Christkindlmarkt at Vienna City Hall Square: Program and Highlights 2025

It's almost that time again: On November 14th, the Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz kicks off the pre-Christmas season, along with the small ice rink at the Christmas market. And this year's opening is a bit more special than usual: 2025 marks the 50th year that the Christmas market has been held at Vienna's Rathausplatz.

The market can once again be admired until December 26th, daily from 10 AM to 10 PM (except on December 24th, when it closes at 6:30 PM), and the ice rink will be open until January 6th before it is transformed into the large ice rink.

To the Christmas Paradise by Public Transport

Tourists and locals alike flock in masses towards Rathausplatz as soon as the Christmas market opens its doors. This can lead to significant traffic congestion on Vienna's streets. Therefore, the city of Vienna recommends using public transport to reach Rathausplatz. The best way is to take the U2 to Rathaus, the U3 to Volkstheater, tram lines 1, 2, 71, and D to the Parliament stop, or line 2 to the Rathaus stop. A small tip: A short walk to or from Volkstheater is also worthwhile - especially after sampling the culinary offerings at the Christmas market.

Diverse Program for the Little Ones

But it's not just adult Christmas fans who will find a visit to Rathausplatz worthwhile; this year, a very special children's program awaits the little ones. This includes the reindeer train and the Ferris wheel, as always, but also a special highlight: the twelve-meter-high carousel, which takes both young and old on a journey through time in Vienna.

After so much excitement, stomachs often start to growl, and there's something special for children: a dedicated children's Christmas market, with tables at child-friendly heights - making children's punch and cup cakes taste even better.

A Little Bit of Kitsch is Allowed: The Heart Tree at Vienna's Rathausplatz

Of course, this year the Heart Tree for all lovers cannot be missing. Every half hour after nightfall, it sends its hearts across Rathausplatz and gradually illuminates the Heart Tree. Those who can't get enough of it can even follow this spectacle from home thanks to the live broadcast.

Speaking of romance: Right in front of the Heart Tree, lovers have the opportunity to take a beautiful souvenir photo at the Kissing Spot.

Musical Program at the Vienna Christmas Market

Starting November 28, the Christmas spirit is further enhanced with the start of the tower music. Every day until December 23, at 7 and 8 PM, Christmas melodies will sound for half an hour from the roof of the nativity scene by the Christmas tree.

And it's lively in the town hall as well: The 43rd International Advent Singing takes place in the festival hall, where 85 choirs from home and abroad spread a little Christmas magic every Advent weekend. The exact program will be published during November.

The Most Important Information at a Glance

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.