The short version: at Vienna’s Christmas markets you drink Gluhwein or fruit Punsch from a collectible mug, snack on roasted chestnuts (Maroni) and potato fritters (Kartoffelpuffer), and treat yourself to Kaiserschmarrn, gingerbread and candied almonds. The grand market is on Rathausplatz, but foodies head to Spittelberg, Schonbrunn and the Freyung. Here is what to eat and drink, and where.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Drink | Gluhwein (mulled wine) and fruit Punsch, in a keep-or-return mug |
| Savoury | Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Kartoffelpuffer, Bratwurst, Kasekrainer |
| Sweet | Kaiserschmarrn, Lebkuchen, candied almonds, Vanillekipferl |
| Best markets | Rathausplatz, Spittelberg, Schonbrunn, Belvedere, Freyung |
| When | Mid-November to late December, some into early January |
What to drink
The ritual is simple: order a Gluhwein (hot spiced red wine) or a fruitier Punsch, pay a small deposit on the mug, and wander with it. Each market has its own mug design, so the mug is half the fun and a free souvenir if you keep it. There is usually a white-wine Gluhwein and non-alcoholic Kinderpunsch too.
What to eat
Start savoury: Maroni (hot roasted chestnuts) in a paper cone, Kartoffelpuffer (crisp potato fritters) with apple sauce or garlic, a Bratwurst or a cheese-filled Kasekrainer sausage in a roll. Then go sweet: fluffy Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake with plum compote), Lebkuchen gingerbread, sugar-roasted almonds (gebrannte Mandeln) and crescent Vanillekipferl cookies. For the city’s food the rest of the year, see what to eat in Vienna.
Which markets to visit
The Rathausplatz market in front of the City Hall is the biggest and most famous. For charm and better food, locals prefer the cobbled lanes of Spittelberg, the market at Schonbrunn Palace, the one at Belvedere, and the old-town Freyung and Am Hof markets. A guided food and drinks tour is the easiest way to taste the best of several in one evening.
Our pick: the Vienna Christmas Market Food and Drinks Tour (a GetYourGuide Top Pick) takes you around several markets tasting Gluhwein and festive bites with a local.
Frequently asked questions
What do you eat at Vienna Christmas markets?
Roasted chestnuts, potato fritters (Kartoffelpuffer), sausages like Kasekrainer, Kaiserschmarrn, gingerbread and candied almonds, all with a mug of Gluhwein or Punsch.
When are the Vienna Christmas markets open?
Generally from mid-November to late December, with several markets running into early January around Rathausplatz and Schonbrunn.
What is Gluhwein?
Hot mulled red wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves and orange, served in a deposit mug. Vienna also pours fruit Punsch and alcohol-free Kinderpunsch.
Plan your Vienna trip
Browse Vienna food experiences, read what to eat in Vienna, or see all the best Christmas markets for food and wine.
