{"id":6447,"date":"2018-11-21T05:52:55","date_gmt":"2018-11-21T04:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=6447"},"modified":"2026-01-07T12:53:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:53:34","slug":"wintermarkt-riesenradplatz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmasmarkets\/wintermarkt-riesenradplatz\/","title":{"rendered":"Wintermarkt at the Riesenradplatz"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/wintermarkt_small.jpg\" alt=\"The Riesenrad at night\" class=\"wp-image-6941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/wintermarkt_small.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/wintermarkt_small-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Think of the Wintermarkt centered on the square outside Vienna&#8217;s giant Ferris wheel as a gathering point for chasing away the winter blues. And all with a strong element of fun and entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Food, drink, crafts, live music etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosted at the Prater funfair complex<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lots of things for the kids to do<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonus events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2026\/2027 dates: Nov 20 &#8211; Jan 6<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/concerts-opera-vienna-tickets-l206741\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_Xmas\" rel=\"sponsored\">classical concert experience<\/a>* for Advent or New Year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/christmas-markets\/\">Christmas markets<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/new-years-eve\/\">Vienna at New Year<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Wintermarkt<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/wintermarkt2025b.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of a seasonal market and ferris wheel\" class=\"wp-image-86193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/wintermarkt2025b.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/wintermarkt2025b-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The market from above with the Riesenrad ferris wheel in the background; press photo \u00a9 Julius Silver \/ wintermarkt.at)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine a Christmas market with a strong focus on food and drink stalls, then throw in music and fun activities&#8230;you&#8217;ve pretty much got the <em>Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The market&#8217;s more down-to-earth than its seasonal siblings nearer the city centre. More rock and roll than Silent Night. A pint of ale to the others&#8217; glass of Chardonnay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The square in front of Vienna&#8217;s famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/riesenrad\/\">ferris wheel<\/a> welcomes you to the huge <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/wurstelprater-amusement-park\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"35559\">Prater funfair<\/a> with a ring of restaurants, shops, and entertainments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And in late November, December, and early January, the space fills with stalls and bar tables, with pop and soft rock piped in over the loudspeakers.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/riesenradwinter.jpg\" alt=\"The Riesenrad in the snow seen through the trees\" class=\"wp-image-66105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/riesenradwinter.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/riesenradwinter-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The giant ferris wheel in a suitably wintry landscape)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Various stands mostly sell a mix of traditional winter market fare and more general snacks and drinks. Last time out, the neighbouring small square by the Prater Museum had Wintermarkt-Dorf booths with more of a craft and gift focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the previous event, you could also travel further into the Prater to find the Winterburg in the illuminated garden of the Luftburg Kolarik im Prater restaurant with organic punch &amp; snacks, a bouncy castle, outdoor play area, music, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I await confirmation, but perhaps both the Dorf and Winterburg will repeat in 2026\/2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a typical visit to the main area, expect all the weird and wonderful varieties of punch, plus Gl\u00fchwein, Schnapps, wine, beer and hot chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the food front, have a slice of Austria with a side serving of International. For example, I spotted Buchtel (bit like a sweet roll and made famous by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/cafe-hawelka\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9388\">Caf\u00e9 Hawelka<\/a>), Baumkuchen (spit cakes), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/kaiserschmarren\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6137\">Kaiserschmarren<\/a>, pastries, donuts, waffles and pancakes on my last visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-slug-ids=\"pro1119393,pro1029872\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_ChristmasNew\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you fancy something more robust, how about sausages, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/langos\/\">langos<\/a>, raclette, hot dogs, fries, fried chicken, and similar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the spirit of the Prater, the Wintermarkt distinguishes itself through more &#8220;action&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, live acts appear, featuring a range of musical styles: some 35 live concerts took place in 2025\/2026. Expect other events, too, such as the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour or a special programme for New Year&#8217;s Eve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The location also means plenty else to do once you&#8217;ve eaten your Bratwurst or toasted the season with a mug or glass of the good stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/wintermarkt2025a.jpg\" alt=\"Band and crowd at an open-air concert\" class=\"wp-image-86192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/wintermarkt2025a.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/wintermarkt2025a-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Regular musical entertainment is a big feature of the market; press photo \u00a9 Julius Silver \/ wintermarkt.at)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/madame-tussauds\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"35377\">Madame Tussauds<\/a> lives on the same square. Some Prater rides and attractions also remain open through winter when the weather allows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/riesenrad\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"271\">giant ferris wheel itself<\/a>, which looks wonderful at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I imagine the views across a wintry landscape, market, and Prater at night from the top of the Ferris wheel make for some excellent photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is it a place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere? Kind of. Is it a place to warm yourself with snacks and drinks while everyone enjoys some wintry fun? Most definitely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2026 dates &amp; times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dates for 2026\/2027 are November 20th, 2026 to January 6th, 2027. Opening times are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Midday to 10pm (weekdays)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>11am to 10pm (weekends and public holidays)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10am to 5pm on December 24th<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Midday opening on December 31st and the market stays open until 2am the next day (the location typically participates in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/silvesterpfad\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7218\">Silvesterpfad<\/a> New Year entertainment trail)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that any Winterburg part may have different opening times: last year it was midday to 8pm from November 16th, 2025 to January 6th, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to the Wintermarkt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Prater and the square are just a short walk from the Praterstern subway station (look for the giant ferris wheel when you exit the station: it&#8217;s impossible to miss).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Praterstern is just 2-6 minutes from the centre on the U1 and U2 subway lines, which you can catch at, for example, Stephansplatz (U1) right in the middle of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trams 5 and O also stop at Praterstern, as do the S1, S2, S3, S4 and S7 city train lines. The S7, for example, takes you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/city-to-airport\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3754\">out to the airport<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/airport-to-city\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3799\">back again<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: Prater Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wintermarkt.at\/\">Website<\/a> (Wintermarkt | <a href=\"https:\/\/kolarik.at\/en\/winterburg\/\">Website<\/a> (Winterburg)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1IV8M9-mH8kPwIX-r4le-2hv35XE\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Think of the Wintermarkt centered on the square outside Vienna&#8217;s giant Ferris wheel as a gathering point for chasing away the winter blues. And all with a strong element of fun and entertainment. The Wintermarkt (The market from above with the Riesenrad ferris wheel in the background; press photo \u00a9 Julius Silver \/ wintermarkt.at) Imagine [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6941,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6447","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-christmasmarkets","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6447"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87996,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6447\/revisions\/87996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}