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 alcoholic and a spot of fun.
- Food, drink, and entertainment at the Prater funfair complex
- Lots of things for the kids to do
- Dates: November 20th, 2021 to January 9th, 2022
- See also: Christmas markets | Vienna at New Year
The Wintermarkt
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 a little 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.
Around 20 stands sell a mix of traditional winter market fare and more usual snacks and drinks.
So you’ll usually find all the weird and wonderful varieties of punch, plus Glühwein, Schnapps, and hot chocolate, but also beer and wine; waffles, oven potatoes, raclette, crepes, spätzle, langos, roast chestnuts and chocolate-covered fruit, but also pizza and chips.
In the spirit of the Prater, the Wintermarkt distinguishes itself through more “action”. For example, live acts perform most evenings, featuring a range of musical styles: Austropop, funk, soul, blues, gospel, rock, etc.
The location also means plenty else to do once you’ve eaten your waffle or toasted the season with a mug or glass of the good stuff.
For example, a mini train takes you through the Prater (requires a ticket). The Chocolate Museum and Madame Tussauds live on the same square, too. Some Prater rides also remain open through winter, such as the bumper cars. 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.)
Normally, a Winter Circus puts up its tents on the nearby meadow, too.
On New Year’s Eve, a DJ typically begins their work at 8pm, with live music later, and a synchronised firework and music show at midnight.
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 fun? Definitely.
Opening times 2021
The market opens November 20th in 2021 and continues to January 9th, 2022.
I await confirmation of daily opening times, but those for the last Wintermarkt were:
- Midday to 10pm (weekdays)
- 11am to 10pm (weekends and public holidays)
- 10am to 5pm on December 24th
- Opens longer on New Year’s Eve (midday to 2am the next day)
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). The station is served from the centre by the U1 and U2 subway lines. Trams 5 and O also stop there, as do the bus lines 5B and 80A.
The S1, S2, S3, S4 and S7 city train lines also stop at Praterstern.
Address: Prater Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna | Website