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As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to explore the best Christmas destinations in Europe, where enchanting markets and festive celebrations create the most unforgettable trips. And can we all just agree that nowhere does Christmas markets quite like Europe?
Europe is the ultimate destination for a winter holiday escape – whether you’re craving a quick weekend getaway, a longer break (even if it’s just for some time on the beach), or a comprehensive 7-Day Christmas Market Itinerary that takes you to multiple cities across Europe. Whichever trip you’re considering for this upcoming festive season, you should check out Expedia, especially if you’re on a budget! They offer excellent flight and accommodation package deals with up to 20% off. I’m a big fan and have booked multiple holidays through them. In fact, I booked a December weekend getaway to Amsterdam through Expedia, snagging flights from Edinburgh and a 4-star hotel for just £265!
Whether you’re after bustling markets, snow-blanketed wonderlands, or even a warm-weather escape, this list covers all the best Christmas destinations in Europe for your ideal winter trip.
This post is the ultimate guide to Best Christmas Destinations Europe.
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11 Best Christmas Destinations In Europe
Visit Bruges, Belgium, for the Perfect Romantic Vibes
Bruges is quaint and totally charming! With its romantic vibes, it is the ultimate Christmas destination for couples. December is arguably one of the best times to visit this city. As the temperature plummets, Bruges looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale.
The city streets are decked out in Christmas decorations and fairy lights, and the market square in the centre of Bruges welcomes the best Christmas markets in Belgium, serving up buttery Belgian waffles and delicious hot chocolates. You can also go ice-skating on the lake of love, cosy up on a horse-drawn carriage, wrap up warm for a canal cruise, or find a bar with an open fire to enjoy some delicious Belgian beer. A trip to Bruges for Christmas will be nothing short of magical!
Visit Salzburg, Austria, for the Ultimate Picture-Perfect Winter Wonderland
With a 900-year-old fortress sitting proudly above the historical city and views over the Alps, Salzburg looks like it is straight out of a Disney film. December is a fantastic time to visit Salzburg as the surrounding Alps (and sometimes the city) are blanketed in snow, transforming it into a proper winter wonderland. Plus, you can still enjoy all the usual sights with the added charm of the festive Christmas activities.
Spend the wintery days in Salzburg getting better acquainted with the city's streets, visiting its beautiful Christmas markets, enjoying a Mozart concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress, and going ice-skating in Mozart Square. One of the best things to do in Salzburg, although not a Christmassy activity, is going on The Sound Of Music tour. I went on this tour when I visited Salzburg and it's a lot of fun - you visit some beautiful places around the city and on the bus between places you can get involved in some voluntary singing along to the film's famous songs.
If you've got holidays to use up and are looking for a proper Christmas adventure, then check out my 7-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary, which takes you on an epic journey through Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna – home to some of the world's best Christmas markets.
Visit Strasbourg, France, to Experience One of Europe’s Oldest Christmas Markets
With the title of Capital of Christmas, you can't go wrong with a visit to Strasbourg this winter. Its uber-festive atmosphere, 30-meter Christmas tree, and sprawling 300-stall Christmas market—which includes some of the oldest stalls in Europe, dating back to 1570—make it a must-visit!
While you’re there, go on a Christmas market walking tour, indulging in delicious treats like mulled wine and bredele Christmas cookies as you explore. Enjoy romantic strolls along the canals, attend a concert at the Notre Dame Cathedral, and consider visiting nearby Obernai or Colmar to experience their famous festive celebrations.
Strasbourg truly is an unforgettable choice for a Christmas getaway. However, if you’re not a fan of crowds, keep in mind that the city attracts around 2 million visitors during the Christmas season alone.
Visit Frankfurt, Germany, for an Authentic German Christmas Market Experience
Let’s return to where Christmas markets first began—Germany. Frankfurt is a relatively modern city, having been extensively bombed during World War II and subsequently rebuilt. However, many of its newer buildings have been designed to capture the essence of an old European city giving it a more historic feel.
Frankfurt truly comes alive at Christmas, making it a fantastic choice for a winter getaway. The city is home to one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in Europe, with roots dating back to the 14th century. These markets are held in Römerberg, surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of classic German architecture and the picturesque St. Paul’s Church. Highlights include the impressive 30-meter-high tree and over 240 stalls selling delicious baked goods and unique souvenirs.
One must-try when visiting a traditional German Christmas market is the local delicacies, including heart-warming mulled wine and delightful gingerbread. After exploring Frankfurt's incredible markets, don’t miss the winter lights at the Palmengarten Botanical Gardens, schedule a cruise down the River Main to admire the festive lights, and catch a seasonal concert at the Frankfurt Opera.
Visit Tallinn, Estonia, for a One-of-a-Kind Christmas Escape
Tallinn is a hidden gem and one of the most unique Christmas destinations in Europe to visit this festive season! Winter is a wonderful time to explore the city, as the historical buildings and cobblestone streets are adorned with beautiful fairy lights and Christmas decorations. With a good chance of snow, you might be lucky enough to experience a true winter wonderland as well.
The city is home to a world-famous Christmas market located right in the heart of the old town square. The Tallinn Christmas market has more of an intimate and cosy feel, which stands in stark contrast to many other European markets that operate under the belief that 'bigger means better. What they lack in size, they more than makeup for in quality. In fact, Tallinn was previously voted the number one European Christmas destination to visit.
The markets have over 60 wooden stalls selling delicious sweet treats and handcrafted ornaments. There’s also a pop-up ice rink in the old town for a spot of festive ice skating. While you'll want to immerse yourself in all the festive experiences in the city, be sure to carve out time to explore Tallinn's historical side. As one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in Europe dating back to the 13th century, Tallinn has an intriguing backstory that shouldn’t be missed!
Visit Budapest, Hungary, for a Budget-Friendly Christmas Destination
Budapest is one of the coolest destinations in all of Europe, making it the perfect getaway for friends, family, and couples. This unique city boasts stunning architecture, bustling ruin bars, incredible nightlife, and vibrant murals—each a compelling reason to visit.
As Christmas approaches, there are even more reasons to visit Budapest. The Christmas markets, held in front of the Basilica, are among the best and most beautiful in Europe. In fact, they have been awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe multiple times.
During your winter getaway, you can spend your days wandering through the enchanting markets, ice skating at the city park ice rink, and escaping the chill in a thermal spa. Don’t miss the chance to admire the Christmas lights on a Candlelit Dinner River Cruise—it's an experience you won't forget!
Budapest is conveniently located within reasonable travelling distance of other beautiful European cities that also boast incredible Christmas markets, including Vienna, Prague, Dresden, and Berlin. With this in mind, if you’re looking to embark on an unforgettable Christmas adventure to all these cities, check out my 14-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary!
Visit Manchester, United Kingdom, for a Fabulously Festive Christmas
Manchester was the first city in the UK to host Christmas markets, which first arrived in 1999 and were initially restricted to just one site. This is a stark contrast to today, where Christmas markets now span nine locations across the city, attracting an impressive nine million visitors each year.
With over 220 stalls offering everything from wonderful gifts to incredible food, it's guaranteed to leave you feeling in the Christmas spirit. You can also go ice skating, shop at the Trafford Centre, see a Christmas show, or cruise down the Manchester canals. There are a lot of things that will keep you busy for Christmas in this wonderful city!
Visit Dubrovnik, Croatia, for an Unexpected Christmas Getaway
When you think of a Christmas getaway, Dubrovnik might not be the first destination that comes to mind. Let me change your perspective on why this enchanting city is worth visiting during the holiday season.
With its cobbled streets, red-tiled rooftops, breathtaking sunsets, and charming old town, Dubrovnik is the perfect romantic destination. However, Dubrovnik has also been voted one of Europe’s most overcrowded tourist destinations, making it a tad too busy to fully enjoy during the summer months.
Alternatively, visiting Dubrovnik at Christmas is a wonderful option. The city is less crowded than at other times of the year, and the temperature remains mild, with highs of around 14°C—much warmer than many other destinations on this list.
During the holiday season, Dubrovnik is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, adding to its romantic atmosphere. The city hosts its own Christmas markets on the main street in the Old Town, allowing you to fully embrace the festive spirit. Dubrovnik is also an excellent choice for those looking to do a bit of sightseeing, from going on a walking tour around the city to cruising around the Elaphiti Islands. It's the perfect mix of festivity and adventure!
Visit Prague, Czechia, for Europe’s Most Famous Christmas Markets
December is arguably the best and most memorable time to visit Prague, as the city truly comes alive. Prague's Christmas markets are among the most famous and beautiful in Europe, frequently appearing at the top of many 'best European Christmas markets to visit' lists.
Prague's largest Christmas market is in the Old Town Square, bustling with festive stalls. To fully appreciate the extent of the celebrations, be sure to climb the Old Town Hall Tower for an incredible view over the square. Additional Christmas markets can be found at Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, Náměstí Republiky, and Havel Market.
With so many Christmas markets to explore, they can take up much of your time. However, make sure to also visit the city’s main attractions, including Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle, and consider taking a cruise down the Vltava River. While you're in Prague, don't miss the chance to try a Trdelník. This Czech pastry is circular in shape and comes with a variety of delicious fillings, including Nutella and caramel!
Visit Lapland, Finland, for the Most Magical and Unforgettable Family Holiday
Rovaniemi is the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime bucket list destination for families. As the city is blanketed in snow for half the year, it truly embodies the definition of a Winter Wonderland. As the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is home to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa and capture some unforgettable photos. You can even send a Christmas card from Santa Claus' main post office.
Additional bucket list experiences that you can have in Rovaniemi include going on a snowmobile safari, taking a husky sledge ride, or trying reindeer sledging. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi!
Although it can be super expensive especially if you're looking to stay in luxurious accommodation and partake in a lot of the aforementioned activities, the experience is undoubtedly worth it and will leave you and your family with memories for years to come!
Visit the Canary Islands, Spain, for Warmer Weather
Winter weather is not everyone’s cup of tea, so if you’re looking to escape for some much-needed sunshine, heading to the Canary Islands in December might be exactly what you need! In December, Tenerife and Lanzarote enjoy highs of around 21°C, Fuerteventura reaches highs of 19°C, and Gran Canaria sees highs of 17°C. The low temperatures for these islands in December rarely drop below 10°C.
Spend your days sunbathing on the beach, enjoying drinks at the pool bar, or, for something a bit more adventurous, go kayaking and snorkelling with turtles—it will surely be a winter experience like no other. It's also quite common to see nativity scenes in the Canary Islands on the run-up to Christmas, so you won’t completely forget about the festive season!
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