12 Magical Places To Go for Christmas in Europe That Feel Like a Winter Fairytale

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In the best places to go for Christmas in Europe, you can peruse vibrant Christmas markets, ice skate, drink mulled wine, and admire famous architecture adorned with Christmas decorations. However, with so many unique destinations to choose from, deciding where to spend Christmas in Europe is challenging.

Europe has everything, from busy Christmas shopping streets in London and Paris to romantic winter wonderlands like Hallstatt and Annecy. To top things off, Europe is home to many of the world’s most famous attractions. With that in mind, here are 12 European destinations perfect for Christmas. The entries we’ve selected are ideal if you want to celebrate the festive season in style.

Paris, France

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If you want to spend your Christmas vacation in Europe exploring romantic streets, shopping at Christmas markets, and visiting some of the world’s most famous landmarks, look no further than Paris, the capital of France. Year-round, Paris is renowned for its atmospheric streets, but the city is most spectacular at Christmas.

Around Christmas, Paris’ charming streets come to life with bright lights, Christmas carols, tall trees, bustling Christmas markets, and toy-packed shop windows. Better yet, there are many Christmas-themed activities and events to participate in, including Christmas concerts and tours. Of course, you can also explore the city’s most iconic attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków, a beautiful city in Southern Poland, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most festive places to spend Christmas. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a winter wonderland city break. For starters, the cooler temperatures and possibility of snow create a magical atmosphere and Christmas scene.

Second, Kraków’s Christmas market, found in the main square, Rynek Główny, is exceptional. Surrounded by breathtaking medieval architecture, this Christmas market features vibrant decorations, a tall Christmas tree, food stalls, craft stalls, and so much more. When you’ve had your fill of souvenir stalls and mulled wine, explore the city. Don’t miss Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Cathedral.

Hallstatt, Austria

In Hallstatt, travelers can escape the hustle and bustle of Europe’s busy cities and enjoy a serene Christmas in Europe surrounded by picturesque alpine scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage town in Austria is famed for its gorgeous lakeside location, authentic Austrian architecture, lush forested landscape, and towering snow-capped Alpine mountains.

It’s not uncommon for this landscape to be covered in snow at Christmas, which only adds to the town’s festive allure. Perfect for romantic couples, you’ll most likely spend your time in Hallstatt admiring the stunning scenery, walking around the lake, indulging in world-class cuisine, and exploring the quaint Christmas market. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like the perfect Christmas getaway.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is one of my favorite places to spend Christmas in Europe for several reasons. Firstly, the city’s medieval Old Town and exciting New Town are jam-packed with festive cheer, Christmas celebrations, and thrilling attractions. Second, Edinburgh hosts a magnificent Christmas market, setting a ridiculously high bar for other markets. Finally, Edinburgh, as a whole, is a breathtaking city to explore.

It offers travelers medieval architecture, open green spaces, royal palaces, and more. When you’re not shopping for Christmas gifts in the Grassmarket or sipping mulled wine at the Christmas market near Scott Monument, visit the city’s most famous attractions, grab a beer in a traditional British pub, and explore the city on a spooky ghost tour. Must-visit attractions include the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat.

London, England

European Destinations for Christmas London, UK — © Sven Hansche / Shutterstock

Like Paris, London is a fascinating place to visit year-round, but the English capital truly comes to life at Christmas time when its famous streets are adorned with Christmas decorations, the Christmas markets are in full swing, and the best restaurants across the city offer festive menus. That said, try a classic British roast dinner during your stay.

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Besides the magical atmosphere and vibrant decorations, London has many world-famous attractions, such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. There are also several epic Christmas markets to visit, various food markets to explore, and many nightclubs that host Christmas Parties. Highlights of a European Christmas city break in London include Harrods, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Leicester Square Christmas Market, and Borough Market.

Iceland

Iceland is a spectacular island famed worldwide for its exceptional natural scenery, which looks particularly special around Christmas when it’s covered in snow. You can spend your Christmas vacation in Europe exploring the great outdoors, partying in Reykjavik, and watching the Northern Lights. What’s not to like?

If you stay in Reykjavik, the capital, you can indulge in traditional cuisine, have fun at the Christmas market, party at Laugavegur, and visit popular attractions like the Sun Voyager and Hallgrimskirkja. From the city, you can also easily reach many fascinating natural wonders by car, including Thingvellir National Park, Reykjanesfólkvangur, Selfoss Waterfall, and Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, you can relax in the therapeutic waters at the Blue Lagoon.

Bergen, Norway

The Gingerbread Town, Christmas Market, live concerts, and Festival of Lights will get you right in the Christmas spirit in Bergen. This scenic coastal city in Southwestern Norway is the perfect place to go for Christmas in Europe if you’re looking for plenty of themed events and activities. The festivities start across the city from mid-November and run well into New Year.

The city’s vibrant traditional architecture and picturesque scenery create the perfect setting for a winter break. Offering something for every kind of traveler, you won’t be short of things to do. Families can have fun at the Festplassen Christmas Market. History buffs can explore Bryggen. Shopping enthusiasts can shop until they drop at the Lagunen Storsenter, and foodies can explore Bergen’s many markets.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of Europe’s best places for Christmas because it offers travelers magical experiences jam-packed with Christmas cheer, medieval wonders, and delicious cuisine. It’s also one of the most affordable places to spend Christmas in Europe, with an average daily travel cost of only $115.

In the capital of the Czech Republic, you’ll likely spend most of your time during Christmas season visiting iconic tourist attractions, walking around the Christmas markets, and indulging in local cuisine. The city’s best Christmas markets are Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. These colorful markets are filled with bright decorations, delicious food stalls, and independent craft stalls. Unlike other European cities, they’re open on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is the place to go this Christmas if you want to enter your favorite Disney fairytale. Like a town we’d expect to see in Beauty and the Beast, this stunning city is brimming with vibrant medieval architecture that serves as an ideal setting for Christmas. Visitors will never tire of enjoying a romantic stroll along the River III.

However, that’s not all the capital of Christmas offers, as it’s also a hub for Christmas entertainment in December. You’ll find the oldest Christmas market in France, beautifully decorated streets, shop windows with fantastic Christmas displays, and food stalls serving festive treats. The city also has various attractions, such as Barrage Vauban, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg, and Parc de l’Orangerie.

Bruges, Belgium

Like Strasbourg, Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is well known for its medieval architecture and charming river walks, making it one of the best places in Europe for a romantic Christmas city break. In Bruges, enjoy relaxed walks along the Reie, admire the fascinating architecture, and tuck into Belgian chocolate.

At Christmas, Bruges historic center is transformed into a winter wonderland that features a traditional Christmas market, colorful Christmas decorations, Christmas lights, and a beautiful Christmas tree. At this market, you’ll find over 150 stalls selling food, drink, and unique Christmas gifts. You’ll also find an ice skating rink and a Ferris wheel. I recommend trying a warm apple cider during your visit.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, Finland, is one of the best places to go for Christmas in Europe because it’s home to Santa Claus Village, the official home of Santa Claus. As you would expect, this winter wonderland offers travelers heaps of entertainment, from meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and his reindeer to Christmas shops and beautiful Christmas decorations.

Besides Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors. You can spend time snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, and skiing. There are also many other things to see, such as Arktikum, Tiedekeskus Pilke, Metsähallitus, Angry Bird Playground, and Culture House Korundi. You should also keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora Borealis.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

In Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you can experience one of Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, surrounded by storybook medieval architecture and lively streets adorned with Christmas decorations. One of Germany’s few remaining medieval walled towns, you’ll quickly fall in love with the town’s mesmerizing architecture and laid-back atmosphere, especially during the holiday season.

At the Christmas market, you can pick up last-minute gifts for family and friends, sample local cuisine, and drink mulled wine. Meanwhile, the rest of the town offers many exciting things to see. Noteworthy points of interest in Rothenburg ob der Tauber include Castle Garden, the Medieval Crime Museum, Plönlein, and St. Jakobskirche.