While there are things to do all across the Austrian capital, if you’re visiting in November and December in search of magical corners boasting joyful holiday spirit, I’m here to help you find the best area to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets.
This city truly becomes a winter wonderland with its lavishly decorated streets and shops, snowy days, and the smell of apple cider, hot pretzels, and roasted chestnuts. To make the most of your time in Vienna in winter, read this accommodation guide.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may show pop-ups.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
Quick Suggestions for Your Trip
Planning a last-minute winter trip? Book yourself one of these highly-rated activities:
1. Christmas market food tour
2. A Christmas or New Year’s concert in St. Peter’s Church
3. A guided day tour to the fairytale town of Hallstatt that operates throughout winter or a Hallstatt Christmas markets day trip
4. Skip-the-lines Schönbrunn Palace guided tour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Book one of these highly-rated hotels:
1. Boutique Hotel Das Tigra (in the heart of the city center, near the Am Hof Christmas market)
2. O11 Boutique Hotel Vienna (near several Christmas markets)
3. Artist Boutique Hotel (near Rathausplatz Christmas Market, the biggest in Vienna)
**The Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village is closed in 2025.
List and Map of the Best Christmas Markets in Vienna
Thanks to its incredible Christmas markets, Vienna really is a dreamy European winter city break destination and a magical Christmas destination in Austria, so here’s a quick introduction to all the spots you need to check out – see the Vienna Christmas markets map here.
Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).
Dates for 2025: Most markets are open from November 14th to December 26th (some start a few days later, and others operate until the beginning of January).
Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Taking place in front of the Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), this is the largest Christmas market in the city, featuring about 150 stalls.
From decorations, handmade souvenirs, and winter delicacies, to an ice skating rink, themed illuminated displays, and even a Ferris wheel, there’s no shortage of fun things to do and see here, so make enough time for it on your itinerary.
Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village
With more than 70 stands (selling decorations, handicrafts, and souvenirs) and a backdrop of the impressive Museum of Natural History and Art History Museum, the striking Maria Theresien Square hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Vienna.
**The Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village is closed in 2025.
Belvedere Christmas Village
Set against one of the finest Austrian landmarks, the 18th-century Baroque-style Belvedere Palace, this Christmas market might not be as big as you would expect it to be (due to its location). Still, it focuses on quality over quantity, so expect top-notch handicrafts and food.
Spittelberg Christmas Market
One of the best experiences in Vienna is visiting the Spittelberg quarter, a tiny yet utterly enchanting area in the city, which hosts a lovely Christmas market.
Taking over Spittelberg’s charming streets and courtyards, this market feels cozy with its familial atmosphere, twinkling lights, and cute stalls (selling things like cupcakes, homemade liquors, candles, jewelry, and more).
Schönbrunn Christmas Market
With a regal backdrop of the 17th-century UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace (situated away from the city center), this arts and crafts market is an elegant, stylish, and magical spot to visit during your winter trip to Vienna.
Other Vienna Christmas Markets
In the heart of the city center, you’ll find smaller yet adorable markets, like Stephansplatz Christmas market (surrounding the beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral), Am Hof Christmas market, and Altwiener Christkindlmarkt (also known as Freyung Christmas market).
Other small yet visit-worthy spots include Michaelerplatz Christmas Market (located in front of the Hofburg Palace complex) and Karlsplatz Christmas Market (focuses on arts and crafts).
A bit further away from the city center, you’ll also find the Altes AKH Christmas market (the Christmas Village at the campus of the University of Vienna) and the Wintermarkt at the Riesenradplatz next to Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel at Prater Park.
Best Area to Stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets
Here are the four main areas you need to consider.
1. Eastern Neubau
Overview
The district of Neubau (the 7th district) is vibrant and super cool, packed with museums, art galleries, boutiques, concept shops, international cuisine restaurants, cozy Viennese cafes, funky bars, and so much more.
Its eastern part is not only extremely close to the city center but also includes the adorable Spittelberg Quarter (probably my favorite place in Vienna) and the MuseumsQuartier, home to the unmissable Leopold Museum and mumok – Museum of Modern Art.
Nearest Christmas Markets (Under 1.5 Km)
- Spittelberg Christmas market
- Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village (closed in 2025)
- Rathausplatz Christmas market
- Karlsplatz Christmas market
- Michaelerplatz Christmas market
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
- MuseumsQuartier
- Museum of Natural History
- Art History Museum (book your ticket here)
- Imperial Furniture Collection
- Naschmarkt
Highly Rated Accommodations in This Area
7th HEAVEN Vienna Center Apartments: Rated 9.9 and housed in a historic building on a quiet street, these fully-equipped apartments have an ideal location near the MuseumsQuartier, public transport, and plenty of cafes and restaurants.
Boutiquehotal Das Tyrol: Also located on Mariahilfer Straße (right next to the MuseumsQuartier), this 4-star boutique hotel has a unique decor that incorporates modern Viennese art. You can enjoy the on-site wellness center, highly-rated breakfast, and spacious double rooms, as well as the countless shops and places to eat nearby.
2. South of Innere Stadt
Overview
The district of Innere Stadt (the 1st district) is essentially the city center of Vienna. From intriguing museums and landmarks to the loveliest parks to an abundance of shops, cafes, and restaurants, you won’t be bored here, not even for a second.
Staying in its southern part means you’ll be within easy reach of the district’s top points of interest AND some of the city’s best Christmas markets.
Nearest Christmas Markets (Under 1.5 Km)
- Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village (closed in 2025)
- Michaelerplatz Christmas market
- Karlsplatz Christmas market
- Spittelberg Christmas market
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
- Vienna State Opera
- Museum of Natural History
- Art History Museum (book your ticket here)
- Naschmarkt
- Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles)
- Burggarten
- Albertina Museum (book your ticket here)
- Hofburg Palace
Highly Rated Accommodations in This Area
Hotel Palais Mailberger Hof: This central 4-star hotel boasts cozy yet elegant rooms and has an on-site bar, spa, and gym. You can also opt for its highly-rated breakfast.
O11 Boutique Hotel Vienna: Situated a stone’s throw away from the Vienna State Opera, this 4-star boutique hotel boasts elegant rooms and suites for 2-4 people. Available for an additional cost are breakfast and concierge services, and many landmarks are nearby such as Burggarten and Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Living Hotel an Der Oper: Located a couple of minutes away from Vienna’s opera house, Karlsplatz, Albertina Museum, Burggarten, and other Vienna attractions, this 4-star hotel offers spacious double rooms, suites, and fully-equipped apartments (for up to 4 people), as well as optional breakfast and a 24/7 reception desk.
3. Central Innere Stadt
Overview
If you prefer to stay in the heart of the city center, that’s totally fine. It’s an overall walkable area, but it’s okay to choose the most central location possible. The nearby Christmas markets are not the biggest in Vienna, but they are extremely charming.
Of course, you’ll be at the heart of the action, with plenty of landmarks, places to eat, shops, and decorated streets all around you.
Nearest Christmas Markets (Under 1.5 Km)
- Stephansplatz Christmas market
- Am Hof Christmas market
- Altwiener Christkindlmarkt
- Michaelerplatz Christmas market
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- The Anker Clock (Ankeruhr)
- Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)
- Mozarthaus (Mozart’s house)
Highly Rated Accommodations in This Area
Nikolai Homes: On a quiet street a stone’s throw away from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you’ll find three beautifully decorated studio apartments suitable for two people. Located in the heart of the city center and equipped with a kitchenette, a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom, it’s no wonder why these apartments get a rating of 9+.
Boutique Hotel Das Tigra: Housed in a historic building (where Mozart lived for a while) right next to the Am Hof Christmas Market and Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, this family-run 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms and suites for 2-4 people, optional breakfast, and an on-site bar area. The hotel also intends to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.
4. Eastern Josefstadt
Overview
Josefstadt (the 8th district) is known as a residential, less touristy district, yet there’s no shortage of cafes, restaurants, and shopping streets in this area.
While its western part is not the most glamorous, its eastern part is located next to the city hall square Rathausplatz (which hosts the largest Christmas market in the city) and the famous Ring Road (Ringstraße), a circular boulevard passing through many of Vienna’s most stunning historical buildings (worth including on your Vienna itinerary).
Nearest Christmas Markets (Under 1.5 Km)
- Rathausplatz Christmas market
- Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village (closed in 2025)
- Altes AKH Christmas market
- Spittelberg Christmas market
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
- Vienna City Hall
- Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art
- Wien Museum MUSA
- Votivkirche (Votive Church)
- Austrian Parliament Building
- Volksgarten
Highly Rated Accommodations in This Area
Artist Boutique Hotel: Located near the Vienna City Hall, this 3-star boutique hotel offers lovely single and double rooms, optional breakfast, concierge services, and unlike many hotels in Vienna – private parking. Many attractions, cafes, and restaurants are within easy reach, including the Austrian Parliament Building and Wien Museum MUSA.
Hotel Rathaus – Wein & Design: Offering spacious double & triple rooms and suites, private parking, and a 24/7 reception desk, this 4-star hotel is located a short walk away from the Vienna City Hall. Apart from a breakfast buffet, the hotel offers “Coffee & Kipferl (Austrian pastry) to go” for a few euros. An on-site wine bar is open daily in the afternoons and evenings, boasting a large variety of Austrian wines.
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- Underrated European Christmas city breaks
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* I haven’t stayed at every hotel I mention in this post, but each one is well-researched (by me), has high ratings of 8.5+ on Booking.com, and is a place I would book for myself. That said, you should always read the reviews and all the details about the facilities and services to see if they match your needs.
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