Vienna really gets into the spirit of Christmas, with Advent markets popping up in every corner of the city, and locals cheerfully sipping glühwein beneath some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Whether looking to dive into the Austrian capital’s acclaimed musical traditions or to find some unique artisanal Christmas gifts, Vienna does not leave anyone wanting for during the festive season.

Vienna has this cherished Christmas market tradition that has been blossoming over the years, one of the world’s oldest being Altwiener Christkindlmarkt in Freyung Square. Take a stroll around the city in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and there is almost every square filled with wooden stalls offering steaming drinks, maroni (roasted chestnuts), festive treats, handcrafted ornaments, and artisanal toys.

However, the Advent markets are not the only reason why Vienna is such an enchanted Christmas destination. It also offers ice-skating rinks, festive concerts presented as a feature of Vienna’s musical traditions, and ornamented holiday light displays illuminating its streets. Walking around the brightly lit neighborhoods of Vienna is enough to feel the magic of Christmas.

Here are some top destinations in Vienna to experience the magic of Christmas:

1. Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz
2. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
3. Belvedere Palace Christmas Village
4. Spittelberg Christmas Market
5. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on Freyung Square
6. Stephansplatz Christmas Market
7. Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market
8. Karlsplatz Art Advent
9. Prater Winter Market
10. Graben and Kärntner Straße