Christmas in Vienna: Schani's Advent Guide

The joy that local Christmas markets are reopening in 2022 is twice as big after the run-up to last year’s festivities was spoiled by Covid-19.

But what’s the best Christmas market in Vienna? And what else can you discover in the city around this time? Let’s share our favorite hotspots for the festive season. 

Viennese "Gemütlichkeit" at Vienna Main Station

Advent is a peaceful, reflective time. So it’s good we live Vienna’s relaxed “Gemütlichkeit” at the Schani hotels all year round and have become very proficient at it in the process. It’s especially “homely” when our lovingly decorated Christmas tree fills the lobby with its pine scent, and festive decorations create Christmas vibes throughout the hotel. So, go and find yourself a cozy corner, have a coffee and relax.   

Classic: The Christmas market at the Belvedere

You might want to put on your winter boots, don your hat and wear your gloves for our next tip, as it will lead you on a short, winter walk to the Christmas market at the Belvedere Palace. It’d be tacky if were even more wonderful! The unique scenery of the Christmas village in front of this stately palace and the beautifully designed stands are reminiscent of a winter wonderland. 

Favorite Spots in Vienna’s 7th District

Vienna is just stunning in Advent! Our No.1 location in the 7th District is Hotel Schani Salon, of course. Our small boutique hotel radiates a very special charm, especially in the winter. Its central location - directly on Vienna’s most popular shopping street Mariahilfer Strasse - makes our Salon the perfect starting point for many yuletide activities.

Christmas in Vienna's streets

Festively decorated shop windows laden with well-known brands and atmospheric lighting on the Vienna’s biggest shopping street - called “MaHü” by the locals - greet you once you leave our hotel. For those of you who may prefer to browse in the smaller shops in the 7th District and drift through one of the hippest neighborhoods of the city, we warmly recommend you turn into the side streets off Mariahilfer Strasse. Window shopping and buying presents is particularly fun in Neubaugasse, Siebensterngasse and Kirchengasse. 

Charming Christmas market at Spittelberg

The colder the weather, the better the Glühwein (mulled wine)! We prefer to drink our Glühwein at Spittelberg, Vienna’s Montmatre. The magical Christmas market stretches along the cobble streets with lots of stands selling excellent punch, Baumkuchen (pyramid cakes) and handcrafted items and gifts, providing a truly unique atmosphere. Our tip: the “Spittelberger Erdäpfelpuffer” sells the best potato fritters in Vienna at Christmas time!

Christmas markets outside Vienna

Nobody really knows how many Christmas markets and punch stands there are in Vienna. However, the festive atmosphere can also be experienced outside the city. The Christmas market at Kurpark Baden is definitely worth a trip.

The spa town is about 30 minutes by train from Vienna and used to be the imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs – and what was once good enough for the Emperor is good enough for us! During Advent, you can take walks through the beautifully decorated center and end the day at the Advent im Park event, with a hot punch in front of an open fire.

Of course, we can understand how difficult it is to make a decision given all these choices! However, if in doubt, just work your way down the list to make the most of your time in Vienna during Advent. 

Photos: ©WienTourismus/Christian Stemper, MAGMAG events & promotion, Spittelberg.at/Michael Schmid, Spittelberg.at/Reinhard Podolsky, Julius Silver/Pixabay