Our thoughts naturally turn to Europe for Christmas as we seek cozy vibes, Christmas lights and the rich, deep colors and textures of Europe’s pubs and dining rooms. Want to be utterly absorbed by the festive season? Our list of the best places in Europe for Christmas is below. And if you’re feeling the call of Europe more generally, consider our Harmony of Central Europe journey, or browse our selection of European and British journeys here.
1. Nuremberg
The central square of Nuremberg’s old town comes alive with sizzling Bratwurst, twinkling lights, gold foil angels, hand-carved ornaments and ceramic mugs of glühwein from the end of November. Return home with ornate tins of Nuremberg lebkuchen, the iconic honey-sweetened, spiced soft cookie.
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2. Prague
Average temperatures are around 30°F, making a little dusting of snow on Prague’s Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance rooftops highly possible. The main Christmas markets are in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square – warm up with potato pancakes, noodle soup and svařák (mulled wine).
3. Paris
It’s the City of Light all year long, so if you want somewhere that truly sparkles at Christmas, Paris never disappoints. Shop in majestic grands magasins and wander iconic boulevards with a chocolat chaud in hand. Then cozy up with red wine and cheese of an evening.
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4. Bruges
This little fairytale town is easily one of the best places in Europe for Christmas. Expect cobbled streets, sugary waffles, chocolate shops, canals, ice rinks, light trails and more, and a central square that looks as though it’s made up of actual gingerbread houses.
5. Strasbourg
In Alsace, the northeastern region of France that borders Germany and Switzerland, Strasbourg is known as the Christmas capital of France. For the festive season, over 300 wooden chalets are dotted across this magical city. There are sweet treats galore, but don’t miss the Alsatian tarte flambée, like a very thin pizza topped traditionally with lardons, creme fraiche and cheese.
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6. Amsterdam
There are multiple Christmas markets across Amsterdam, making it one of the best places in Europe for Christmas. Stalls come bearing mulled wine, stroopwafels, poffertjes (little, fluffy, sugar-dusted pancakes), wheels of Dutch gouda, and – of course – cones of golden frites with mayonnaise.
7. Dublin
There is always great craic to be had in Ireland’s capital. The Guinness Storehouse pulls out all the stops. And the opportunities for Irish coffee in cozy pubs are endless. Consider making time for a Christmassy dip (yes, really, in the ocean) at the icy Forty Foot at Sandycove Beach.
Experience it For Yourself On: Ultimate Ireland
8. Canary Islands
If you happen to be in Europe for Christmas but prefer to forego the chance of snow, head to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Lanzarote’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes make it a Christmas destination like no other, and the local wine is good, too.
9. Cologne
Roncalliplatz is an epic place to visit in Europe at this time of year – the gothic spires of Cologne’s imposing cathedral overlook hundreds of twinkling red-roofed huts, all arranged around a giant Christmas tree.
10. Vienna
Nowhere does cozy coffee and cake quite like Vienna. Come for a slice of dense, glossy, gorgeous Sachertorte, stay for sparkling lights, ice skating and carousel rides in front of City Hall. And a heaping tray of bauerngröstl (an Alpine dish of potatoes, bacon and onions).
11. Copenhagen
Step right this way for festive hygge aplenty. The main Christmas markets in Copenhagen are at Tivoli Gardens (the charming and pleasingly kitsch old amusement park or ‘pleasure gardens’) and Nyhavn (along the iconic canal).
12. Budapest
The Vörösmarty Square Christmas market is extravagantly lit and full of sweet wooden stalls, particularly good if you’re in the market for Hungarian folk craft – beautiful tablecloths and embroidered tree ornaments. The basilica market is also nearby, with an ice rink, light show and program of performances.
11. Malaga
The Costa del Sol is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December if you prefer your Christmas magic served mild (light jacket, no woolly hat). The streets are lively, fun and gorgeously lit and there are live performances (choirs, ballets, orchestras and more) throughout the city every night.
12. Madeira
Known for its sweet, caramelly namesake wine and warm temperatures, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal off the northwest coast of Africa. The Christmas lights in Funchal are always a treat and the midnight masses are legendary.
13. London
Take a red bus beneath the twinkling lights of Regent Street, go bauble shopping in Liberty, buy biscuit tins you’ll keep forever at Fortnum & Mason and ice skate at Somerset House. Talk about one of the best places in Europe for Christmas – London thrives under advent pressure.
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European Christmas FAQs:
1. Where is the best place to go for Christmas in Europe?
Anywhere with a Christmas market, laced with twinkling lights, mugs of hot chocolate and the scent of caramelized sugar in the air will do it. There are plenty of such places on our list.
2. What is the most Christmassy town in Europe?
Lapland. Although in reality, this is not a town, but a region in northern Europe spanning parts of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia.
3. Which country has the most beautiful Christmas in Europe?
Germany’s Christmas markets are adored and imitated the world over.
4. What is the warmest place in Europe in December?
While snow-sprinkled streets sparkle elsewhere, the Canary Islands – a Spanish archipelago which is geographically closer to Africa than Europe – tops the temperature chart, with average highs of 71.6°.
