The stunning city known for having one of Europe’s most beautiful high streets and top Christmas markets

When people think of Christmas markets, cities like Paris or Nuremberg’s famous Christkindlesmarkt often come to mind.

But there’s another European treasure that truly shines in winter, Austria’s capital is home to one of the most magical festive celebrations in Europe.

At the centre of it all is the Christkindlmarkt Wien, the city’s biggest and most famous Christmas market, and one of the largest on the continent.

Set in Vienna’s Rathausplatz, the grand square in front of the town hall, this charming market has a history stretching back to the 1600s.

Today, more than 100 wooden stalls fill the square, selling everything from handcrafted toys and festive candles to delicate tree ornaments and traditional Christmas gifts.

The whole area glows with sparkling lights, while the smell of mulled wine, spiced punch, roasted chestnuts and sweet Kaiserschmarrn pancakes fills the air. Music drifts through the square as carols play and visitors gather around the giant Christmas tree.

In Rathauspark, children can ride the Christkindl Express train, and each evening nativity stories are shared aloud for families to enjoy.

During the Christmas season, Vienna’s streets are transformed into a winter wonderland of lights and colour. Every year, more than two million lights are hung across 32 of the city’s main streets, creating a festive glow that makes evening walks feel magical.

The main shopping street, Kärntner Straße, turns into a dazzling fairy-tale walkway from November, with glowing shopfronts and twinkling lights overhead. The street is also pedestrian-only, which makes it even easier to stroll, shop and take in the festive displays at your own pace.

Don’t forget to visit Graben too, where elegant chandelier-style lights hang above the street, creating one of Vienna’s most beautiful festive scenes.

At the centre stands the grand Pestsäule monument, shining in golden light and surrounded by twinkling decorations.

At the top of Graben, in Stock-im-Eisen-Platz, the Christmas lights are officially switched on in a special ceremony each year.

The event is led by the mayor of Vienna and features a live choir whose singing fills the historic square, marking the start of the city’s festive celebrations.

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