Christmas In Europe 26 Best Places To Spend Christmas

Christmas in Europe 26 Best Places to Spend Christmas

Christmas in Europe is a magical experience filled with festive markets, twinkling lights, and a warm holiday spirit. Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas or seeking a unique cultural celebration you can find it all in these best Christmas destinations. I’ve spend many happy hours wandering places like Regent Street and Trafalgar Square in London dressed for the holidays along with celebrations in France when I lived there, Spain, Dublin and Belfast to name a few. When I moved to Europe I have found the Christmas spirit in many small European towns and had unique experiences across Europe.

The famous Norwegian Christmas tree decorated and standing in Trafalgar Square. There is a choir at the base of the tree singing carols and the audience stands around listening

As the holiday season approaches, the desire to spend Christmas in Europe calls to travelers from around the globe. Each year, the best European Christmas destinations transform into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and where the scent of mulled wine fills the air.

From bustling squares adorned with sparkling ornaments to charming streets lined with the best Christmas markets, and Christmas Carols sung everywhere Europe offers a myriad of magical experiences perfect for celebrating Christmas Day.

Carnaby Christmas decorations in 2021, Soho, London

Whether you seek the cozy atmosphere of a quaint town or the vibrant festivities of a major city, the diverse cities in Europe provide unique traditions and celebrations that make for a different Christmas experience. Join us as we explore the best places to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, discover delightful local crafts, and savor seasonal treats that make this time of year truly special across the continent.

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24 Best Places in Europe to Spend Christmas

Europe is a magical place to spend Christmas, offering a variety of destinations each with its own unique charm. From the enchanting markets of Vienna, Strasbourg, and Nuremberg, to the snow-covered wonderlands of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland and Reykjavik, Iceland, there’s something for every holiday traveler.

Cities like Prague, London, and Paris dazzle with their festive lights and historic backdrops, while places like Bruges, Colmar, and Tallinn offer fairy-tale settings. Whether you’re exploring the cozy Christmas traditions in Copenhagen, the lively celebrations in Dublin and Belfast, or the grandeur of Salzburg and Zurich, Europe’s diverse regions come alive with the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is synonymous with Christmas charm, thanks to its grand architecture and famous Christmas markets like Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz. The city’s streets are beautifully decorated, and you can enjoy classical concerts, warm mulled wine, and traditional Viennese pastries.

Dublin, Ireland

Christmas in Dublin is a vibrant and heartwarming experience that captures the spirit of the holiday season. The city comes alive with festive cheer as the streets are adorned with dazzling lights, and the iconic Grafton Street is filled with carolers singing traditional Christmas tunes.

A visit to the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a Christmas service adds a touch of spirituality to the celebrations. All around Ireland Christmas traditions abound from the iconic Women’s Christmas to the Wren parades you will find Christmas celebrated with family all over the country.

Dublin, Ireland - January 1, 2019: View of the Famous Temple Bar Pub

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Gothic architecture creates a magical backdrop for the Christmas festive season. The city’s Old Town Square hosts one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, with wooden huts selling handmade crafts, Czech treats, and warm drinks. The towering Christmas tree is a sight to behold.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is often called the “Capital of Christmas” and for good reason. The city’s Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, dates back to 1570 and is one of the oldest in Europe. The entire city is adorned with Christmas decorations and lights, and the blend of French and German traditions adds a unique charm.

Buildings near Strasbourg Cathedral before Christmas - France

Nuremberg, Germany

The German city – Nuremberg and the Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, attracting visitors with its traditional wooden stalls, gingerbread, and mulled wine. The historic city center, with its medieval architecture, is beautifully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Here, you can visit Santa Claus Village, meet reindeer, and even stay in an igloo or a glass-roofed cabin to watch the Northern Lights. Snow-covered landscapes and a cozy atmosphere make it a perfect Christmas destination.

Lapland, Finland

Spending Christmas in Lapland is like stepping into a winter fairy tale. Located in the northernmost region of Finland, Lapland is renowned as the official home of Santa Claus, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in its snow-covered landscapes and twinkling lights. Visitors can meet Santa himself in Rovaniemi, explore enchanting ice hotels, and embark on reindeer sleigh rides through pristine forests. There may also be a possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky.

Man in Saami traditional garment at Reindeer Rovaniemi Finland Lapland

Colmar, France

Colmar, with its half-timbered houses and canals, looks like a scene from a Christmas postcard. The city hosts several Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm. The fairy-tale setting, combined with Alsatian Christmas treats and decorations, makes it a must-visit.

Traditional Alsatian half-timbered houses in old town of Colmar, decorated and illuminated at christmas time, Alsace, France

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg’s baroque architecture and snow-capped Alps create a stunning Christmas setting. The city is famous for its Christmas markets, such as the one at Mirabell Palace, and for being the birthplace of “Silent Night.” Don’t miss a Christmas concert or a visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Salzburg Christmas Market seen through a Christmas tree branches

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn’s medieval Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. The city’s Christmas market is centered around a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the Town Hall Square, surrounded by historic buildings. The market offers a range of Estonian crafts, food, and drinks.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a fantastic destination for Christmas, with its festive markets, light displays, and the traditional “Lucy” Christmas lights on Bahnhofstrasse. The city’s Christmas market at the main train station is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, and you can enjoy ice skating or a cozy boat ride on Lake Zurich.

Belfast, N. Ireland

Christmas in Belfast is a charming blend of tradition and modern festivity. The city’s Christmas Market at Belfast City Hall is the centerpiece of the celebrations, with its international stalls offering everything from handcrafted gifts to global cuisine, all set against the backdrop of the beautifully illuminated historic building.

Belfast’s streets are alive with twinkling lights and festive decorations, and you can experience the holiday magic at attractions like the Odyssey Pavilion’s ice rink or the dazzling light displays at Victoria Square.

London, England

London is a bustling and festive place to spend Christmas. The city is famous for its Christmas lights on Oxford and Carnaby Streets, ice rinks like the one at Somerset House, and the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Christmas shopping, festive shows, and traditional afternoon tea add to the holiday spirit. Christmas Markets galore spread all over the city and the country from Liverpool to Glasgow.

Busy Regent Street in London with 2012 Christmas decoration

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is like stepping into a medieval Christmas card, with its cobblestone streets, canals, and Gothic architecture. The city’s Christmas market in the main square is filled with twinkling lights, ice skating, and stalls selling Belgian chocolates, waffles, and other festive treats.

Christmas Grote Markt square of Brugge, Belgium.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit during Christmas, with its beautifully decorated amusement park, festive stalls, and seasonal shows. The city’s Christmas markets offer Danish crafts, mulled wine (gløgg), and traditional pastries like æbleskiver.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik offers a unique Christmas experience with its blend of modern and traditional Icelandic customs. The city’s Christmas market at Ingólfstorg square is a cozy affair. Don’t forget to follow the Icelandic tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve.

Paris, France

Paris is enchanting at Christmas, with its beautifully decorated avenues, such as Champs-Élysées, and Christmas markets spread across the city the lights on the Eiffel tower. The festive window displays of department stores like Galeries Lafayette are a must-see, and a visit to Notre-Dame or Sacré-Cœur adds a spiritual touch to the holiday.

Riga, Latvia

Riga is home to one of the oldest recorded Christmas trees, dating back to 1510. The city’s medieval Old Town is a beautiful setting for its Christmas market, where you can enjoy Latvian crafts, food, and music. The snow-covered streets and festive lights create a magical atmosphere.

Malaga, Spain

Spending Christmas in Spain is a unique and unforgettable experience. From the festive atmosphere to the delicious traditional food and drinks, there are countless reasons why this holiday season should be on your travel bucket list. Whether you choose to join in with the locals for a midnight mass or simply stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, you’re sure to feel the warmth of Spanish hospitality throughout your entire stay.

Christmas lights in Malaga arching over a narrow street of shops

Málaga at Christmas is a magical experience, where the city’s rich history blends with festive cheer. The streets are adorned with stunning light displays, particularly the famous illuminations along Calle Larios, which draw visitors from all over. Traditional markets offer local crafts and delicious treats, while the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava’s Christmas market, set against the backdrop of the Old Town and Bratislava Castle, is a hidden gem in Europe. The market offers traditional Slovak food, mulled wine, and handmade gifts. Try the Slovakian drink called Hriato (“warming” in Slovak), which is made with honey, bacon, and fruit brandy and is sold on the streets of Slovak cities, especially around Christmastime.

Christmas in Bratislava a Christmas market in old town with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and crowds of people

Dresden, Germany

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to 1434. The market is famous for its traditional crafts, Stollen (a type of Christmas cake), and the beautiful backdrop of the Frauenkirche and Dresden Castle. The city’s Baroque architecture adds to the festive charm.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations include a lively market in East Princes Street Gardens, ice skating, and a variety of holiday-themed events. The city’s historic streets and the imposing Edinburgh Castle make for a dramatic and festive setting.

Venice, Italy

Venice offers a unique and quieter Christmas experience, with fewer tourists and a magical atmosphere. The city’s canals and historic buildings are beautifully lit, and St. Mark’s Square hosts a small but charming Christmas market. The local tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve with a seafood feast adds a special touch.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is famous for its Christmas markets, especially the one in front of the Cologne Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. The city’s seven markets each have their own theme, from a medieval market to a floating market on the Rhine. The combination of festive lights, music, and delicious German treats creates an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Strasbourg, France

Spending Christmas in Strasbourg, France, is like stepping into the heart of festive tradition. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets, the Christkindelsmärik, which dates back to 1570.

The city’s historic streets and half-timbered houses are adorned with twinkling lights and elaborate decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the market stalls, sampling Alsatian delicacies like spiced gingerbread and mulled wine, while shopping for handcrafted ornaments and gifts. The towering Christmas tree in Place Kléber and the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral provide a stunning backdrop to the holiday festivities, making Christmas in Strasbourg a truly enchanting experience.

Valetta, Malta

Christmas in Malta is a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in tradition and faith. The island’s towns and villages are beautifully decorated with lights and nativity scenes, known locally as “presepju,” which are a central feature of the holiday. Churches hold midnight Mass, and the atmosphere is filled with carols and festive cheer. The streets buzz with Christmas markets offering local delicacies like “qagħaq tal-għasel” (honey rings). Malta’s mild winter weather allows for outdoor festivities, blending the island’s rich culture with the warmth of the season.

Christmas in Malta - Valletta. Holiday decoration on the city streets.

Christmas markets in Europe

Visiting a Christmas market in Europe is a magical experience that captures the essence of the Christmas holiday. From the twinkling lights to the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, the Christmas atmosphere in European cities is truly enchanting. Whether you choose to spend Christmas in Europe or take a day trip to explore the different Christmas markets, each location offers its unique charm. The best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe include the oldest Christmas market in Europe in Nuremberg or the stunning stalls in Vienna, often referred to as the capital of Christmas.

Barcelona Christmas market with a stall holder selling christmas decorations

Travelers seeking a perfect Christmas vacation in Europe in winter will find a head spinning array of options. From the festive vibes of central Europe to the cozy markets right across Europe, there’s something for everyone. A Christmas trip to these best destinations not only provides a chance to indulge in traditional treats but also creates lasting memories with loved ones during the joyous season of Christmas and New Year’s.

LIghts decorating Valencia at Christmas in Spain

Europe during Christmas time is a festive wonderland filled with rich traditions, stunning decorations, and a warm holiday spirit. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or charming villages, each destination offers its own unique way of celebrating the holiday season, making it a perfect time to experience the magic of Christmas across a wide range of European destinations.

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