More about it: https://www.lichtergarten.at/

How to get to Illumina by public transport from Vienna?

You need to know that Laxenburg Palace is outside of Vienna – but there is a way to get there by public transport if you do not have a car. ÖBB or Wiener Linien

• • U1, 18, D, O, 13A, 69A to Vienna Central Station
  • Bus line 200 from Vienna Central Station (N)
  • Laxenburg Franz-Josephs Platz driving time approx. 30 minutes
  • from Laxenburg Franz-Josephs-Platz 3 minutes walk to the entrance to the Schlossplatz gate (P1)

Fun fact: After her grand wedding with Emperor Franz Joseph, Empress Sisi spent her honeymoon here in Laxenburg.

Weihnacht im Wald (Christmas in Forest near Prater)

A Christmas Village in the woods, not far from the Prater amusement park. It advertises itself as a less commercial fair – which would be a fresh point on the map of Vienna. 

Quaint, cozy winter magic? 

Christmas in the forest is the perfect experience at Christmas time for young and old. A must for cozy hearts and those who are looking for the magic of childhood away from the commercial madness around Christmas. 

In our forest, there are things to be found that are not or only rarely to be found in other markets. – In small wooden huts in the forest, exhibitors present selected food and decorative items.  If you have the time, you can even marvel at St. Nicholas. 

– Weihnacht im Wald Website

Open: December 2023
Tickets: You need to book tickets in advance. For adults €4.60. Children below 6 = for free Book them here
Opening times: Thursday – Sunday 16:00-22:00 (except 11th,25th & 26th December)
More about it:
https://www.weihnachtimwald.com/

Advent market in the Palais Liechtenstein

From mid-November until Christmas, an Advent market will take place around the Liechtenstein Garden Palace for the first time. It is said that the garden palace of the princely family offers a special Christmas magic. Thus, the courtyard in front of the garden palace and part of the park behind it is transformed into a magical Christmas land. To enter the contemplative Advent market, go via the entrance gate at Fürstengasse 1.

Open: End of November 2023
Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More about it:
https://www.adventimgartenpalais.at/

The Viennese Christmas markets deserve their outstanding reputation. Submerge yourself in the atmosphere and enjoy Vienna’s sights, sounds, scents, and tastes. I can tell for sure it’s the best time of year to be here!