Time to share an update for the 2024 Christmas Market season in Vienna. As always, it is my hope to help 2024 visitors as well as visitors in 2025 and beyond. The season started early this year - there were still leaves on many trees! There are 17 Christmas Markets in Vienna this year I plan to visit. As I visit the markets, I will provide updates. So stay tuned as I bring you the best in cheese, sausage, hot drinks, mugs and crafts. I do post on Instagram and share many photos of the markets, if you want to see things from my point of view @3point14maker.
Some Advent Market basics:
When are the Markets? – The markets started this year on Nov. 8. Many close on Christmas Eve, but several find a new life after Christmas as New Year’s Markets, which can go until Jan. 6. I suggest the following link for exact dates/times - https://www.wien.info/en/now-on/christmas/christmas-markets-342664
Day or Night? – Definitely go to the markets after sunset, which at this time of year is about 4 pm. The darkness brings out the festive lights!
What should I wear? – Warm clothing is a must as you’ll be standing outside in the freezing cold, with little relief. A hat, gloves, warms socks and shoes are all imperative.
Will it snow? – Probably not.
What should I drink? – My new drink of choice is a hot chocolate with a shot of rum. That said, the most popular choices are punsch or Glühwein. Punsch is a warm alcoholic drink, usually fruit flavored but there are hundreds of variations (my favorite is the Mozart which is with marzipan and pistachio). Kinderpunsch (kid’s punsch) is the non-alcoholic version. Glühwein is warm spiced red wine - you can sometimes find white and rose. Be sure to get Schlag (whipped cream) on your hot chocolate.
How do I get my drinks? – Every market has multiple punsch stands which are like an outside bar. You push your way to the front and order your drink. You will pay for your drink (prices this year are 5-7 Euro per drink), plus a 5 Euro deposit for the mug (some markets also give you a plastic token). Every time I bought a punsch, I would witness a confused customer shouting at the worker that they were overcharged. Do not be this person. You will get your deposit back when you return the mug (or don’t return the mug and keep it as a souvenir). You can return your mug to any punsch stand in the same market – it doesn’t have to be the stand where you bought your drink. Each market has a unique mug.
Do I pay in cash or with a credit card? - Nearly all places, including the food and drink stands, readily take a credit card, but note that you will be given back your mug deposit in cash. The craft vendors also take your cards. I always have a bit of cash on hand for the rare exception that a vendor doesn't accept cards.
What do I eat at the market? – Markets typically serve fatty, cheesy and rich foods. Raclette, sausages, doughnuts, chestnuts, fried potatoes and big pans of spaetzle are common. You can definitely get a meal at a market, but bring the pepto.
Tell me about the shopping – Christmas crafts, ornaments and decorations galore of various quality and price are available at all markets. These days, many items are imported, but if you are diligent you can find nice locally made products. You can also easily find jewelry, clothing, toys, ceramics, soap, snow globes and everything in between. Many vendors will have stalls are multiple markets, so there is some repetition. Haggling is really not done and do not expect bargains.
Should I bring the kids? – Yes! (Karlsplatz and Altes AKH are best)
Suggested grouping of markets – Many of the markets are close to each other, making it possible to visit several in one afternoon/evening. Grouping #1 - Belvedere, Karlsplatz and the Oper Genuss Market. Grouping #2 – Rathausplatz and Altes AKH. Grouping #3 – Maria-Theresien-Platz, MuseumsQuartier and Spittelberg. Grouping #4 – Freyung, Am Hof and Stephansplatz.