Vienna Christmas Market 2026
Vienna has five major Christmas markets in 2026. The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz is the most famous: open from 13 November to 26 December. The market at Schloss Schonbrunn opens as early as 6 November and runs until 6 January 2027. Direct flights from Amsterdam and Eindhoven, weekend budget from 250 euro per person.
Quick answer: The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz in Vienna is open from 13 November to 26 December 2026, daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Entry is free. Vienna has five major Christmas markets; the earliest (Schonbrunn) opens on 6 November. From Amsterdam you fly direct in about 2 hours 10 minutes, return from around 150 euro. From Eindhoven Ryanair flies direct, return from around 80 euro per person. Weekend budget including flights and hotel: realistically from 250 euro per person.
Vienna Christmas Markets 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rathausplatz (Christkindlmarkt) | 13 November to 26 December 2026, 10:00-22:00 |
| Schloss Schonbrunn | 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, 10:00-21:00 |
| Spittelberg | 13 November to 23 December 2026 |
| Belvedere | 20 November to 31 December 2026 |
| Freyung (Alt-Wiener) | 14 November to 23 December 2026 |
| Entry all markets | Free |
| Flight AMS-VIE (direct) | approx. 2 hrs 10 min, return from 150 euro |
| Flight EIN-VIE (Ryanair) | approx. 2 hrs, return from 80 euro |
| Weekend budget | from approx. 250 euro per person (incl. flight and hotel) |
Book your trip to Vienna
Compare hotels in ViennaPackage holiday to ViennaCar rental in ViennaThe Five Vienna Christmas Markets: When and Where
Vienna is Europe's Christmas market capital: in 2026 there are five major officially recognised markets, each with its own atmosphere and character. All markets have free entry.
- Rathausplatz (Christkindlmarkt) - 13 Nov to 26 Dec 2026 The most famous and largest Christmas market in Vienna stands in front of the neo-Gothic city hall on the Ring. Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The Rathauspark ice rink "Ice Dream" covers 8,500 square metres of ice. More than 150 stalls with Viennese crafts, Lebkuchen, Punsch and Christmas decorations.
- Schloss Schonbrunn - 6 Nov 2026 to 6 Jan 2027 The earliest Christmas market in Vienna opens in the first week of November and runs until Epiphany. The atmosphere is imperial: the yellow facade of the Baroque palace as a backdrop, an ice rink, curling lanes and activities for children. Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. Take metro U4 to Schonbrunn station.
- Spittelberg - 13 Nov to 23 Dec 2026 The most atmospheric market in Vienna is set in the narrow Biedermeier streets of the 7th district (Neubau). Around 123 stalls selling handcrafted goods, sustainable gifts and eco-certified products. Open Monday to Friday 14:00 to 21:30, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 to 21:30. A 10-minute walk from the MuseumsQuartier.
- Belvedere - 20 Nov to 31 Dec 2026 The smallest but most exclusive market stands around the Upper Belvedere: a maximum of 35 stalls, quieter and more upscale than Rathausplatz. Open Monday to Friday 11:00 to 22:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 22:00. Also open on New Year's Eve.
- Freyung (Alt-Wiener Christkindlmarkt) - 14 Nov to 23 Dec 2026 The oldest Christmas market in Vienna, in operation since 1772, is held on the Freyung square in the first district. Focus on traditional crafts, ceramics and Christmas music. Old Vienna atmosphere, less touristy than Rathausplatz.
Flights from the Netherlands to Vienna
From Amsterdam (Schiphol), KLM, Austrian Airlines and easyJet fly direct to Vienna (VIE, Wien-Schwechat airport). Flight time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. Return flights in November and December 2026 average 150 to 236 euro per person when booking in advance. Book around 40 days ahead for the best price.
From Eindhoven (EIN), Ryanair flies direct to Vienna twice a week. A return flight costs from around 80 euro per person. Eindhoven Airport operates normally in November and December 2026. Departing Friday morning and returning Sunday evening gives two full market days.
Prices are indicative for November and December 2026 when booked 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Check live prices using the planner below.
Plan your Vienna Christmas market trip →Budget for a Vienna Christmas Market Weekend
Vienna is more expensive than Gdansk or Krakow, but also one of the most beautiful Christmas market destinations in Europe. Here is a realistic overview:
- When to book December is the most expensive month for hotels in Vienna: on average 40% higher than November. Visit in the first two weeks of December for the same market experience at lower hotel rates. Monday to Thursday is 15 to 25% cheaper than weekends.
- Getting around Vienna Use the Wiener Linien: a single ticket costs 2.40 euro, a 24-hour pass 5.80 euro and a 72-hour pass 15.30 euro. The Vienna City Card (public transport plus discounts at 200 attractions) costs 17 euro (24 hours), 25 euro (48 hours) or 29 euro (72 hours). All Christmas markets are within walking distance of a metro or tram stop.
- Food and drink at the market Mulled wine (Punsch in Vienna) costs 5 to 6 euro per mug, plus a 4 to 5 euro refundable deposit. A sausage or Langos costs 3 to 8 euro. Head to a market restaurant for a full Viennese meal (Tafelspitz or Schnitzel) for 15 to 22 euro per person.
- Attractions beyond the market Schonbrunn Palace Imperial Tour costs 22 euro; the gardens are free. The Belvedere costs from 23 euro (under 19 free). The Kunsthistorisches Museum costs 18 euro. The Vienna City Card gives 1 to 2 euro off most museums.
- Insider tip The Spittelberg market is less well-known to foreign tourists but has the best atmosphere on weekday evenings. Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday after 18:00: quiet, cosy and the crafts are more original than on Rathausplatz.
Also useful for this destination
All Christmas markets in Europe from the NetherlandsMore about Vienna
Explore Vienna further with these pages:
Useful guides
More tips for a budget Christmas market weekend:
Frequently asked questions about the Vienna Christmas market
When is the Vienna Christmas Market in 2026?
The largest Vienna Christmas market, the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, runs from 13 November to 26 December 2026, daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The market at Schloss Schonbrunn opens even earlier, on 6 November 2026, and runs until 6 January 2027.
How many Christmas markets does Vienna have?
Vienna has five major Christmas markets in 2026: Rathausplatz (the most famous), Schloss Schonbrunn, the Belvedere, Spittelberg and the Alt-Wiener Christkindlmarkt on the Freyung. Each has its own character. Entry is free at all five markets.
How do I get from the Netherlands to the Vienna Christmas Market?
From Amsterdam, KLM, Austrian Airlines and easyJet fly direct to Vienna (VIE) in about 2 hours 10 minutes, return flights from around 150 euro. From Eindhoven, Ryanair flies direct to Vienna twice a week, return from around 80 euro per person.
Is entry to the Vienna Christmas markets free?
Yes, all five major Vienna Christmas markets have free entry. A mulled wine (Punsch) costs 5 to 6 euro per mug, plus a 4 to 5 euro refundable deposit on the mug. A realistic evening at the market costs 15 to 25 euro per person including two hot drinks and some food.
What is the best weekend to visit the Vienna Christmas market?
The first two weeks of December are ideal: all five markets are open, it is less crowded than the week before Christmas, and the chance of snow in Vienna increases. Visit on a weekday or arrive before 15:00 for a more relaxed experience. Weekend evenings after 17:00 on Rathausplatz are the busiest.
Published on 26 September 2026. Opening dates are based on officially published information from the organisers and may be subject to change; verify them shortly before your departure.