08-12-202315 Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Europe
Embark on a journey, far and wide,
Where Christmas dreams and joy abide.
From market stalls to grand town squares,
The best of Europe for holiday affairs.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Europe, where enchanting festivities unfold in every corner. From charming market stalls to bustling town squares, the continent comes alive with holiday cheer. Europe offers a wide range of beautiful destinations, each with its unique charm. Immerse yourself in the warmth of festive traditions, adorned with twinkling lights and the sweet melodies of carolers. Whether you seek the cosy ambiance of a small village or the grandeur of a historic city, Europe’s Christmas spirit is boundless. Indulge in delectable seasonal treats, explore festive markets, and witness the beauty of dazzling decorations. Discover the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe as it invites you to embark on a journey filled with Christmas dreams and joy, where the spirit of the season flourishes in the heart of diverse landscapes and cultures.
Explore the best places in Europe for Christmas, discovering the most charming cities and towns that offer a truly magical holiday experience. From the iconic Christmas markets to the grand festivities in historic squares, these destinations promise an unforgettable celebration. Embrace the festive spirit in the best cities for Christmas in Europe, where the enchanting atmosphere and cultural richness create a perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories.
How is Christmas Celebrated in Europe
In Europe, celebrating Christmas is a tapestry of enchanting traditions and festive delights. From the best Christmas holidays in Europe to the best destinations in Europe for Christmas, the continent is adorned with twinkling lights, bustling markets, and rich cultural celebrations. Cities like Vienna, Prague, and Strasbourg transform into winter wonderlands, while Nordic destinations like Stockholm and Lapland offer a magical escape. Europe’s allure during the holidays lies in its historic charm, delectable seasonal treats, and the warmth of traditional festivities. Embrace the spirit of the season as you embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey across the continent’s most enchanting locales.
15 Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Europe for Christmas
- Vienna, Austria
- Prague, Czech Republic
- London, UK
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Rovaniemi, Finland
- Barcelona, Spain
- Salzburg, Austria
- Bruges, Belgium
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Munich, Germany
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Vienna, Austria
In Vienna, Austria, Christmas is like a fairy tale. The Christmas season transforms the city into one of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe. The city sparkles with lights, and there are markets with sweets and toys. Families skate on ice, and the air is filled with carols. People sip warm drinks, and the smell of gingerbread is everywhere. The city’s grand palaces add a touch of magic to the festive season.
| Major Attractions- Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace |
| Churches to Visit- St. Stephen’s Cathedral |
| Temperature in December- Around 32°F (0°C) |
| Languages Spoken- German |
| Famous Cuisine- Sachertorte (chocolate cake), Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) |
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague stands out as one of the best Christmas cities in Europe. Its historic streets are adorned with lights, and the Christmas markets are filled with handmade crafts and delicious treats. The Old Town Square becomes a winter wonderland with a giant Christmas tree, and the aroma of mulled wine fills the air. The city’s mediaeval charm is enhanced by the festive spirit.
| Major Attractions- Prague Castle, Charles Bridge |
| Churches to Visit- St. Vitus Cathedral |
| Temperature in December- Around 30°F (-1°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Czech, German |
| Famous Cuisine- Trdelnik (sweet pastry), Svíčková (marinated beef) |
Book Czech Republic tour packages
London, UK
London is undeniably among the best places to celebrate Christmas in Europe. Streets are adorned with lights, and festive markets offer everything from handmade gifts to tasty treats. Ice Skating rinks pop up, and famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye glow in holiday lights. London’s rich and diverse culture infuses a unique flavour into the Christmas celebrations, making it an exceptional destination for experiencing the magic of Christmas in Europe.
| Major Attractions- Buckingham Palace, Tower of London |
| Churches to Visit- Westminster Abbey |
| Temperature in December- Around 45°F (7°C) |
| Languages Spoken- English |
| Famous Cuisine- Mince pies, Christmas pudding |
Book London tour packages
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm emerges as one of the best destinations in Europe for Christmas. The city’s islands are covered in snow, and Christmas markets offer handmade crafts and delicious Nordic treats. Families gather around fireplaces, and the scent of saffron buns fills the air. The Swedish capital combines modernity with tradition, providing a truly enchanting experience for those seeking the best cities in Europe to spend Christmas.
| Major Attractions- Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan (Old Town) |
| Churches to Visit- Stockholm Cathedral |
| Temperature in December- Around 30°F (-1°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Swedish |
| Famous Cuisine- Gravad tax (cured salmon), Köttbullar (meatballs) |
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg stands out as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Europe. The city’s mediaeval architecture is the backdrop for one of the most famous Christmas markets. Visitors can savour gingerbread cookies and traditional sausages while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The city’s historical charm further elevates the holiday spirit, making it a top choice among the best destinations in Europe for Christmas.
| Major Attractions- Nuremberg Castle, Albrecht Durer’s House |
| Churches to Visit- St. Sebaldus Church |
| Temperature in December- Around 32°F (0°C) |
| Languages Spoken- German |
| Famous Cuisine- Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Nürnberger Bratwurst (sausages) |
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is undoubtedly the best place to spend Christmas in Europe. The city’s historic streets glow with lights, and festive markets offer tartan treasures and traditional treats. The iconic Edinburgh Castle is a majestic backdrop, and the sound of bagpipes adds a Scottish touch to the season. The festive spirit is contagious as locals and visitors alike enjoy the warmth of traditional Scottish hospitality, making Edinburgh a standout choice among the best cities in Europe at Christmas.
| Major Attractions- Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace |
| Churches to Visit- St. Giles’ Cathedral |
| Temperature in December- Around 38°F (3°C) |
| Languages Spoken- English, Scots Gaelic |
| Famous Cuisine- Haggis, Shortbread |
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the real home of Santa Claus, and Christmas here is like a fairy tale. The city, located in the Arctic Circle, is covered in snow, and the magic of the season is palpable. Visitors can meet Santa in his official hometown, ride on reindeer sleighs, and marvel at the dancing Northern Lights. Rovaniemi is a winter wonderland where the spirit of Christmas is alive all year round, making it an unparalleled destination for those seeking the very best place to spend Christmas in Europe.
| Major Attractions- Santa Claus Village, Arktikum Science Museum |
| Churches to Visit- Rovaniemi Church |
| Temperature in December- Around 14°F (-10°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Finnish, Swedish |
| Famous Cuisine- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty), Lohikeitto (salmon soup) |
Barcelona, Spain
Christmas in Barcelona is a festive fiesta that distinguishes the city as one of the best Christmas cities in Europe. Under the warm embrace of the Mediterranean sun, Barcelona’s iconic architecture, including Gaudi’s masterpiece Sagrada Familia, is embellished with vibrant lights. Locals celebrate with traditional dances and vibrant parades. Barcelona’s unique blend of culture and Christmas cheer creates a lively and colourful holiday experience.
| Major Attractions- Sagrada Familia, Park Guell |
| Churches to Visit- Barcelona Cathedral |
| Temperature in December- Around 54°F (12°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Catalan, Spanish |
| Famous Cuisine- Paella, Tapas |
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a storybook setting for Christmas. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, the city is a winter wonderland with charming markets and snow-covered hills, which makes it one of the best cities at Christmas in Europe. As the birthplace of Mozart transforms into a festive paradise with classical music performances and traditional Austrian treats. The Baroque architecture adds to the city’s magical ambiance, making Salzburg the epitome of the best place in Europe for Christmas.
| Major Attractions- Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace |
| Churches to Visit- Salzburg Cathedral |
| Temperature in December- Around 30°F (-1°C) |
| Languages Spoken– German |
| Famous Cuisine- Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Schnitzel |
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges emerges as one of the best Christmas holidays in Europe with its enchanting ambiance stepping into a mediaeval fairy tale. Cobblestone streets and historic buildings are adorned with lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The city’s canals add to the charm, and festive markets offer Belgian chocolates and crafts. Bruges is a picture-perfect destination where Christmas traditions blend seamlessly with the city’s timeless beauty.
| Major Attractions- Belfry of Bruges, Market Square |
| Churches to Visit- Basilica of the Holy Blood |
| Temperature in December- Around 39°F (4°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Dutch, French |
| Famous Cuisine- Belgian Waffles, Moules Frites (mussels with fries) |
Zurich, Switzerland
In Zurich, Christmas is like a Swiss chocolate dream. The city, nestled by the Alps, sparkles with lights, and the air is filled with the scent of fondue. The festive markets offer handmade crafts and warming gluhwein. With snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, Zurich’s Christmas celebration combines Swiss elegance with a cosy alpine charm, making it a top choice among the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe.
| Major Attractions- Lake Zurich, Old Town (Altstadt) |
| Churches to Visit- Grossmunster, Fraumunster |
| Temperature in December- Around 32°F (0°C) |
| Languages Spoken- German |
| Famous Cuisine- Fondue, Swiss Chocolate |
Book Switzerland tour packages
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s Christmas is a picturesque canal-side affair. The city’s historic buildings are adorned with lights, and the canals reflect the festive spirit. Christmas markets offer Dutch treats, and ice skating rinks pop up in iconic squares. Amsterdam’s unique blend of art, history, and holiday cheer creates a merry atmosphere that positions it as a standout choice among the best destinations in Europe for Christmas.
| Major Attractions- Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum |
| Churches to Visit- Westerkerk, Oude Kerk |
| Temperature in December- Around 41°F (5°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Dutch, English |
| Famous Cuisine- Stroopwafels, Dutch Cheese |
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s Christmas transforms the coastal city into one of the best cities in Europe at Christmas. The city’s ancient walls are lit up, and festive markets offer local crafts and delicacies. Christmas carols echo through the historic streets, and the Adriatic Sea adds a touch of magic to the season. Dubrovnik’s unique blend of history and seaside charm creates a festive escape.
| Major Attractions- Dubrovnik City Walls, Stradun |
| Churches to Visit- Dubrovnik Cathedral, Franciscan Monastery |
| Temperature in December- Around 52°F (11°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Croatian, English |
| Famous Cuisine- Pasticada (slow-cooked beef), Grilled Seafood |
Munich, Germany
Munich’s Christmas is a Bavarian celebration with a hearty touch. The city’s historic squares transform into festive markets, offering bratwurst and gingerbread. Bavarian music fills the air, and the aroma of mulled wine is irresistible. Munich’s traditional charm, coupled with the warm hospitality of its locals, contributes to making Christmas in the city genuinely special within the broader context of Christmas in Europe.
| Major Attractions- Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace |
| Churches to Visit- Frauenkirche, St. Peter’s Church |
| Temperature in December- Around 32°F (0°C) |
| Languages Spoken- German, English |
| Famous Cuisine- Pretzels, Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle) |
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Christmas transforms the Danish capital into one of the best destinations in Europe for Christmas. Christmas is a cosy affair in the heart of Scandinavia. The city’s colourful buildings are adorned with lights, and Christmas markets offer Danish pastries and hot cocoa. Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland, and the Danish concept of hygge fills the season with warmth and comfort.
| Major Attractions- Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid |
| Churches to Visit- Copenhagen Cathedral, Church of Our Saviour |
| Temperature in December- Around 36°F (2°C) |
| Languages Spoken- Danish, English |
| Famous Cuisine- Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), Æbleskiver (Danish pancakes) |
Conclusion
Europe stands as the ultimate destination to embrace the magic of Christmas, offering an array of enchanting experiences that cater to every festive whim. Whether you’re in search of the best place to spend Christmas in Europe or aiming to discover the best destinations for a memorable holiday season, the continent beckons with open arms. From the quaint charm of small villages to the grandeur of historic cities, Europe transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and the harmonious melodies of carolers. The best Christmas holidays in Europe promise a journey filled with dreams and joy, where festive traditions thrive in diverse landscapes and cultures. Immerse yourself in the warmth of the season, indulging in delectable seasonal treats and exploring bustling markets that showcase the spirit of Christmas. With each corner aglow with dazzling decorations, Europe invites you to unwrap the gift of unforgettable memories, making it the unparalleled destination to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.