Back in the 13th century, Albrecht I, a duke of Austria and later a king of Germany, sanctioned the holding of a December market, or Krippenmarkt, in Vienna, and the practice soon became a tradition. It continues today with the city's festive Christmas markets that light up its ancient squares and other public places, selling seasonal foods, handicrafts, and gifts of every kind.

Vienna, nestled along the banks of the Danube River in northeast Austria, has a rich history as the former capital of the Austrian Empire and the home of celebrated classical musicians Beethoven and Mozart. The country is famous for another set of musicians as well: the Von Trapp Family, on which the musical “The Sound of Music” was based. The popular movie was filmed at various locations in Austria.

Held from mid-November to late December, the Christmas markets are found throughout the city's Innere Stadt, or old town, where many restaurants, museums, hotels, and other attractions also are located. The markets are a huge tourism draw in the off-season, so expect crowds. Many European river cruises that ply the Danube in the late fall coincide with the annual spectacle.

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Holiday Markets Feature Loads Of Seasonal Goodies, Gifts

• The "Christkindlmarkt" on the square in front of the Vienna City Hall is considered the city's most traditional Christmas Market. Held at Rathausplatz park, the market features decorated trees along with holiday gifts of all kinds.
• At Schoenbrunn Palace, which was the summer residence of the Austrian emperors, holiday concerts enhance the shopping experience. Mulled wine and gingerbread are among the favorite goodies.

• Vienna's most authentic market is said to be the one at Spittelberg, a historical neighborhood with narrow streets and alleyways, and quaint courtyards.
• The baroque-style Belvedere Palace is the setting for a Christmas market with dozens of stalls selling culinary specialties, holiday decorations, and hand-made goods.

• An even larger market is held at the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, offering more than 70 vendors selling traditional handicrafts and gifts.
• The Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung dates back to 1772 and is known for its glassware, mangers, and ceramic goods.

After The Markets, Visit These Sites In Vienna

There is much to do and see in Vienna besides shopping at the Christmas markets. Tourists spending a few days in the city can tour St. Stephen's Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century and has been expanded in the centuries since. It is considered Austria's best example of Gothic architecture. Visitors can enter the church at specified times, and audio and guided tours are available. The church catacombs are featured on a guided tour, as are various relics, jewels, and liturgical texts and books.

The city's Museums Quarter is another must-see for visitors to Vienna. It's a vast area at the edge of old town where multiple museums are found, along with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Among the museums are the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Ludwig Foundation Vienna, the Kunsthalle, and the Austrian Architecture Museum.

The Leopold Museum holds the title of the most-visited museum in Vienna and is known for its art nouveau and Expressionist period works. It houses the masterpieces of Gustav Klimt, the Austrian Symbolist painter, as well as the largest collection of works by Egon Schiele, the Austrian Expressionist painter.

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Those looking for a romantic sojourn after shopping at the Christmas markets can experience another of the city's traditions: Taking a two-horse carriage ride. It's an iconic experience in Vienna and is referred to as a fiaker. In the late 19th century, there were said to be 1,000 fiakers operating in Vienna, and it's a cozy way to tour the old town, especially on a chilly December night. Carriage stands are found in several places, and a 20-minute ride will cost around $50.

Hotels Roll Out Welcome Mat To Vienna's Holiday Visitors

Travelers headed to Vienna for the annual Christmas markets can choose from an abundance of accommodations. Here are a few options in the downtown area:

• Hotel Sacher Vienna features guest rooms designed to be “one of a kind” and provides a high level of personalized service. Rates begin at about $490 per night.
• Hollmann Beletage has a central location behind St. Stephen's Cathedral and provides breakfast for guests booking its 26 rooms and suites. Nightly rates are around $140.

• Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is situated next to the Vienna State Opera and offers a selection of traditional and contemporary rooms and suites. Rates start at around $350 per night.
• Hotel Altstadt Vienna offers 62 rooms and an owner-curated collection of art displayed on the property. It has a rooftop garden and is family-run. Rates are around $170 per night.

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• Harmonie Vienna is outside the old town but nearby. Breakfasts are included in the nightly rate and feature regional and organic foods. The hotel, with rates of about $155 per night, also offers certified allergy-free rooms.