Ashley Lauren
Christmas at the Freyung Market
- Goes By: Altwiener Christkindl Market or Old Viennese Christmas Market at the Freyung or the Freyung Market
- Location: Dominikanerbastei 8, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- Dates: November 15th- December 23rd 2024
- Times: Daily from 10am- 9pm
- Size: 60 Booths
- Website: https://altwiener-markt.at/de/christmas
The Freyung Market in Vienna, also known as the Old Viennese Christmas Market, truly stands out as a shining star due to the quality of the vendors and the location so close to another great market- Am Hof. I have ranked it as #3 out of 15 Vienna Christmas Markets.
Celebrating 35 years in 2024, this market has lived through 300 years of history, making it even more legendary. It’s giving off charming and homey vibes, which is what makes it so special. I felt like I was lucky to get to experience the neighborhood Christmas market culture of the locals. The pace was much slower than other markets, and I didn’t feel the need to hurry.
Unique Finds at the Freyung Market
As I wandered through its 40-60 booths, I felt like I could have spent all my money here! From adorable dog accessories and handmade greeting cards to stunning paper Christmas stars, this market was a dream for a stationery lover like me.
This market smelled like a mouth watering blend of cheese and sugar.
But what made it even more special was its focus on giving back—yearly donations collected at the Hot Chocolate Stand support a good cause, adding a layer of meaning to the festive fun.
One absolute highlight for me was discovering The Langos Queen. I stood mesmerized as she skillfully sculpted the dough by hand, letting it rise for hours before frying it to a bubbly golden perfection. Let me tell you, these were hands-down the best Langos I’ve ever had in Vienna and it’s obvious its due to them being made with love (and experience)! If you visit, you must stop by and experience the magic of the queen at her craft.
Do you Need Cash at Vienna’s Christmas Markets?
It’s a good idea to plan to have Euros on hand to shop at the Vienna Christmas Markets, like the Freyung Market. Most markets have an ATM, but you don’t want to be stuck without cash when you spot a great purchase. Some booths take credit cards; some don’t. Those that do accept cards usually have a minimum purchase value as well.
Pro tip: if the credit card machine asks you to pay in USD or Euro, always choose USD so your bank makes the conversion rate, not the merchant, which will save you money.
Puppet Shows at the Freyung Market
The Freyung Market is a fantastic spot for families to catch a live puppet performance. They offer free shows for children at 10 a.m., creating the perfect holiday vibe.
Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot—this show is a big hit.
Navigating Public Transportation in Vienna With Easy City Pass
Exploring Vienna is a breeze with the Vienna Easy City Pass. For just 27€, it gives you unlimited travel for 72 hours, covering underground trains, S-Bahn, buses, streetcars, and regional trains. It’s perfect for families since the pass includes one adult and a child under 15, and you can even load it onto your phone for easy access. Plus, it comes with discounts—we used ours for a Mozart concert, and it was such a great deal!
Here’s the thing about Vienna’s public transportation: it’s based on an honor system, and most of the time, you won’t need to show your ticket. But don’t be fooled! On our third day, transportation authorities suddenly boarded our bus to check tickets, and we saw someone without one fined 105€. We were so glad we had ours ready—it saved us a lot of stress and embarrassment!
If you plan to visit spots like the Freyung Market, hopping on and off public transport is necessary. Save yourself the hassle (and the hefty fine) by purchasing your City Pass through [my link here]. It’s a simple way to make your Vienna trip smooth and stress-free!
You May Also Like These Vienna Christmas Posts
- Explore 15 Charming Markets: Christmas In Vienna The Right Way (With Helpful Map)
- 5 Reasons Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz Will Triple Your Heart Size This Christmas
- Altes AKH Market was our 1st Experience at Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna
- Christmas Market at the Farm: How a Simple Rock Turned Into My Favorite Find
- Stephansplatz Christmas Market: Vienna’s Glittering Gem in the Holiday Season
- Why Karlsplatz Christmas Market Is the Chillest Spot in Vienna
