The winter market on the square outside Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel is sort of a Christmas market. And sort of a New Year market. And sort of neither.
Consider it more of a gathering point for chasing away the winter blues with a glass of something and a spot of fun.
- Food, drink, and entertainment at the Prater funfair complex
- Live music on many evenings
- Lots of things for the kids to do
- 2025/2026 dates: Nov 21 – Jan 6
- Book a classical concert experience* for Advent or New Year
- See also:
The Wintermarkt
(The market from above with the Riesenrad ferris wheel in the background; press photo © Julius Silver / wintermarkt.at)
If you imagine a Christmas market and take away most things but the food and drink stalls, then throw in music and dodgems, you’ve pretty much got the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz.
The market’s more down-to-earth than its seasonal siblings nearer the city centre. More rock and roll than Silent Night. A pint of ale to the others’ glass of Chardonnay.
The square in front of Vienna’s famous ferris wheel welcomes you to the huge Prater funfair with a ring of restaurants, shops, and entertainments. In late November, December, and early January, the space fills with stalls and bar tables, with pop and soft rock piped in over the loudspeakers.
(The giant ferris wheel in a suitably wintry landscape)
Various stands sell a mix of traditional winter market fare and more general snacks and drinks.
On a typical visit, expect all the weird and wonderful varieties of punch, plus Glühwein, Schnapps, wine, beer and hot chocolate.
On the food front, have a slice of Austria with a side serving of International. For example, I spotted Buchtel (bit like a sweet roll and made famous by Café Hawelka), Baumkuchen (spit cakes), Kaiserschmarren, pastries, donuts, waffles and pancakes on my 2024 visit.
On the more robust front, how about sausages, langos, raclette, hot dogs, fries, fried chicken, and similar?
In the spirit of the Prater, the Wintermarkt distinguishes itself through more “action”. For example, live acts often appear, featuring a range of musical styles: Austropop, funk, soul, blues, gospel, rock, etc.
(Regular musical entertainment is a big feature of the market; press photo © Julius Silver / wintermarkt.at)
The location also means plenty else to do once you’ve eaten your Bratwurst or toasted the season with a mug or glass of the good stuff.
For example, Madame Tussauds lives on the same square. Some Prater rides and attractions also remain open through winter when the weather allows.
Not to mention the giant ferris wheel itself, which looks wonderful at night.
(I imagine the views across a wintry landscape, market, and Prater at night from the top of the Ferris wheel make for some excellent photos.)
Is it a place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere? Kind of. Is it a place to warm yourself with snacks and drinks while the kids have wintry fun? Most definitely.
2025 dates & times
Provisional dates for 2025/2026 are November 21st, 2025 to January 6th, 2026. Opening times are:
- Midday to 10pm (weekdays)
- 11am to 10pm (weekends and public holidays)
- 10am to 5pm on December 24th
- Midday opening on December 31st and the market stays open until 2am the next day (the location typically participates in the Silvesterpfad New Year entertainment trail)
How to get to the Wintermarkt
The Prater and the square are just a short walk from the Praterstern subway station (look for the giant ferris wheel when you exit the station: it’s impossible to miss).
Praterstern is just 2-6 minutes from the centre on the U1 and U2 subway lines, which you can catch at, for example, Stephansplatz (U1) right in the middle of town.
Trams 5 and O also stop at Praterstern.
The S1, S2, S3, S4 and S7 city train lines also go to Praterstern.
Address: Prater Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna | Website