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)?
- Dates for the main 2025 Easter markets unconfirmed
- …but expect a start early April
- …and an end around April 21st
- Book a concert experience* for your Vienna trip
- See also:
- Easter markets
- Vienna at Easter
- Find a central hotel for Easter
When do the 2025 markets start?
(Craft stalls at the Freyung market)
Traditionally, the Easter markets begin around two weeks before the Easter weekend and continue through until around Easter Monday.
The relevant window of time in 2025 is early April to around April 21st. I add specific details below as I come across them on official websites (or you can check yourselves).
You can find other markets in Vienna, but these are perhaps those of greatest interest to visitors:
| Market or location | Dates open (assuming they take place in 2025) |
|---|---|
| Schönbrunn | ? |
| Am Hof | ? |
| Freyung | ? |
| Kalvarienbergfest | ? |
| Palais Niederösterreich | ? |
| Hirschstetten | ? |
| Michaelerplatz | ? |
Dates for later years remain, obviously, unconfirmed, but here’s my rough guess for the main markets:
- March 21st/22nd to around April 6th (in 2026)
- March 13th/14th to around March 29th (in 2027)
- March 31st / April 1st to around April 17th (in 2028)
Opening hours
Most markets open up between 10am and 11am and carry on through to the early or late evening. With dates and times for 2025 still outstanding, here are the details from last Easter just FYI:
Opening times last Easter
Schönbrunn
(Ostermarkt Schloss Schönbrunn; press photo © Angelika Kessler)
- 10am to 6pm each day
- New organiser and concept expected in 2025, though
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 normally remain open until an hour after the other stalls close for the day.
Freyung
(Officially the Altwiener Ostermarkt)
- 10am to 8pm
The place for decorated eggs thanks to the traditional central stall with its crates of painted eggshells. Cosy location all along one side of the ancient Schottenkirche church. Often has an organic farmers’ market attached.
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.
Hirschstetten
- 9am to 6pm
I’ve not written about this one yet, but the location for this short and relatively small market is rather nice (if a little far away from the usual tourist paths).
Opening times pre-2024
I believe these markets skipped the Easter that just passed. Here the details from 2023 or earlier…
Palais Niederösterreich
- Hours are TBA for the next 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.
Kalvarienbergfest
- TBA (if it repeats) but 10am to 6pm last time out
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.
Michaelerplatz
- TBA (if it repeats) but 10am to 8pm last time
Another smaller market I’ve not reviewed, but intend to if and when it takes place again. The Michaelerplatz square marks one side of the Hofburg palace complex and is about as central as it gets.