When Vienna launches its Advent season on 13 November, three very different market experiences lie close together: arts and crafts on Karlsplatz, stalls in the lanes of Spittelberg and the Christkindlmarkt outside City Hall. The choice is less about rankings than your plans for the day – and public transport: the U2 does not connect Karlsplatz and Rathaus during the construction work.
Karlsplatz: craftsmanship and room to linger
>Art Advent is aimed at anyone who, between punch and market stalls, also wants to browse items that put materials and craftsmanship centre stage. WienTourismus lists arts and crafts, organic food and drink, live performances on a mobile stage and a children’s programme. The market on Karlsplatz is open daily from 13 November to 23 December, from noon to 8pm; according to the event information, food and drink stalls stay open until 9pm.
This makes for a compact afternoon around Karlsplatz: combine a market visit with a look at the surrounding cultural institutions and leave time to browse the stalls. The square is a natural stop for travellers looking for arts and crafts and a manageable market site. Karlsplatz is accessible by underground; for the market visit itself, it is best not to base your day’s plans on a direct U2 journey to Rathaus.
Spittelberg: a market in the lanes
At Spittelberg, the market spreads across Spittelberggasse, Stiftgasse, Schrankgasse and Gutenberggasse. The routes take you through a neighbourhood whose character also helps shape the market experience between the stalls. According to WienTourismus, more than 120 exhibitors are expected; the market will once again be designated an Eco Event in 2026. This makes it a good fit for a visit focused on arts and crafts and goods produced regionally, fairly or organically.
It is open from 13 November to 23 December: Monday to Friday from 2pm to 9.30pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 9.30pm. A sensible plan is to start the afternoon in the 7th district and not treat the market lanes as mere shortcuts: you are walking through a residential neighbourhood. Being considerate towards residents and keeping access routes clear are part of the visit.
Rathausplatz: the big gathering place
Anyone looking for a spacious market with ice skating as an added attraction will find it on Rathausplatz. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt runs from 13 November to 26 December, daily from 10am to 10pm; on 24 December it closes at 6.30pm. The Eistraum ice-skating attraction in Rathauspark is also scheduled to open on 13 November. The market lends itself to being the main focus of a day’s itinerary: allow time for the stalls, then add the ice-skating area if you wish.
The direct U2 connection between Rathaus and Karlsplatz is suspended. Wiener Linien explains that it will not operate the shared U2 and U5 service on this section during the closure of the main S-Bahn line. According to the Christkindlmarkt, tram routes 1, 71 and D, as well as Rathaus U2 station, also provide access to Rathausplatz; other lines and connections serve Karlsplatz. Check timetables and disruptions before setting off.
Three neighbourhoods, three different days out
Karlsplatz is the choice for arts and crafts and organic food and drink, while Spittelberg offers market lanes and a visit to the 7th district. Rathausplatz is a good fit if the market itself is to be the day’s main destination and ice skating is part of the plan. Anyone wishing to combine two markets should plan the transfer with a suitable tram or underground connection – and bear in mind that the U2 currently does not connect Karlsplatz and Rathaus directly. Opening hours vary; in particular, Spittelberg does not open until the afternoon on weekdays.
Original reviewed by the editors · 13 November 2026
