Are you at that point of searching for a magical destination to celebrate christmas?
Well, fortunately you’re in the right place because this is a comprehensive guide to enlighten you about all the best European cities for christmas.
Before we get so deep on the details of the article you might be asking yourself: “Is it worth going to Europe during Christmas?”
The simple answer is yes because during Christmas Europe is covered with snow and the festive experience is unique.
Most importantly, you get to enjoy a lot of delicious food and drinks in the region.
That said and done, check below for the best European cities for christmas.
Detailed Review of the Best European Cities for Christmas.
1. London, United Kingdom
London is undoubtedly one of the best European cities for Christmas. The city is exceptionally alive at this time of the year: there is magic in the air that no one can deny.
One of the most striking aspects of Christmas in London is the impressiveness of the Christmas lights.
Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden surely know how to flaunt their splendid lights, with thousands of twinkling bulbs illuminating the streets.
Indeed, millions of people travel to London from every corner of the globe each year to view these magnificent light displays.
Aside from the stunning light displays, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland takes a number one place. It’s a huge holiday event featuring ice skating among other holiday activities.
And, indeed, London’s Christmas markets are among the finest in all Europe.
Southbank Centre Winter Market is one such hot favourite-in Greece, it also stretches along the Thames.
Such lovely wooden chalets selling homemade gifts, mulled wine, and delicious holiday treats, including gingerbread cookies, await you here.
2. Vienna, Austria
At Christmas, which other country in Europe is spellbinding besides Austria? Don’t miss the Christmas markets in Vienna, especially the Vienna Christmas Market.
The Vienna Christmas market has so many traditional delights for visitors, such as glühwein and gingerbread.
Additionally, you can stroll through the city and see the beautiful bright lights that twinkle from Schönbrunn Palace and St. Charles Church
Vienna’s cultural charm also enhances the holiday season. That is because classical music concerts and opera performances are abundant.
Moreover, Austrian traditions, like the Christmas Eve dinner featuring fish or a hearty meal, add to the festive atmosphere.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is truly one of the best European cities for Christmas.
As the snow covers the city, a super charming scene is created where the amazing architectural buildings seem to be strikingly combined with Christmas embellishments.
As a winter wonderland you’ll enjoy Prague due to its medieval streets dotted with strange museums and churches.
And to all this, there are the Christmas lights animating the extra-special holiday atmosphere of the city.
Additionally, there is immense fun for the visitor. The holiday activities that you can explore range from classical concerts to ice skating rinks.
4. Rovaniemi, Finland
Every year, tourists flock to Rovaniemi to take part in the urban Christmas atmosphere, which coincides with an annual snowfall blanket.
Arctic magic makes this one of Europe’s most picturesque Christmas destinations.
Santa Claus Village is one of the main attractions in Rovaniemi. Here, you will meet Santa himself and cross the Arctic Circle.
Addition, you have a chance to send your postcards from Santa’s post office, and wander around its quaint little Christmas shops.
The village is magically lit up with twinkling lights, and you can go for reindeer rides in husky sleds and take the snowmobiling through this beautiful winter paradise.
Ideally, the place is magical for families and anyone wanting to experience a more authentic kind of Christmas than usual.
Beyond Santa’s Village, the winter wonder of Rovaniemi is further enhanced by the flashing Northern Lights across the night sky.
So, try to Curl up in glass igloos or cozy cabins watching the dazzling lights through the windows of your accommodation.
Apart from winter sports, experience the local Finnish culture by taking hearty portions of the famous salmon soup and fine cloudberry jam.
Rovaniemi, with its celebrations of festivity and everything natural, winter makes it one of the best European cities for Christmas.
5. Bruges, Belgium
This medieval city is well decorated with glittering lights to create a winter wonderland full of romance.
To explore it wholly you can stroll along cobbled streets rejoicing in Belgian chocolate and hot waffles made available at any market stall.
Although Brugge ranks well as one of the best European cities for Christmas, the capital, Brussels, has equally promising Christmas charms.
Here you can be part of the Winter Wonders festival that extravagantly boasts a gigantic Christmas tree, several light displays, and a cherry market.
6. Nuremberg, Germany
It’s indeed Nuremberg, the world-famous Christmas markets in Germany, where you can find enchantingly fairytale-like Christmas destinations-to-visit.
With the host of events revolving around the Christkindlesmarkt, it comes as no surprise to see Nuremberg among the best Europe cities for Christmas.
Traditionally, this festive market built in the center of the city has been around now for over 400 years.
You can stroll amid festively decorated stalls delighting yourself with seasonal snacks such as gingerbread, mulled wine, and the Nuremberg sausages.
Research has it that Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, where millions of visitors thronged each year.
Hence, it’s worthwhile that as you walk through the market, you buy handcrafted gifts and toys made by local artisans.
The Christkind opens the market every year with a classic speech at the opening ceremony, thus welcoming visitors with jolly Christmas greetings.
Indeed, this embodies the real essence of German traditions regarding Christmas.
That still makes Nuremberg compulsory on the list of travel destinations for your holidays.
For a panoramic view of the Nuremberg city, visit the Nuremberg Castle.
Further, for a taste of history behind some of the unique gifts sold at the market, walk through the Nuremberg Toy Museum.
Ultimately, whether relishing holiday treats, shopping for gifts, or simply basking in the festive atmosphere, Nuremberg promises an unforgettable Christmas.
7. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb hosts the Advent in Zagreb festival, which has won awards for its festive atmosphere.
Beyond that, more than 25 Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and dazzling light displays fill the city.
Because of the splendid blend of medieval architecture and modern festivities, Zagreb has a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
When it comes to Dubrovnik,, this is another city with its splendid medieval architecture.
The traditions of caroling at Dubrovnik, along with other festive events, add a special charm during the holidays.
Finally, while Dubrovnik is already beautiful, it seems even more lovely at this time of the year, when the holiday spirit prevails.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Although Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is one of the least preserved in Europe, as soon as snow arrives, it becomes most wonderful.
Visit here and don’t miss out on allinn’s Christmas market.
This is the place where you can buy a gift for your loved one from the market’s handmade offerings.
Alternatively, you can opt to drink mulled wine and enjoy holiday treats.
The atmosphere in Tallinn during winter, combined with its medieval architecture, makes you feel as if you have entered a Christmas fairytale.
Furthermore, here you can skate on ice, listen to classical concerts, and delight in colorful Christmas lights throughout the city.
9. Zurich Switzerland
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is an ideal destination for devotees of Christmas.
Especially at the main train station, the Christmas market offers festive gifts, foodstuffs, and drinks.
It’s surprisingly marvelous to see winter lights against the fine background of the Swiss Alps.
Switching from Zurich, Lucerne is yet another Christmas city in Switzerland. Lucerne is in the central part of the country and has a Christmas market that welcomes guests to indulge in amazing local Swiss treats on offer.
If you’re an adventure seeker, the much-famed Interlaken will do you justice for winter sports activities, like skiing and snowboarding.
Thus, Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken are Europe’s most exemplary cities during Christmas in Switzerland.
10. Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the strangest and most beautiful locations for Christmas in Europe.
At this time, the usually bustling canals become deserted and blanket the city in a beautiful stillness.
Christmas markets of Venice brighten up the unique gifts and treats from the wonderful Italian lands.
On the flip side, the worldly festive lights create their own magic over the canals of Venice.
Rome, Italy is also known to have a great Christmas celebration on its own.
St. Peter’s Square has a Christmas tree, while the area around the Vatican teems with people flocking to the annual Midnight Mass.
11. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul may not be much like Christmas but bears a striking resemblance to an Indian holiday, enriched by the very fresh, eastern and western influences of time and history.
For many people, Turkey would not be the go-to destination for celebrating Christmas.
Glistening with the bright lights and colorful decorations of the season, the city is perceived to be rich from impressions of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture.
In winter people visiting Istanbul share the festivities with some cultural experience, as this is one of the best European cities at Christmas.
Notably, during Istanbul’s winter there’s really not too many tourists.
So, you will get to enjoy the magnificence of Hagia Sophia and the majestic Blue Mosque at a leisurely pace.
Another place to visit in winter within Istanbul are the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
The very narrow market lanes and the resplendent winter illuminations further glorify the enchanting atmosphere of the city.
Again, it’s a brilliant shelter from the outside cold, coupled with the atmosphere of festivities in these bazaars.
Final Thoughts
Europe has some of the most charming cities to celebrate Christmas in, and this is an accomplished collection of all the best cities across the continent.
These cities will take your breath away with their incredible offerings.
If it’s holiday cheer you’re looking for, unique traditions, or dreamy winter scenery, all the above best European cities for christmas will cater to what you personally want.
Each venue guarantees a different but thrilling experience, making your heart beam with glory.
So go ahead, pack your bags, and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable holiday in one of Europe’s many winter wonderlands.
Also Read:
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