Vienna's Schönbrunn Xmas Market Aglow with Grandeur
A beautifully lit tree stands in the center of the market.
The Christmas market in front of the Schönbrunn Palace offers some of Vienna's best seasonal entertainment, gifts, and edibles. The market is easy to reach and is popular with both visitors and locals because of its classy ambiance and offerings. Market stalls form a ring around a huge Christmas tree and small performance stage and sell items including handmade wooden ornaments, retro toys, elegant soaps, fancy liquers, and colorful glass decorations. Also available for purchase are the classic black and white mugs bearing a sketch of the Schönbrunn Palace. The hot beverages served at the market (hot spiced wine and punch) come in the very same mugs, which are a good value at only €2. (If you order a drink that comes in such a mug and don't want to keep the mug, be sure to return it to get your €2 deposit back.)
The Schönbrunn market beverages and foods in particular draw a large number of Viennese to meet with friends and socialize in front of the palace. In addition to the standard roasted chestnuts (Maroni) and hot spiced wine (Gluhwein), the Raclette (large slices of dark bread with melted cheese and various other toppings) specialties are delicious. The sweet treats, like berry-topped waffles and donuts (krapfen), are also good. Often, live music acts (visiting choirs, etc.) are performed on the stage next to the Christmas tree, enhancing the jovial holiday mood of the market. To get to the Schönbrunn Christmas Market, take the U4 metro line to the Schönbrunn station. The palace and market entrance is a short walk from the station.
