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, crafts, live music and more at the Prater funfair complex
- Lots of things for the kids to do
- Bonus locations & events
- 2025/2026 dates: Nov 21 – Jan 6
- Winterburg part opens earlier
- 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)
Imagine a Christmas market with a strong focus on food and drink stalls, then throw in music and fun activities…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.
And 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 mostly sell a mix of traditional winter market fare and more general snacks and drinks. In 2025, move on down to the neighbouring small square by the Prater Museum and you’ll also find Wintermarkt-Dorf booths with more of a craft and gift focus.
Travel even further into the Prater to find the 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 2024 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 2025/2026. Expect other events, too, such as the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour or a special programme for New Year’s Eve.
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.
2025 dates & times
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)
Note that the Winterburg part has different opening times: midday to 8pm from November 16th, 2025 to January 6th, 2026.
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, as do the S1, S2, S3, S4 and S7 city train lines. The S7, for example, takes you out to the airport and back again.
Address: Prater Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna | Website (Wintermarkt | Website (Winterburg)