Visiting Vienna in the lead up to Christmas is always a good idea: the streets and alleys are bathed in romantic lights, and crowds of people spread holiday cheer (as much as the notoriously grumpy Viennese can muster, that is). The highlight of the Advent season, however, are the Christmas markets and punch stands, which open their doors to the festive crowd from mid-November. Make sure to put the following on your list:

Alm Adventdorf

Messe Wien

Alm Advent is the festive hotspot for those who like it rustic and cozy. © Alm Advent

Messeplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Web: almadvent.at
When: Nov. 18-Dec. 23, 2022
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What: punch, food, events, crafts

The Alm Adventdorf joins the ranks of Vienna's Christmas markets as one of the newest entries. For the third time, visitors will find rustic old-wood huts to retreat to on snowy days at Messe Wien. In addition, numerous market stalls invite visitors to stroll, shop and feast in a festive atmosphere. The supporting program includes not only handicrafts and punch, but also events such as fire show evenings, concerts or clubbings.

Christmas market at Rathausplatz

Rathausplatz

The Christmas Market on Vienna's Rathausplatz has been one of Europe's most beautiful holiday markets for decades. © Vienna Tourist Board/Julius Hirtzberger

Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Web: vienna.gv.at/christmas-market-city-hall-place
When: Nov. 18-Dec. 26, 2022
Opening hours: daily 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
What: punch, food, events, crafts

A classic you shouldn't miss: the Christmas Market at Rathausplatz. Since its first opening in 1986, the market has attracted people from near and far. With almost 100 stands, the number of stalls has been reduced, but there is more space for visitors. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief: the large Christmas tree, the carousel and the popular 3,000 square meter ice skating rink made the cut. The culinary delights on offer at the stands this year are either fully certified organic or have at least been awarded one of the three OekoBusiness Wien "Naturally Good Food" awards. 

ParadEis: Hüttengaudi mit Niveau, Punk und Rock’n’Roll

Badeschiff, Donaukanal

Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Web: batheschiff.at
When: Nov. 1, 2022-Mar. 21, 2023
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 4 p.m, to 1 a.m., Saturday to Sunday from 11 to 1 a.m.
What: sports, punch, food

Although the name suggests otherwise, the Badeschiff on the Danube Canal is also one of the top places to be in Vienna in winter. Before Christmas, the floating pub is transformed into a true winter wonderland: six ice rinks invite you to curling, and for the first time in 2022, ice swimming with world record holder Josef Köberl. At the punch deck with "shelter" and an outdoor pub, (bathing) guests are warmed with hot punch and mulled wine, goulash and chili.

Art Advent at Karlsplatz

Karlsplatz

The Divina Art Advent Market on Vienna's Karlsplatz is a feast for the whole family. © Lisa Maria Trauer

Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Web: divinaart.at
When: Nov. 18-Dec. 23, 2022
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m.
What: punch, food, crafts, family

The enchanting Christmas market on Karlsplatz is one of the most popular Advent markets in the Austrian capital. The many huts sell Christmas souvenirs and handicrafts. The smell of fresh baumkuchen and roasted almonds, langos and chestnuts is everywhere. The cheerful stallholders serve hot punch, mulled wine and cocoa with (and without) rum. A small program for young visitors awaits in the yurts in the fountain area – from the star workshop to the fairy tale tent.

Lamée Rooftop Winter Wonderland

Lamée Rooftop Minibar, Inner City

Lichtensteg 2-3, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Web: lameerooftop.com
When: Mid-November 2022 to mid-January 2023
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m., Sunday to Wednesday from 2 to 10 p.m.
What: punch, food, views

Just a few minutes from St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Lamée Rooftop Bar is one of the chicest spots for fine drinks above Vienna's sea of rooftops. To warm up guests in icy temperatures, they serve hot, homemade punch and mulled wine, as well as roasted chestnuts.