Christmas Market on Rathausplatz
Christmas Market on Rathausplatz
4.5
About
Romantic Vienna lights up in Advent with the scent of glühwein hanging over the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt set against the lovely backdrop of the Neo-Gothic town hall. Here more than 150 wooden stalls offer yuletide gifts – from handmade wooden toys to lavish tree decorations and Christmas candles – lights are strung across the square and nativity stories are read each evening. Food vendors offer Viennese specialities from smoked sausages to apple strudels and spicy punch, there are carol concerts around the Christmas tree and train rides on the Christkindl Express in the Rathauspark.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Inner City
In Vienna's best-known district, pedestrian boulevards Kärntner Strasse and Graben connect you with landmarks such as the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), Vienna’s iconic Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral) and the vast compound of Hofburg, the Habsburgs’ former Imperial Palace. Peek down side streets such as Annagasse and Weihburggasse, and Graben’s Seilergasse and Habsburggasse, to get a feel for the center. The Imperial Apartments and the refreshingly demystifying Sissi Museum are must-dos at Hofburg. Spacious squares such as Am Hof and Freyung often host beautiful seasonal and antiques markets.
How to get there
- Rathaus • 3 min walk
- Schottentor • 6 min walk
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1,035 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- The Mills TwinsWrexham, United Kingdom599 contributionsGreat MarketLots of choice lots of food and great fun. The ski ring goes throughout the trees with separate breakout rinks within it. Really brings the Christmas spirit ! Looks beautiful at night too .Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 23, 2023
- navyjim58Czech Republic816 contributionsOne of the best Christmas Markets in ViennaVienna has 7 Christmas Markets and we visited 5 of them with this one being the best. We attended on a very snowy day and it was very crowded. But. It was beautiful and fun and we enjoyed everything except the bathrooms. Rediculous long lines. However we were glad we went as they had so many things to see including the lights and ice skating and smow man making and hot wine and food and a beautiful church and much more. Recommend.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 2, 2023
- Melody D46 contributionsBusy but classic!Very very busy. We went on a Sunday night and there were long queues and many people aimlessly wandering which does become frustrating when trying to navigate. Range of stalls and lots of punsch / hot wine. Pretty lights.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 20, 2023
- nottinghallWeymouth, Massachusetts459 contributionsFestive and Fun!How could you not love this place? Yes, it's crowded! Know that in advance and be prepared to deal with it. Everyone wants to be here. The lights and displays were wonderful. From the ferris wheel to the carousel and the ice skating ... not to mention all the booths crammed full of trinkets. This is where we had dinner, not one, but two nights in a row. Couldn't recommend it more!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 22, 2023
- Vasilisa V6 contributionsMust visit if in Vienna for Christmas!This is a large Christmas market, with plenty of beautiful lights, lots of food options, and many unique stalls with different souvenirs. There is an adult carousel, a ferris wheel and an ice rink. The town hall makes a beautiful backdrop for the market.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten December 23, 2023
- Ezra BHowick, New Zealand414 contributionsHuge Christmas market, busy but worth it!Rathausplatz forms a stunning backdrop for the very busy Christmas market here. There is a huge variety of stalls with many different foods, drinks and Christmas themed items to buy. Do yourself a favour and try the different things on offer here. The vibe is fantastic with many people in high spirits here. There is an ice skating rink to enjoy as well, and it is only a short walk from many other Viennese landmarks such as the Parliament Building and Hofburg palace.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 30, 2023
- PavlaPavlaChrudim, Czech Republic7,543 contributionsLots of stalls and lots of peopleThe Christmas market in front of the town hall was divided into three parts. The main and largest one was the market itself with lots of stalls in the square right in front of the town hall. The dominant of this part was a large, colorful carousel. On one side there was an ice rink where you could skate and on the other side in a small park there was a space mainly for children, a small ferris wheel and a "tree of love" on which hung big, red (glowing in the night) hearts. The vendors here offered snacks, sweets, drinks, handmade items, ornaments, candles, hats and scarves... I really liked the drinking cup system. At the stand where you bought your first drink, you also paid for the mug. Then they gave you a drink (punch, coffee, hot chocolate...) at other stalls in this mug. In the end, you could keep the mug or return it and get your money back. This is also how it worked in the other Viennese markets.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 31, 2023
- Stirling BOttawa, Canada765 contributionsBeautiful Christmas MarketMy partner & I visited the Christmas Market at Vienna City Hall on our recent trip to Vienna. Christmas Markets are a big tradition in Europe and this particular market is a prime example of why they are so popular. Lots to see and many booths to visit. The offerings include food, crafts and there is also a skating rink and colourful light displays at night. A must stop on any Christmas time trip to Vienna.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 1, 2024
- Lyall DEdinburgh, United Kingdom487 contributionsHuge market and light showThis is a huge market with stalls selling food, drink, sweets and Christmas decorations. There are also a lot of Nativity scenes set out around the walkways. Lots of choice of flavours for the mulled wine. Watch out for beggars looking for money or trying to take your drinks, there is a 4 - 5 Euro deposit on the cups.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 14, 2024
- Roberts69Northampton, United Kingdom18,912 contributionsIf you can only make one Christmas Market in Vienna, this is the one to visit.We visited Vienna at the end of November in 2023 and was amazed at just how many Christmas Markets there were around the city. Of all those we visited we probably enjoyed the one on Vienna’s Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall. the most. This Christkindlmarkt was the centrepiece of the Viennese Christmas experience for us in Vienna. Made extra special by the gorgeous backdrop that is the Rathaus glowing with illuminations. There are some nice market stalls and plenty to eat and drink at the Christkindlmarkt... A real flavour of Austrian Christmas festivities. If you can only make one Christmas Market in Vienna then to me this is the one to visit.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
598 reviews
Excellent
375
Very good
151
Average
48
Poor
13
Terrible
11
Tony G
Cricklade, UK845 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We have visited Xmas markets throughout Europe over many years and these are my thoughts on the Rathaus version we came to see early December.
Pros - enjoyed the lights around the buildings and in the garden. The skating area has up and down twisting paths as well as a rink. Little fair ground for children. Some good street food to be had from some of the stalls. Particularly enjoyed a long cheese flavoured wurst in a tube of bread.
Cons - I thought I’d seen a stall somewhere else so I asked the stall holder and discovered they had a presence at a number of different locations in Vienna. So, you can literally see the same items for sale in a number of Xmas markets. I love the atmosphere but it seems to me that gone are the days of finding artisan treasures at sensible prices. Today it’s massed produced baubles and decorations which you find in the shopping streets for a fraction of the cost.
We bought a couple of Xmas tree baubles as a memento as you do but they cost 10 euros each.
Come if you must to get some pre-Xmas spirit but maybe age is making cynical as the Xmas market excitement is wearing thin due to them being over commercialised. Check the prices before you buy!
Pros - enjoyed the lights around the buildings and in the garden. The skating area has up and down twisting paths as well as a rink. Little fair ground for children. Some good street food to be had from some of the stalls. Particularly enjoyed a long cheese flavoured wurst in a tube of bread.
Cons - I thought I’d seen a stall somewhere else so I asked the stall holder and discovered they had a presence at a number of different locations in Vienna. So, you can literally see the same items for sale in a number of Xmas markets. I love the atmosphere but it seems to me that gone are the days of finding artisan treasures at sensible prices. Today it’s massed produced baubles and decorations which you find in the shopping streets for a fraction of the cost.
We bought a couple of Xmas tree baubles as a memento as you do but they cost 10 euros each.
Come if you must to get some pre-Xmas spirit but maybe age is making cynical as the Xmas market excitement is wearing thin due to them being over commercialised. Check the prices before you buy!
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,567 contributions
Dec 2019
Traditional continental market selling everything Christmassy. In England, they put all stalls selling food together but not here, so you have to search out the grub. I found giant bratwurst!
Just be aware most stuff is overpriced, so careful what you buy, check the price first.
Just be aware most stuff is overpriced, so careful what you buy, check the price first.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3stars1wish
Winnipeg, Canada319 contributions
Dec 2019
Quality, quantity, variety of products just awesome. The displays were literally eye candy. The lights were breathtaking! Lots of options for food and drink. I found the crowds were not that bad, the prices reasonable. So glad that we made it to the market, where we spent almost 2 hours. Wish we had had more time, but made the best of the time we had. Oh, almost forgot, great entertainment in front of the Ratthaus.
Written April 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole Meisner
Rybnik, Poland116 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
Vienna’s Christmas Market was one of the first biggest Christmas Markets I was to. It was back in 2009. Since then I visited it almost every year, so that should be enough of a review... but let me continue!
It is spectacular. Big, bit loud, lots of people. But also lots of beautiful sights, good food, stalls with the most mesmerizing Christmas ornaments I’ve ever seen.
Did I mention the food? It is worth traveling to Vienna just for that food stalls that are there only for the Christmas Market period. From sweet to salty, meat and sausages to fluffy donuts.
Another gorgeous thing is the illumination. Everything looks like it is from a fairytale.
Another great thing. The Christmas Market doesn’t only happen at Rathaus. Go and see stalls on Prater and other places, spread all over the city. It’s definitely worth it!
It is spectacular. Big, bit loud, lots of people. But also lots of beautiful sights, good food, stalls with the most mesmerizing Christmas ornaments I’ve ever seen.
Did I mention the food? It is worth traveling to Vienna just for that food stalls that are there only for the Christmas Market period. From sweet to salty, meat and sausages to fluffy donuts.
Another gorgeous thing is the illumination. Everything looks like it is from a fairytale.
Another great thing. The Christmas Market doesn’t only happen at Rathaus. Go and see stalls on Prater and other places, spread all over the city. It’s definitely worth it!
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
navyjim58
Czech Republic816 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Vienna has 7 Christmas Markets and we visited 5 of them with this one being the best. We attended on a very snowy day and it was very crowded. But. It was beautiful and fun and we enjoyed everything except the bathrooms. Rediculous long lines. However we were glad we went as they had so many things to see including the lights and ice skating and smow man making and hot wine and food and a beautiful church and much more. Recommend.
Written December 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen Kelly
Liverpool, UK76,027 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
The Christmas Market in Rathausplatz is in my opinion the best Christmas Market that we visited in Vienna on our six day holiday to this amazing city and I would say its the best Christmas Market in Europe.
Located on Rathausplatz'this is a magical place to visit for the adults and children as it encapsulates the Christmas spirit with its amazing Christmas decorations and all its illuminations.
This Christmas Market is breathtaking with its assorted Christmas stalls that sell many festive gifts.There are lots of stall's offering Glühwein and festive snacks and is a great place to spend a few hours.
With amusement ride's for the children and a superb ice rink and lot's more attractions and as mentioned above magnificent light feature's throughout the Christmas Market its a magical place to visit.
This was our 3rd Christmas Market and the best of the three by far.We stayed for a few hours and had festive snacks and plenty of Glühwein that warmed us up no end.If your ever in Vienna in the Christmas period and you are looking for a Christmas Market'this is the one to visit.Very easy to find from the tram stop at Rathausplatz Burgtheater it's a minute's walk.(This is my first review of the Christmas Markets at Rathausplatz).
Opening Hours.
Monday-Sunday-10.00-22.00.
Public Transport.
Tram Stop.
Rathausplatz Burgtheater tram stop.
Located on Rathausplatz'this is a magical place to visit for the adults and children as it encapsulates the Christmas spirit with its amazing Christmas decorations and all its illuminations.
This Christmas Market is breathtaking with its assorted Christmas stalls that sell many festive gifts.There are lots of stall's offering Glühwein and festive snacks and is a great place to spend a few hours.
With amusement ride's for the children and a superb ice rink and lot's more attractions and as mentioned above magnificent light feature's throughout the Christmas Market its a magical place to visit.
This was our 3rd Christmas Market and the best of the three by far.We stayed for a few hours and had festive snacks and plenty of Glühwein that warmed us up no end.If your ever in Vienna in the Christmas period and you are looking for a Christmas Market'this is the one to visit.Very easy to find from the tram stop at Rathausplatz Burgtheater it's a minute's walk.(This is my first review of the Christmas Markets at Rathausplatz).
Opening Hours.
Monday-Sunday-10.00-22.00.
Public Transport.
Tram Stop.
Rathausplatz Burgtheater tram stop.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK18,912 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We visited Vienna at the end of November in 2023 and was amazed at just how many Christmas Markets there were around the city. Of all those we visited we probably enjoyed the one on Vienna’s Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall. the most. This Christkindlmarkt was the centrepiece of the Viennese Christmas experience for us in Vienna. Made extra special by the gorgeous backdrop that is the Rathaus glowing with illuminations. There are some nice market stalls and plenty to eat and drink at the Christkindlmarkt... A real flavour of Austrian Christmas festivities. If you can only make one Christmas Market in Vienna then to me this is the one to visit.
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Virginiatravel1
372 contributions
Dec 2019
You must visit this market at Christmas in Vienna and join the crowds who are enjoying themselves. There is food, drink, crafts and other items for sale, lights, more lights, and a Ferris wheel. Immerse yourself in the crowd and enjoy the holiday and be sure to watch the ice skaters.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina W
Peachtree Corners, GA254 contributions
Dec 2019
We traveled to Budapest, Vienna and Prague just for the Christmas Markets. This market was by far the best. Go at night to see the Christmas lights; they are unbelievable. It gets very crowded. We went in the middle of the week and there were thousands of people there. There is plenty of food, great souvenirs to buy, and great desserts, but there are lines for everything. Do not miss this Christmas Market!
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
afrewi214559
Bagshot, UK2 contributions
Dec 2019
We decided to visit Vienna for a winter break last December. During our stay we encountered this Christmas Market. It was huge , full of an enormous variety of stalls offering an amazing array of items from Christmas decorations,toys , hand crafted goods , clothes and food . Gluhvien was always on hand to help keep us warm and cheerful . This was an experience that we both felt we had to revisit soon.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are planning on visiting Vienna from 17-20 of November, my question is, will the Christmas market be open to visit and are they putting the Christmas decorations up?
Written August 31, 2023
Hi looking to go here in December for 4 nights. Where is a good hotel to stay within walking distance to markets and the city center, not too expensive looking for 3 or 4 star hotel.
Written March 28, 2023
Hello.
The Azimut Hotel Is A Good Hotel With A Good Breakfast And there Are A Few Christmas Markets Not To Far Away.
You Can Buy A Travel Pass For Around 18.00 To 20.00 Euro's Each Which Gives You Seven Days Travelling Around Vienna.
Most Of The Markets Can Be Reached Within Ten To Fifteen Minutes On The Metro Or Tram.
I Hope This Helps Yours.
Stephen Kelly.
Written March 28, 2023
Hi can people tell me the approximate cost of food and drinks ie red wine beer etc? Also approximate prices of Christmas decorations gifts etc thanks
Written December 9, 2022
Gluhwein is approx €5 - not sure on beer. Plenty of good value restaurants. Found it pretty similar to UK prices... depends on what level you want.. We were doing a dinner for £30 each with beers/wines and two or three courses and the food was great.
Decorations vary depending on what you are looking for.. start from a few euro up to hundreds. What was nice was there was not so much repetition.. it took a few markets before we started to see the same stuff... Schonbrunn was more hand made a better quality but the prices reflected that.
Written December 10, 2022
Hello. Can you tell me if the Christmas Market is open in this weekend from 10 to 12 December?
Written December 7, 2021
I am just wanting to buy, glass tree ornaments/baubles. Are there many stalls here for this? There seem to be a few on the photos
Written February 6, 2020
Yes there are lots. But it is only open for a short period in December
Written February 23, 2020
Qualcuno sa se questo mercatino è aperto anche a Capodanno? Specialmente da giorno 1 Gennaio in poi?
Written December 21, 2019
mi risulta che fino alla epifania resta aperto
Written December 23, 2019
We are visiting between 21st December. Please can you suggest what time to visit best to see illumination and if it is safe to use Ubahn after christmas market finishes. We will be staying near train station. Are there any christmas carol singing on christmas eve?
Written December 8, 2019
The lights are more effective from dusk onward. Found u-bahn to be very safe even when busy and most travellers are quite polite.
Not sure about Christmas eve as we were there in November but imagine there will be some carol singing. Check tourist offices or hotel receptions for leaflets of the various activities.
Written December 9, 2019
Is this event available in summer ? August
Written July 23, 2019
Explorer168
Singapore, Singapore
When does the Christmas markets starts this year? I’m looking at a trip to Vienna in November, hope I can catch some of it then. Thanks!
Written April 5, 2019
We arrived in Vienna November 22 and they were everywhere already!
Written April 6, 2019
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