This was the largest and most decorative Christmas market we went to in Vienna! Located at City Hall, the whole Christmas market is lit up with Christmas lights along with a large Christmas arch welcoming you in. Nothing beats the backdrop of the City Hall building fully lit! This Christmas market has a skating rink on one side of the main area and a Christmas light garden on the other side. There are so many different stalls to choose from, and because this one is larger, I felt that this had more food selection as well. We tried a langos and arancinis here which were pretty good. Mulled punch and wine are also a must. Definitely a very picturesque place to be. read more

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Yelp Review 2023 #8: I've been to many Christmas markets in Europe. I'd have to say this one is one of my favorites. Lots to see, do, eat, drink, and buy as gifts. It starts in the afternoon up to the evening. You just have to be patient with people because there is lot. Some walking around aimlessly. Some that decide to stop in the middle of the market and just stand there causing traffic and bumping into each other. The stalls will have lines...looooong lines especially towards the evening. They have cakes, pastries, cookies, mulled wine, hot cider, hot chocolate, sausages, arancino, roasted chestnuts, sandwiches, etc. Some stalls sell Christmas ornaments, snow globes, baking tools and many more. However, there are no tables and chairs. So, you eat and drink while walking and hopefully without getting bumped by other people. There are lights, and ice skating. It's easy to get to. There's a bus station and a tram station right in front. read more

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Oh my Santa. This was probably the largest Christmas market I saw between Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. First was the incredible ice skating path, not rink. This railed trail wound its way through one side of the park, and was plenty wide. Sabrina B- you would have loved it. Rows and rows of matching wooden stalls sold handcrafted gifts, regional street food, and lots of hot drinks with alcohol. Mulled wine- yes please, any time of day. Or even the rum spiked hot chocolate. The wild boar and cheese sandwich was perfect for snacking on while shopping. You knew when you walked by a sweet treat spot- the smell of sugar grabbed you. The far side had a beautiful huge lit Christmas tree and some carnival rides. Tons of people. Afternoons were easier shopping, but so much prettier at night. read more

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This is one of the bigger Christmas markets that we explored in Vienna. We had non-alcoholic punch and even went on a Ferris wheel.

This is the biggest Christmas Market in Vienna. It also has the coolest ice skating rink which also has a path along the outside of the rink. A huge variety of food and vendors. I loved my kasekriner that I had been wanting since arriving in Vienna that mummy daughter raves about since studying abroad here 3 years ago. Of course some of these vendors are also at Stephanplatz and Museum Quarters but that's ok-- it gives you another chance to buy in case you didn't buy the first time. You need to take your time here and take deep breaths withe crowds. But it's all for the holidays, so enjoy it here at this Christmas Market! read more

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Tacky and disappointing Christmas market that's notable only because of its status as the largest of the dozens of Viennese markets and because of its beautiful backdrop. To be fair, it's very pretty with the soaring well-lit city hall behind, ice skating rink and extra large Christmas tree with a stage for live music at its base but the over 150 booths were more trash and trinkets than unique holiday items. We walked through in the evening despite the caution from a local guide that this one "wasn't her favorite." She was right. It was our least favorite market of the half dozen that we visited during our three day visit to Vienna. I guess it's worth a quick look but don't expect to find any quality items that you will want to bring home. It's sort of like a piece of wax fruit-pretty to look at but not very satisfying. read more

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You'll find many of the same goods at Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz as you'll see at other Christmas markets throughout Vienna. This market seems extra busy though based on its prime location in front of city hall. Plus there's ice skating trails available here, which is pretty neat! I visited this market twice in late November -- first at night and then again the next morning. I enjoyed the atmosphere more at night, but it sure was easier to navigate with less crowds during the day. It's a typical market with lots of stalls for decorated gingerbread, snow globes, nativity scenes, nutcrackers, stuffed animals, soaps, ornaments, and other cutesy gifts. There are also souvenir stalls so you don't even need to visit the shops. Keep in mind: Most stalls do NOT accept credit cards. I used the last of my euros here (buying the most ADORABLE stuffed animal named Rudolph!) and was tapped out in the funds department, so I mostly had to just window shop. Whoops. One last tip: Go inside city hall to snap a photo in Santa's sleigh! Super cute. read more

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Absolutely stunning Christmas Market guaranteed to get anyone in the Christmas spirit! Lovely displays of seasonal gifts, music, food, sweets, mulled wine, and other beverages served in a mug--great for the environment, and let's be honest, isn't your hot beverage more enjoyable in a mug? ATM were available and useful. Restroom lines were ridiculously long--especially for people drinking alcohol . . . Really enjoyable experience. Surprised to hear an unfortunate American holiday song, "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" playing, but it's good for a laugh at least. Would definitely like to return! read more

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Christkindlmarkt is the biggest and most popular Christmas market in Vienna. You'll find all sorts of stalls selling Christmas ornaments/Knick knacks, journals, soaps, candles, and of course all of the food stalls with mulled wine, chocolate, pastries, and bratwurst, just to name a few. It's a nice place to spend half a day eating and souvenir shopping. Of course, it's not going to be the greatest food or the cheapest souvenirs, but it's definitely a unique/fun experience. Don't be deterred by the crowds - it's definitely worth enduring. read more

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Selection: 3 stars Location : 4 stars The fact that it was open while we were there: 5 stars Average: 4 stars Thuy and I were kinda amazed at the repetition of the items for sale in the numerous stalls. That being said, this was our first Christmas Market, and we were thrilled that it was open. We were hoping to see more handmade crafts, but nothing really appealed to us. We saw a lot of trinkets and plastic toys, but nothing that said, "You have been to Wien" (not literally, just figuratively). Even the ceramic mugs (nice touch) that the gluwein was served in did not have a date on them. At first I thought it would make a good souvenir (you pay a deposit on the cup, it's up to you if you want your deposit back), but the image was not so great and without a date on the cup I opted to get my deposit back. But I don't mean to sound too negative. We were thrilled to experience a Christmas Market in Europe. At first we thought we'd be able to see the market in Nuremberg, but alas we were a week too early... Hence the fact that we were so happy to see this one... Which to be honest has a much nicer setting one that the one in the inner city of Nuremberg (we saw it being set up). In Wien, it feels like you are in a forest, not a city square, and there a decorations in the trees and at the perimeter. So I would still classify this as a "don't miss it', it's just that I enjoyed the food and beverages more than the items for sale. read more

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If you're in Vienna and looking for a great Christmas market to visit - Rathausplatz is a wonderful spot! It's one of the bigger Christmas markets in Vienna with food and trinket stalls lined all throughout the park, selling such unique finds. It's a great place to also pick up gifts and different souvenirs for friends and family! This market also has a great selection of warm beverages like mulled wine and hot chocolate if you re feeling chilly! The market wasn't too far at all from our hotel on Schubertring and was just a short 5-10 min taxi ride. Certainly give this spot a try - Christmas markets here in Vienna are super festive and fun and are enjoyable for the whole family! read more

Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz - Christmas Markets Near Me - Vienna, 9

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The Christmas market at the majory of Vienna is one of the largest in Vienna. It can be easily reached by trams (D, 1, etc.) and by underground U2. There is lots of activities, especially for the children and lots of possibilities to sit. There are also enough toilets around although you have to pay for them. There are lots of handcraft stands (glas, wood, wool, pottery, painting, etc.). There is also lots of Austrian traditional Christmas food and beverages. It is better to see the market during the week, because at the weekends and int he evenings it is hopelessly overcrowded. But, if you want to see even more authentic Austrian Christmas you have to go to the Christmas market at Spittelberg, Vienna 7th district. For people with difficulty with walking the one at the majory is much better. There are also lots of activities at the same time at the majory itself. E.g. today there was international dancing Hats off!!! read more

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I've been to a couple of christmas markets before, but never one where it really matters, and here in vienna, christmas markets matter. There are christmas markets everywhere, in every square you come to. But this one is the one you must come to at least once if you are in the area and the time is right. Located in front of the city hall, it's the biggest christmas market in vienna city centre. It's beautiful, it's full of things, and the best part, it's full of people enjoying themselves and drinking gluwein and hot punsch. In case you don't already know, they give you the hot drinks with a real mug of souvenir designs of the year on it (every stall does this). If you return the mug, you get 2.5EUR back. Fun fun fun! We bought a lot more than we anticipated because there's just so much to see and look. It can be a pain with all the people, but it's not the same without them. read more

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This is the largest of Vienna's scores of Christmas Markets and has as its focal point - Vienna's official Christmas tree. The tree from a different state in Austria each year is huge like the market. The Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz is also the most crowded market and one could also say - most touristed and commercial market. But still it wouldn't be Christmas in Vienna without it ... and I like how they have added a smaller version of Ice Dream which will further blossom into the world's largest man-made ice skating venue after the holidays. read more

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This was my first stop in Vienna, after dropping my things off at my friend's apartment and taking a well-deserved nap, of course. I was in Vienna the last full week of November 2011, and I think I got there just a day or two after the Christmas Markets opened. Which made me so happy! I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the Rathaus as a backdrop to the market was lovely, and food offerings were good and the Punsch was, as always, delicious! Sehr lecker! I returned a second time during my stay, during the day when it was far less crowded (though a crowd adds to the atmosphere) and I could take pictures of all the goodies! read more

I only had a few hours in Vienna on a layover, and with a bit of advice from tourist information at the airport, I caught a bus & tram to check out this market. I loved it!! I wish I had more time to spend here, but I was able to get some fresh roasted nuts & a bratwurst, as well as a skewer of raspberries dipped in dark chocolate. Delicious!! And a great place to pick up some gifts!! read more

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A bucket list item of mine since I was 13 years old: the Christmas markets in Austria! While on a cruise via the Danube I was able to enjoy some time here. It is beautiful. The stalls are well kept, vendors were friendly and I just loved all the beautiful Christmas ornaments, gifts and treats. The aroma of hot "wine" was alluring and overall feel was almost nostalgic, as if I was a child again. The plaza was wonderfully decorated. There was even an interesting Rink for ice skating. My only wish is that it would have been nice to have a bit of snow for a more magical feel. read more

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I really liked this Christmas Market. Location is great, the stalls are good, if it wasn't raining I'd probably have stayed longer. Location: It is located near the theatre and the government buildings. When it is all lit up at night it is quite beautiful. It is next to a park which had singing animatronics which was quite amusing. Kids were staring at it and parents were bobbing their heads. Also because it was near the park you could take a seat as well if you wanted to. Inside the City Hall there was more festivities for children so it was nice and convenient. Stalls: They had quite a number of stalls which was nice to see. Many of the stalls were food stalls which I love. It has a nice mix but there wasn't anything too unique about these stalls compared to some of the other ones. Overall, it was a good market and being near the government buildings with all the pretty lights is an added bonus! read more

Christkindlmarkt refers to christmas market, a very old tradition in europe. Vienna has several of them, but the one near the Rathaus is the biggest one, getting most attention. It attracts much more visitors per year than the city has inhabitants. But dont be afraid about overcrowding. This place really has a special peaceful mood so I can also tell you its great fun to visit it with the whole family including your children. Even if you hit the rush hours on weekend evenings there are parks on both sides of the market. It is an open space where tourists and local people often make a visit more than once. If you live in Vienna and have guests, it is a perfect place to go in the late afternoon before you dive into the city for your evening programe. And it is really an open and free place, which means that you have on two sides stalls selling chirstmas decorations, food and souvenirs, but you are never forced to join the commercial part. Also you are free to decide if you want your drink (the "Punsch") with or without alcohol. And even in summer time this palce has a special goodie for you. In July and August in front of the rathaus you can watch films and classical music for free! on a big screen. It's called the Musikfilm-Festival. You may also have seen this location during the Euro 2008 soccer tournament was it a public viewing location. Then was the only time when the overcrowding was not family proof. You can reach this fine place very easily with public transport. Watch out for underground "U-Bahn" U2 and the station named "Rathaus". read more

Went through here several weeks before Christmas, and absolutely loved it. The Rathaus is stunning, especially at night all lit up and especially in the snow - it was a perfect time to go to this market. The market itself was really fun and charming, though crowded. I shoveled in a large sausage and had a tasty cider - and I liked the souvenir mug! It was freezing outside, and that drink was very good at warming up my insides so I could stay out there a little longer. I circled around this market shoveling in sausages and drinks and looking at some of the craft stalls and candy - the candy stalls were my favorite! There was a long line of candy stalls set up and there were some really unique creations in there. I didn't get any though as my belly was full of sausage and there were a lot of people crowded around there. I also liked looking at the Christmas ornaments. I'm glad I went to this market if only to see the beautiful Rathaus all lit up with the Christmas trees and decorations under it. I think this is the most beautiful Christmas market I have been to! I definitely recommend this place if you are here at the right time of year. Dress warmly! read more

This is our #1 choice for the experience. If nothing else, you'll love seeing all the older women standing in the cold, getting wasted on the mulled wine. Which you'll love drinking too. The City Hall Christmas market has the same disappointing selection of "crafts." Sorry, but you won't find the homemade Austrian crafts you thought you were going to find here. They're not here or in any other market. But what the City Hall market has is a huge selection of what is available at these markets, plus plenty of food, Glugwein, and other attractions. Go inside City Hall, both to warm up and to find more things of interest. Walk around and enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. This one is a must if you're in Vienna in late November or December. read more

What a beautiful park. My wife and I have visited their Christmas market during our first trip to the city and it was an absolute delight. They had a great variety of shops, food, and Glüwein! Coming from America we don't have such great festivals. We love coming to eat the holiday food and drink and they have more of a variety than what we have seen in the past while living in Frankfurt, Germany. Everything was reasonably priced and overall a very pleasant atmosphere. We loved how the park was decorated, and it certainly was a great segue into the holiday season. This has been the largest of the Xmas markets we have seen in Vienna so far and the one we enjoyed most! read more

This is the biggest, baddest, most festive Christmas market in all of Central Europe! With an incredibly picturesque setting in front of the Rathaus, among the lit trees of the park, this market has the best food options of all of the dozens of Christmas markets in Vienna. Special attention should be paid to the baked potato and the soup in a bread-bowl stands. At the potato stand, try the Renner (cheese, ham, & garlic sauce). At the soup stand, I can recommend the beer & bread soup with bits of speck in it. Delicious! The massive evergreen tree in the center of the market is one of the largest around! The only bad thing is this market's popularity. It's best to avoid the busy crowds on the weekend and instead meet your friends here for a gluhwein after work. read more

Come here to see the wonderfully illuminated Rathaus, the trees with heart-lamps and the magnificent Christmas tree; the stalls have mostly gaudy, cheap items. There was also an indoor event - baking classes for children. This workshop was set up so nicely with pink Christmas trees, and it was really festive. However, even before the event was over, and while people were heading to the indoor cafe, the cops/guards were terribly pushy and rudely commanding people to get out. This behavior is bad enough with adults, but you come to expect rudeness as a norm in Vienna. It was just disturbing to see grown men in uniforms scolding youngsters; Christmas is for children to experience joy. Really uncouth. The stalls were mediocre, but I highly recommend the Biscuiterie Bretagne stall. The workers were super polite and respectful. I didn't know Breton shortbread was so good. read more

When visiting Vienna during the Christmas period it is a given you're going to encounter a Christmas Market. This one on the Rathausplatz is one of the bigger ones. It has all the usual stalls with hand crafted goodies and the wide variety gluhwein and punches on offer. They also have the bakeries and cured meat stalls, a fine example of Austrian bakers and butchers are selling typical Austrian fare. It is also not the cheapest place to visit. I personally liked the look of the giant pretzels. This market is mostly geared up to service parents and their children. It has a dedicated children's workshop area where they can bake, paint and create decorations. As you can expect it is always very busy here and more than once I had to pardon myself for other people pushing their way through the crowd. I wasn't overly impressed with the actual market, no real interest in what is being sold. Though it looked fine from a distance, actually being there just caused irritation due to the crowds. read more

This seems to be THE christkindlmarkt in Vienna. Unlike other cities we visited where Christmas markets seemed to be around every corner, Vienna seems to pack it all into one. Thankfully our tour book let us know about the market in front of City Hall. I thought for sure there would be one in the pedestrian part of old town, but no. So, this is it. Luckily, it's a really good market with a multitude of stands offering a wide variety of wares. Be sure to get some gluhwein and/or some punch. The strawberry rum punch was delicious! There are also a number of food stands around so you won't go hungry. I didn't buy much here, but enjoyed wandering with my alcoholic hot beverage looking at everything. And, as a bonus, there were restrooms inside City Hall that were clean and warm. read more

This was the last stop on our self imposed Christmas Market tour and it's by far the biggest. We visited Munich and Salzburg before this and though each market is unique and special, this one has the most vendors and variety. Although it gets quite crowded, the people are laid back and the food is delicious. read more

Beautiful atmosphere no doubt. I have been looking forward to the Christmas market ever since I arrived in August; however, I am extremely disappointed in the actual goods sold at the market. I expected extravagant Christmas decorations and handmade items I could give to my friends and family back home which really displayed the beauty of Vienna at Christmas. All I really saw were generic decorations, soap stands, and wooden children's toys. I am hoping that the Schonbrunn markets have more promise. BUT it is a great place to walk around, enjoy the Christmas spirit, and of course enjoy a yummy holiday treat! read more

This is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets I have ever been to. Truely amazing athmosphere. The Rathaus is lit beautifully and you can listen to choires singing Christmas songs inside. My favourite treat are the chocolate covered strawberries you seem to be getting everywhere. Yummy. I will go back soon. read more

A bit kitsch but very popular, well decorated Christmas markets at the Rathaus. Standard Viennese Christmas market products. Worth a visit if you haven't been but bear in mind it can be very busy with a lot of people drinking punsch. read more