Kids, we’ve got something for you!
Christmas is a very special time of year for the littlest ones. And the Vienna Christmas Market places a great amount of importance on this fact – with numerous offerings aimed specifically at children and families. A huge multi-storey carousel – you couldn’t make their eyes shine any brighter. A ride on a carousel horse, a trip on the entertaining reindeer train or a go on the Ferris wheel: the Vienna Christmas Market makes the wait until the big day go just that bit faster with exciting attractions and fun for the whole family.
Children’s programme
Whether at the market stalls or in the festive park at Rathausplatz: there’s always something going on at the Vienna Christmas Market. There’s truly nowhere more charming to spend your time in the run-up to Christmas Eve. A real highlight is the children’s programme that’s held in the big children’s hut. Here, an interactive programme is put on every day for children aged 3 to 12 to get involved in.
Children’s hut at the Vienna Christmas Market – fun and creativity for the little ones
The children’s hut at the Vienna Christmas Market offers a daily programme of fun and games for our youngest visitors! From Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends and public holidays fromm 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the hut is transformed into a magical place full of creativity and entertainment.
On a spacious are of 150m2, divided into a creative and a play area, children can create and design to their heart’s content. The many craft materials offer endless possibilities. Paper and wood are used to create small works of art such as braided motifs, decorated candles, cardboard Christmas tress, wooden Christmas tree baubles and much more.
Special highlights at weekends and on public holidays
Exciting special programmes await children at weekends and on public holidays. There are magical Punch and Judy shows, cheerful music and even magicians who will make your eyes light up with their tricks.
Storyteller Wieny and the Christ Child
A special experience for young and old: every Thursday at 3 p.m., storyteller Wieny reads Christmas stories from all over the world.
On 6 December , children can look forward to a very special visit: St. Nicholas will be on site from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to spread Christmas cheer. The Christ Child himself is also a regular guest in the children’s hut. Together with the children, it decorates the Christmas tree and collects wishes for the wish list – an unforgettable experience for the whole family!
Visiting the children’s hut is free of charge at any time without having to register, as long as there are spaces available in the hut – first come, first served.
The children will be watched over as they play. However, please note that this does not constitute childcare and children must be supervised by their parents or guardians throughout their visit: parents are responsible for their children.
Children’s hut opening hours
Monday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm
Saturday, Sunday, public holiday from 11 am to 6 pm
Christkind at the Rathausplatz
The Christkind will be on site every Tuesday from 4-5 pm and on 6 December at the Christmas Market.
Everybody to the ice rink!
Those who have big ice skating ambitions start practising early on. The 110 square metre children’s ice skating area in the Rathauspark at the Vienna Christmas Market is the ideal opportunity to do so. Accompanied by adults, the little ones can find support from fun mascots skating alongside them until they find their feet and can glide along the smooth ice by themselves. Use of the children’s ice skating area is free of charge!
Borrowing over buying: ice skate rental
The right equipment is always on hand: for a deposit of 50 euros (or voluntary submission of a valid photo ID instead of the deposit), children’s ice skates from size 23 and free adjustable double blades/skates from size 21 to size 25 are available for hire. Free children’s helmets are also available against a cash or ID deposit. Please note that rentals are only possible with a valid ticket. You can purchase these in the online shop, at the ticket counters or via the ticket machines.
Something to play with and something to snack on
The children’s Christmas Market itself also awaits with plenty of surprises – and, of course, inspiration for presents that will delight any children. The market stall offers many treats such as biscuits, mug cakes and “jaffles” – toasties with different fillings. And those who want to warm up with a mug of children’s punch or hot chocolate in the meantime will find cosy kid-sized standing tables here too.
Rudolf on rails
The reindeer live high up in the chilly north, where there’s snow almost all year round. Each year, Father Christmas keeps his eyes peeled for the strongest and fastest animals to guide his heavy sleigh through the air. Some of the others can be found on the rails at this year’s Vienna Christmas Market. The cheerful reindeer train weaves its way through the Rathauspark and guarantees huge fun!
Let’s all ride the carousel
A 12 metre-tall, multi-storey carousel is the latest highlight to grace the Christmas Market. The two-tier merry-go-round in the children’s area, visible from afar, captivates those who ride it with an enchanting world of nostalgia, with images of Vienna back in the day and original barrel organ music. It invites little ones to take a fun trip on a horse or in a coach. And, of course, adults are welcome to participate in this journey back in time too. Once darkness falls, the festive lights of this historic playground set-up are reflected in the gleaming children’s eyes. Hop on board, hold on tight and off we go!
View the Christmas world from above
The Prater isn’t the only place you’ll find a giant Ferris wheel. That’s because the Vienna Christmas Market also boasts an attraction that provides glorious views of City Hall, the park and the Christmas market. The romantically lit nostalgic Ferris wheel is an unforgettable delight for all ages. Even Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sisi are watching.
