Vienna Christmas Market: punch and lights at the City Hall

In front of Vienna's neo-Gothic City Hall, the Rathausplatz turns into the city's best-known Christmas market. Rows of wooden stalls, illuminated trees in the Rathauspark and the smell of punch and roasted chestnuts create a classic Viennese Advent atmosphere.

Fun facts

• Vienna's Christmas market tradition reaches back to a December market first mentioned in 1298.
• The Rathaus was completed in 1883 and its tower is crowned by the iron Rathausmann figure.
• Each year the market sells a new collectible mug design for its hot drinks.

What to see

• The illuminated trees and decorations of the Rathauspark next to the market.
• The Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace.
• The small artisan market in the lanes of Spittelberg.

What to taste

• Punsch, a hot fruity punch with rum, sold in countless flavours.
• Roasted chestnuts (Maroni) from street stands, perfect for cold evenings.
• Vanillekipferl, crescent-shaped vanilla biscuits baked for Advent.

What to do

• Return your mug for the deposit or keep it as a cheap souvenir.
• Warm up in a classic Viennese coffee house with a Melange.
• Hop on tram 1 or 2 for a cheap ride around the Ringstrasse.

💡 Tip: Weekday afternoons are far calmer than weekend evenings. From Vienna airport the S7 suburban train is the cheapest way into the city; the CAT express is faster but costs more.