Visting the Grand Christmas Market at Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s most enchanting Christmas destinations. Set against the Baroque splendor of the palace, the Christmas Village here is worth visiting for its elegant stalls, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine in the air. It’s quieter and more refined than many city markets. You can browse handcrafted gifts, admire artistic decorations, and savor traditional Viennese treats.

Is Belvedere Palace open during Christmas?

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

The Belvedere Palace is open during Christmas and forms a resplendent background for the Christmas Market.

Opening hours of the Christmas Market:

  • November 15th to December 31st: 11am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 9pm during weekends
  • December 24: 11am to 4pm
  • December 25th to 30th: 11am to 8pm
  • December 31st: 11am to 6pm
Opening hours of The Belvedere Palace

Highlights of Belvedere Palace Christmas

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Give a feast to your taste buds

The market offers a wide assortment of cuisines to pamper your taste buds. Aside from the traditional Christmas candy for your sweet tooth, you can try Glühwein, popularly known as mulled wine. It is a go-to drink to warm up your Christmas nights and spread cheer. However, if you are not big on wine, you can always find happiness in a warm cup of hot chocolate.

The market has traditional Austrian and Alpine delicacies to offer. You can even try Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy and sweet pancake dipped in plum jam, named after emperor Franz Joseph I or a fancy variety of meatloaf called Leberkäse. The most popular variety of Leberkäse is made from a combination of pork, bacon, and beef.

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Enjoy a little Christmas shopping

From souvenirs for your loved ones to Christmas decorations for the tree at home, and traditionally crafted products, there are more than forty stalls at the market which has something for everyone. If you are a hoarder of aesthetic jewelry, you can find charming pieces made from silver and amber. You will also discover tingling scented woods, jolly hats, and wooden toys to take back with you. After you have shopped your heart out, it is only fitting to call it a night with a ride on the reindeer train (not the one with a real reindeer, but they come close).

Belvedere Palace Christmas Market

Live your romantic Christmas fairytale

Vienna’s Christmas markets allow couples to witness and recreate a love story like one taken from a fairytale. The Baroque palace is majestic and looks splendid during Christmas and serves as the perfect background for your romantic selfies. Make an entrance from the southern gate to capture the entire affair at once.

You can take a tour of the precious art collection at the Belvedere palace, followed by an alluring walk by the lake, and end the night by trying different food items and sharing a warm cup of your favorite beverage. The musicians playing at the palace’s patio will keep your spirits high the entire date night.

Interesting facts about The Belvedere Palace

Plan your visit

Palace Belvedere illuminated at night with reflections in the pond, Vienna, Austria.
  • Early evenings (around 4–6pm) – Catch the palace illuminated in golden twilight before the night crowds arrive.
  • Weekdays over weekends – Locals visit after work on Fridays; midweek visits are far calmer.
  • Mid-December – Stalls are fully stocked, decorations at their peak, and the festive mood in full swing.
  • After light snowfall – The palace gardens look especially magical under a fresh dusting of snow, perfect for photos.
Person driving a car, smiling, with city street visible through window.

Address: 1030 Vienna, Austria

Find on map

  • By tram: Take Tram D to Schloss Belvedere stop. It drops you right outside the Upper Belvedere entrance.
  • By train: From Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station), it’s just a 10-minute walk to the palace.
  • By bus: Route 13A stops at Südtiroler Platz; from there, follow signs to Belvedere Palace (about 12 minutes on foot).
  • By car: Follow signs for Belvedere from Vienna’s Ringstrasse; limited paid parking is available along Prinz-Eugen-Straße near the entrance.
Restroom signs for men and women at Wings of Time facilities.
  • Restrooms: Clean, heated toilets are available in both Upper and Lower Belvedere, as well as near the museum café.
  • Cloakrooms & lockers: Cloakrooms and small lockers are provided in the museum areas; large luggage isn’t permitted inside.
  • Cafés & restaurants: Enjoy Viennese pastries and hot drinks at the Café im Oberen Belvedere or grab seasonal snacks at the Christmas Village stalls.
  • Gift shops: Both palace buildings feature museum shops selling art prints, ornaments, and locally crafted souvenirs.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout visitor areas, including the palace courtyards and cafés.
Wheelchair user boarding bus via accessible ramp.

Accessibility

  • Step-free access: Both Upper and Lower Belvedere offer barrier-free entry via ramps and elevators; most exhibition rooms and the Christmas Village area are fully wheelchair accessible.
  • Wheelchair rental: Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge at the ticket desk (first-come, first-served); staff assistance can be requested at entrances.
  • Accessible restrooms: Step-free, wheelchair-accessible toilets are located in the Upper and Lower Belvedere, as well as near the museum café.
  • Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available near the Upper Belvedere entrance on Prinz-Eugen-Straße and the Lower Belvedere car park on Rennweg.
Gustav Klimt's The Kiss displayed at Upper Belvedere Palace, Vienna.
  • Photography: Non-commercial photography is allowed in outdoor areas and at the Christmas Village. Inside the palace, photography without flash is permitted in most galleries; tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.
  • Food & drinks: Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the palace buildings.
  • Bags & coats: Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom or lockers before entering the exhibition spaces.
  • Service animals: Only registered assistance dogs are permitted inside palace buildings.
  • Christmas décor: Please do not touch or lean on Christmas displays, art installations, or ornaments. They are delicate and part of the curated decorations.
  • General conduct: Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere in galleries and indoor areas; Belvedere is both a museum and a heritage site.

Tips to visit Belvedere Palace on Christmas

  • Vienna can get extremely chilly during winter so plan your outfits accordingly. 
  • Carry warm coats/jackets and scarves while visiting the Christmas market. 
  • As you’ll have to walk around and explore the Christmas market, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear. 
  • Although an increasing number of stores accept bank payments, it is a good idea to keep a couple of euros handy to seamlessly purchase your Christmas souvenirs. 
  • Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year so be ready to expect a bustling market but Belvedere is relatively calm compared to other Christmas markets.  
  • English is spoken almost everywhere but you can pick up a couple of German phrases to help you get by.

More tips about visiting The Belvedere Palace

Frequently asked questions about Belvedere Palace Christmas market

How is Christmas at Belvedere Palace?

Christmas at Belvedere Palace is an amazing and exquisite experience. The palatial backdrop adds glitz and glamour to the adorable market. You can enjoy a host of little activities, beautiful lights, and the chilly weather at night.

What's special about the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market?

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market is special for its appetizing cuisine, fine beverages, regal backdrop of the palace, attractive shopping and cheerful atmosphere.

Is there a dress code for Belvedere Palace during Christmas?

There is no strict dress code for Belvedere Palace during Christmas. However, it is advisable to dress appropriately.

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

Yes. The Belvedere Palace Christmas Village in front of the Upper Belvedere is free to visit and doesn’t require a palace admission ticket. However, any special concerts, guided tours, or workshops hosted inside the palace must be booked separately.

What can I see at Belvedere Palace Christmas Market?

You can see a host of things at Belvedere Palace Christmas Market such as handicrafts, Christmas decorations, candy and delectable cuisines. The warm and welcoming Christmas lights are a sight for sore eyes.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes. The outdoor Christmas Village is open to all, but ticketed indoor events and tours have limited capacity due to space and safety regulations. It’s best to reserve early, especially for evening performances.

What events take place at Belvedere Palace Christmas Market?

The Belvedere Palace Christmas Market has plenty of eventful experiences for you to try such as enjoying a live band, trying out varieties of beverages such as Glühwein and Schnapps to keep yourself warm, and taking a ride on the reindeer train.

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Belvedere Palace Christmas market?

No, while entry to the Belvedere Palace Christmas market is free, you may have to pay to attend events or attractions within the market.

What type of vendors are there at the Belvedere Palace Christmas market?

There are a variety of vendors at the Belvedere Palace Christmas market, selling Christmas-inspired goods, crafts, clothes, Christmas-special snacks, and more. They are an integral part of spreading the Christmas cheer among the visitors.

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