So when can you expect to see the Easter bunny set up stall in Vienna, hand out unfeasibly large amounts of chocolate, and try and persuade you they really do bring the eggs (despite the logistical issues that raises)?
- Main 2026 markets start c. March 20th
- …and end around April 6th, but the Schönbrunn market opens longer
- Book a concert experience* for your trip
- See also:
- Easter markets
- Vienna at Easter
- Find a central hotel for Easter
When do the 2026 markets start?
(Craft stalls at the Freyung market)
Traditionally, the Easter markets begin around two weeks before the Easter weekend and continue through until Easter Sunday or Monday.
The relevant window of time in 2026 is from late March to around April 6th (with a notable exception). I’ve added details based on official websites, where you can confirm details for yourself.
You find other markets in Vienna, but these ones are of greatest interest to visitors:
| Market or location | Dates open in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Schönbrunn (at the palace) | March 25th to April 19th (continues after Easter as a spring market) |
| Am Hof (a central square) | March 20th to April 6th |
| Freyung (ditto) | March 20th to April 6th |
| Hirschstetten (outlying gardens) | March 26-29 & April 2-6 |
| Kalvarienbergfest (17th district) | March 19th to April 5th |
Dates for later years inevitably remain unconfirmed, but here’s my rough guess for the main period when the top markets could be open:
- March 13th/14th to around March 29th (in 2027)
- March 31st / April 1st to around April 17th (in 2028)
Opening hours
The markets tend to open up between 10am and 11am and carry on through to the early or late evening.
Scheduled opening hours for 2026 according to the websites are:
Schönbrunn
- 10am to 7pm
This one is a little away from the centre but probably the biggest and best. The imperial surrounds create a wonderful atmosphere.
To make good use of your trip, you might book a tour of the palace and then pop into the market in the forecourt beforehand (or afterwards) for a spot of brunch, lunch or a dinnertime snack, then see a light classical concert in the same baroque palace orangery Mozart once played in.
Am Hof
(Entrance to the Am Hof Easter market)
- 11am to 8pm (Monday to Thursday)
- 10am to 8pm (Friday to Sunday, plus Easter Monday)
- Food and drink service continues until 9pm
The closest of the big markets to the traditional centre of town: just a short walk up from Stephansdom cathedral. Like Schönbrunn, good for gifts and handicrafts (the Am Hof market normally has a special collection of art and craft booths).
Stay a little later if you’re eating or drinking: the many culinary booths typically remain open until an hour after the other stalls close for the day.
Hirschstetten
- 9am to 6pm
I’ve not written about this one yet, but the host for this short and relatively small market is rather nice (if a little far away from the usual tourist paths): probably more of an option for locals, given its distance from the centre.
Freyung
(Officially the Altwiener Ostermarkt)
- 10am to 8pm
Your place for decorated eggs thanks to the traditional central stall with its crates of painted eggshells. Usually has an organic farmers’ market attached. The cosy location runs along one side of the ancient Schottenkirche church.
The Freyung market is close to the Am Hof equivalent, so you can wander along to the latter after dark if you want an Easter-flavoured snack even later in the evening.
Kalvarienbergfest
(Notable for the historical church at the centre of proceedings)
- 2pm to 7pm (Monday to Friday)
- 11am to 7pm (weekend)
This is more of a local street event, but one with a long tradition behind it. The location in the 17th district lies outside the areas you might normally visit as a tourist. Easily reached from the central Schottentor station on the tram, though.
Opening times from further back
These markets skipped Easter the last two years. Here the details from 2023 or earlier…
Palais Niederösterreich
- Hours are TBA for any future edition of this two-day special market (if it repeats), but normally something like 10am to 9pm
Musical entertainment usually continues through both days at regular intervals, featuring brass bands, singers, and other musicians from the province of Lower Austria. Great for regional products (and produce).
The event also offers a rare chance to see inside this centuries-old palais.
Michaelerplatz
- TBA (if it repeats in the future) but 10am to 8pm last time
Another smaller market I’ve not reviewed, but intend to should it take place again. The Michaelerplatz square marks one side of the Hofburg palace complex and is about as central as it gets.