Vienna shines with holiday magic throughout December, and this week is packed with festive Christmas markets, ice skating, seasonal food, and illuminated streets. Below are the top Christmas events and activities you can enjoy in Vienna this year (2025) — including dates, times, and locations.
🎁 Vienna Christmas Market (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) — Rathausplatz
📍 Location: Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), 1010 Vienna
📅 Dates: Open daily until December 26, 2025
🕙 Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (closes early 6:30 PM on Dec 24) vienna.info
Vienna’s iconic Christmas market is one of the most popular in Europe. Wooden stalls fill the square in front of the stunning neo-Gothic Rathaus with handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, mulled wine, and festive décor. The market atmosphere is magical day and night with twinkling lights and live music throughout the week. vienna.info
⛸️ Vienna Ice World — Ice Skating at Rathausplatz
📍 Location: Rathauspark / City Hall Square, 1010 Vienna
📅 Dates: Daily through at least December 23, 2025 (with extended season into January)
🕙 Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM most days this week vienna.info
Just beside the Christmas market, Ice World (Eiswelt) turns Rathauspark into a winter wonderland of ice. Skaters can glide amid festive lights on the mirrored surface of this popular rink. Whether you’re an experienced skater or trying it for the first time, this is one of the top winter activities in Vienna. vienna.info
🎄 Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
📍 Location: Parade Court, Schönbrunn Palace, 1130 Vienna
📅 Dates: November 6, 2025 – January 6, 2026
🕙 Hours:
- Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Dec 24: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Dec 25 – Jan 6: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Schönbrunn Palace
The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace is an imperial holiday experience, set against the palace’s grand courtyard. It features over 90 stalls with crafts, seasonal treats, and family-friendly attractions, including curling and a children’s ice rink earlier in the day. This week you can visit any afternoon or evening to enjoy the festive ambience and panoramic views. Schönbrunn Palace
🎄 Stephansplatz Christmas Market
📍 Location: Stephansplatz (in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral)
📅 Dates: Through December 26, 2025
🕚 Typical Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (check locally for slight variations) Ultimate Christmas Markets
Located beneath Vienna’s iconic cathedral, this Christmas market is a great lunchtime or early evening stop while shopping or sightseeing. Sample mulled wine, strudel, and roasted chestnuts while admiring stunning views of the cathedral’s Gothic towers. Ultimate Christmas Markets
🌟 Spittelberg Christmas Market
📍 Location: Spittelberg District (between Spittelberggasse & Schrankgasse)
📅 Dates: Through December 23, 2025
🕒 Hours:
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM museos
This atmospheric market winds through narrow historic streets, offering handcrafted gifts, unique ornaments, and seasonal treats. It’s especially lovely for evening strolls and photos while exploring the city’s charming Biedermeier quarter. museos
🍷 Seasonal Food & Mulled Wine Everywhere
Throughout Vienna’s festive Christmas markets this week, you’ll find classic seasonal food and drink options like Glühwein (mulled wine), punch, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, strudel, and sausages. Vendors typically serve these staples from market opening until closing time each day. vienna.info
🌟 Holiday Lights & Festive Walks
One of the best free things to do in Vienna this week is soaking in the Christmas lights and holiday illuminations around the city. Walk the streets near Graben, Kärntner Straße, Stephansplatz, and the Rathaus area in the evening to experience Vienna’s winter magic after dark. museos
🎉 Tips for Visiting Vienna This Christmas
- Arrive early: Markets are quieter in the morning and early afternoon.
- Dress warmly: It’s cold in Vienna in December — layers help.
- Plan for crowds: The most popular Christmas markets, especially at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn, draw lots of visitors in the evenings.