https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/vienna-439-139134297?locale=en-NZ
RoamingRevelryUnited States

Love in Vienna|Before Christmas

With the last days of my Schengen visa, I reserved two or three days for Vienna. By the time I landed, it was already dark due to winter time. After rushing through the Kunsthistorisches Museum, I was surprised to find the streets completely empty. Only when I reached the City Hall did I feel the festive bustle. Vienna’s city center has four large Christmas markets located near the University City at Karlsplatz, at Rathausplatz in front of City Hall, at St. Stephen's Cathedral, and at the Prater amusement park across the river. The University City market is smaller but very lively during the day, with better handicrafts; the City Hall market is huge, featuring a large outdoor ice rink and many interactive installations, though the stalls are somewhat repetitive; the market in front of the Cathedral is the liveliest, with more food stalls and Christmas lights along the main road; the Prater market offers more food and drinks, with live band performances at different times daily. Since transportation is very convenient and walking distances are not far, I don’t recommend choosing one over the others—it's best to visit them all. Although I wasn’t familiar with this city before and had never seen Vienna in summer, I always had a stereotype that it belongs to winter. Amid the lights in the streets and alleys and the melodies of Johann Strauss (even the children hum along), Vienna is welcoming another New Year that belongs to it.
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Dec 10, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Kunsthistorisches Museum

4.8/5367 reviews | Museums
Vienna
Immediate access | Book now for today
-8%
BHD 10.65
BHD 9.76
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Schönbrunn Palace

#christmasmarket 🎄❄️ Vienna Christmas Market – Winter Magic in Europe 🇦🇹 Glowing lights, historic squares, warm Glühwein, sweet gingerbread, and festive music — Vienna’s Christmas markets feel like a real-life fairytale. From Rathausplatz to Schönbrunn Palace, every market shines with charm, romance, and holiday warmth in the cold winter air. A must-visit for couples, families, and Christmas lovers. ✨ --- #travel #thingstodo #familytravel #couplestrip #staycation #Vienna #ChristmasMarket #WinterEurope 🎄

Surmai Duniya
Vienna City Hall

#christmasmarket 🎅✨ Wiener Christmas Market – Vienna’s Winter Wonderland! 🎄 Location: Vienna, Austria 💶 Ticket Price: Free entry (pay only for food & shopping) ⏰ Opening Hours: Mid-Nov to 24 Dec, usually 10 AM – 9:30 PM ✨ Highlights: Magical wooden stalls selling ornaments & handmade crafts Gorgeous Christmas lights all around Rathausplatz Hot chocolate, mulled wine, pretzels & sweet chimney cakes 🍫🥨 Kids will love the carousel, ice rink & festive shows 🎠❄️ Perfect for photos — every corner glows ✨📸 🛣️ How to Reach: Easily reachable by tram or metro; nearest stop is Rathaus 🚇

Cross River
Rathausplatz

#christmasmarket 🎄✨ Wiener Christmas Market – Vienna’s Magical Winter Wonderland! ✨🎅 🎁 One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt lights up Vienna with festive charm, delicious food, and dreamy decorations — perfect for families, couples, and even kids like little Zayna! 🌟 What to Expect 🎀 Giant Christmas tree & glowing lights 🧁 Warm pastries, gingerbread, hot chocolate 🛍️ Handcrafted gifts & ornaments 🎠 Fun rides for kids ❄️ Enchanting photo spots everywhere 📍 Location: Rathausplatz, Vienna ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Evening for lights 💶 Entry: Free (pay only for food & shopping) ✨ Vibe: Romantic, festive, fairy-tale feel 😍 A must-visit if you're in Vienna during December!

Cross River
Rathausplatz

Festive Market Joy🎄 Vienna, Austria

Travel is my happiness
Schönbrunn Palace

🎄 Vienna Winter Magic: A 2-Day Christmas Market Itinerary

Mrudhul Surendran
Rathausplatz

Enchanted Evenings: Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz

Matcha-Lover
Rathausplatz

Golden Glow: Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz

Matcha-Lover
St. Stephen's Cathedral

Non-driving|10-day Croatia Vienna itinerary sharing

Toby~Foster
St. Stephen's Cathedral

Christmas Magic in Vienna 🎄✨️

Digital Globetrotter
Rathausplatz

Vienna’s Enchanting Christmas Market: Lights, Romance & Must-Have Souvenirs 🎄✨

Lili⭐️
Vienna City Hall

Vienna in winter feels like a grand opera set turned into a Christmas card. 🎄✨

Kristel Arianna
Kunsthistorisches Museum

Vienna: A City That Feels Like Walking Through a Masterpiece ✨

Holiday-lover