Belvedere Palace, Vienna Christmas Market

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful festive spots in Vienna, set right in front of the grand Baroque-style palace.

As the palace lights up in warm golden tones, you can walk around charming wooden stalls filled with handmade gifts, glowing decorations, and the comforting smell of hot mulled wine.

This market is smaller and more peaceful than some of the city’s bigger ones, which makes it perfect if you’re traveling with your partner, kids, or even exploring solo.

It’s a lovely mix of Austrian holiday cheer and royal view. Whether you’re coming for the food, the cozy feel, or just to soak in the winter vibes, this market is a wonderful way to enjoy Christmas in Vienna.

Belvedere Palace welcomes thousands daily, so booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. The Upper Belvedere ticket includes Klimt’s “The Kiss, while the Lower Belvedere ticket grants access to temporary exhibitions. Modern art lovers? Book Belvedere 21. Want to learn more? Join a guided tour for expert insights and stories.

2025 Dates & Opening Hours of the Christmas Market

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market will be open from November 14 to December 31, 2025, so you’ll have lots of time to visit.

From Monday to Friday, it opens at 11 am and closes at 9 pm.

On Saturdays and Sundays, it starts a bit earlier at 10 am and also closes at 9 pm, so you get more time on weekends.

On Christmas Eve (December 24), the market closes early at 4 pm.

From December 25 to 30, it’s open from 11 am to 8 pm, and on New Year’s Eve (December 31), it closes at 6 pm to end the year with festive joy.

How to Get To the Christmas Market

The Christmas market takes place right in front of the Upper Belvedere Palace, at Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna.

The easiest way to get there is to hop on Tram Line D and get off at Schloss Belvedere — it drops you very close to the market.

If you’re coming by metro, take the U1 line to Südtiroler Platz and then walk for about 10 minutes uphill to reach the palace.

You can also walk from central Vienna (like the Vienna Opera House) in 20–25 minutes if you’re up for a pleasant winter stroll.

Taxis and Ubers are available too, but public transport is usually quicker and cheaper, especially with the holiday crowds.

What to Expect at the Christmas Market

This market has around 40 to 50 charming stalls, each one decorated for Christmas and packed with lovely things to buy.

You’ll find beautiful handmade items like glass ornaments, wooden toys, scented candles, pottery, and cozy scarves and mittens.

Most of the items are made by local artists, so it’s a great place to get authentic gifts that you won’t find in tourist shops.

Some stalls even offer to personalize your ornaments with names or designs, making them extra special.

Even if you’re not planning to shop much, you’ll enjoy looking around because there’s such a variety of unique things.

Food & Drinks at the Christmas Market

One of the best things about the Belvedere Christmas Market is the food — it’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor.

You can enjoy classic Austrian dishes like Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes), tasty sausages, Leberkäse (a type of meatloaf), and creamy raclette cheese on bread.

If you’re craving something sweet, don’t miss the gingerbread cookies, apple strudel, or roasted almonds — they smell as good as they taste!

To stay warm, grab a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine), Punsch (a fruity spiced punch), or hot chocolate in a cute Christmas mug.

There are usually a few vegetarian options, and many stalls offer non-alcoholic drinks for kids or those who don’t drink alcohol.

Ambience & Decor of the Christmas Market

What really makes this market special is the peaceful and magical setting around the palace.

Once the sun goes down, the market lights up with strings of fairy lights that make everything look straight out of a holiday postcard.

There’s a reflection pool in front of the palace that mirrors all the lights and makes for amazing photo moments.

Soft Christmas music plays in the background, adding to the warm, happy vibe.

It’s much quieter than other markets like the one at Rathausplatz, so you can enjoy it at your own pace and really take in the beauty.

Special Features & Activities of Christmas Market

This market isn’t packed with big events, but it often includes live music, carol singers, or even a small choir performing classic Christmas tunes.

Sometimes there are fun activities for kids, like a small merry-go-round or puppet shows on certain days.

It’s easy to walk around, even with a stroller, so families will feel welcome here.

Most vendors do accept credit or debit cards, but it’s smart to carry some cash just in case.

Entry Fee & Belvedere Museum Tickets

You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the Christmas market — it’s completely free to enter and walk around the stalls.

If you also want to visit the Belvedere Palace Museum, where you can see the famous painting The Kiss by Klimt, you’ll need a separate ticket.

Entry for adults usually costs around €17 to €19, depending on which parts of the palace (Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, Belvedere 21 Museum) you want to explore.

Buying your Belvedere tickets online in advance is a good idea, especially during the busy season.

Doing both the market and the museum in one trip gives you a nice mix of festive fun and art and history.

Visitor’s Tips to the Christmas Market

Vienna in December can get really cold, so be sure to dress warmly if you’re spending time outdoors at the market.  Expect average temperatures between 0°C and 5°C (32°F to 41°F), and sometimes colder at night.

Wear a proper winter coat, a few layers underneath, gloves, and a scarf. There’s a fair chance of light snow or a frosty drizzle, so waterproof shoes and a warm hat are a good idea.

The best time to visit is usually between 4 pm and 6 pm. During this time, the lights are on, but the evening crowd hasn’t fully arrived, so it feels peaceful and festive.

If you want to avoid big crowds, plan your visit on a weekday afternoon. Fridays and Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest, with more locals and tourists around.

Also, bring a reusable bag for your shopping and maybe a thermos if you want to refill your hot drink.

There are public toilets available near the market, though they might be basic or in the form of portable toilets.

Some stalls nearby may let you use their facilities if you make a purchase, but it’s best to plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting with kids or elderly family members.

Where to Stay Nearby the Belvedere Christmas Market

Staying close to the Belvedere Palace is a great idea during the holidays, especially if you want to beat the crowds.

If you’re looking for something affordable, MEININGER Hotel Vienna Central Station is a solid option and very easy to reach.

For something in the middle range, Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna is nearby and comfortable.

If you’re going for a more luxurious experience, consider Hotel Daniel Vienna or Grand Ferdinand — both stylish and just a short trip from the market.

No matter what you choose, it’s smart to book your room early, since December is one of Vienna’s busiest travel months.

Nearby Attractions to Combine With Belvedere & Christmas Market

Once you’ve had your fill of Christmas joy at the market, you can explore the rest of the Belvedere Palace, including its gardens and art galleries.

The nearby Botanical Garden is a nice peaceful spot to visit, even in winter.

You can also hop on a tram or metro to visit other beautiful markets like Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Palace, or Karlsplatz, each with its own style.

If you love history, check out the Museum of Military History, and other nearby attractions which are just a short distance away from the Belvedere Palace.

Visiting these spots together lets you see both the royal side of Vienna and the heartwarming holiday traditions.

What Visitors Say About the Christmas Market

Tourists often describe the setting as absolutely magical, with the lights reflecting off the palace creating a breathtaking view. Many say the Glühwein served here is among the best they’ve tasted in all of Vienna.

Visitors say the Belvedere market feels more relaxed and romantic compared to Vienna’s bigger Christmas markets. Couples especially love the peaceful atmosphere, festive music, and charming backdrop of the lit-up palace.

Families visiting with kids often highlight how easy it is to move around, even with strollers, and how welcoming the market feels. Parents appreciate the smaller crowds, the tasty treats for children, and the occasional live music or puppet show that keeps little ones entertained.

Personal Tip: If you’re going with your partner, stop by just before sunset. Grab a warm drink, find a spot near the reflection pool, and just watch the lights turn on as the sky darkens. It’s one of the most romantic winter moments you’ll have in Vienna.

FAQs About Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Belvedere Christmas market.