Trip Journal
My top 3 Austrian Christmas markets and some honorable mentions from my trip.
1. Salzburg Residenzplatz Christmas market
This market alone made the trip from Vienna to Salzburg worth it. Compared to many of the other Christmas markets I visited, this one felt like it had more variety, and I ended up spending all of my free time from the guided tour exploring it.
The market stretches through different sections of the main square, giving it an almost maze-like feel, which made wandering through it even more enjoyable. There were local goods, holiday crafts, and plenty of unique gift options.
One of my favorite parts was how interactive the experience felt. I started with a mug of mulled wine, which is served in a collectible mug that you can either keep or return for a small refund. As I wandered through the market, I came across an organic wine tasting stand, something I hadn’t seen at any of the other markets. The vendor was friendly, knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English. Since I work in the wine industry, it was especially interesting to learn more about local organic wine production and styles.
The food options also stood out because they were different from what I had been seeing in Vienna. After eating similar market foods for several days, it was a nice change. I tried a regional specialty called Haunsberger, a flattened sausage served with mustard, sauerkraut, and curry on a bun, after it was recommended by a local woman waiting in line.
What stood out most was how friendly and approachable everyone felt. Vendors were happy to chat, offer recommendations, and made the market feel especially welcoming. Even once the market became busy after dark, it still felt easy to move around, enjoy the stands, and avoid long waits.
2. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market
After visiting several extremely crowded Christmas markets, this one was a breath of fresh air. While it still attracted plenty of visitors, the grounds were large enough that it never felt overly packed. It also had my favorite Christmas tree of the Austrian markets.
The Käsekrainer, an Austrian sausage filled with cheese, was excellent, and the roasted chestnuts were delicious. While the selection of market stalls wasn't quite as extensive as at some other markets, the setting more than made up for it. With Schönbrunn Palace as the backdrop, it was easily one of the most picturesque Christmas markets I visited.
You can also visit the seasonal light show held throughout the palace gardens. Available only during the winter months, it adds another festive element to Schönbrunn Palace.
3. Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt
Quite the opposite of Schönbrunn Palace, this market is packed with people. Located in front of Vienna’s City Hall, it feels like the classic European Christmas market, complete with an ice-skating rink, live entertainment, and countless vendors.
I visited during the day to get a closer look at the food stalls and artisan booths, then returned in the evening to see the market illuminated by thousands of lights. Experiencing it at both times of day was well worth it, as each offered a completely different atmosphere.
You'll find all the classic Christmas market foods here, but if you're visiting in the evening, be prepared for long lines at many of the most popular stands.
Honorable Mentions
Weihnachtsmarkt Am Hof – This market had a strong drink selection, including table wines, which were harder to find at some of the other markets. One standout was Speck Standl, which had an impressive selection of sausages and cured meats.
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt – I came across this market while walking through the city. The stand that stood out most was Hauswurstel, offering an excellent selection of meats and cheeses. They also prepared charcuterie boards, allowing you to sample a variety of their products on the spot.
