10 Magical Christmas Destinations in Europe to Visit
There’s a magic that descends upon Europe during the Christmas season, that turns every little alley into a scene from a Christmas movie.
For someone like me, who grew up watching these movies and dreaming of a snowy wonderland, visiting Europe during Christmas is a dream come true.
Coming from a sunny country where snow and even cold weather are distant dreams, you can imagine how happy I was finally able to live my Christmas movie.
And I swear that was the sensation when I first set food in Europe, in November 2015, when the cities were getting ready for their Christmas markets and everything was decorated for the best season of the year.
Taking a vacation during Autumn or Winter, to a destination far from the sun and the beach, sounds like the opposite of what most people would do.
But hey! I have this the whole year around, let me be happy freezing with my hot chocolate in Europe, please!
But anyway, I’m sure I’m not the only one looking for a Christmas retreat in Europe, and in this post, I put together my top destinations for Christmas in Europe!
1. Brussels, Belgium
Particularly one of my favorite places to go for Christmas in Europe, and one of the main reasons for this is the beautiful sound & light show in the Grand Place.
Every year the UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a magical scene, with colorful lights dancing around the buildings to powerful sounds.
Every year the theme of the show changes, the first time I watched it, it was so emotional I cried (and I don’t usually do that).
Besides this show, Brussels offers different events, shows, and street performances across the city, that usually happen at night.
So pay attention around you, and check their official website for more information on special events in the city during Christmas.
Another good reason to spend Christmas time in Brussels is of course its waffles! There are no better waffles in this whole world than those in Brussels, trust me!
There are many shops where you can buy them close to the Grand Place of the Manequi Piss, these are my two favorite locations to buy waffles as you can eat them while you enjoy a nice view.
2. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North,” the Belgian town that transforms into a fairytale-like setting during Christmas. The little medieval town is adorned with festive lights and decorations in its main landmarks and streets such as the Belfry Tower, Markt Square, and the canals, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Bruges counts with many Christmas Markets, the most famous being the Markt Square, which sells traditional dishes, including the cherry on top of any trip to Belgium: The Chocolate.
3. Praga, Czech Republic
Prague already looks like a fairy tale city all year round, but it intensifies on Christmas!
The Old Town Square Christmas Market is the heart of the season, featuring a towering Christmas tree set against the backdrop of the Gothic spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
The square is filled with wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and, of course, traditional Czech treats like trdelník, a cinnamon-sugar pastry, and mulled wine.
Carolers and live performances add to the festive spirit, while the Astronomical Clock rings out its iconic chimes, creating an unforgettable Christmas experience.
Wenceslas Square, another highlight, also hosts a vibrant market filled with lights, food, and gifts, making it easy to get lost in the joy of the season.
4. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the most famous destinations for those who love Christmas, and for a good reason, the Royal city, with all its charms, turns the Christmas season into something magical.
The Austrian capital is renowned for its splendid Christmas Markets. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) is the most famous, offering a dazzling array of stalls selling traditional crafts, seasonal gifts, delicious treats like roasted nuts, and delightful mulled wine.
Other must-see Christmas Markets are the ones at Schönbrunn Palace, with a beautiful Christmas tree, and the illuminated palace as its background, and at Karlsplatz.
5. London, England
London is a city I could visit all year round.
But there are perks to visit it during Christmas.
If you are planning to enjoy Christmas Time in London, I would suggest getting there by the end of November, instead of December though.
We all know England is all about tradition, so as you can imagine, Christmas is a big thing in the whole country.
If you are heading to London, expect to find a city, that is all decorated.
London’s most famous streets, such as Oxford Street, and Regent take on a special charm during the festive season, adorned with Christmas decorations, and lights.
And it is on these streets that lie the perks of visiting London in November. Besides Christmas, London’s Black Friday culture is huge.
Black Fridays happen every last Friday of November, and almost every shop in these two streets participates, offering 50% sometimes, even more than that, in discount.
Although the amount of people that hit the streets to get the deals can be almost unbearable sometimes, for some reason the energy helps get me immersed in the Christmas vibe!
But if you get tired of all the shopping, don’t worry, you will find many Christmas Markets scattered across the city, where you can buy yourself a hot chocolate and gingerbread and enjoy it while you admire one of the many landmarks of the city.
The most famous Christmas Market though is definitely the one in Hyde Park, known as the Winter Wonderland.
It is the biggest Christmas Market in London and counts with an ice skating rink, carnival rides, festive shows, and a vibrant atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages.
6. Rothenburg, Germany
The medieval town of Rothenburg is already a dream place for anyone who likes fairytales, now imagine it in the winter, during Christmas!
Rothenburg hosts one of Germany’s oldest and most picturesque Christmas Markets, the Reiterlesmarkt. Its over 50 stalls offer handmade crafts, ornaments, and local treats like gingerbread, hot chocolate, etc.
If you have a thing for Christmas decoration, don’t forget to take a look at the Käthe Wohlfahrt, a retail shop that sells everything Christmas.
The city also has a German Christmas Museum showcasing different decorations from the 19th and 20th centuries.
7. Paris, France
Paris already has its charm, but during Christmas time, it transforms itself into a magical place.
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most iconic spots to witness, with its shimmering light displays leading up to the majestic Arc de Triomphe.
Many of the city’s landmarks, such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, are decorated with festive lights, while Christmas trees and decorations fill public squares.
The city’s department stores, like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, are famous for their elaborate holiday window displays.
Christmas markets, especially the ones at Tuileries Garden and La Défense, offer a cozy atmosphere with wooden chalets selling artisan crafts, seasonal treats, and warm mulled wine, making it an ideal time to shop for unique gifts.
One of the highlights of the season is ice skating at temporary rinks set up around the city, such as the one at Hôtel de Ville, where you can skate with a view of Paris’ beautiful architecture.
8. Colmar, France
Probably the most Instagrammed town at Christmas?
Well, recently Colmar got all the attention thanks to Instagram, so although it is a small town, you have probably already heard of it or seen the many photos and videos of a beautiful timber-framed building decorated with huge teddy bears.
Yes? So yeah, you know Colmar.
Colmar is a well-preserved medieval town that seems to have come directly from a fairytale.
The town’s charming ambiance and festive decorations become even more enchanting during Christmas.
During Christmas time, the entire town is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations.
The historical buildings and squares, especially in the La Petite Venise district, create a magical backdrop for the Christmas Markets, which is one of the most famous in the town.
Colmar’s Christmas Markets offer a variety of Alsatian treats, including gingerbread, bredele (traditional Alsatian cookies), foie gras, and local wines, so don’t miss the opportunity to try them!
9. Tallinn, Estonia
The Old Town of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes even more enchanting during Christmas.
The medieval-looking town, with its historic buildings, and Gothic architecture adorned with festive decorations creates a fairytale-like ambiance.
Tallinn’s surrounding landscapes, including the views from Toompea Hill, provide a scenic view of the snow-covered cityscape, helping to set the ambiance for the Christmas season.
Tallinn’s Christmas market was elected the best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, the main market, located at the Town Hall Square has a beautiful 14-meter tall Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments and lights.
The market offers a variety of handmade crafts, Estonian Christmas delicacies, mulled wine, and local treats like gingerbread and sauerkraut.
Christmas season in Tallinn is also a great time of the year to try the traditional husky sleigh rides, many companies offer this kind of activity, that, as the name says, consists of a sleigh being pulled by dogs!
5. Rovaniemi, Finland
Of course, we can’t forget Rovaniemi, also known as the official hometown of Santa Claus.
One of the highlights of the city is the Santa Claus village, a Christmas-themed amusement park, inside the park, you can visit Santa Claus himself, take pictures, and even visit his office and leave him a letter.
The environment gets even more magical during the Christmas season when you have more chances to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
Another cool experience is visiting one of the many Reindeer farms, where you can have contact with this beautiful animal and even try to ride a sleigh.
10. Budapeste, Hungary
The Christmas markets in Budapest, particularly at Vörösmarty Square and in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, are among the highlights of the season.
These markets offer traditional Hungarian crafts, delicious street food like chimney cakes (kürtőskalács), and traditional goulash, perfect for this season!
St. Stephen’s Basilica is also home to a spectacular light show that transforms its facade into a canvas of Christmas-themed visuals
Besides the streets and some landmarks, the trams also got their decoration for Christmas, receiving LED lights all over.
The city’s cafés and restaurants serve traditional holiday dishes like stuffed cabbage and beigli (a sweet poppy seed or walnut roll), don’t miss the chance to try them if you are looking for a very Hungarian Christmas experience.
