A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Vienna Christmas Markets

In this post, I’m helping you plan the perfect trip to Vienna’s Christmas markets. There’s something about Christmas in Europe that feels straight out of a fairytale. Cities and villages across the region decorate and set up traditional Christmas markets that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!

We’ve been dreaming about exploring the European Christmas markets for years, and this season we finally made it happen. But with an estimated 7,000 markets across Europe, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. The Vienna Christmas Markets are among the best (yes, they have more than one!), and the city goes all out with decorations, making it an easy choice for where to start.

Early this December, we spent four days in Vienna sipping mulled wine (glühwein), trying all the incredible local foods, and exploring the Vienna Christmas Markets. Now, I’m excited to help you plan your own trip!

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A Christmas market in Vienna is called a Weihnachtsmarkt (VINE-ahkts-markt). They pop up all over the city during the holiday season. From my research, I found at least 10 Vienna Christmas markets, so of course our goal was to see how many we could squeeze into our five-day trip.

Beyond the sheer number of markets, Vienna is also one of the most beautifully decorated cities in Europe during the Christmas season. You’ve probably seen the famous oversized bow on the Popp & Kretschmer storefront all over your social media feeds — it’s easily one of the most photographed spots in Europe this time of year, and it’s just the beginning of Christmas decorations across the city.

• When to go: The Vienna Christmas markets typically run from mid-November until the end of December
• Visit time: 3 to 5 days
• Getting around: walking, public transportation, and ride-share/taxi
• Currency: euro €

Christmas market tip: European Christmas markets are famous for their hot drinks. They are almost always served in traditional and themed mugs. Typically each market has its own themed mug. When you order a drink, you pay a deposit for the mug (usually €5), which you get back when you return it. However, some people choose to keep the mug as a souvenir from their trip. Some markets also have the option to “trade” these mugs for an even more special design, like the famous boot mug!

• Overall favorite: Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
• Best food: Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market (has most options) 
• Best gifts & ornaments: Karlzplatz ART ADVENT Christmas Market
• Most aesthetic: The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt
• Best for ice skating: The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt
• Least crowded: Altes AKH Christmas market AND Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
• Best for local vibes: Altes AKH Christmas market
• Most crowded: Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz AND Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg

The opening dates and hours for Vienna’s Christmas markets vary across the city. A lot open as early as November 6th, and most are open by November 21st. They normally stay open until at least December 23rd. A few stay open even after Christmas and into the New Year.

Each day, the Vienna Christmas markets open sometime between 10 am and 2 pm and typically close around 9 pm. They’re by far the busiest on weekends and at night, when people get off work, and the Christmas lights are glowing. We consistently noticed much lower crowds when we visited markets in the afternoons, compared to when we went back after dark. Keep in mind that the markets usually close early on Christmas Eve and stay closed on Christmas Day. 

Below, I’ll share more details about the dates and opening hours of the Christmas markets that we visited in Vienna.

Vienna is the capital of Austria, and it’s easy to reach from most major cities in the USA, with flights daily. Look for flights into Vienna International Airport (VIE). If you book in advance, you can often find return flights for under $500 from many major American airports. I recommend searching for flights on Expedia. Expedia makes it easy to compare prices, check flexible dates, and ensure you’re getting the best deal for your trip.

Once you’ve arrived, there’s no need to rent a car. Vienna’s public transportation system is excellent, making it simple to get from the airport to your hotel and anywhere else in the city. Ride-share or taxis are also affordable (at least by US standards).

If you’re planning to visit a few different cities across Europe this winter, consider traveling by train. Trains in Europe are fast, affordable, and a much more enjoyable experience than flying. Vienna has four major train stations: Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien-Meidling, Wien Westbahnhof, and Wien Mitte, so be sure to check which station your train will arrive at.

At the end of this post, I’ll share a few nearby Christmas markets that you could easily reach by train from Vienna to extend your trip.

How long you spend in Vienna will depend on the type of traveler that you are and what you like to do while you’re exploring a new city. Vienna is a pretty big city with a lot to offer, especially around the holidays. Between visiting Christmas markets, exploring museums, and warming up in cafes to experience Viennese coffee culture, there will be plenty to keep you busy on your trip.

Personally, I’d recommend spending 3-4 days in Vienna. We spent 4 full days in Vienna, and managed to see all of the Christmas markets, as well as some museums and other sights around the city. For us, four days definitely felt like enough time to see and do everything. 

Vienna is made up of 23 districts that radiate outwards from the inner city (also known as district 1). Because it’s quite a big city, it can be hard to know where to stay, especially considering that some districts will be more affordable than others.​

District 1 is often called the cultural heart of the city, but, of course, staying there is the most expensive and luxurious option. We opted to look for hotels around the 4th district, and we recommend this area for first-time visitors to Vienna. You can find plenty of good, affordable accommodation, and you’re still close enough to both the train station and the inner city to really enjoy your trip.

For our trip, we booked five nights at Jaz in the City Vienna, which was a unique music-themed hotel with a scenic roof top bar. Jaz in the City is centrally located, close to bars, restaurants, and other interesting stores. From here, you’ll be around a 25-minute walk to the Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square.

You will also find them linked in a collection on my Expedia Travel Shop. This is where I save all my favorite hotels and top picks for all types of vacations.

• Hotel Am Konzerthaus – MGallery Collection: This hotel is located in the 3rd district, and it’s within walking distance to the heart of the city, as well as only a 15-minute walk to the Belvedere. This location for this price doesn’t get much better.
• Hotel MOTTO: Located in the 6th district, this hotel offers timeless, classic Viennese architecture. Each room is beautifully designed to make you feel as though you couldn’t be anywhere else in the world, except Vienna. Here you’re a 30-minute walk from the inner city, but just steps from a metro station, making exploring easy.
• Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design: Located in the 7th district, which is adjacent to the inner district, making this location pretty ideal. You’ll have lots of cool eateries and bars right on your doorstep in the 7th district, and you’ll only be a 15-minute walk from one of the biggest Christmas markets in the city.
• Hotel Palais Mailberger Hof: Located in District 1, this hotel is an amazing value for its location. With incredible reviews and simple, yet beautiful rooms, this would be the perfect hotel to base yourself for your trip to Vienna. Keep in mind, the rooms are small, but you sacrifice on space, you make up for it with location.
• Urban Jungle Apartments: If you crave a little bit more space and you want the option to prepare food where you’re staying, have a look at Urban Jungle Apartments. They’re located in the 2nd District, which puts you just outside the city center, but moving further away from the center gives you better prices and more space. Plus, they’re right next to a train line, which means you can be downtown in about 20 minutes.

I always book my hotels with Expedia. They help you easily see what’s available, get the best price, and with every dollar you spend, you earn OneKey Cash to redeem on eligible hotels, cars, and flights.

• While English is widely spoken, German is the official language of Austria, and many things are geared toward Austrian and German tourists, so signage & menus are often not written in English. Make sure that you have Google Translate ready, and it’s always nice to learn a few words before your trip. I recommend “Hello” (Grüß Gott or Hallo), “Thank you” (Danke), and “Merry Christmas” (Frohe Weihnachten)!
• If you’re traveling to the Vienna Christmas Markets, chances are, the city is going to be busy. This is one of the busiest times of year to be visiting Europe. I recommend traveling with extra patience and remembering to keep the spirit of the holidays with you, even when it’s crowded. We found that some of the smaller or lesser known Christmas markets in Vienna had a lot fewer people, so just explore and find your favorite spots.
• Obviously, the markets are more magical at dusk and night when the lights are lit up, but if you’re determined to avoid the crowds, visit right when they open in the morning or around lunch. That’s when they’re going to be the quietest. But, typically, any time before dark was better for crowds.
• Dress for the weather. When the sun goes down, it gets cold, and even a mulled wine can’t keep you warm. We also experienced quite a bit of wind that made it feel colder than it actually was. In general, I would say that we were colder than expected, despite wearing a lot of layers. Because of the nature of a Christmas Markets trip, you end up spending a lot of time outside, standing around and not moving very much.
• Austria uses the Euro, so you’ll want to make sure you have cash on hand. You’ll make lifelong friends if you’re willing to pay in cash, and many small, local vendors only accept cash.
• If you want to enjoy Christmas punch without the alcohol, look for ‘Kinderpunsch’. It translates to ‘Children’s Punch,’ and it’s an easy & yummy alcohol-free version of the traditional Austrian Christmas punch.
• Be aware of yourself and your belongings. Vienna is a remarkably safe city, but Christmas is one of the busiest times of year. Make sure you keep an eye on your personal belongings, as pickpockets can operate at the Vienna Christmas markets. We did not personally experience or see this happening, but just have your wits about you like you would in any city.

Fun Fact: While the classic “annual fairs” were driven out of the modern metropolis, the Christmas market established itself in the 19th century under the name “Christkindlmarkt” (Christ Child Market), source.

• November 14 – December 26, 2025
• Daily 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
• December 24, 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
• Google Maps Location: The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt

While Vienna has many Christmas markets, the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is by far the most famous. Located at the Town Hall Square and also called the “Vienna Christmas Market”, this market absolutely lives up to the hype. 

It’s estimated that around 2.8 million people have visited this Christmas market. Its origins date back to the late 18th century. It’s also the Christmas Market that I recommend visiting earlier in the day if you want to shop at any of the stalls and enjoy more of the food. That way, you could come back in the evening just to see the lights and avoid the crowded stalls.

There are around 96 booths at this Vienna Christmas market selling ornaments, souvenirs, drinks, and food. The Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt also has an ice-skating rink, which is open through the new year (until January 6th). Tickets cost €10.50, and there is a rental fee for skates and lockers. In total my husband and I spent €20 each on rentals and entry tickets. Locker rentals were an additional €3.50.

Not only is this a classic and beautiful Christmas market in Vienna, but it’s also a great area to explore, as the surrounding park offers extra seasonal fun. Wander through the park to find quieter stalls for food, nativity scenes, a ferris wheel, light displays, and other festive decorations.

Possibly the most magical thing about the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is that every 30 minutes from dusk until 9:00 pm, a huge red heart “floats” across Rathausplatz (the square) in front of the Town Hall. It lights up the Heart Tree and then “floats” back. Don’t miss this during your visit!

While this is definitely the most famous market, there are so many to explore! Remember to give yourself plenty of time to explore them all – and you can always go back to your favorite.

Shopping Tip: If you’re anything like me, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice when it comes to souvenirs and ornaments at the Vienna Christmas markets. If you’re shopping for gifts, I recommend window shopping and making a list of your favorite items to pick up later. You might see something you like at the first market, but something you LOVE at the next one.

• November 14 – December 23, 2025
• Daily 10.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Google Maps Location: Altwiener Christkindlmarkt

Also known as the Old Viennese Christmas Market, Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is located in the central historical Freyung Square. This is an area of Vienna rich in history. In fact, the first Christmas market in Vienna was held on the Freyung in 1722, though at the time it would have likely been called a Nativity Market.

The ‘Freyung’ is the name given to this open area in the heart of Vienna that’s sandwiched between the Schottenstift abbey (dating back to the middle of the 12th century) and the townhouses of former Viennese nobility. The market has around 57 stalls and a traditional farmers’ market where you can buy local produce, cheese, and wine. There is also live music at night time and we found Altwiener Christkindlmarkt to have a good selection of Christmas ornaments.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by some of the larger Christmas markets in Vienna, I recommend visiting the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt. It felt much more digestible than some of the others.

• November 14 – December 23, 2025
• Monday-Thursday 11.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Friday-Sunday  10.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Google Maps Location: Am Hof Christmas Market

The Am Hof Christmas market (called Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof on Google Maps), is another historical stop on your tour of Vienna. This location hosted a wine market as far back as 1358. So, if you drink wine, make sure to have a glass here. You’ll be following in ancient footsteps. With around 76 stands, this is a great market to shop for locally handcrafted products. Unlike some of the other markets, they have a dedicated ‘handicrafts’ section with at least 20 stalls.

​The Am Hof Christmas market is located very close to the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, so I recommend visiting them together. This Christmas market is right in the center of Vienna. From here you can explore the pedestrianized zone along the Graben and Kohlmarkt, where the streets are lined with incredible Christmas lights and decorations.

• November 8 – December 26, 2025
• Daily 11.00 am – 9.00 pm
• December 24, 10.00 am – 4:00 pm
• December 25-26, 11.00 am – 7:00 pm
• Google Maps Location: Stephansplatz Christmas Market

The Stephansplatz is another incredibly central Christmas market – located in the heart of Vienna’s cultural center. It’s a smaller market, usually with fewer than 50 stalls. But the backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral makes it one of the most beautiful markets in the city. It’s also (once again) home to one of Vienna’s oldest market centers. Back in the day, traders used the spot as an open market, especially for people coming to pilgrimage to the cathedral.

​If you’re making a walking tour of markets and Christmas lights in the city, the Stephansplatz market is at the crossroads of Graben and Kärntner Straße, which are beautifully decorated this time of year. You can also go inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral while you are in the area.

• November 21 – January 6, 2026
• Monday-Friday 11.00 am – 10.00 pm
• Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 10.00 am – 5:00 pm
• December 24, 10.00 am – 5:00 pm
• December 31, 12:00 pm – 02:00 am
• Google Maps Location: Wintermarkt at the Riesenradplatz

The Wintermarkt at the Riesenradplatz is positioned at the base of Vienna’s giant ferris wheel and Prater amusement park. It’s an interesting Christmas market in that it doesn’t feel as Christmas-y as most of the others. It feels more like an amusement park that has some holiday-themed stalls. It’s further out of downtown compared to other Vienna Christmas markets, so we opted to catch a rideshare there instead of walking. 

Overall, I think it’s a fun choice for families, or if you’re staying in that part of Vienna, but in our opinion, most travelers can probably skip this one. 

Tip: Keep in mind that if you plan to ride the giant ferris wheel, be sure to look up opening times. When we went it was closed for a special “dinner” ride and you couldn’t just jump on it spur of the moment.

• November 14 – December 23, 2025
• Monday-Thursday 2.00 pm – 10.00 pm
• Friday 2.00 pm – 11.00 pm
• Saturday 11.00 am – 10.00 pm
• Sunday 11.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Google Maps Location: Altes Akh Christmas Market

Also known as the Christmas Village on the University Campus (or Weihnachtsdorf Campus Universität Wien), Altes AKH Christmas market is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the other Christmas markets throughout Vienna. It’s located at the University of Vienna, which provides another unique setting for walking through history – and an abundance of Christmas-themed stalls, decorations, food, and some fun rides.

​You will find more locals than tourists at this market, with the food options being exceptionally good. Because of the location and university influence, it’s also surrounded by good restaurants where you can escape the cold and eat traditional Austrian food. We highly suggest visiting Altes AKH Christmas market if you want to escape the crowds and have a more “local” experience.

• November 21 – December 23, 2025
• Daily from 12.00 noon – 8.00 pm (serving food until 9.00 pm)
• Google Maps Location: Art Advent on Karlsplatz

As you can probably tell by now, each of the Christmas markets in Vienna offers something a little bit different, even down to the setting. The impressive backdrop of the Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) makes this Christmas market unique, but what makes it even more special is its theme.

​The Art Advent Market is organized by Divina Art, a Vienna-based association that promotes local culture and craftsmanship. Here you’ll find the highest quality hand-made goods of any market in Vienna. We bought numerous Christmas ornaments! You’ll also find more organic food and drinks from local farmers. You can trust that anything you buy at the Art Advent Market will be authentically Austrian.

Here you will also find some fun family-friendly activities like a carousel, a small petting zoo, mini train ride, craft workshops, and a hay area for kids to play in (they were all having a blast!)

​This was easily one of my favorite Christmas markets in Vienna. And one of the best to find unique Christmas gifts for your friends and family. I recommend visiting at least once, and since it’s one of the smaller markets, you can explore the whole market without feeling as overwhelmed as you might at the larger markets.

• November 14 – December 23, 2025
• Monday-Friday 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
• Google Maps Location: Spittelberg Christmas Market

Here, the narrow Biedermeier lanes on Spittelberg transform into a rustic Christmas village where no two stalls are the same. Because of the “alleyway” nature of this neighborhood, this tends to be one of the most crowded Christmas markets in Vienna. We highly recommend visiting this one during the daytime. We went at night and it was almost too busy to be enjoyable. 

​Make sure to take in the architecture here. In the late 1980s, this entire area was set to be demolished. Activists stepped in and saved it, helping revitalize it into one of Vienna’s most vibrant districts. You’ll be able to wander the streets, taking in the early 19th-century ambience that’s been preserved to this day.

​It’s located in the 7th district, so if you decide to stay at Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design, you’ll be just steps away from the action.

• November 6 – January 6, 2026
• Daily 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
• December 24, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• December 25 – January 6 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Google Maps Location: Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace

Vienna really gets a chance to show off its incredible architecture and history around Christmas time. It feels like they strategically place each Christmas market in an area of the city that shows off something completely unique. The Christmas market at Schloss Schönbrunn is no different. This market is located in front of the Schönbrunn Palace, which looks absolutely magical, lit up and surrounded by Christmas.

The palace provides the perfect setting for a Christmas market. With room for around 100 stalls, an ice-skating rink, and curling rink. As one of the biggest Christmas markets in Vienna, you’ll easily find something to eat, drink, and shop for at this market. Something unique to the Christmas market Schönbrunn Palace is a dedicated “Lindt Golden Christmas” experience area with hot chocolate and fun chocolate decorating activities.

This was our favorite of all the Vienna Christmas markets. It had everything from fun activities to gorgeous views and amazing food options, but it didn’t feel overly crowded even at night time. Despite there being a lot of people, the market is in a large plaza area and this means there was more room for everyone to move around.

Most people opt to visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn after they take a tour of the palace, which makes for a fun day trip or afternoon + evening adventure. 

• November 14 – December 31, 2025
• Monday-Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (opening at 10:00 am on Saturday and Sunday)
• December 24, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• December 25 – 30 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm
• December 31, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Google Maps Location: Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

The last Christmas market I’m going to share with you today is the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace. Yet another Christmas market set up in front of a beautiful palace in Vienna. The city has no shortage of incredible places to host Christmas parties.​

With around 40 stalls (20 lining each side), The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace is one of the smaller and less hectic of the Christmas markets in the city in my experience. This is a great one to double dip and pair with a cultural experience. Inside the palace you will find one of the most impressive art collections in Austria – including The Kiss and other works by Gustav Klimt. To visit the inside of the palace, you will require a ticket, though, so plan ahead to avoid missing out.

Unfortunately, due to construction in the area, the Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz will not be hosting a Christmas market in 2025 . If you had that one on your list, you can cross it off. Luckily for all of us, there are plenty of other Christmas markets in the city to explore.

If you’re traveling in 2026, keep an eye on their website for updates.

There are additional Christmas exhibitions at the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens and another Christmas market located in Türkenschanzpark. 

This is my quick souvenir and food guide, because a huge part of these Christmas markets is food, drink, and shopping. You will find every variety of Austrian specialties, from food to handicrafts. So I could dedicate an entire post to this topic. But for the sake of your time, I’ll keep this to the TL;DR.

Given that Austrian food tends to be very meat-based, I was happy to find plenty of vegetarian options in the markets. I highly recommend checking out the local Austrian cheeses, roasted almonds and chestnuts, and the wide selection of delicious chocolate. You’ll also find classic pretzels, langos (a fried flatbread done savory and sweet), traditional punch, and glühwein everywhere. Surprisingly, I also found a couple of places doing vegetarian sausage in bread! An absolute must try is the Käsespätzle (a cheesy pasta dish) and I also recommend trying out the traditional pancake dessert known as Kaiserschmarrn.

As for shopping, this will be entirely based on what you want or like to buy. These markets have it all. From crafts to Christmas decorations, sweaters, scarves, hats, and homewares. You’ll notice that certain markets have more local handicrafts than others (that’s usually where I love to shop). At the end of the day, if you want something Christmas-themed, you’re going to find it in Vienna.

There is so much to do and see in Vienna beyond the Christmas markets. If you want to escape the cold, visit one of the many museums in the city. I recommend the Natural History Museum or the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum). I also recommend visiting the art collections at Belvedere Palace as well; it has some of the most beautiful galleries in Europe.

• Visit the Austrian National Library at the State Hall. It is absolutely magical. Entry costs around €12. 
• Stop by the Popp & Kretschmer store to see the famous big red bow.
• As a horse girlie, I LOVED watching the morning exercise at The Spanish Riding School. You can also see a performance if you’re there over a weekend! 
• If you’re interested in architecture, visit the Justizpalast (Palace of Justice). It’s free and they let in 25 people per hour (on the half hour – if I remember correctly). 
• For a fun souvenir, take take pictures at the vintage photo booth (photoautomat) at MuseumsQuartier
• A lot of travelers suggest visiting Hotel Sacher to try Austria’s most famous cake, the Sacher-Torte. It’s a very rich chocolate cake that goes perfectly with a hot coffee or, if you really love chocolate, hot chocolate. This cake originated in 1832, and Austria is very proud of it.
• In addition to this, a local dessert you should try is Kaiserschmarrn. We LOVED the version Demel Cafe serves. Make sure to get a side of vanilla custard to pair with it!
• Another huge part of Vienna’s culture is music. To add to the overall magic of your trip, go to a concert at one of the many concert halls across the city. If you can, find a concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, otherwise St. Peter’s Church, St. Anne’s Church, Capuchin Church, or the Mozarthaus all offer amazing shows this time of year.

And finally, if you love ice-skating (or just want to give it a try), make sure to pay a visit to Vienna Ice World. This is located in City Hall Square. It transforms into a huge ice-skating rink (they say it’s one of the biggest in the world!). ​Keep in mind that Vienna Ice World actually opens after Christmas – it will be opening on the 22nd of January. But there is a smaller version open in the same location as part of the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, to give you a taste!

While Vienna winters have gotten milder in recent years, I highly recommend packing layers. You’ll be spending a lot of time outside, after the sun has gone down, so being adequately prepared is a must. It often felt a bit colder than it actually was due to the wind on our trip. Pack warmer than you think you’ll need!

If you’d like, I can put together a full packing guide with outfit inspiration for a Christmas market trip to Vienna! In the meantime, here are the essentials that you must pack for your trip.

• Baselayers (my favorite baselayer bottoms and baselayer top)
• Fleece lined tights 
• Knits
• Warm Coat (I was actually cold on our trip – so make sure you pack a warm one!)
• Beanie or Ear Muffs and Gloves 
• Boots (I took my grey/black blundstone boots but my Sorel winter boots would have been better because my feet got cold!)
• Warm Socks
• Passport
• Credit Cards & Cash (Euros)

If you have more time and want to add some additional Christmas markets to your trip, there are plenty nearby to choose from! As I mentioned at the start of this post, I highly recommend taking trains when possible around Europe. They’re the most comfortable and environmentally friendly ways to travel. Here are some Christmas markets that you could easily add to your trip from Vienna.

• Bratislava, Slovakia: just 45 minutes by public transport from Vienna, it has its own quaint, authentic Christmas markets. It’s a much smaller city (than Vienna), and when I visited, it was less busy than Vienna. I recommend adding a night or two in Bratislava to make the most of their Christmas festivities. Learn more here.
• Brno, Czechia: It is about two hours by train from Vienna. It’s a beautiful city home to some local Christmas markets. Brno goes all out for Christmas, so I would recommend spending at least a couple of nights here. Learn more about the Christmas markets in Brno here.
• Graz, Austria: Two and a half hours in the other direction lies the gorgeous town of Graz in Austria. Home to several Christmas markets and a life-sized nativity made entirely out of ice, Graz can be an exciting addition to your Christmas market tour of Austria. Learn more about Christmas in Graz here.
• Zagreb, Croatia: Although Croatia is much further away (5 hours by train), if you really love Christmas Markets, it’s worth visiting Zagreb. They’ve won many awards across Europe for their incredible Christmas markets in the last couple of years. Called Advent Zagreb, here’s more information for you. 

The festive season is truly so special in Europe. I hope this guide has helped to inspire your own trip. If you can’t make it to the Vienna Christmas markets this year, make sure to save this post for next year’s adventures.