This winter, I went on a mission: visit all of the Christmas markets in Vienna. Results? Not only did I visit (and document) my visit to all of the Viennese Christmas markets but I also got the chance to see the Christmas markets in Salzburg and Linz, the capitals of two northern regions of Austria. On my snowboarding trip to Zell am See, I was surprised by the quaint Christmas market. While one of the smallest ones, the hospitality of the locals and the Christmas cheer in the atmosphere put it at the top of my list.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Karlsplatz - The market with the most natural and bio-products
Hofburg Palace Christmas Market
Inside the Hofburg Christmas Market
Entrance to the Stephansplatz Christmas market
Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market
Inside Maria-Theresien-Platz. At night, beautiful Christmas artwork is projected onto the side of the Natural History Museum.
TADA!
Freyung Christmas Market
Am Hof Christmas Market
Rathaus Christmas Market
Rathaus Christmas Market at night
A würstelstand at the Rathaus Christmas Market
Unlike most Christmas markets, the one in Museumsquartier does not have crafts stands. Instead, the merchants only sell drinks. This goes along with the general atmosphere of the Museumsquartier because it is used as a hangout spot and meeting point by young adults before heading to the nearby clubs.
The AKH Christmas Market is in one of the squares of the old university. While rather large, the narrow lanes make it feel very quaint and secluded. Perfect for a romantic walk in the snow!
The small Mahlerstraße Christmas Market is located east of the Opera House, behind some of the most prestigious hotels in Vienna.
Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
The Prater Christmas Market has, in my opinion, the best Glühwein (i.e. mulled wine) in all of Vienna.
The main Christmas market in Salzburg is laid out over several squares in Salzburg's old town. It's even bigger than Vienna's Rathaus Christmas Market!
The main Salzburg Christmas Market at night
Tiny Christmas market behind Mozart's birth house
Zell am See Christmas Market
At the Zell am See Christmas Market, you can even feed alpacas! Then you can buy yourself a nice pair of handmade alpaca socks.