Photo: Yana Nadolinska, Pexels
Advent season in Vienna
Advent season in Vienna
From mid-November until Christmas, Vienna's most beautiful squares are once again transformed into magical Christmas markets. The Vienna Christmas Market is THE classic among Vienna's Christmas markets and probably also the largest. There is even an ice cream parlor! The old town and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights and put the entire city in a Christmassy mood. The smell of punch, mulled wine, and roasted almonds is everywhere. We have put together everything you need to know about the Christmas season in Vienna in this article.
- EasyCityPass insider tip
- When will the Christmas markets in Vienna open in 2024?
- History of the Christmas market in Vienna
- Our top 7 Christmas markets in Vienna
1. First, here's our EasyCityPass secret tip:
- punch stands LIONS
Throughout the city (including Graben, Michaeler Platz, and many more) there are punch stands run by the charitable organization LIONS. The people are friendly and the punch is delicious, with alcohol, low alcohol or alcohol-free. You can also get it cheaper than at the Christmas markets; the proceeds go to social projects. We think that's a perfect Christmas approach.
Photo: George Dolgikh, Pexels
2. When will the Christmas markets in Vienna open in 2024?
- November 8, 2024
The Christmas market season starts quite early in Vienna. The first Christmas market to open is the Schönbrunn Christmas Market on November 8 and runs until the New Year on January 6, 2025. The Christmas Village at St. Stephen's Cathedral also opens on November 8.
This year, for the first time, the entire courtyard of honor of the palace will be transformed into a wintery Christmas world. Young and old alike can get into the Christmas spirit in this royal setting and magical ambiance. With over 90 stalls, the new Christmas market is generously proportioned. A unique village character is created, framed by the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace. The whole family is sure to feel at home in this Christmassy atmosphere.
The other Viennese Christmas markets will also open gradually:
- Christmas village on Stephansplatz: 08.11. - 26.12.2024
- Christmas Village Maria-Theresien-Platz: 13.11. - 26.12.2024
- Advent in the Liechtenstein Garden Palace: 14.11. - 23.12.2024
- Christmas exhibition in the Hirschstetten flower gardens: 14.11. - 22.12.2024
- Old Viennese Christmas market Freyung: 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Art Advent - arts & crafts on Karlsplatz: 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Christmas village on the campus of the University of Vienna: 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Christmas Village Belvedere Palace: 15.11. - 26.12.2024
- Christmas market at the courtyard: 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Christmas market in Türkenschanzpark: 15.11. - 23.12.2024
- Vienna Christmas market on the Rathausplatz: 15.11. - 26.12.2024
- Christmas market on Spittelberg: 16.11. - 23.12.2024
- Winter market on Riesenradplatz: 16.11. - 06.01.2025
Photo: Karolina Grabowska, Pexels
3. History of the Christmas market in Vienna
- as early as 1722 on the Freyung
- since 1975 the Christmas market has been on the town hall square
“Christkindlmarkt, stall market held in the run-up to Christmas (known as Krippenmarkt before the introduction of the Christmas tree).”
The records show that there were no Christmas markets in medieval Vienna. Records from the year 1600 show that huts were set up on the Graben and on the Brandstätte, i.e. in front of St. Stephen's. This market was called the “Thomasmarkt”. These stalls could be found around Christmas time in the Graben - Stephansplatz area until 1761.
First Christmas market
The first mention of a “St. Nicholas, Christmas, and nativity scene market” held on the Freyung dates back to 1722. A total of 108 stalls were represented. A regular market taking place at the same time led to conflicts between the stallholders and resulted in the “St. Nicholas, Christmas, and Nativity Market” being relocated to the Am Hof square on a trial basis in 1842. Surviving pictorial representations give a good impression, but the market, called “Christkindlmarkt” from the 19th century onwards, is also often mentioned in literature.
20th century
In 1903, the 128 stalls were renovated and given electric lighting for the first time. The market was very popular until the outbreak of the First World War. In 1918, the Christkindlmarkt was moved to Stephansplatz.
During the Second World War, the market was relocated several times. In 1939 it was moved to Am Hof square, and in 1940 the market was opened with singing by the German Folk Song Society. In 1943, the Christmas market was once again held on Stephansplatz.
1945 - today
After a two-year interruption due to the war, the Christmas market was held again for the first time in 1946 on the square in front of the Messepalast (now the MuseumsQuartier). From 1949, a series of changes of location followed: inner Neubaugürtel, Messepalast, between Mariahilfer Straße and Burggasse.
In 1975, the Christkindlmarkt was given a home in front of the town hall; initially intended as a temporary solution for the time of the construction of the underground parking garage in front of the Messepalast, it became a permanent solution that was accepted by all.
In 1959, the Christmas tree, usually 30 meters high, was erected in front of the town hall tower for the first time. Since then, it has been the focal point of the Christmas market. Every year, the Christmas tree is presented to Vienna as a gift from a different Austrian province. The Christmas market was extended in 1986. In addition, the Rathauspark was partly included in the Christmas decorations and designed by well-known artists. Illuminated entrance portals were set up and the park paths were lit up for Christmas (“Viennese Advent Magic”).
More Christmas markets
Smaller Christmas markets were also established in other parts of the city from the 1980s onwards. For example, the “Floridsdorfer Christkindlmarkt” since 1984, the “Alt-Wiener Weihnachtsmarkt” since 1987, on Michaelerplatz since 1987/1988, Freyung since 1989 and a “Christmas market” in the Old General Hospital since 1989.
Source: https://www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/Christkindlmarkt
Photo: Any Lane, Pexels
4. Our top 7 Christmas markets in Vienna
- Overview of our top 7 Christmas markets in the Austrian capital
We have created an entire article about our top 7 Christmas markets that you have to see during your visit to Christmassy Vienna. Take a look so that you can put together the best route for your Christmas market hopping. Click here for the article.