Top European Destinations for Christmas Travel

Travelers often choose European destinations for Christmas travel because the region offers so many festive and unique storybook-like experiences during this time of year.

From world-renowned Christmas markets to giant Christmas trees, decorative historic squares, mulled wine, local foods, twinkling lights and themed window displays and advent celebrations, European destinations for Christmas travel offer special experiences, many rooted in centuries-old customs.

As someone who lived in Europe for several years, it’s only natural to recommend places that stand out as prime, unforgettable Christmas locations, filled with magic and extraordinary beauty.

European destinations for Christmas travel: Bruges, Belgium 

Every corner of this village feels like a fairytale Christmas postcard. The small town blends medieval charm, a festive atmosphere and cozy winter traditions. Bruges’ cobblestone streets, stone bridges, picturesque canals and gabled houses add to the lovely ambience. Add Christmas lights, mist, frost and possibly some light snow, and Bruges feels even more magical.

Visitors will find a central market on the square with “Winter Glow” light installations, handmade chocolates, warm waffles with topping, Belgian beers, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating and plenty of warm cafes with fireplaces to ward off the winter chill.

Budapest, Hungary

Two historic halves make up the city of Budapest, separated by the Danube River. The town features some of Europe’s best Christmas markets known for traditional Hungarian food, live music, handmade crafts, and a happy lively vibe.

If you’re into baths, a visit to a steamy outdoors thermal experience during the winter is unforgettable. Budapest also glows at Christmas when the whole city lights up and looks like a magical menagerie. And for more budget-minded travelers, the city offers more affordable food, lower hotel prices, less expensive public transportation and Christmas shopping.

Garmisch, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen (often called only Garmisch) is one of Germany’s most beloved Christmas destinations. The snowy postcard town is situated at the food of the Zugspitze, the country’s highest mountain with frozen lakes, snow-covered peaks, offering a myriad of multiple slopes for all levels of snow skiing.

Deeply tied to Bavarian winter culture, if you’re looking for a white Christmas, you’re almost certain to find it here in this intimate alpine village. While the Christkindlmarkt is smaller than larger cities like Munich or Nuremberg, the Garmisch market is charming and local friendly with hot Glühwein (mulled wine), beautiful handmade crafts and ornaments, local pastries and traditional German food, wooden toys and winter décor. There’s sledding, snowboarding, ice skating and of course, romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides accompanied by horse bells and warm blankets.

London, England

Though London is a big city, Christmas is celebrated here in a big, festive way. The city is filled with lights, markets, shows, food and holiday traditions. Hyde Park becomes a winter wonderland with amusement rides and a Bavarian village.

London boasts three atmospheric ice rink pop-ups, West End Christmas shows that shine with festive plays and concerts, shopping at Harrods and Selfridges with their elaborate window displays is a treat and afternoon teas take on a Christmas theme.

Montreux, Switzerland

Located in western Switzerland on the shore of Lake Geneva, Montreux is especially enchanting at Christmas as it hosts Montreux Noël, one of the most famous and picturesque Christmas events in the country.

Stretching along the Lake Geneva promenade, the yearly event includes one of the most scenic Christmas markets in Europe with light reflections on the lake, wooden chalets artisan crafters, mulled wine and fondue booths.

Several times a day Santa flies over the lake supported by a hidden cable system and visitors can head to Santa’s House in Rochers-de-Naye by cogwheel train. The famous Château de Chillon hosts a medieval-themed Christmas experience, with costumed performers, crafts, storytelling, and workshops inside the castle walls.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague sports one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe with a stunning Christmas market that includes traditional Czech food, mulled wines and lovely handcrafted items.

Combined with festive lights, decorations, medieval charm and historic architecture, Prague transforms into a magical destination during the holidays. Iconic landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the renowned Astronomical Clock are even more atmospheric under winter skies. And snow, common in December, just adds an extra layer of enchantment to this magnificent city.

Rovaniemi, Finland- Lapland 

Often referred to as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland on the Arctic Circle is one of the most enchanting Christmas towns in the world.

Home to so many Christmas traditions, Rovaniemi sports a Santa Claus village next to the main post office where letters to Santa sent by children of the world end up. Visitors can also send postcards out from Santa’s official post office.

Nothing beats a reindeer sleigh ride through the snow, and waving off Santa and his elves on Christmas Eve as he delivers presents to all the “good” children around the globe. By December, Lapland is covered with snow-laden forests, frozen rivers and icy landscapes. The region is also a great base for seeing the Aurora Borealis. To add to the experience, guests can stay in traditional log cabins or glass igloos.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is often called the “Capital of Christmas” and well it should, since the town really knows how to celebrate the holiday season. The iconic destination is home to the oldest Christmas market in France dating back to 1570 with over 300 wooden chalets dotting its historic city center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The town’s blend of history, lights, Alsatian culture and yes, lots of teddy bears, makes it uniquely magical during the holidays. Strasbourg’s medieval and Renaissance architecture provides a perfect backdrop to this fairytale town with half-timbered and snow-covered canals. It’s a stunning setting in every season, but winter brings its own unique gift.

Tallin, Estonia

The capital of Estonia is one of the loveliest cities in Europe, celebrating Christmas since the first tree was put up in Town Hall Square in 1441. Tallin is known for its medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with cobblestone streets, a cozy Christmas market and snowy winter ambience.

Because of its small size, historic charm and festive traditions, Tallin is a wonderful storybook place to celebrate the Christmas holidays. The easily walkable town allows visitors to explore markets, churches and other local venues without needing any public transport. You’ll find enchanted carol singing and local folklore and legendary tales, in a place that’s relatively inexpensive compared to other European destinations.

Tromso, Norway

Christmas in Tromso offers a magical experience as the Arctic town transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes and Northern Lights illuminating polar nights.

By December, Tromso is usually blanketed in snow, and its white-covered fjords, mountains and forests make for perfect winter photography, daytime walks and cozy, romantic evenings. As one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, the long Arctic nights provide excellent conditions for viewing this phenomenon of nature. Outdoor activities include dog sledding pulled by huskies, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Vienna, Austria

Yes, Vienna is a well-known European travel destination, but if you’ve never been there for the Christmas holidays, you don’t realize what you’re missing.

The combination of imperial architecture, classical music, festive market and holiday lights everywhere make Vienna a winter dream come true. Rathausplatz Christmas Market is the city’s largest and most famous with an impressive ice rink, while Schönbrunn Palace Market offers stunning views of the palazzo along with festive food, drinks and traditional crafts.

Vienna is also famous for its Christmas concerts and opera performances that include the Vienna Boys’ Choir at Stephansdom and Christmas concerts in the Hofburg or Musikverein along with traditional waltzes and festive orchestras.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to book a trip to one or more European destinations for Christmas travel.