It’s never too early to plan, especially if you’re heading to the Eastern European countries for Christmas this year 2023. As winter descends on Europe, the streets of Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest come alive with the magic of Christmas markets. The aromas of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts waft through the air, and the sound of carolers and festive music fills the streets. Each city has its unique traditions and customs, but all offer a truly enchanting holiday experience.
Vienna Christmas Markets:
St. Stephen’s Square Christmas Market
Address: Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Opening Dates: November 12th, 2023 to December 23rd, 2023
Located next to the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this market offers a traditional Austrian Christmas experience. Visitors can listen to Christmas carols while indulging in delicious Austrian delicacies and browsing through the stalls.
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Opening Dates: November 19th, 2023 to December 26th, 2023
This market is located on the grounds of the beautiful Baroque palace and features dozens of stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts. Visitors can sip on traditional Viennese Glühwein (mulled wine) and sample roasted chestnuts while taking in the palace’s stunning holiday decorations.
Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm; Friday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Opening Dates: November 13th, 2023 to December 23rd, 2023
This market is one of the most popular in Vienna and is located in front of the stunning Vienna City Hall. The market features over 150 stalls selling traditional crafts, sweets, and other festive treats. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful light displays while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Christmas Market in St. Wolfgang
Address: Marktplatz, 5360 St. Wolfgang, Austria
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Opening dates: November 18, 2022 to December 18, 2022
On the way to Salzburg, you might stop by the beautiful town of Wolfgangsee. St. Wolfgang is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee, about 50 miles east of Salzburg. The Christmas market in St. Wolfgang takes place in the town square, where vendors sell a variety of handmade goods, including ornaments, candles, and toys. Visitors can enjoy traditional Austrian treats such as roasted chestnuts, hot spiced wine, and gingerbread while listening to live music and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The market is open on weekends from late November until the end of December.
Salzburg Christmas Markets:
Salzburger Christkindlmarkt
Address: Domplatz, 5020 Salzburg
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
Opening Dates: November 17th, 2023 to December 26th, 2023
This market is located in front of Salzburg Cathedral and is the most famous in the city. Visitors can browse handcrafted wooden toys, sip on spiced wine, and indulge in traditional Austrian Christmas treats like Lebkuchen and Maroni.
Budapest Christmas Markets:
Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
Address: Vörösmarty tér, 1051 Budapest
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Opening Dates: November 10th, 2023 to January 1st, 2024
Budapest is a truly magical city during the holiday season, with a number of markets scattered throughout the city. The most popular is the market at Vörösmarty Square, which features over 100 stalls selling traditional Hungarian crafts and delicacies. Visitors can sample mulled wine, chimney cake, and roasted chestnuts, while taking in the festive atmosphere.
Christmas Fair at Basilica
Address: Szent István tér, 1051 Budapest
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Opening Dates: November 25th, 2023 to January 1st, 2024
This market is located in the heart of Budapest, in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The market features dozens of vendors selling handmade crafts, unique gifts, and traditional Hungarian foods and drinks. Visitors can enjoy a cup of mulled wine or traditional chimney cake while taking in the stunning views of the Basilica and the surrounding area. The market is also home to a beautiful light display and a skating rink, making it a popular destination for families.