Text by Ana Montalvo
What is Christmas in Austria without sharing a Glühwein with your dearest friends? This year, due to COVID restrictions, we are certainly missing the coziness and fun of our favorite Christmas markets. But we know that once the lockdown is over, we will all be eager to go and visit one (or several ☺ ) of the amazing Christmas markets we have in Austria, and because of that, we wanted to share with you a short but thoughtful list of our favorite ones. So take your castanets and read along…
Local lights and friendly faces at Spittelberg
One of the coziest Viennese Christmas markets, immersed in the 7th district, is the Christkindlmarkt am Spittelberg. A visit to this market is a chance to experience one of the most beautiful local events of the season. The market starts on the 12th of November in the traditional streets and alleys of Spittelberg´s neighborhood. The decorations, the atmosphere, the music and the traditional smells of Christmas find in this location the perfect combination to make you feel at home. The stands offer all the traditional delicacies and an endless variety of high-quality products and handicrafts. It is definitely a market worth visiting.
Christmas with baroque style
This Christmas market is the definition of Christmas with a view. Imagine having your mulled wine while looking at the breathtaking façade of the Belvedere palace, surrounded by Christmas decorations. There is no doubt this market will transport you in time by the moment you enter the main gate (Wiedner Gürtel). The baroque splendor of the palace, combined with the beautiful warm and romantic Christmas lighting, all reflecting over the frontal lake creating the most surreal moment. Oh! there are no words that can make justice to it, definitely a place you should see. Prince Eugene would be very disappointed if you don’t visit this market.
From 19th of Nov until 26th of Dec. 2021
Christmas back at the University
Located in the beautiful green courtyard of the University campus Alten AKH, this market offers Christmas lovers one of the most complete experiences. Enjoy family-friendly attractions, a safe atmosphere away from the busy streets, and a super-accessible way to get there. Visitors have the chance to enjoy live music while tasting traditional food and sipping their favorite seasonal drink. This Christmas market is, without a doubt, one that will make you forget you are still in the city of Vienna and not in Santa Claus’ backyard.
From 12th of Nov until 23th of Dec. 2021
There is no doubt that the Austrian capital has many amazing Christmas markets to offer, if you have time to visit more markets you should not miss:
- Christmas World at Vienna’s Rathausplatz
- Christmas Villas in the Maria-Theresien-Platz
- Christmas Market in the main entrance of Schönbrunn Palace
- Christmas Market at St. Stephen´s Square
- Christmas Market at Karlsplatz.
- Christmas Market “Am Hof”
The ultimate Christmas experience at Mariazell
One of the most recognized and famous Christmas markets in Austria. Since 2000, this little town has been transforming its streets and city center into the almost real version of the north pole. The unreal Christmas decoration together with the breathtaking scenery between mountains will give you the experience of a lifetime. You can really have the whole package: live music featuring Christmas carols, exceptional food and beverages, and the most varied offer of high-quality products. Not to mention the daily planned cultural activities that take place between the warming fireplaces and the beautiful Christmas lighting. There are no words that could describe how beautiful this place is, we hope you have the chance to visit.
From 18th Nov. until 19th Dec. 2021
Christmas with a Cause
Because women support women, we could not forget to mention this special Christmas market. Sankt Anton Christmas market is located in Montafon (Vorarlberg) and organized by the Women´s Movement together with other associations. This market does not only provide a very special place to feel the charm of the season, but it also raises money for disadvantaged kids. We know that there is no better way to celebrate the Christmas season than by helping others and, in this sense, this Christmas market is perfect. By spending on beautiful self-made products, delicious traditional food and drinks you are helping people in need and all that while enjoying a beautiful atmosphere.
Canceled for 2021, but hey! now you have more time to plan your visit for 2021.
We hope this guide will take you to the best Christmas markets. Always remember to inform yourself about the opening times and dates of each market and above all, about the COVID measures to be taken. We wish you happy holidays!
NIWA 