12 European Destinations for a Magical Christmas Experience
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
Whether you want to revel in the holiday spirit or get all your gift shopping sorted in one hit, heading to a European city is the way to go in December. From a snowy spot in Finnish Lapland to Germany’s most dazzling Christmas markets, here’s where to go during the festive season.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels becomes one of the most magical cities in Europe in December each year, thanks to the Christmas markets held in the city. Winter Wonders is the biggest and comprises about 250 traditional wooden chalets.
Brussels by Lights also sees over 150 illuminated shopping streets in the Belgian capital. The huge Christmas tree decorating UNESCO-listed Grand Place is also a spectacular sight.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read more: Brussels Christmas Market
Monschau, Germany
Germany’s Eifel region borders Belgium, and this beautiful town is where you’ll find one of Germany’s finest festive markets. Medieval and timber-framed buildings suit the season perfectly, and thousands of visitors descend on the town each December.
The main draw is Monschau Christmas Market, which involves carol-singing, mulled wine, and twinkling lights, as well as stalls and local shops. The town even boasts a House of Christmas, which sells decorations between March and December.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read more: Monschau Christmas Market
Dusseldorf, Germany
Hundreds of Christmas trees, ice skating at the Königsallee, and the Ferris wheel on Burgplatz create a winter wonderland in Dusseldorf. One-off craft items and artisan edible treats are sold at all the Düsseldorf Christmas markets, and especially at the market in the old town. Expect wooden stalls bedecked with twinkling lights and the tempting scent of roasting almonds.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read more: Dusseldorf Christmas Market
Cologne, Germany
Cologne is the cultural center of the Rhine-Ruhr region in western Germany, and come December, is famed for its festive markets. These are scattered throughout the city, including one set around the stunning cathedral. A packed program of events adds to the Christmas atmosphere, and you’ll even find a festive Ferris wheel at the Chocolate Museum.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read more: Cologne Christmas Market
Vilnius, Lithuania
The capital of Lithuania is one of Europe’s most underrated places to visit – particularly come Christmas time. For starters, Vilnius is home to one of the most dazzling Christmas trees on the continent each December. The festive market is also spread across the city, giving it a cozy, convivial feel.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: Aachen Christmas Market
London, UK
You’ll never be stuck for things to do in the UK capital as Christmas approaches. There are dazzling festive light displays all over the city, including Carnaby Street’s colorful offerings and the light installations at Kew Gardens.
Spend December in London, and you can also shop at Christmas markets, including South Bank, or sample ice skating at venues such as Somerset House Ice Rink or Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: Top Christmas Markets in Europe
Riga, Latvia
Riga’s Christmas market deserves to be named one of Europe’s top ten Christmas markets. It’s also one of the most affordable places on the continent to shop for gifts, meaning you can spoil yourself, too. Riga also offers a Christmas light trail that’s good fun for all ages.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: Iconic Landmarks in Europe
Salzburg, Austria
The home of The Sound of Music and the city of Mozart is even more fairytale-like in winter. Traditional events, including folk costumes and Advent concerts, add to the appeal, though the Christkindlmarkt at the Dom and Residenzplatz Square is the show’s star. It dates back to the 15th century and is set in the UNESCO-listed old town.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Rovaniemi, Finland
Sample something different from the festive norm by heading to Rovaniemi in Finland. It’s the self-proclaimed home of Father Christmas and home to Santa Claus Village. Expect everything you would from a winter trip to Finnish Lapland, including huskies, Christmas activities, reindeer, and snow.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: Family Guide to Christmas Markets
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest in Hungary feels even more fairytale-like than usual when covered in snow. Whether or not you get lucky with the white stuff, it’s a fine place to shop for food, gifts, and decorations at the Christmas markets. You can warm up with a filling bowl of Hungarian goulash or by taking a soak in one of the city’s thermal baths.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: Best Christmas Markets Around the World
Copenhagen, Denmark
Every December, the festive fun centers on Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, where this all-season attraction is at its best. You can also shop at other markets across the city, including the Julemarked on Højbro Plads. Coffee culture and cozy Scandinavian hygge also add to the magical atmosphere.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: Best Winter Holiday in Europe
Craiova, Romania
Though many people have never even heard of it, Craiova in Romania boasts one of Europe’s top Christmas markets. Over a million LED lights are used here to create a spectacular effect. Expect craft classes, an ice skating rink, delicious-smelling food stalls, and a choice of decorations and gifts.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Read also: European Cities With Stunning Winter Landscape
Europe
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
City Trips
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Follow Us
Travel Planning Resources
Tracy Chesterson is a freelance content writer specializing in travel. UK-based, she’s traveled widely, particularly in Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, and spent a year exploring Australia. Tracy has also worked in the travel trade. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors and plan future trips.
