Schönbrunn Palace Christmas | Market, Concerts & Festive Treats

Is the Schönbrunn Palace open during Christmas?

This year, the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market will take place from November 6, 2025, to January 6, 2026.

Immerse yourself in the festive magic with over 95 beautifully decorated stalls offering handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, family-friendly entertainment, and a charming winter atmosphere right in front of the palace’s courtyard.

Schönbrunn Christmas market hours:

November 6 to December 23, 2025: Daily, 10am to 9pm
December 24, 2025: 10am to 4pm
December 25, 2025 to January 6, 2026: Daily, 10am to 7pm

Schönbrunn Palace opening hours

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas highlights

Live music performances

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market with live music from local musicians and choirs. Enjoy classical works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss that celebrate Austria’s rich heritage.

Schönbrunn Palace Mozart and Strauss concerts

Traditional crafts

Browse over 95 stalls offering handmade treasures at the Schönbrunn Christmas market. From glass ornaments and ceramics to nativity scenes and jewelry, you’ll find unique gifts crafted by local artisans.

Culinary delights

Savor festive treats like Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), roasted chestnuts, and Apfelstrudel at the market’s food stalls. Warm up with Glühwein (mulled wine) or Punsch, served in charming souvenir mugs.

Family-friendly activities

Bring the kids to enjoy puppet shows, petting zoos, and even ice skating in the palace courtyard. The market’s winter attractions make it a magical outing for families.

Schönbrunn Vienna Zoo tickets

A regal backdrop

The market unfolds against the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, adding imperial charm to the festivities. To make your visit even more special, consider booking a guided tour to look through its stunning interiors.

Schönbrunn Palace guided tours

Romantic atmosphere

Stroll hand-in-hand under twinkling lights and the glow of the Christmas tree. With festive music and mulled wine, the Schönbrunn market sets a perfect romantic scene.

Book Schönbrunn Palace tickets and tours

Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert & Christmas Market

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 45 min.

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Schönbrunn Palace: Christmas Market, Palace Tour & Concert

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Meals included

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Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hr.

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Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert with After-Hours Tour

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Meals included

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Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Free cancellation

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2 hr. - 3 hr. 30 min.

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Combo (Save 6%): Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour + Schönbrunn Zoo Skip-the-Line Tickets

Free cancellation

Guided tour

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Combo (Save 8%): Schönbrunn Zoo + Schönbrunn Palace Panorama Train Ride Tickets

Free cancellation

Audio guide

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Plan your visit

Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market with festive lights and decorated tree in Vienna.

Palace opening hours: 10am to 9pm
Christmas market dates: November 6 to December 23, 2025
Classical concerts timing: Typically start at 8.30pm

Best time to visit: Early weekday mornings or late evenings are ideal for a more peaceful experience at the Schönbrunn Christmas Market. Arrive just after opening to enjoy the lights, music, and stalls before the midday crowds roll in.

Passengers enjoying a ride on a Vienna tram near Karlsplatz.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

Find on maps

By metro (U-Bahn): Take U4 (green line) to Schönbrunn station.
By tram: Routes 10 and 60 stop at Schloss Schönbrunn, right outside the palace gates.
By bus: Route 10A also stops near the main entrance.
By train: From Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof), take a short S-Bahn or U-Bahn connection to Schönbrunn (around 15–20 minutes total).

Parking: Paid car park available at Schönbrunn APCOA Parking (Meidlinger Tor); free parking is limited in nearby residential zones.

Restroom sign with symbols for men, women, and wheelchair accessibility.

Restrooms: Heated and well-maintained toilets are available near the main courtyard (Ehrenhof), the visitor center, and Café Residenz. All are wheelchair accessible.
Lockers: Small lockers and cloakrooms are available at the Visitor Center and Group Center (fees apply). Large suitcases cannot be stored.
Strollers/Pushchairs: Strollers are permitted in most palace areas and throughout the Christmas market. Designated stroller parking is available near the main entrance.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in the Ehrenhof Courtyard and palace cafés.
Gift shops: The Schönbrunn Palace Shop and Christmas Market stalls sell a variety of handcrafted ornaments, Austrian gifts, and exclusive palace souvenirs.

Wheelchair user boarding bus via accessible ramp.

Step-free & distances: As a historic site, Schönbrunn Palace features cobblestones and some uneven surfaces, but most key areas including the main courtyard (Ehrenhof) and parts of the gardens are wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair rentals: Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge at the ticket counter (first-come, first-served). Electric wheelchairs can access outdoor areas only.
Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available near the Schönbrunn APCOA Parking and Meidlinger Tor entrance.
Toilets: Step-free, accessible restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, Café Residenz, and near the Orangery.
Service animals: Registered service animals are welcome in all public areas of the palace grounds and market.

Orchestra performing at Schönbrunn Palace concert with audience and festive decorations, Vienna.

Christmas Market: Outside food and drinks are not permitted within the market area. Please dispose of waste responsibly and return reusable mugs to designated stands for your deposit refund.
Photography: Non-commercial photography is allowed in outdoor areas and the Christmas market. Flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted inside the palace.
Decorations & displays: Please do not touch the Christmas installations, ornaments, or historical exhibits. Climbing on fences, stages, or displays is strictly prohibited.
General conduct: Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so please help preserve its beauty by respecting signage, staying on marked paths, and maintaining a considerate noise level during concerts and guided tours.

Tips for visiting Schönbrunn Palace on Christmas

Arrive early: Visit before 11am to enjoy the market and palace courtyard before tour groups and evening crowds arrive.
Dress warmly: Expect temperatures between 0 to 5°C (32–41°F) in December; bring gloves, a scarf, and shoes with good grip for icy cobblestones.
Bring cash: Many stalls accept cards, but food and drink vendors often prefer small euro notes and coins for faster service.
Savor local treats: Try Apfelstrudel and roasted chestnuts, and don’t miss Glühwein in souvenir mugs you can keep for €4 to €5.
Plan for family activities: Puppet shows run several times daily, and the petting zoo with ponies and goats is open afternoons.
Use public transport: Take the U4 subway to Schönbrunn (10 min walk); faster than driving since parking is limited.
Check weather conditions: Snow or rain is common; carry an umbrella and visit around 4pm to 5pm when the palace and market lights turn on.

Interesting facts about Schönbrunn Palace >

Frequently asked questions about the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas

Is there an entry fee for the Christmas market?

No, entry to the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market is free. However, you need to purchase tickets if you wish to explore the palace interiors and the gardens.

What's special about the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market?

You’ll find more than 95 stalls selling handmade crafts, festive decorations, and unique gifts. Traditional treats like Apfelstrudel, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine make it a foodie favorite, while live music, children’s puppet shows, and sparkling lights create a festive atmosphere that makes this market one of Vienna’s holiday highlights.

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

Yes, you can book tickets specifically for Christmas events such as concerts at Schönbrunn Palace without needing to purchase a general admission or palace interior tour ticket. The main outdoor Christmas market itself is free to enter and does not require any ticket. Concert tickets are sold separately and grant access only to the event venue (such as the Orangery or concert hall), with no requirement to also book a palace tour or general admission.

Are there activities for children at the market?

Yes! The market is family-friendly, featuring puppet shows, a petting zoo with animals like sheep and ponies, and workshops where kids can make Christmas crafts or bake cookies.

Can I visit the palace interiors during Christmas?

Absolutely! You can book Schönbrunn Palace tickets to explore the imperial rooms and learn about Austria’s royal history. Guided tours are also available and often include the palace’s magical gardens.

How do I get to the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas market?

The market is easily accessible by Vienna’s public transport system. Take the U4 metro line to Schönbrunn station, a short walk from the Haupttor entrance (main gate).

Is the market accessible for wheelchair users?

The market is mostly wheelchair accessible, with flat pathways for easy movement. However, some areas around the Schönbrunn Palace, like cobblestone paths, may require assistance. Bringing a friend or companion can help ensure a more comfortable experience.

Are credit cards accepted at the market?

Many vendors accept credit or debit cards, but some may only take cash. It’s a good idea to carry some Euros for smaller purchases.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes. While the outdoor Christmas market is open to the public without strict limits, ticketed experiences such as concerts, guided tours, and workshops have limited seating or participant capacity.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Yes. The market and outdoor festivities generally run in all weather conditions, including light rain or snow. Only in cases of severe weather might certain performances or activities be delayed, moved indoors, or canceled for safety reasons.