Eating and drinking at the Christkindlmarkt
Punsch, Glühwein, Maroni and the Häferl you pay a deposit on. What the stalls charged in 2025, where the prices diverge and what to know before you order.
About the facts in this text: the checked dates and the links to every organiser are on the list of all markets (checked 21 September 2026). Opening hours, prices and programme mentioned in the running text refer to the 2025/26 season or to the state of the organiser's page when this was written — check before you travel.
What is on offer
The basic range is the same at almost every Vienna Christkindlmarkt, as Christmas markets are called in Austria: Punsch (hot spiced punch, usually with rum) and Glühwein (mulled wine), alongside alcohol-free Kinderpunsch for children, Maroni (roast chestnuts) and sugared almonds from the roasting drum, potato fritters, Würstel sausages, Mehlspeisen sweet baked puddings and Lebkuchen gingerbread.
Beyond that, the markets set different emphases. At Spittelberg the food focus is on vegetarian and vegan dishes. Art Advent am Karlsplatz states that its catering is certified organic. Am Hof ranges from Buchteln sweet yeast buns and cured Speck bacon to Italian specialities and a champagne bar. At the Türkenschanzpark the list runs to baked potatoes, raclette bread, lángos, Baumstriezel chimney cake and heart-shaped waffles, and there is a station with water and treats for dogs. At the Riesenradplatz, the dodgems, ghost train and Ferris wheel run alongside the stalls.
Prices in the 2025 season
Stalls set their own prices and change them every year. The figures below are guide values from the 2025 season, not a commitment for 2026.
| Market | Hot drink 2025 |
|---|---|
| Rathausplatz | Glühwein from around 4.50 EUR, Punsch from around 4.90 EUR, Kinderpunsch from around 3.50 EUR |
| Stephansplatz | around 5.80 EUR |
| Schönbrunn | around 5.50 EUR |
| Riesenradplatz | around 5.50 EUR, speciality drinks from around 6 EUR |
| Other Vienna markets | mostly 4.50 to 6 EUR |
The spread is therefore narrower than you might assume. If you want to save money, you save less by picking the market than by counting the Häferl.
The Häferl and the deposit
Punsch and Glühwein are served in ceramic Häferl, the mugs the markets use, and a deposit is charged on them — in Vienna most recently 3 to 5 EUR, at the Rathausplatz 5 EUR. You get the money back when you return the mug, or keep the Häferl as a souvenir.
Two things regularly catch visitors out. The deposit is not shown on the price board; it is added to the price of the drink. And each Häferl belongs to its own market — you return it at a stall of the same market, not at any other one.
Every market has its own Häferl design, usually with the year on it. That is why Viennese households have four of them in the cupboard by January.
Admission
All the Vienna markets listed in this guide have free admission. You pay only for what you eat and drink.
The one exception lies outside Vienna: Advent at Schloss Hof in the Marchfeld, around 50 km east of the city, costs 12.00 EUR for adults and 6.00 EUR for children — there the market is part of the visit to the palace and takes place only on certain weekends.
Paying
Cards work almost everywhere at the large markets, contactless too. Smaller stalls, particularly those selling craft work, still like cash — a couple of twenties in your pocket saves hunting for a cash machine.
Tipping at a stall is not usual. In a restaurant 5 to 10 per cent is normal.
With children
Kinderpunsch is available at every market, alcohol-free and noticeably cheaper than the adult version — at the Rathausplatz in 2025 from around 3.50 EUR. Schönbrunn has its own children’s portions.
A practical note that has nothing to do with food: the markets are quietest before 16:00. Once it gets dark the Rathausplatz becomes very crowded, and a pushchair is hard work there.
On 24 December
On Christmas Eve the markets close earlier: Rathausplatz 10:00–18:30, Schönbrunn 10:00–16:00, Stephansplatz and Schwarzenbergplatz 11:00–16:00, Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz 11:00–17:00. The Türkenschanzpark is closed all day on 24 December.
So if you still want a Punsch on 24 December, have it at midday, not in the evening.
Common questions
What does a Punsch cost in Vienna?
In the 2025 season hot drinks were mostly between 4.50 and 6 EUR; around 5.80 EUR at Stephansplatz, and from around 4.50 EUR for Glühwein at the Rathausplatz. A deposit on the Häferl is added to that.
How much is the deposit on the Häferl?
In Vienna mostly 3 to 5 EUR, at the Rathausplatz 5 EUR. You get it back when you return the mug at a stall of the same market, or you keep the Häferl.
Do the Vienna Christmas markets charge admission?
All the Vienna markets listed in this guide have free admission. Only Advent at Schloss Hof in Lower Austria charges, at 12.00 EUR for adults and 6.00 EUR for children.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. Spittelberg has a vegetarian and vegan food focus, Art Advent am Karlsplatz runs certified organic catering with vegetarian and vegan dishes, and the Türkenschanzpark has vegan dishes on the menu.
Can I pay by card everywhere?
At the large markets almost everywhere, contactless included. At smaller craft stalls cash is still useful.
