The five markets worth your time
Vienna has many Advent markets, and with two or three days you only need five. Each has a different feel, and they sit close enough to combine in a day.
Rathausplatz is the big, famous one. Spittelberg is the crafts-and-alleys market. Schönbrunn has the palace backdrop. Maria-Theresien-Platz sits between two imperial museums, and Am Hof is a smaller craft market in the old center.
Dates and hours for 2026
Check the official sites before you go, since hours can change at short notice.
- Rathausplatz (Wiener Christkindlmarkt): Nov. 13 to Dec. 26, daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closes 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 24.
- Spittelberg: Nov. 13 to Dec. 23; Monday to Friday 2 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Schönbrunn: Nov. 6 to Jan. 6, 2027; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Dec. 25.
- Maria-Theresien-Platz: Nov. 20 to Dec. 26.
- Am Hof: Nov. 13 to Dec. 23.
What each one is good for
Rathausplatz is the one to see at dusk, with the lit Rathaus behind the stalls. It also has an ice rink running Nov. 13 to Jan. 6, daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed Dec. 31).
Schönbrunn's market fills the palace forecourt, with free entrance. The palace recommends public transport, because parking fills up fast on weekends. Maria-Theresien-Platz has around 70 stalls of crafts and gift ideas.
Am Hof is focused on top-quality handicrafts. Keep some small bills handy, because punch comes with a mug deposit.
- RathausplatzVienna's biggest market; go around dusk for the lit Rathaus.
- Spittelberg Christmas MarketArtisan ceramics and jewelry in the Biedermeier alleys; weekdays open at 2 p.m.
- Maria-Theresien-PlatzStalls between the twin museums; opens later, Nov. 20.
- Am HofQuieter craft market, an easy stop while exploring the center.
How to fit them into two or three days
Pair markets by neighborhood. One day can be Am Hof and Rathausplatz in the center, ending at the Rathaus after dark. Another can be Schönbrunn in the morning, then Maria-Theresien-Platz and Spittelberg, which are close to each other.
Late afternoon into evening is the best time for atmosphere. On weekdays Spittelberg doesn't open until 2 p.m., so save it for the afternoon.
If you arrive before Nov. 20, Maria-Theresien-Platz won't be open yet. Schönbrunn is the earliest of the five, opening Nov. 6.
- Schönbrunn PalaceTour the palace in the morning, then browse the market out front.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Hours shrink on Dec. 24. Rathausplatz closes at 6:30 p.m. and Schönbrunn at 4 p.m. Spittelberg and Am Hof have already finished by Dec. 23, so visit them earlier.
The train from Vienna to Prague
A direct Railjet runs from Vienna to Prague every two hours, according to ÖBB. The trip takes roughly 4.5 hours, with the fastest trains around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Book on oebb.at or cd.cz and add a seat reservation. A morning departure gets you to Prague in time for the Old Town Square market the same afternoon. Our day-by-day plan shows how to do that, and for a different route, see our guide to Munich, Nuremberg and Rothenburg by train.
- Old Town SquareYour first Prague market stop after the train arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Which Vienna Christmas market is the best?
The Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the largest and best known. For crafts, try Spittelberg or Am Hof. For a palace setting, go to Schönbrunn.
When do Vienna's Christmas markets open in 2026?
Schönbrunn opens Nov. 6. Rathausplatz, Spittelberg and Am Hof open Nov. 13. Maria-Theresien-Platz opens Nov. 20.
Are Vienna's Christmas markets open on Christmas Eve?
Some are. Rathausplatz closes at 6:30 p.m. and Schönbrunn at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24. Spittelberg and Am Hof end Dec. 23.
How long is the train from Vienna to Prague?
About 4.5 hours, with the fastest trains around 4 hours 15 minutes. A direct Railjet runs every two hours.
