A bleary-eyed Vienna stumbles out of Christmas to find itself clutching yet another glass of punch in one hand and, in the other, a plastic pig holding a four-leaf clover. The New Year markets are upon us.
Read on for details of the markets, together with a location map.
- Traditionally open from December 26th to early January
- Full of arts, crafts, food, and drink
- See also:
What are the New Year markets?
(A Silvestermarkt on Michaelerplatz)
Imagine the Christmas markets, then take away a few decorations and replace them with lucky charms. That, in a nutshell, is it.
At most markets that literally is what happens: a Christmas market morphs into a New Year’s market (German: Silvestermarkt or Neujahrsmarkt).
Sometimes the difference between the two is largely cosmetic, but normally the selection of stalls and the wares offered change to reflect the new season.
Inevitably, these year-end markets lack the characteristic Advent flair that comes with their tinselled predecessors.
That said, failing to quite live up to the Christmas versions is hardly a disgrace, and most New Year markets still glow with good cheer and quality wares.
So, if you want to while away the time before (and sometimes after) the New Year celebrations, then pop into a market to enjoy roasted almonds or fried sausages while you browse the collective endeavours of all those artists and artisans.
But which Silvestermarkt should you visit?
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The answer depends on which markets open. While the Christmas market scene remains fairly steady, recent years have seen the locations of New Year markets chop and change.
In 2021/2022, for example, the Christmas market on Stephansplatz continued as a New Year market for the very first time. So check back nearer the time for final plans.
The markets
One constant is…
Schönbrunn
A high-class market which probably tops my list. The annual New Year version of the hugely-popular Christmas market fills part of the courtyard of the summer Habsburg palace at Schönbrunn. This makes a gorgeous setting.
Riesenradplatz
Another regular, the Wintermarkt on the Riesenradplatz actually opens in early Advent and plans to continue through into early 2023 this coming season.
The booths sit at the entrance to the massive Prater entertainment complex and almost under the iconic giant Ferris wheel (which looks wonderful lit up at night).
Pretty much food and drink only, here, with a particularly local feel to proceedings.
In recent years, other markets have included the following, which may reappear (check locally or nearer the time):
Maria-Theresien-Platz
The Silvesterdorf succeeded the Christmas market on the same site. It featured over 70 stands with a nice variety of wares to sell and a super location among the historical architecture of the natural and art history museums on Maria-Theresien-Platz.
Belvedere
Back in 2019, the excellent Belvedere Christmas market extended opening days through until December 31st for the first time. The Upper Belvedere palace provided a rather elegant Baroque background to proceedings, especially in the evening thanks to the tasteful lighting.
Rathausplatz
The market and square in front of city hall hosts the city’s biggest New Year’s Eve party and community waltz as part of the formal Silvesterpfad celebrations.
At the last event, seventy booths paved the way toward the midnight festivities, with over half just there to see you had enough to eat and drink. Most of the rest sold New Year knickknacks and party gear. (More information)
Near the opera house
A pedestrianised road leading away from the state opera house had a small gourmet Advent and New Year market where you could pick up your prosciutto and parmesan before downing a glass of sparkling wine.
Michaelerplatz
Another historic location, this time in front of the winter Habsburg palace in the very centre of Vienna. A small collection of striking white stands with mainly food, drink and New Year items.
Like all the New Year markets mentioned, the k.u.k Neujahrsmarkt also followed on from a Christmas equivalent.