After dreaming about it for years, last year I finally got to attend one of the European Christmas Markets. I was visiting Vienna on a work trip that just happened to coincide. While I thought it was just one market within the city, it’s actually a dozen or so markets, each spanning different hours and dates and known for different items.
Wondering when to go? Vienna’s Christmas markets run from mid-November straight through to the holiday season, so you have a few weeks to visit. Plan on checking out one to two per day so you don’t get overwhelmed.
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Which Vienna Christmas Market to Visit
The markets themselves actually date back to the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded markets in Vienna was in 1298, during the reign of Duke Albrecht I. Two of my favorites from my trip, conveniently located near my hotel, were the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt and the Weihnachts Markt.
One of the most iconic Vienna Christmas Markets is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), which has been held annually since 1975. This market is known for its stunning backdrop of the Vienna City Hall and features a variety of stalls offering handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and culinary delights.
What to Eat and Drink at the Vienna Christmas Markets
For me, it was all about the food. I’d already experienced the great food Vienna has to offer but I took each market as a chance to snack on something else. Walking amongst the booths, I saw light bites like chips and hearty fare like goulash and spaetzle. Langos were another favorite, a Hungarian fry bread, and Baumkuchen, a dessert rolled on a hot metal rod.
Most come to the Christmas market to drink gluhwein, the sticky sweet mulled wine with spices. I opted for punsch, a slightly less saccharine option, and Hot Aperol, a drink I loved so much I wrote about it and recently recreated it at home. What you might not know if you haven’t been before is that the glasses and mugs are rented. You return them for your money back, but if you want to keep it, that’s no problem.
What to Buy at the Christmas Markets
If you can imagine it, you’ll probably find it for sale. I browsed the food items, like the souvenir cookies and jam jars, but didn’t want to deal with getting them home. The craft game is really where the markets shine, with locally made ornaments and holiday decor. Some even had clothing!
How to Dress for the Christmas Markets
This was probably where I failed in packing. I knew it would be cold, so I had plenty of coats and hats. But it rained most of my trip, which isn’t ideal when the main activity is walking around. Next time I’d bring a waterproof coat with a big hood. Gloves are also a must-have, especially the touch screen gloves where you can still use your phone. Comfortable shoes are also good to have.
Where to Stay for the Vienna Christmas Markets
I’ve stayed in backpacker hostels and luxury hotels, but for this particular trip, you won’t want to miss the chance to splurge. I stayed at the newly opened Rosewood Vienna, which is literal steps from the markets. The rooms are incredible, with views of the city, plus coffee makers and bathtubs. The hotel offers daily breakfast and delicious meals in the rooftop restaurant.
Plan next year’s trip now!
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