We’ll take you deep into Vienna’s cobblestone districts to discover artisan crafts and authentic winter street food at the hidden markets most tourists never find.
Vienna Christmas Market Tour - Highlights & Inclusions
- Visit four of Vienna's best Christmas markets, away from the tourist crowds
- Sample a variety of traditional Austrian winter delicacies, including both sweet and savory foods
- Enjoy warming winter drinks, including Glühwein, Punsch or other non-alcoholic options
- Tours are limited to a maximum of just 8 people
- Meet other international travelers & get insider tips on things to do in Vienna
- Learn how to navigate one of the world's best public transport systems with the help of our local guide
Vienna Christmas Market Food Tour Itinerary
We meet and greet close to one of the first district’s most traditional Christmas markets, right in the heart of Vienna at Am Hof. The nearest U-bahn station is either Stephansplatz or Herrengasse on the U3 orange line, or if you’re staying in the 1st district, it will more than likely be within easy walking distance from your accommodation.
In the heart of the first district we’ll visit our first Christmas market at Am Hof, an historic square once used by the ruling Babenburger dynasty as the royal court, even before the Habsburgs came on the scene. We get straight into it with some hot glühwein and some festive treats.
From the first district we’ll take a very short hop onto Vienna’s legendary public transport network to our next Christmas market in the ultra hip and trendy 7th district. Wander through narrow, cobble-stoned lanes and enjoy Christmas delicacies among the locals.
After a short tram ride, we then venture to Vienna’s famous university and medical district, the 9th, to experience an atmospheric Christmas wonderland in the grounds of the current-day Vienna University campus. This market is is like a winter wonderland, with super festive lights, a curling rink, mistletoe and other festive classics to get you in the mood.
The tour finishes back in the city center at the Art Advent Christmas market at Karlsplatz. With its selection of home and hand made foods, drinks, & crafts, this is truly a highlight and is beloved by locals. We’ll say goodbye at around 6pm.
Vienna Cristmas Market Food Tour - Essential-Need-to-Knows
- The tour lasts for approximately 4 hours
- Not suitable for people with mobility issues, as the tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing
- Not suitable for people with food allergies or vegans
- The tour takes place outside for its entire duration so pay attention to the weather forecast on the day of your tour and dress accordingly!
- Alcoholic drinks will only be served to people aged 18+
- Public transport ticket is not included (approx 6 euros)
Vienna Christmas Market Tour Booking Calendars
Book either our small-group Vienna Christmas Market Tour or a private experience using our booking calendars below. Both private and small-group tours begin in the afternoons at 2pm.
Small-group Tours
Private Tours
Vienna Christmas Food Tour Meeting Point
The outside entrance to the Herrengasse U-bahn station, next to ‘Vapiano’ restaurant is our exact meeting point. Choose exit ‘Herrengasse’ if arriving on the U3 U-bahn line. Alternatively, if you’re staying in the 1st district, the meeting point is more than likely within easy walking distance for you from your accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Christmas Markets in Vienna
Is it too cold?
We’ve timed our route so we’re never far from a steaming mug of punch or a warm market stall. We also use Vienna’s wonderful public transport network in between markets to skip the long, freezing walks between districts.
What happens if it rains or snows?
The tour goes on in snow, of course – how magical is that?! The only weather we would reschedule a tour for would be persistent heavy rain, as we are outside for the vast majority of the tour, and that would just be miserable!
Just be sure to dress for the weather, with warm coats, gloves, thick socks and a woolen hat! The food and drinks will certainly help to keep you warm though too 😉
Is there vegetarian food?
Yes! While Austria really loves its sausages, the markets are full of Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), roasted chestnuts, langos and other meat-free treats. Just let us know in the booking notes!
When does it run?
Our tours follow the seasonal opening dates, which are usually from mid-November to December 23rd. These dates are only announced in early autumn. Most of Vienna’s Christmas close on December 23rd, but from Boxing day until Jan 6th some markets transition to New Year’s markets. We continue to offer our food tours to them (albeit with a slightly different itinerary) until they finish too.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Absolutely. While there is plenty of Punsch and Glühwein for the adults, the markets are a wonderland for kids and we embrace that at Venture Vienna! We’ll make sure the food stops include non-alcoholic ‘Kinderpunsch’ for any under-18’s and any adults that don’t drink.
How much walking is involved?
We walk about 2 km in between stops at a very relaxed, festive pace. We also use the local tram (the “Bims”) and underground (U-bahn) network to cover the longer distances between districts like a true local.
Will I have time to shop?
Yes! While the focus is on food and history, we build in “free time” at each market so you can browse the artisanal crafts, hand-blown glass, and beeswax candles without feeling rushed. This is a great opportunity to pick up any last minute gifts for Auntie Karen and Uncle Ernie back home!
Do the markets take credit cards?
Many do now, but the smaller, authentic stalls we visit often prefer cash (Euros). In Austria cash is still king, so I definitely recommend having some on hand for that gift or extra mug of punch!
What makes your tour different from a free walking tour?
Scale and depth. “Free” tours often have 30+ people and stick to the crowded markets at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn. We limit our groups to 8 people, visit the hidden back-street markets, and include the actual tasting of local delicacies in the price. They are not to even compare 😉
Are the markets actually eco-friendly?
Very! Vienna leads the way here. As Austria’s Eco-Tour Company of the Year, we love that the markets use real ceramic mugs instead of disposables and source local, hand-made crafts (at least the markets we visit do ;-). By using the city’s electric trams and u-bahn network to get around, instead of a private tour bus, we keep your festive experience as low-impact (and high-fun) as possible.
