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 atmospheric park on Rathausplatz, there is always something going on at the Vienna Christmas Market. There is probably no better place to pass the time until Christmas Eve.
In Rathauspark, lovingly designed interactive stations invite visitors to discover and marvel. In the birdhouse village, colorful birds sing their songs, and in the red apple with cinnamon sticks, the cozy home of a little caterpillar opens up from different angles. The Nutcracker transports visitors to an enchanting winter world with the music of Tchaikovsky, while at the gift mountain, visitors can try their hand at artful ribbon tying. In the fairy tale tower, well-known stories such as ‘The Nutcracker’, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘The Ice Queen’ await. The Diakonie’s Advent wreath, the four animal musicians and the Christmas nativity scene provide special moments with music, history and tradition, bringing the magic of Christmas to life in a playful way in the Town Hall Park.
Ice skating for children
If you want to be a great skater, you have to start early. The 110 m² children’s ice rink in Rathauspark near the Vienna Christmas Market is the perfect place to do so. Accompanied by adults, little ones can hold on to fun figures on wheels until they are able to glide across the ice without any help.
Rent instead of buying: rental at the children’s ice rink
The rental service offers children’s ice skates from size 23 upwards, as well as free adjustable double blades (sizes 21–25). Children’s helmets can also be borrowed free of charge. A deposit or valid photo ID is required. Rental is only possible with a valid ticket – available in the online shop, at the ticket offices or ticket machines.
Something to play with and something to snack on
There’s lots of fun and little adventures waiting in the children’s area! The little ones can play, romp around and snack on something tasty in between. The stand offers sweet Czech specialities – perfect for little sweet tooths and anyone who wants to try something special. This makes the visit a joyful experience for the whole family!
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.
