14 Christmas Cities Around the World That Will Make You Believe in Magic

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The Christmas season brings a magical transformation to cities around the world. Streets twinkling with festive lights, Christmas markets, and snowy towns—there is no reason to spend Christmas indoors. Get out there and experience the best Christmas scenery cities have to offer.

Which destinations offer the best Christmas scenery and ambiance? Whether you’re drawn to traditional European Christmas, beautiful winter landscapes, or exotic destinations that offer a unique take on Christmas, these are some of the top Christmas cities in the world.

New York City, USA

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New York City during Christmas feels like a holiday movie. It’s easy to see why this city tops many travelers’ wish lists for Christmas getaways. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. Come by to admire it or take some photos for your memories.

You can also stroll along Fifth Avenue and enjoy views of beautifully decorated window displays in department stores. For Christmas market lovers, do not miss out on the one hosted at Bryant Park. It is a great place to enjoy the scenery and seasonal treats and get some souvenirs.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna hosts some of Europe’s most beautiful traditional Christmas markets. The Christkindlmarkt in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) is one of the most famous. Over 150 stalls sell handmade ornaments, sweet treats, roasted chestnuts, and warm beverages like mulled wine.

In addition to the markets, Vienna’s Christmas concerts are renowned. Blending with the city’s rich classical musical culture, the Christmas carols concerts here are second to none.

You can also just stroll through the streets of Vienna or enjoy a coffee with a piece of Sachertorte.

Bruges, Belgium

Belgium, with its medieval cities and Gothic architecture, transforms into a holiday paradise during the Christmas season. One of the most iconic Christmas cities is Bruges, a fairytale-like town with canals. The entire city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, becomes a winter wonderland with festive lights, holiday markets, and a cheerful atmosphere.

We live in Belgium, and we visit Bruges every year, as it’s one of our most favorite Chrismas markets, together with Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp.

From late November through December, Bruges’ historic market square is filled with stalls selling Belgian chocolates, holiday crafts, and mulled wine. Horse-drawn carriages carry visitors through cobblestone streets illuminated by twinkling lights. For those celebrating into the New Year, this Christmas town hosts a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne hosts some of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Europe. The most famous is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic Gothic cathedrals in the world. The market is usually filled with charming wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted toys to traditional German foods like bratwurst and Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

If you have time to explore more, add the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market to your itinerary. It offers a different twist on the traditional Christmas experience with its seasonal treats, cozy ambiance and handmade goods. If you visit with family, you can hit Heumarkt, which features an ice rink and festive booths. Our kids love the carousels and the ice skating lessons there.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas,’ and for good reason. It hosts one of the world’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets. If there is a city that gives German Christmas markets a run for their money, it would have to be Strasbourg. The Christkindelsmärik transforms the Grande Île into a literal fairytale, and people travel far and wide just to experience it.

Beyond the market, you can stroll around Strasbourg neighborhoods and see the half-timbered houses decorated with lights and Christmas decorations. Also, wander through Place Kléber, a historical square hosting the city’s Christmas tree. Strasbourg’s Cathedral Square is also worth your time, as the Gothic cathedral is a stunning backdrop to the festive stalls.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a city where hygge—the Danish concept of coziness—shines brightest during Christmas. Here, you’ll find charming Christmas markets and beautiful decorations in December. Among Copenhagen’s main attractions is the Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. During the Christmas season, the park is transformed into a gorgeous Christmas market. Stroll through the park’s illuminated gardens, sip on warm mulled wine or shop for handcrafted gifts.

You can also visit the Christmas market in Kongens Nytorv, where locals sell Danish delicacies like æbleskiver (pancake puffs) and gløgg (mulled wine). Nyhavn, the city’s historic waterfront, is another must-see at that time of the year, with the brightly colored buildings and Christmas lights reflecting off the canal.

Nuremberg, Germany

Dating back to the 17th century, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt transforms the city’s main square. This is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Stroll through rows of wooden stalls decorated with twinkling lights or buy handcrafted ornaments, traditional toys, and aromatic spices from the stalls.

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Christmas here also means sampling tasty gingerbread, warm Gluhwein (mulled wine) and grilled sausages. Take advantage of horse-drawn carriage rides through the cobblestone streets and admire the city’s stunning medieval architecture covered in Christmas lights.

London, England

London’s Christmas festivities perfectly define “go big or go home.” Begin your Christmas adventure on Oxford Street, where millions of lights drape over shoppers. Don’t miss the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which has rides, food stalls, and an outdoor ice skating rink.

You can also stop by the Covent Garden for beautifully decorated trees or visit Trafalgar Square for the annual Christmas tree lighting.

That aside, the city’s famous landmarks, such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London, are decorated with holiday lights. The Christmas market along the River Thames, including the Southbank Centre Winter Market, is a must-visit for anyone in the city during this time.

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you dream of a white Christmas, Reykjavik is the perfect destination. Iceland’s capital is known for its natural beauty, and during the festive season, the city is illuminated with glowing lights against a backdrop of snow and ice. With the city’s wooden houses covered in snow, you will literally be living in a Christmas card scene.

Additionally, Iceland has the Yule Lads (Iceland’s version of Santa Claus). You can wander through Reykjavik’s Christmas Village to sample local handicrafts, holiday sweets, and delicious hot chocolate.

The best part? This city lets you witness the Northern Lights, often seen dancing in the sky during December. Northern lights together with Christmas festivities? Count me in!

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is one of North America’s most beautiful and well-preserved cities. Some landmarks covered in festive lights include the Old Quebec City and the Parliament Building. These are good places to start your adventure of soaking in the festive ambiance.

Besides, the abundance of snow in Quebec City during the Christmas season makes it a good destination for a white Christmas and for winter sports enthusiasts. You can go ice skating in Place D’Youville or skiing in the nearby Mont Sainte-Anne. For those who prefer something more relaxing, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy streets offers a romantic way to experience the city’s winter charm.

Paris, France

The City of Light is never more magical than during Christmas. Paris is transformed into a sparkling wonderland, with lights and decorations throughout the city. Along the Champs-Élysées, millions of lights line the famous avenue leading up to the Arc de Triomphe.

Paris also hosts several Christmas markets, including the charming one at La Défense, where you can shop for food, wine, and artisan gifts. There are several other Christmas markets, perfect for those who want to hop around and see which is the city’s best. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower’s festive illuminations at night.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo would be the perfect destination to experience a beautiful Asian Christmas. Some of the best places to see the Christmas decorations include neighborhoods like Shibuya, Omotesando, and Roppongi. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea host Christmas parades and light shows.

The Tokyo Christmas Market at Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of the most sought-after in the country. This market is supported by the German Embassy and German Tourism, making it a great place to get a taste of European Christmas interlaced with Asian traditions. Roppongi Hills also hosts a German-inspired market at O-Yane Plaza, with German treats, festive decorations, and souvenirs.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a fairytale Christmas destination with its medieval architecture. The Old Town Square transforms into a beautiful Christmas Market. Prague’s Old Town Christmas markets offer handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and local delicacies like Trdelník, a type of spit cake.

You can stroll through the cobblestone streets, marveling at the charming nativity scenes and enjoying the sounds of carol singers. Make sure you also take a nighttime walk across the Charles Bridge to enjoy views of the city’s illuminated spires.

Lapland, Finland

European Destinations for Christmas Rovaniemi, Finland — © fotoru / Adobe Stock Photo

We kept the best for last. Lapland is the Christmas destination that every traveler dreams of. Situated in the Arctic Circle, Lapland does Christmas cheer like nowhere else. The city of Rovaniemi, often dubbed the “official home of Santa Claus,” is a magical place.

Visitors from around the world flock to Santa Claus Village, where they can meet Santa himself and his elves, explore his post office, and enjoy sleigh rides with reindeer. And if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing overhead, proving that Lapland is one of the most magical Christmas places in the world.