Best European Christmas Destinations: Magical Winter Escapes

Some of the best cities in Europe transform into veritable wonderlands during festive seasons.

If you are a world traveler, you will agree that it is not easy to beat Europe’s beautiful historic squares.

These places glitter with festive lights, concerts, beautifully adorned trees, mulled wine, and charitable events. Of course, we are not forgetting the romantic dusting of snow. 

Germany, the king of Christmas markets, usually springs to mind, but looking further afield, you will discover other hidden gems.

It is hard to resist the dazzling magic lights, live music performances, and foods that these places offer.

So, it is best to bring a big appetite as you wander past the best European Christmas destinations. 

And since there are so many places that offer unique experiences, there is something for every type of traveler.

In fact, you are likely to be spoiled for choices. But don’t worry because we are here to help you. Just read on to find something that appeals to your taste.

The Best European Christmas Destinations

1. Budapest, Hungary

From mid-November to the end of the year, Budapest is usually beaming with several festivities.

The moment you step in the city, you will feel the Christmas atmosphere.

The most prominent Christmas markets are Basilica and Vorosmarty Square. 

Vorosmarty Square is Budapest’s oldest Christmas market and is located right in the heart of the city.

The place has plenty of handicraft shops, food stalls, and free concerts. Likewise, Basilica often wears the crown as Europe’s premier Christmas market.

2. Cologne, Germany

Cologne has had a long history as a festive destination in Europe, and for a good reason.

The place boasts several Christmas markets, with the largest being situated in the city center.

Markt der Engel offers some magical moments, with angels flitting between decorated gables.

There are also hundreds of twinkling lights suspended overhead like stars. 

Nikolausdorf (St. Nicholas village), too, offers interesting things for youngsters.

The 13th-century Hahnen Gate lies majestically in the background as Nikolausdorf tells the story of the real St. Nick.

Besides this, there are also markets dedicated to marine history, complete with pirates and sea shanties. 

3. Berlin, Germany

Germany’s capital is the epitome of Christmas celebrations on the continent. It is one of the world’s best walking cities.

So, if you want to stroll through history, start at the Checkpoint Charlie and finish at the Brandenburg Gate.

This route will enable you to witness the remnants of the Berlin Wall. 

Berlin is also among the best European Christmas destinations because it boasts over 100 Christmas markets.

In addition to this, you can explore festivities in the park.

The best time to immerse yourself in Berlin Christmas festivities is from late November to the end of December.

4. Advent Zagreb, Croatia

Experience the best of Zagreb by visiting Advent Zagreb.

The spellbinding 40-day celebration often transforms the city into a luminous wonderland.

It beams with dazzling lights, irresistible foods, a live music family fun corner, and inventive art installations.

If you want to get the whole story of the city, make sure to visit the Art Pavilion.

What’s more, you won’t want to miss the iconic Ice Rink at King Tomislav Square.

The place is often rated as the most magical Christmas ice skating rink in Europe. 

5. Gdansk, Poland

If you are looking for the best places that travelers love to visit during Christmas time, then Gdansk is that place.

The place receives millions of visitors each year, thanks to its lively Christmas markets. 

At night, Gdansk comes to life with lights, live music, sweet melodies, and joyful sounds of children that play in the Christmas Fair.

The event captures the interests of both locals and travelers, offering a cozy dining experience.

There are also picturesque shopping streets to buy holiday gifts, dances and theater performances, and artistic music. 

If you are tired of all the festivities, you can wander through the city’s scenic streets.

Who knows, you may discover Santa’s corner, the famous moose Lucek’s hideaway, and the artistic nook.

6. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is not only one of the best European Christmas destinations but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The place is usually alive with music and films.

A visit to Salzburg feels like stepping into an imagined world even for Salzburgers.

The main Christmas market runs from late November to late December or early January and attracts many visitors.

It is situated in the middle of town, on Residenz and Cathedral Squares. Many visitors associate this market with theater and music.

7. Basel, Switzerland

Basel is a beautiful city built on the Rhine River near the border with Germany and France.

The place boasts preserved architecture, including a medieval town hall.

There are also plenty of museums, where you can sample art and culture.

The best experience you will get is at some Christmas markets.

We consider some of them as the best European Christmas destinations.

They boast about 155 stalls that cover two big squares. These markets usually run from late November to late December.

At Munsterplatz, there is a glittering Christmas tree usually just in front of Basel’s cathedral.

Likewise, Barfüsserplatz offers the best opportunity to meet friends at the 13-meter Christmas pyramid. 

8. Rome, Italy

As the popular saying goes, all roads lead to Rome.

And truly there is a lot of experience in this holy city.

Travelers can climb stairs in the iconic Colosseum or even hop between restaurants and bars in hip Trastevere. 

Moreover, there are several Christmas markets, with the main one held at the bubbling fountain near Piazza Navona.

This place was once a stadium in ancient times.

If you are traveling with kids, they will love the carousel and puppet shows synonymous with the festive season.

You will also get to taste local cuisine from food sources from the surrounding Lazio region. 

Giftedland is another attractive Christmas market held at Piazza Ragusa, a former bus depot. It is a little hipper than the rest of the markets.

Many travelers visit the place to sample and buy vinyl records, vintage items, indie-style Christmas music, and organic cosmetics.

9. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the best cities to spend Christmas in. Its Christmas markets run for a full month.

The best ones are in the Old Town and Wenceslas Square, which is just a 10-minute walk. 

As a traveler, you will admire some of the prettiest Gothic architecture.

You can also pass by the place for mulled wine, roasted ham, and sticky pastries. For a sweeter taste, indulge in a hot chocolate at the historic Cafe Slavia.

10. Malaga, Spain

Malaga is not only a beloved beach destination but also one of the best European Christmas destinations. Every year, Spanish people and visitors love to spend their Christmas time on the beach.

After all, where else can you experience Christmas festivities while being caressed by gentle, salty sea breezes?

While you will not find snowmen and ice skating like in Austria and Germany, Malaga still offers the best for the whole month of December.

For instance, along Calle Larios, there are sparkling angels that hover above the street. 

11. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is among the best European Christmas destinations because it is home to France’s oldest Christmas markets.

There are 12 in number and have been active for almost 450 years.

This superlative market sits beneath the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest medieval structure. 

The best thing is that the markets will be full of delicious goodies.

But if you want to pay homage to the place, be sure to indulge in foie gras, a French Christmas tradition. You may also want to stay in luxurious hotels such as Hotel Les Haras. 

12. Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is Sweden’s ultimate Christmas city that is chock-full of festive surprises for adventurers.

If you are willing to brave the Scandinavian chill, then you can enjoy lots of rides and taste delicacies from across the country.

Gothenburg’s three-kilometer Lane of Lights is also worth exploring.

The lane stretches from Liseberg to the harbor. 

The other good thing about Gothenburg is that there are several concerts that run from early December.

If you visit before December 13, you may witness the traditional St. Lucia concerts. In this concert, the locals celebrate the day of the Catholic saint while dressed in white robes. 

Additional European Christmas Destination 

Everywhere is glittering in Europe during Christmas.

In fact, there are several other top places you can visit that we were not able to review on this guide.

So, here are the best European Christmas destinations that we didn’t review in detail:

• Munich, Germany
• Dresden, Germany
• Craiova, Romania
• Vienna, Austria
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Riga, Latvia
• Essen, Germany
• Asti-Govone, Italy
• Monaco
• Rovinj, Croatia
• Marbella, Spain
• Sofia, Bulgaria
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Lapland
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Scandinavia
• The Alps
• Greenland
• Ireland
• Northern Italy
• Estonia
• London, UK
• Alsace, France
• Bruges, Belgium
• Tromso, Norway
• Colmar, France
• Rudesheim, Germany
• Valkenburg, Netherlands
• Wroclaw, Poland
• Rothernburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the best European Christmas destinations, what’s remaining is to plan for your festive trip.

As you may have noticed, no two destinations are created alike.

Each offers its own atmosphere, colorful characters, and specialties.

So, you may want to plan for a multi-city trip because visiting one will likely entice you to experience more.

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