December 18, 2025, 9:34 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Christmas markets are an integral part of the cityscape in December, attracting crowds of visitors worldwide. But where does the tradition of Christmas markets actually come from? And which Christmas market is the oldest in the world? TRAVELBOOK has the details.
1296 is the year when the first Christmas market was officially documented. Unlike today, where people are drawn into a festive mood with soft lights, gallons of mulled wine, and a variety of sweet and savory treats, as well as the opportunity to buy both early and last-minute Christmas gifts, this first (documented) Christmas market in the world was about something far less romantic: simple survival.
The History of the First Christmas Market
The first documented Christmas market in the world took place in December 1296 in Vienna. However, the actual year varies depending on the source. For instance, the U.S. news portal CNN mentions the year 1298. At that time, the market was not called a Christmas, Advent, or Christkindl market, but simply a December market.
According to the Austrian Record Institute, Duke Albrecht I granted merchants in Vienna the right to hold a market to ensure that the population was supplied with food and goods during the winter. Besides the Vienna December market, there were similar markets in various other places during the Middle Ages to ensure people’s supply in winter. Instead of gingerbread, roasted almonds, and the like, there were mainly meat, baked goods, and also basketry and similar items. Over time, these winter markets evolved into the Christmas market tradition as we know it today, extending far beyond Vienna, Austria, neighboring Germany, and Europe. Today, large and well-known Christmas markets can be found in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and even in summer-time Australia, among other countries.
Also interesting: This German Christmas Market Was Named the Best in Europe
Vienna Christmas Markets
Originally just one, the Vienna December market has now grown into a collection of 14 official Christmas markets. According to the city’s press office, there are currently 911 stalls at the Christmas markets in Vienna. At 180 of them, the supply of the population is still ensured–or at least plenty of food and drinks are offered.
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt–the True Predecessor of the Oldest Christmas Market?
Perhaps the most famous of Vienna’s Christmas markets is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz with 96 stalls. As one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in the Austrian capital, it is sometimes referred to as the successor of this first December market in 1296. However, it’s not that simple.
The current Vienna City Hall has stood since the 19th century. According to its info page, the Vienna Christkindlmarkt has been held at Rathausplatz every year for almost 50 years. “In 1975, the market vendors first opened their Christmas wooden stalls here,” it states. The history of the popular and largest Vienna Christmas market, however, begins earlier. “From 1600, there was the ‘Thomasmarkt’ at Vienna’s Graben. (…) In 1772, the market moved to the Freyung and was known as the ‘Nikolo- and Christmas market’,” the Christmas market page informs. It was only with the relocation in 1842 to the Am Hof square that the market received its current name “Christkindlmarkt.” “Thus, it can be said that the Vienna Christkindlmarkt has existed for 180 years,” the authors explain.
One of the Best Christmas Markets in the World
Today, the Vienna Christkindlmarkt is not only one of the most popular in its city but far beyond. Recently, CNN named it one of the best Christmas markets in the world. The news portal raves: “With a reindeer train, a giant Ferris wheel, and a gigantic Advent wreath, Vienna’s magical spectacle captures the festive spirit in a fantastic way.” Those who want to experience the Christmas spectacle just before it ends can look forward to the famous Herzerlbaum, a maple tree adorned with hundreds of hearts, alongside gingerbread, sausages, and punch. Additionally, there is an ice rink for children until January.
“We are very proud to have the probably most significant and successful Christmas market in Europe with the Vienna Christkindlmarkt,” says Mayor Michael Ludwig, according to the press office. More than three million visitors come each year. For him, Vienna is “not only the most livable city in the world but also the heart of European Christmas tradition” and “the true Christmas capital of Europe.”