Hotels near Prater Wintermarkt at Riesenradplatz

The Wintermarkt at Riesenradplatz sets up at the entrance to the Prater amusement park, at the foot of the Wiener Riesenrad, the giant Ferris wheel that has turned here since 1897. It is less traditional than the old-town markets and more of a winter fair, with food stalls, bars and some of the Prater rides still running.

The 2026 season runs from 20 November to 6 January 2027, making it, along with Schönbrunn, one of the two Vienna Christmas markets still open after New Year. That makes it useful for anyone travelling in early January, when almost everything else has packed up.

A ride on the Riesenrad takes about 15 minutes and gives a view across the city lights towards St Stephen's Cathedral. The cabins are enclosed, so the ride works in any weather.

Pro Tip: Ride the Riesenrad just after sunset, around 4.30pm in December, for the city lights against a blue sky. Book tickets online to skip the queue at the ticket hall.