Vienna Christmas Market Dates for 2026
Plan around the confirmed 2026 opening window, the main opening weekend, Christmas closures and the markets continuing into January.
Updated for the 2026 season · Dates can change
Vienna’s Christmas market season does not begin everywhere on the same day. A few markets open on 6 November 2026, the largest wave begins around 13 November, and later arrivals follow on 20 November. Most traditional Advent markets close on 23, 24 or 26 December, while a small number continue into New Year.
The practical answer is simple: from 20 November to 23 December, you have the widest choice. Outside that window, you should plan around the specific markets that are actually operating.
The earliest openings: 6 November
Stephansplatz and Schönbrunn are among the useful early options in our current 2026 schedule. If you are visiting in the first half of November, do not assume the whole city is already in full Christmas-market mode. Build the day around the open locations rather than arriving at closed squares.
Markets mentioned
The main opening wave: 13–14 November
Rathausplatz, Am Hof, Karlsplatz, Spittelberg, Altes AKH, MuseumsQuartier and several other markets begin around 13 November. Freyung follows on 14 November. This is the first weekend when a proper multi-market route through the centre makes sense.
The later arrivals: 20 November
Belvedere, Maria-Theresien-Platz and the Winter Market at Riesenradplatz open on 20 November. From this point, almost every major visitor market is in play and you can choose by neighbourhood instead of by availability.
What remains after 23 December?
Many Advent markets finish on 23 or 24 December. Rathausplatz, Stephansplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz and Schwarzenbergplatz are scheduled through 26 December. Belvedere continues through 31 December, while Schönbrunn and Riesenradplatz continue to 6 January 2027.
Opening hours can change on public holidays, and a market continuing after Christmas may shift its emphasis toward New Year. Check the market detail page and official website shortly before travelling.
Markets mentioned
Good to know
For maximum choice, visit between 20 November and 23 December. For lighter crowds, target a weekday in late November rather than a December weekend.
Want to make the evening easy?
Magdalena’s private Christmas market tours run from 13 November to 26 December, with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and selected unavailable dates removed from the enquiry calendar.
See the private tour →