Christmas in Europe is magical. Historic cities, fairy-tale villages, Christmas markets, snowy landscapes, and the possibility of even seeing Santa Claus himself. If you’re looking for a place to spend the holiday season this year, in this post, I’ll share 12 Europe destinations for Christmas
12 Best Europe destinations for Christmas
1. Alsace, France
Alsace is a region in France that takes Christmas seriously. The towns and cities in this area are beautiful on their own, and when they are filled with lights, decorations, and Christmas markets, they become even more enchanting. Spending Christmas in Alsace is something I definitely recommend doing at least once in your life if you love this holiday.
Strasbourg is the Christmas capital, and it hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. However, the true star of the region is Colmar, a town that seems straight out of a Christmas fairy tale. To plan your trip, I recommend reading my guide to visiting Colmar at Christmas.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Another popular Christmas destination in Europe is the city of Prague in the Czech Republic. Its cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture transform into a Christmas fairy tale. The Christmas market in the Old Town Square is one of the most enchanting in Europe, featuring a towering Christmas tree and a magical atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy Christmas carols, traditional crafts, and delicious Czech treats like trdelník.
3. London, England
London is a city that takes Christmas seriously when it comes to decorations. The central streets light up every night, there are Christmas markets, and plenty of activities during the season. I spent Christmas in London last year, and it’s a spectacular destination for the holidays.
Don’t miss: the decorations on Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Bond Street. On this Christmas tour of London, you’ll explore the best streets and markets.
If you choose this destination, I recommend reading my guide on spending Christmas in London.
4. Vienna, Austria
After visiting several Christmas markets across Europe, I think the ones in Vienna are my favorites.
Vienna is synonymous with a classic and elegant Christmas. The market in front of City Hall, the Christkindlmarkt, is the most famous and offers everything from handcrafted ornaments to the traditional Glühwein, the mulled wine that keeps you warm as you stroll through the stalls. But Vienna has more treasures to discover: the Spittelberg market, set among cobblestone streets and historic buildings, and another market in front of the majestic Schönbrunn Palace that perfectly combines history, architecture and Christmas spirit.
This was the destination I chose last year, and I recommend it 100%!
Read more in my Vienna at Christmas guide.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest transforms into a winter paradise during Christmas, with its majestic Parliament and Buda Castle illuminated at night. The Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is one of the oldest and most charming in Central Europe, featuring handcrafted goods and traditional Hungarian food like lángos and goulash. Additionally, enjoying an outdoor thermal bath at the Széchenyi Baths while it’s snowing is a unique experience. Budapest is one of the most beautiful European cities, and it has something special during Christmas.
6. Paris, France
What better place to spend Christmas in Europe than the beautiful City of Light? Paris is known for its elegance and splendor, and during Christmas, it shines even brighter. The Champs-Élysées are adorned with Christmas lights, while the window displays at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps stand out with their decorations. The Christmas markets, such as the one at La Défense, offer a mix of French gastronomy, art, and tradition. Plus, with the Eiffel Tower always in the background, Paris becomes a romantic and enchanting destination for the holidays.
If you choose this destination, I recommend reading my posts on Paris in 4 Days and Where to Stay in Paris: best areas and hotels, which will help you plan your trip.
7. Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a popular Christmas destination in Germany, famous for its seven Christmas markets spread across the city. The largest and most popular is the market in front of the stunning Cologne Cathedral, where you can enjoy German sweets, mulled wine, and live performances. It also features a beautiful Christmas tree. If you love Christmas markets, this is the perfect destination!
8. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is Santa Claus’s homeland and the most magical place to spend Christmas in Europe, especially if you’re traveling with children. In Rovaniemi, you can visit Santa Claus Village, meet Santa in person, and send letters from Santa’s official post office. Additionally, the region offers dreamy snowy landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights, making Christmas in Finland a truly unique experience.
Northern Lights Tour in Lapland
9. Tallin, Estonia
Tallinn is a hidden gem in the Baltics that exudes charm during Christmas. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into a picturesque Christmas market, surrounded by medieval walls and towers. Here, you can enjoy local specialties like mulled wine and gingerbread.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam offers an enchanting Christmas with its illuminated canals and decorated bridges. The Amsterdam Festival of Lights adds a magical touch with stunning art installations along the canals. Christmas markets, such as Museumplein, crafts, Dutch sweets and you can also enjoy the ice skating rinks. The city is so picturesque that Christmas in Amsterdam is special.
If you choose this destination, I recommend reading my post 2 days in Amsterdam.
11. Berlin, Germany
If you love Christmas markets, Berlin is one of the best destinations to visit in Europe during the holiday season. The city has more than 60 Christmas markets spread across different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.
In addition to exploring its famous markets, Berlin fills with lights, events and festive activities throughout December, creating a very special atmosphere. Although it can get quite cold, the mulled wine (Glühwein) and traditional German treats will quickly make you forget about the weather.
12. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is one of those destinations that seems made for Christmas. During December, the city lights up with thousands of lights and festive decorations. If you’re a fan of aesthetic places, specialty coffee and design, this is YOUR destination.
The star of the season is the famous Tivoli Gardens, which transforms into a true Christmas fairytale with markets, rides, shows and spectacular decorations. Strolling through Nyhavn, with its colorful houses reflected in the canal and the Christmas lights, is another must-have experience, as is escaping the cold and enjoying pastries in the city’s countless cozy cafés.
I also recommend reading my guide to Copenhagen in 3 days.
Tips for visiting Europe for Christmas
- eSIM Holafly Do you want to have internet access as soon as you land? Purchase a HolaFly eSIM and use the code “POSTCARDSFROMIVI” to get 5% off any plan and destination.
- Book the accommodation in advance. Christmas is a popular time to travel in Europe so I recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible since prices increase significantly as Christmas approaches.
- Wear warm clothing! Winter in some destinations can be quite cold, so bring warm clothes.
- Bring cash. Although almost every place accepts cards nowadays, not all the stalls at the Christmas markets do, so it’s a good idea to always have some cash on hand.
- Avoid currency exchange fees on your credit card. Make sure you bring a card that doesn’t charge international transaction fees like N26 or Revolut.
Other useful posts:
- Christmas in Budapest
- Christmas in Alsace
- Christmas in Colmar
- Christmas in Strasbourg
- Christmas in London
- Christmas in Barcelona
- Christmas in Vienna
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means, if you click on certain links within this post and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more about it here.
