Vienna is the Christmas capital: Christmas market wins world prize!

Vienna is the Christmas capital: Christmas market wins world prize!

Vienna, the lively capital of Austria, has secured the title of the best Christmas city in the world. According to a recent rating by CNN, the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the best Christmas market in the world. With its long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, this market attracts over three million visitors every year. Mayor Michael Ludwig underlines the importance of this event for Vienna, which not only acts as a tourist magnet, but is also considered the heart of the European Christmas tradition. Visitors can expect a magnificently decorated Christmas tree, a romantic ice skating rink and numerous stalls with traditional handicrafts and culinary delicacies.

This year the Christmas market runs from November 14th to December 26th, 2025, daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and offers more than 150 stalls. In addition, the 43rd International Advent Singing will be held in Vienna City Hall on the Advent weekends, with over 85 choirs from home and abroad performing.

Variety of Christmas markets

Vienna offers an impressive selection of 14 official Christmas markets, including the X-mas market in the Marx Hall, which is the largest Advent market with 186 stalls. A special attraction is the Christmas exhibition in the Hirschstetten flower gardens, which is open from November 13th to December 21st and offers more than 50 sales stands and a children's program. Visitors also get their money's worth in terms of cuisine: from Kaiserschmarrn to mulled wine, you can find everything your heart desires here.

• Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt: 14. November bis 26. Dezember 2025, täglich 10-22 Uhr.
• Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market: 6. November bis 23. Dezember 2025, täglich 10-21 Uhr; Neujahrsmarkt vom 24. Dezember bis 6. Januar 2026.
• Stephansplatz Christmas Market: 8. November bis 26. Dezember 2025, täglich 11-21 Uhr.
• Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village: 2025 und 2026 nicht geöffnet wegen Bauarbeiten.
• Winter Market at Riesenradplatz: 21. November 2025 bis 6. Januar 2026.

Special sustainability

Vienna also attaches importance to sustainability: after December 24th, a large number of Christmas tree collection points operate in the city. Every year, around 130,000 Christmas trees are processed into climate-neutral energy, which provides enough electricity for 1,200 households and at the same time supplies 2,200 households with district heating for a month.

The soothing winter atmosphere in Vienna transforms the city into a winter wonderland, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the festively lit streets. Visitors should prepare for a packed program, including classical concerts and a romantic ice dream that will transform the town hall square into an ice skating dream until January 6, 2026. If you have never visited the city during Advent, you should not miss this opportunity!

It is advisable for travelers to book accommodation in good time, as Vienna Christmas markets attract almost 3 million visitors every year. To avoid the crowds, weekdays are the best choice to visit. Vienna definitely ensures a successful Christmas magic!