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Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year! And when it comes to this festive season, Europe is one of the best places to be. Christmas in Europe offers a breathtaking winter wonderland holiday with yuletide festivals, charming town squares lit up with twinkling lights, and trade fairs showcasing the best local products. Like the Christmas markets in Germany, Europe has festive Christkindlmarkt in every town and city where you can find the best gifts and most delicious treats.
If you're planning a winter holiday, here are the best cities in Europe where you can spend Christmas!
How is Christmas in Europe?
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Christmas in Europe is a big celebration that usually lasts the whole month. The holiday celebrations start four Sundays before Christmas Eve, marking the start of the Advent season. Aside from Christmas Eve on December 24, the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6 is also a big day, especially for children. On the evening of December 5, children leave their clean shoes or boots outside, hoping that Santa Claus (or St. Nicholas) will leave candies and other treats. Additionally, Midnight Mass is an important event especially in countries like Spain, Italy, and England.
Every country may also have their own Christmas traditions, but one thing is for sure: they all celebrate the lively atmosphere of the Yuletide season. Strasbourg is France’s Christmas Capital, mostly due to its historic Christmas market. For travelers planning a visit, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with packing for a trip that includes Italian Christmas markets.
Why Spend Christmas in Europe?
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Although Europe is a great destination to visit all-year-round, celebrating the holiday season here is a unique experience. You’ll explore Christmas markets, snack on local delicacies, and bask in the merry, winter wonderland atmosphere. Medieval town squares decorated with colorful lights and Christmas trees make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
Christmas in Europe is a feast for the senses. Smell cinnamon and nutmeg from stalls selling local treats. Sip a warm mug of eggnog or mulled wine, and taste panettone, ginger cookies, and other traditional bites. For planning, consult a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to choose the best travel dates.
Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe
1. Vienna, Austria
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Don’t Miss: The Christmas market next to the Belvedere Palace, Weihnachtsdorf Schloss Belvedere
Temperature: 0.5° to 4.6°C (32.9° to 40.3°F)
How to Get There: Vienna is only 17km away from Vienna International Airport via bus or train.
Every corner in Vienna turns into a picture-perfect winter getaway during Christmas. Town squares host bustling markets selling unique trinkets and must-try delicacies. Medieval streets gain a magical charm when illuminated by twinkling lights. Stroll the city or take a hop-on hop-off bus tour to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Visit the market for a hot glass of Weihnachtspunsch, a traditional Christmas punch. For other seasonal travel, check our top 10 National and State parks to see.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
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Don’t Miss: Go on a walk around the Old Town and Wenceslas Square
Temperature: -3.3° to 2°C (26.1° to 35.6°F)
How to Get There: The Václav Havel Airport Prague is only 30 minutes away from Prague. You can take a bus or taxi to the city.
Czech Republic’s Gothic capital, Prague, is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with some of the best Christmas markets, including the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets. Try Czech delicacies like trdelník (sugar-coated pastry) and svařák (warm red mulled wine). Prague’s Gothic architecture, lit by twinkling lights, makes it an unmissable holiday destination.
3. Budapest, Hungary
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Don’t Miss: Ice skating at the City Park Ice Rink, one of the largest and oldest skating rinks in Europe
Temperature: 0° to 4°C (32° to 39.2°F)
How to Get There: Budapest is 21km away from the Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The Keleti Train Station is about 10 minutes away from the city center.
Budapest is one of the best cities to visit for Christmas in Europe. The Advent Feast at the Basilica of Budapest attracts hundreds of locals and tourists, featuring delicious Hungarian and international food. When in Budapest in winter, get your ice skates and head to the City Park Ice Rink, and glide on the ice with the Vajdahunyad Castle in the background. In the evening, replenish your energy with a chimney cake and a glass of palinka.
4. Amiens, France
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Don’t Miss: The lights show in Amiens Cathedral
Temperature: 2° to 7°C (35.6° to 44.6°F)
How to Get There: Amiens is 115km away from Paris and is less than two hours away by train.
The quaint town of Amiens houses the largest Christmas market in northern France. From late November to the end of December, craftsmen from the country sell handmade gifts and decorations. The market is also one of the few eco-friendly markets in the country. With over 2 kilometers of stalls, you’re likely to find the perfect gift here. For planning your trip, check a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy if you are continuing south afterward.
5. Salzburg, Austria
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Don’t Miss: Shopping and going on a food tour around the Cathedral Square Christmas Market
Temperature: -2.5° to 4°C (27.5° to 39.2°F)
How to Get There: From Salzburg Airport, Salzburg is about 10km away or a 13-minute drive. From Vienna, Salzburg is three hours away.
Step into a fairytale-like city at Salzburg, also known as the birthplace of Mozart. This Austrian city houses one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1491. The market offers social and cultural programs like folk dances and concerts paying tribute to Mozart. Additionally, the city is famous for its Krampus Run, a unique holiday tradition.
6. Basel, Switzerland
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Don’t Miss: Tasting authentic Basler Läckerli, traditional spiced biscuits
Temperature: 1° to 6°C (33.8° to 42.8°F)
How to Get There: Basel is a 21-minute drive from the airport.
Explore the glowing streets of Basel during the holiday season and admire the beauty of its Old Town. Located in the heart of the city is the Basel Christmas Market, where over 160 vendors sell local and handmade products. Aside from its markets, you can also hop on a boat and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Rhine River, viewing the city illuminated by colorful lights.
7. Leipzig, Germany
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Don’t Miss: The Ferris wheel at the Augustusplatz
Temperature: -1.2° to 3.6°C (29.8° to 38.5°F)
How to Get There: From Leipzig/Halle Airport, you can take the train, bus, towncar, or taxi to the city center. Travel time is about 30 minutes.
Leipzig takes pride in having one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. With over 250 stalls decorated with festive lights, the markets offer the best of the city’s culinary and cultural delights. At Market Square, you will see various performances; at Augustusplatz, ride a Ferris wheel 38 meters high for city views. At the Naschmarkt market, find vintage handmade items in a nostalgic setting.
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Don’t Miss: The Christmas Fair near the Convent of St. Claire
Temperature: 7.8°C to 13.4°C (46°F to 56.1°F)
How to Get There: Dubrovnik is 21km from Čilipi Airport. From Zagreb Airport, it is a six-hour drive.
Dubrovnik is a must-visit for Game of Thrones fans and one of Europe’s best cities for Christmas. See Christmas trees lining Stradun, glowing against the golden-lit buildings. In the Old Town, enjoy Christmas cookies, candied almonds, and candied orange peels. Join locals singing traditional carols.
9. Strasbourg, France
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Don’t Miss: The oldest Christmas market in Europe, Christkindelsmärik
Temperature: 0.3° to 5.2°C (32.5° to 41.4°F)
How to Get There: From Strasbourg Airport, the city is a 15-minute drive away. On the other hand, if you’ll come from Paris, you can take a two-hour train ride.
Other than that, its half-timbered houses adorned with various Christmas decorations are an Instagram-worthy scenery. Near the Strasbourg Cathedral, find hundreds of stalls filled with either quirky Christmas trinkets or seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts, Bredele (Christmas cookies), or mulled wine. In addition, you can also climb up the Strasbourg Cathedral and get a bird’s eye view of this charming city.
10. London, England
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Don’t Miss: The iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
Temperature: 3° to 9°C (37° to 48°F)
How to Get There: London is one of the most accessible cities in the world. You can fly to either London’s City, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, or Southend airports and take a train or cab to the city center.
London is without a doubt one of the best places to go for Christmas in Europe. The whole city turns into a winter wonderland with plenty of opportunities for shopping and sightseeing. Hop on an open-top bus and marvel at the dazzling Christmas lights and Gregorian-style townhouses. For your shopping needs, head to the Christmas markets and fairs. There are so many things you can do in London during this season.
11. Copenhagen, Denmark
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Don’t Miss: Stunning light displays, amusement park rides, and street food at the Tivoli Gardens
Temperature: 1° to 5°C (33.8° to 41°F)
How to Get There: Copenhagen is only 12 minutes away from Kastrup Airport. Additionally, Copenhagen Central Station is just 15 minutes away from the city center.
Celebrate Christmas in Denmark’s capital, one of the world’s happiest countries. Colorful lights surround the city, with a Christmas market at every corner. At Tivoli Gardens, amusement park rides are covered in twinkling lights. For a complete experience, munch on local snacks like klejner (fried pastry twists) and pepernoot (spiced cookies). If you are planning a longer trip, consider consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy for comparison.
12. Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Don’t Miss: A canal cruise overlooking the city’s festive decorations
Temperature: 1.7° to 6.7°C (35.1° to 44.1°F)
How to Get There: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is only 15-20 minutes away from the city center.
Aside from its romantic canals, Amsterdam is a popular Christmas destination in Europe. The Yuletide season starts as early as November. Museum Square turns into a Christmas village with stalls selling handmade gifts and local delicacies. Visit Dam Square to see the giant Christmas tree while eating authentic stroopwafel and speculaas (spiced cookies). For planning other trips, consider a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to compare seasonal climates.
13. Brussels, Belgium
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Don’t Miss: The sound and light show at the Grote Markt
Temperature: 1.6° to 6.1°C (34.9° to 43°F)
How to Get There: From Brussels Airport, take the airport train to Brussels Central Station. The city center is only a few minutes walk from the station.
Located in the heart of Belgium, Brussels is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe. Its year-end event, the Winter Wonders, highlights the city’s centuries-old traditions and carnival-like attractions. At the Grote Markt, admire the towering Christmas tree and watch the alluring light show. Savor various Belgian treats like chocolate waffles and spiced cookies.
14. Madeira, Portugal
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Don’t Miss: The Christmas market at Avenida Arriaga for live performances, Christmas carols, and delicious food
Temperature: 15° to 20.7°C (59° to 69.3°F)
How to Get There: From Madeira Airport, the city center is 35km away or a 41-minute drive.
During the holiday season, the streets of Madeira are lit with Christmas lights and ornaments. The season brings cultural traditions like midnight mass (Misa de Gallo) and novenas, masses held nine days before Christmas. Witness spectacular fireworks and live performances from local bands and folk groups.
15. Reykjavík, Iceland
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Don’t Miss: Ice skating at Ingólfur Square
Temperature: -2° to 3°C (28.4° to 37°F)
How to Get There: Reykjavík is a 45-minute drive from Keflavik Airport.
For a unique Christmas celebration, head to Reykjavík, home of the 13 Yuletide Lads. These holiday trolls visit houses 13 nights before Christmas to leave presents. Visit Reykjavik City Hall for the annual Winter Woods Wonderland to see sculptures and decorations. If you’re lucky, you might see the aurora borealis above the city’s Christmas lights.
16. Cologne, Germany
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Don’t Miss: The Christmas markets, regarded as the best in Europe
Temperature: 0.4° to 5.9°C (32.7° to 42.6°F)
How to Get There: Cologne is 14 minutes away from the airport. You can take the train from the airport that connects to the Cologne Central Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus from neighboring cities in Germany and Austria.
Cologne is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe, with Christmas markets attracting more than 4 million visitors every year. Explore the markets and fill your senses with the aroma of cinnamon biscuits, roasted chestnuts, and fresh waffles. Don’t miss the concerts at the Kölner Philharmonie and live music at the bars and pubs.
17. Rovaniemi, Finland
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Don’t Miss: Husky safaris and snowshoeing
Temperature: -12.5° to -6.4°C (9.5° to 20.5°F)
How to Get There: Rovaniemi is only a 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi Airport. The Rovaniemi Railway Station is also located next to the city center.
Head to Rovaniemi, home of Santa Claus! Experience a true White Christmas at the capital of Lapland. At the Santa Village, get a chance to meet the man himself, Santa Claus. Enjoy other fun activities in Rovaniemi like snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris, and tours of the Northern Lights. Explore the city and admire its intricate ice sculptures and colorful trees as you snack on traditional delicacies like bread cheese and Christmas cookies.
18. Wroclaw, Poland
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Don’t Miss: Christmas performances and parades at the Rynek Square
Temperature: -3° to 4°C (26.6° to 39.2°F)
How to Get There: Wroclaw is a 26-minute drive from Copernicus Airport Wrocław.
Wroclaw offers the same fairytale-like charm of other major European cities at a cheaper price. Listen to Christmas carols at the Rynek, the city’s town square, as you pass stalls offering various goods. Take photos of the colorful buildings adorned with Christmas decorations in Plac Solny.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
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Don’t Miss: The famous Tallinn Christmas Tree, said to be the first in the world
Temperature: -4.2° to 0.3°C (24.4° to 32.5°F)
How to Get There: The city is only a short 10-minute drive from Tallinn Airport. Meanwhile, the nearest train station is the Baltic Station.
With its picture-perfect old town and cobblestone-laden streets, Tallinn is a perfect Christmas destination. The UNESCO-protected Old Town offers pastel-colored buildings and cozy wooden huts. Enjoy a hot mug of mulled wine at one of the Christmas markets and purchase hand-carved ornaments. Don’t miss the famous Christmas tree, first erected in 1441.
20. Innsbruck, Austria
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Don’t Miss: Food tour across the different Christmas markets
Temperature: -4.2° to 3.7°C (24.4° to 38.7°F)
How to Get There: From Innsbruck Airport, the city center is only a 15-minute drive away. You can also fly, take a bus, and take a train from Vienna to Innsbruck.
Innsbruck is a famous Christmas destination, thanks to its snow-capped mountains and colorful buildings. This Austrian city is home to six Christmas markets with almost 200 stalls. Four weeks before Christmas, the city buzzes with tourists and locals heading to these markets for food, drinks, and shopping. Find ornate decorations made from hand-blown glass, wooden toys, and snacks like pastries and spiced biscuits.
21. Rothenburg, Germany
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Don’t Miss: A trip to the German Christmas Museum
Temperature: -1° to 3°C (30.2° to 37°F)
How to Get There: The closest airports to Rothenburg are Nuremberg Airport and Stuttgart Airport. From there, the drive to the city center takes more or less two hours.
The medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber turns into a fairytale-like wonderland during Christmas in Europe. Explore the Christmas markets and taste a local specialty, schneeball (shortcrust pastry), and mulled wine. Bask in the gleeful atmosphere as you listen to music from the bands and watch different programs at the town square.
22. Colmar, France
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Don’t Miss: The postcard-perfect views of half-timbered houses illuminated by Christmas lights
Temperature: 5.5° to 9.2°C (41.9° to 48.6°F)
How to Get There: The nearest airport to Colmar is Strasbourg Airport, which is an hour away by train. Other nearby airports include Stuttgart Airport, Basel Airport, and Zurich Airport.
Colmar is a romantic city in the Alsace region with a pleasant blend of half-timbered houses and Venice’s iconic waterways. In the chilly days of December, the city becomes even more breathtaking as different lights illuminate its streets and town squares. Shop for souvenirs and gifts at the Christmas markets. Additionally, join the holiday festivities such as wine tastings, toy exhibitions, concerts, and folk performances.
23. Milan, Italy
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Don’t Miss: The giant Christmas tree lighting ceremony near the Piazza del Duomo
Temperature: 0.1° to 6.4°C (32.2° to 43.5°F)
How to Get There: The closest airport to Milan is Linate Airport. Other nearby airports include Malpensa Airport and Il Caravaggio International Airport.
Aside from being the fashion capital of the world, Milan is also a popular destination for Christmas in Europe. Attend a Christmas concert at the majestic Teatro alla Scala or watch a musical at the National Theater CheBanca. Lace up your skates and go skating at one of the seven skating rinks around the city. Lastly, go to the markets and shop for souvenirs, Christmas gifts for family, friends, and even for yourself.
24. Nuremberg, Germany
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Don’t Miss: A stagecoach ride around the lavishly decorated Old Town
Temperature: -1.8° to 3.5°C (28.8° to 38.3°F)
How to Get There: Nuremberg is a 10-minute trip from Nuremberg Airport by train. In addition, you can fly from nearby airports in Munich and Frankfurt then take a train to get to Nuremberg.
Attracting two million visitors in four weeks, the Christmas markets in Nuremberg are one of the things you shouldn’t miss when in Europe during the festive season. The stalls around the city’s historic center offer almost anything and everything Christmas-related: from local gingerbread cookies, wooden Ferris Wheels, and mulled wine. Also famous for its toy-making tradition, you can find different kinds of handmade toys and figurines at the Nuremberg Toy Museum. For a different kind of winter escape, consider a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy before planning a southern trip.
25. Bruges, Belgium
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Although Bruges is a stunning destination all-year-round, spending Christmas in the city is a memorable experience. Starting in November, the city center turns into a giant Christmas market teeming with local products and gifts, perfect for last-minute shopping. Walk around the cobblestone-laden streets as you take photos of the ethereal scenery. At the end of the day, go skating and reward yourself with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
'Tis the Season to Be Jolly!
Filled with Christmas markets, medieval villages, and picturesque town squares, Europe is the perfect destination to celebrate the festive season. Aside from appreciating its postcard-perfect scenery, you’ll also learn more about every country’s traditions. Head to Germany and explore its Christmas markets, France for its breathtaking decorations, and Norway for a chance to see the majestic Northern Lights.
Regardless of the city you’ll visit, Christmas in Europe is, indeed, a wonderful experience.
