With November, the sparkle of festive lights and the aroma of bakeries bring alive the Christmas spirit in the markets of Vienna. They sell confectioneries, handcrafted gifts, treats, decorations, and their signature Hot Christmas Punch. Some markets offer ice skating rinks and nativity trails.
Travelers can find over 20 significant Christmas markets in Vienna from mid-November until the day before Christmas. The major markets to visit are located in the City Hall premises, Belvedere Palace, Maria-Theresian-Platz, Campus University of Vienna, Schonbrunn Palace, Spittelberg, Liechtenstein Garden Palace, and Stephansplatz. Celebrating the holiday season with several Christmas-themed markets sprawled across the city is part of Vienna’s oldest traditions. It has been an annual extravaganza ever since Albert I of Habsburg granted the Viennese citizens the privilege of hosting a December Market in 1296. At present,