These 12 Christmas Towns in Europe Feel Straight Out of a Fairytale

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Charming Christmas towns in Europe often steal the show, while the world’s biggest and most famous destinations are a big draw during the festive season. Europe has everything, from quintessential English towns like Rye and traditional Bavarian Christmas markets like Bamberg to unique medieval towns bursting with festive cheer and entertaining Christmas attractions.

However, deciding where to spend Christmas in Europe isn’t easy, with many epic places to stay. Luckily, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find 12 beautiful European Christmas towns perfect for a festive break. The towns on our list have a population of 100,000 or less, so you can expect fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

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Which of these European Christmas towns would you choose for a festive escape?

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European Cities with Stunning Winter Landscapes Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, Finland 1/5

Christmas Towns in Europe Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic 2/5

Christmas Towns in Europe Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg, Germany 3/5

Best Christmas Towns in Europe Haugesund, Norway

Ieper, Belgium 4/5

12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in the UK Rye

Rye, England, United Kingdom 5/5

Results

Rovaniemi, Finland

3 1

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

3 1

Bamberg, Germany

2 2

Ieper, Belgium

3 1

Rye, England, United Kingdom

2 2

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Bamberg, Germany

At Christmas, Bamberg, a small town in Northern Bavaria, comes to life with Christmas markets, festive decorations, nativity scenes, and themed activities, making it one of the best Christmas towns in Europe. Better yet, the town’s small population (approximately 80,000) means you won’t have to battle through the crowds to buy a bratwurst and a cup of mulled wine.

Besides the exciting traditional Christmas markets and beautifully decorated streets, Bamberg’s breathtaking 11th to 19th-century architecture is a significant draw to the town.

Don’t miss attractions like Altes Rathaus, Bamberg Cathedral, and Bamberg Old Town. There are several Christmas markets in Bamberg, but the best occurs at Maximiliansplatz Square. You’ll find nativity scenes, arts and crafts stalls, impressive light displays, and more here.

Rye, England, United Kingdom

This stunning medieval town in East Sussex, England, is one of the United Kingdom’s best Christmas towns. For starters, the town’s beautiful architecture looks magnificent at Christmas when adorned with bright lights and festive decorations. Second, Rye offers travelers a quintessentially British experience with quaint coffee shops, cozy pubs, and picturesque countryside walks.

However, the Rye Christmas Festival is the best thing about the town at Christmas. This elegant town is transformed into a winter wonderland during the festival.

You can expect impressive light displays, vibrant Christmas trees, Santa Claus meet and greets. And so much more. At Rye Christmas Market, you can buy last-minute gifts, eat delicious cuisine, and drink your body weight in mulled wine.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Like many of the best Christmas towns in Europe, Český Krumlov draws festive travelers in with the promise of impressive medieval architecture, vibrant decorations, and Christmas market fun. Nestled in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, this winter wonderland hosts an exciting Christmas market in the heart of its UNESCO-listed historic center.

When you’re not indulging in festive treats, shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts, or sipping hot punch, listen to live music, admire the beautiful architecture, and visit the town’s most iconic attractions. You don’t want to miss the Church of St. Vitus, Cloak Bridge, or the 13th-century castle. If you’re lucky, it might even snow during your visit.

Rovaniemi, Finland

In Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus, making it arguably the best place in Europe to spend Christmas. Santa Claus Village is open year-round, but it’s best to visit around Christmas when the festivities are in full flow and the ground is covered in snow.

Perhaps the ultimate Christmas destination, Rovaniemi and its Santa Claus Village is perfect for families with children and young-at-heart adults. Other than meeting Santa Claus himself, you can send a postcard from the official Santa Claus post office, explore the Arctic Circle on a snowmobile or dog sled, get lost among the arts and crafts of the local Christmas markets, and hunt down the Aurora Borealis.

Bodø, Norway

In late November, Bodø, a small town in Nordland county, Norway, becomes one of Europe’s best Christmas towns, offering couples, groups of friends, and families endless things to see and do. First, this picturesque coastal town hosts a fantastic annual Christmas market that features traditional arts and crafts stalls, Norwegian food and drink, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

The town hosts various events throughout the Christmas season, such as the annual Christmas tree light switch-on and the gingerbread town. There are also many activities for travelers to participate in, including pony rides, ice skating, live concerts, and sauna and ice bath evenings. What more could we possibly ask for?

Ieper, Belgium

Ieper is a small town in the Belgian province of West Flanders, but it is one of the best places in Europe for Christmas if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the continent’s biggest and most famous markets. At Christmas, Ieper’s historic architecture is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, while the Grote Markt hosts a fabulous Christmas market.

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You can enjoy everything Europe’s best markets offer at this Christmas market without the large crowds. You can tuck into festive sweets and chocolate, drink mulled wine, admire the vibrant decorations, and buy handcrafted gifts and decorations made by local artisans.

You can also explore Ieper’s fascinating attractions, such as the In Flanders Fields Museum, Menin Gate, and the Hooge Crater Museum. You can also visit some of the other Christmas markets nearby.

Selfoss, Iceland

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If you’re looking for a Christmas town in Europe that offers festive cheer and easy access to some of the continent’s most impressive natural scenery, look no further than Selfoss, a small town in Iceland home to less than 10,000 people. Despite its small population, this town has much to offer at Christmas, especially if you love the great outdoors.

When you’re not having fun at the local Christmas market or indulging in Icelandic cuisine, head out and explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. From Selfoss, you can easily visit Selfoss Waterfall, Kerid Crater, and Thingvellir National Park. Alternatively, make the short journey to the capital city, Reykjavik, where you’ll find more Christmas markets and iconic attractions like the Sun Voyager and Hallgrimskirkja.

Baden bei Wien, Austria

Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland Baden Christmas Markets, Baden — © Rainer Mirau / Adobe Stock

Baden bei Wien is a relatively unheard-of town in Austria, but it packs a punch in winter with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and Christmas-themed events. The town is well known for its therapeutic spas, so you can relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring. Go to the highly-rated Römertherme Baden at the end of the day with late entry at a reduced price to relax. Furthermore, snow is expected in Baden bei Wien around Christmas.

However, the main draw to the town at Christmas is the Baden Advent Mile, an annual Christmas market and winter wonderland. Along the Baden Advent Mile, you can sip sweet punch, eat crispy roast potatoes, peruse the market stalls for Christmas gifts, and admire the gorgeous Christmas decorations that bring the town’s frosty streets to life.

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken, a resort town in central Switzerland’s mountainous Bernese Oberland region, is renowned for its mesmerizing mountain and lake scenery, outdoor opportunities, and rich traditions. At Christmas, the town transforms into a winter wonderland surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s one of the best places in Europe for Christmas if you’re after a combination of natural beauty and festive entertainment.

The streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, festive songs ring out around town, the scent of wood fires fills the air, and the Christmas markets create an exciting atmosphere. After admiring Interlaken’s magnificent scenery, get lost among the Christmas market’s sights, smells, and tastes. Alternatively, adrenaline junkies can turn their hands to skydiving this Christmas with Skydive Interlaken and jump from over 4,000 meters. What’s not to like?

Bartoszyce, Poland

Poland is well known for its Christmas markets, so the most famous markets can get very busy. For a more authentic, laid-back, and unique Christmas experience, visit Bartoszyce, a small town on the Łyna River in northern Poland. This is one of Europe’s best Christmas towns for several reasons.

First, the town’s vibrant architecture is covered in Christmas decorations in winter. Second, Bartoszyce hosts various Christmas-themed events, including live performances and nativity scenes. Go to the highly-rated restaurant św. Mikołaja for czebureki, deep-fried turnovers.

Finally, the town has a lovely Christmas market with many small stalls selling local food and drink, souvenirs, and locally made arts and crafts. This festive market is in the town square, where you’ll find the town’s famous colorful buildings.

Merano, Italy

In Merano, an alpine town in Italy’s South Tyrol region, you can spend your Christmas exploring the Christmas markets, skiing, hiking, and indulging in the finer things in life. This picturesque town is beautiful year-round, but it’s so much more fun to visit in December when the festive season is well underway.

When you’re not skiing at Meran 2000 or traipsing through the snow for the best viewpoints, sit by a fire with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, explore the arts and crafts stalls at the Christmas market, listen to carol singers, and admire the town’s colorful Christmas decorations.

It’s also worth noting that Merano’s best restaurants offer festive-themed menus across November and December. Don’t miss Tyrolean dishes like Schlutzkrapfen at the family-run Trattoria Mainardo.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is one of Europe’s best Christmas towns for travelers seeking traditional Christmas markets, adventure activities, and snowy weather. This small resort, which sits at the border of France, Italy, and Switzerland, is a winter wonderland at Christmas.

The streets are lined with decorative stalls selling local and international crafts and delicious food and drink, and you’re treated to exceptional views of Mont Blanc. Go to Le Panoramic Restaurant for a cheese plateau or a tartiflette and possibly the best view of Mont Blanc and Chamonix.

If you visit the town on Christmas Eve, you can also attend the big Christmas parade that passes through Chamonix at the end of the day. Besides Christmas shopping, drinking mulled wine, and admiring the spectacular landscapes, Chamonix is a fantastic place to ski, snowboard, and hike, making it a big hit with adventurers and winter sports enthusiasts.