10 Best Christmas Destinations in Europe (100% Magical!)
Christmas is just around the corner! Who doesn’t love the magical vibe of festive markets, sparkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and beautifully decorated trees?
If you’re a fan of this season, you’ll love experiencing winter in Europe, soaking in the customs and traditions of different places. Some destinations really go all out with spectacular Christmas celebrations that are totally worth living.
For the next holiday season, choose among these 10 best Christmas destinations in Europe! 👇
Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe
Find below my favorite places in Europe to spend Christmas. Just so you know, it’s not a ranking, the places are simply randomly listed. So make sure to make it to the end!
Related post: Best Places in Europe to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
1. Alsace, France
Alsace really lights up during Christmas, making it a top spot in Europe for holiday magic. Picture charming villages like Strasbourg and Colmar, where ancient Christmas markets buzz beneath festively decorated timbered houses. The region is famous for its “Christmas Route,” where each town is decked out in spectacular lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that feels like stepping into a storybook.
The region merges the best of French and German traditions, offering unique crafts, local wines, and delicious treats like gingerbread at these markets. This cultural fusion, along with the scenic vineyard-lined landscapes, gives Alsace a picturesque charm and festive spirit worth experiencing.
Read more: Fun Facts About Christmas in France
2. Prague, Czech Republic
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Prague is particularly popular during the Christmas season, celebrated for its picturesque winter setting, vibrant holiday markets, and its mix of historic charm and festive cheer.
The city’s Gothic and Baroque architecture, dusted with snow, offers a stunning backdrop, especially when lit up at night. Main attractions include the Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can find traditional Czech treats, handcrafted gifts, and festive decorations. The holiday vibe is enhanced by local choirs and classical music performances that fill the air.
Best Christmas activity: Prague Classical Concert in St. Nicholas Church
3. Vienna, Austria
Austria’s capital city is renowned for its beautiful Christmas markets, especially the one in front of City Hall (Rathausplatz) where the setting feels like a scene from a classic holiday card.
Vienna’s imperial architecture provides a majestic backdrop to streets lined with seasonal decorations and twinkling lights. Classical music concerts, often held in historic venues, add a cultural richness to the holiday experience. The aroma of mulled wine and baked goods fills the air, making Vienna’s Christmas markets a sensory delight and a festive must-visit.
Best Christmas activity: Vienna Classical Concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
4. London, UK
London truly turns into a Christmas spectacle each December. The city’s famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers a festive array of attractions including ice skating and Christmas markets. Streets like Oxford and Regent sparkle with dazzling light displays, giving a magical vibe.
Historical landmarks, like the Tower of London and Hampton Court, host seasonal events and ice rinks. Plus, the Christmas-themed afternoon teas and uniquely decorated department stores like Harrods give a luxurious touch to the festivities. London’s vibrant mix of tradition and modern festivities makes it a prime destination for Christmas.
Best Christmas activity: London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top
5. Munich, Germany
Munich really comes to life during the holidays, filled with festive spirit and Bavarian charm. The heart of the festivities is the Marienplatz Christmas Market, right in front of the stunning New Town Hall. The market fills the square with a warm glow from hundreds of twinkling lights, while vendors offer a variety of handcrafted gifts, decorations, and local delicacies like Lebkuchen and Bratwurst.
Live music and choirs performing traditional carols add to the atmosphere. The city also hosts smaller themed markets, providing a comprehensive experience and showcasing Munich’s rich culture and holiday traditions.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Winter in Copenhagen transforms the city into a festive wonderland, making it one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe. The highlight is the Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens, an enchanting place with vintage amusement rides, thousands of twinkling lights, and ornately decorated stalls.
Beyond Tivoli, Copenhagen’s streets are lined with additional markets, each offering unique Danish crafts and treats like gløgg and æbleskiver. The city’s commitment to cozy and festive decor (especially on the iconic Nyhavn) adds warmth to the chilly Danish winter, creating an inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors to soak in the holiday spirit.
Best Christmas activity: Copenhagen Christmas Walking Tour with Treats and Drinks
7. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn in the festive season is particularly enchanting with its medieval old town dressed in a blanket of snow. The Christmas market in Town Hall Square is a highlight, where a majestic Christmas tree stands—a tradition dating back to 1441, making it one of Europe’s first.
The stalls brim with Estonian handicrafts, warm drinks, and traditional foods, creating a festive atmosphere. The medieval setting enhances the experience, offering a unique blend of history and holiday cheer. With its quaint architecture and cobblestone streets, Tallinn offers visitors a genuinely picturesque Christmas setting that feels like stepping back in time.
Best Christmas activity: Tallinn Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game
8. Stockholm, Sweden
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Stockholm shines as one of the best destinations to visit for Christmas, with its blend of tradition and stylish Scandinavian design. The city celebrates with numerous Christmas markets, but the one at Skansen stands out. It’s not just about shopping; Skansen offers a glimpse into Swedish Christmas traditions with its historical houses and workshops.
Stockholm’s picturesque setting, spread across 14 islands, is also enhanced by the warm glow of Christmas lights reflecting off the water, creating a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, the Lucia celebrations add a unique cultural touch, featuring candlelit processions that honor the ancient light-bringing saint, making Stockholm’s festive season uniquely captivating.
Best Christmas activity: Stockholm Christmas Traditions & Tastings Small Group Tour
9. Warsaw, Poland
During the Christmas holidays, Warsaw becomes a winter wonderland with its dazzling light displays illuminating the whole city and its festive markets. The main one is the Warsaw Christmas Market, located in the Old Town, where colorful stalls brim with artisan crafts, traditional Polish Christmas treats, and warm beverages.
The historical setting, combined with contemporary light installations along the Royal Route, creates a unique blend of old and new. Visitors can also attend the Christmas Light Festival, a themed light sculpture event that gives the city a festive and visually stunning vibe that’s perfect for the holidays.
10. Ghent, Belgium
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Ghent shines during the Christmas season with its enchanting medieval architecture that forms the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations. The city’s Christmas market winds through historic streets and squares, featuring stalls that offer Belgian holiday treats, handmade crafts, and glowing decorations.
Ghent’s Castle of the Counts adds to the charm with its winter wonderland setup, complete with an ice rink. Unique to Ghent, the Light Festival also coincides with the holiday season every 3 years, illuminating the city with spectacular light installations and animations, blending tradition and modernity in a truly captivating Christmas experience.
Best Christmas activity: Ghent 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip
Where Is The Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Europe?
Budapest’s Christmas market has been ranked as the best European Christmas market in 2023 according to Statista 2024. Its location in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica with its beautiful light displays and ice rink offers one of the most comprehensive Christmas experiences.
Strasbourg’s Christmas market is also widely considered one of the most beautiful, as the city is also known as the “Capital of Christmas”. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Strasbourg Cathedral, it’s also one of the oldest, dating back to 1570.
Other cities in Europe to discover in the winter season:
Hope this post helped you get inspiration to choose the right destination for Christmas! Save this post or help a fellow traveler by sharing it using the buttons below! 🙂
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