Think of the Wintermarkt centered on the square outside Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel as a gathering point for chasing away the winter blues. And all with a strong element of fun and entertainment.
- Food, drink, live music & more
- Hosted at the Prater funfair complex
- Lots of things for the kids to do
- Bonus events
- 2026/2027 dates: Nov 20 – 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)
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 central square fills with stalls and bar tables to become the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz: imagine a Christmas market with a strong focus on food and drink stalls, then throw in live music and fun activities.
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 giant ferris wheel in a suitably wintry landscape)
Various stands mostly sell a mix of traditional winter market fare and more general snacks and drinks.
You can also travel further into the Prater to find the affiliated Winterburg in the illuminated garden of the Luftburg Kolarik im Prater restaurant with organic punch & snacks, a bouncy castle, outdoor play area, music, and more.
On a typical visit to the main area, 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 last visit.
And if you fancy something more robust, 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 appear, featuring a range of musical styles: some 35 live concerts take place in 2026/2027.
Expect other events, too, such as the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour or a special programme for New Year’s Eve. On January 1st, watch a live broadcast of the famous New Year’s Concert on a giant video wall.
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.
(Regular musical entertainment is a big feature of the market; press photo © Julius Silver / wintermarkt.at)
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 everyone enjoys some wintry fun? Most definitely.
2026 dates & times
Dates for the 2026/2027 Wintermarkt are November 20th, 2026 to January 6th, 2027. Opening times are:
- Midday to 10pm (weekdays)
- 11am to 10pm (weekends and public holidays)
- 11am to 5pm on December 24th
- Midday opening on December 31st and the market stays open until 2am the next day (the location participates in the Silvesterpfad New Year entertainment trail)
Note that the Winterburg part may have different opening times. Check their website (see below).
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, for example.
Address: Prater Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna | Website (Wintermarkt | Website (Winterburg)