9th place in the subtitle is wrong, the top 10 is an equal list, not a ranking
Vienna (OTS) – With its unique atmosphere – the brightly lit town hall square, the Herzerl tree and the numerous wooden huts – the Vienna Christmas market made it into the current ranking of the renowned daily newspaper with worldwide circulation. The Vienna Christmas market particularly scored points with its recent efforts towards sustainability, the program of predominantly organic vendors and local color. At the same time, Vienna is credited with being the original pioneer of the Christmas market as we know it today, after Duke Albrecht I launched the first nativity market in December in 1296.
“As a fixed point of the Advent season in our city, the Vienna Christmas market on Rathausplatz conveys hope, joy and confidence to the people of Vienna, even in turbulent times. At the same time, the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle is also an important reason for many guests to come to Vienna. From ‘Financial Times’ being ranked among the world’s best Christmas markets is proof that the quality-oriented further development of the Vienna Christmas market was the right step and further strengthens Vienna’s position as the Christmas capital of Europe.”
said Mayor Michael Ludwig.
“A central objective in Vienna’s tourism strategy is to create attractions that are both a point of attraction for locals and guests. The Vienna Christmas market is a showcase example of this, and at the same time a strong economic factor. Guests come to the city not only to enjoy themselves, but also to Christmas shopping. The hotel industry also benefits – before the pandemic, the net overnight sales of Vienna’s accommodation providers in the last two months of the year amounted to around 200 million euros. Given the worldwide reporting and our city’s strong tourism marketing, the cards are good this year too.”
adds Peter Hanke, City Councilor for Economic Affairs.
“City tourism is year-round tourism, but the last two months of the year in particular are among the busiest of the whole year for Vienna’s tourism. In November and December alone, Vienna has more than three million overnight stays in summer. Especially the local markets of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France and Spain are strongly represented at this time, but Vienna also scores points overseas with its pre-Christmas charm. Through targeted marketing activities, we want to ensure tourism added value this year too, from which the entire city and the people living here will benefit.”
emphasizes tourism director Norbert Kettner.
Vienna is the Christmas capital of Europe
According to the Vienna Market Office, in 2023 there will be a total of 14 Christmas markets with 777 stalls in Vienna – making Vienna the Christmas capital of Europe. Since the introduction of the Vienna Christmas market in 1986, then under the name Wiener Adventzauber, and the other offers that developed as a result, there has been a continuous strong increase in the number of overnight stays in the previously low-volume months of November and December. The New Year’s Eve party in the city center that was introduced at the turn of the year 1990/91 also contributed to the positive development of traffic in December. In addition to Vienna, the Financial Times’ list also includes offers from the cities of Chicago, San Francisco, Singapore and some European cities such as Dresden and Tallinn.
Questions & Contact:
Walter Strasser
Tel. +43 1 211 14 – 111
walter.strasser@wien.info
Marie-Therese Tropsch
Tel. +43 1 211 14 – 117
marie-therese.tropsch@wien.info