Christmas is often seen as that special time of the year that can be spent with family and loved ones. It brings families together and most importantly, it’s the month of gifts, so everyone expects to get something nice for the special day.
However, while not as popular as being at home with families, Christmas holidays are just as exciting these days. There are all kinds of city breaks you can do such as visiting Christmas markets, enjoying local delicacies, and having a good time.
Sure, you don’t want to spend the Christmas evening alone, in a hotel room, so you need to plan it accordingly, maybe book a nice restaurant too. That being said, let’s see some of the best Christmas destinations in Europe and what you can expect from each of them.
Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital is a must if you’re a fan of Christmas and for more reasons. A city break may not be enough to visit everything, so it’s highly recommended to spend about a week there. The first few days are excellent to explore the local culture, try the local cuisine, and check out some museums.
But you can do these things on other holidays too. What makes Vienna special is the Christmas market. The city is renowned all over Europe for its stunning Christmas markets. It’s a role model for pretty much any other city trying to organize something similar.
While you’ll obviously get foods and drinks from different cuisines, make sure you try out the local meaty delicacies like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and various traditional dishes. Throw in some wine or local beer and you will have the perfect combination for the experience of a lifetime.
Beyond the food and local markets, Vienna offers breathtaking Baroque architecture that looks magical under soft snow. You can also visit world-class museums like Kunsthistorisches Museum which will make every moment feel special.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is just as attractive when it comes to Christmas markets. Dating back to 1530, the Nuremberg Christmas market is one of the oldest in the world. If you’re lucky enough to have a white Christmas too, nothing compares to battling the freezing temperatures while exploring Christmas markets, only to end up in a local bar and try some mulled wine.
Germany is also famous for its meaty cuisine, so if you love meat, there are lots of options for the Christmas dinner. Make sure you book early though, as a lot of people tend to go out on Christmas, rather than spend it indoors with families.
Like any other big European city, you’ll find plenty of attractions, museums, historical sites, and cultural attractions to explore during the day as well, so get your passport and have fun.
Prague, Czech Republic
Some may say that Prague is like a miniature version of Vienna. Not necessarily in size, but in how the Christmas markets are organized. Sure, they may not be as big and famous, but you can easily spend a few hours walking around every evening and tasting all kinds of local delicacies.
Prague also has a Gothic vibe that works well with the cold outside. Because yes, there should be freezing temperatures, yet you never know about the global warming phenomenon. Simply put, enjoy the local attractions and architecture during the day and explore the local markets in the evening.
It tends to get dark around 4 PM, so you don’t have much of a day to explore.
Brasov, Romania
It’s quite hard to think of Dracula when it comes to Christmas, but if you can get two attractions in one go, why not? Brasov is the biggest city close to Dracula’s castle. It has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe because it has a deep Hungarian influence.
Throw in the Romanian cuisine and you have the perfect mix. Other than that, there are quite a few castles to visit in the area too, not to mention the local church, which has a very dark history. Surrounded by mountains, Brasov also has cabin rides for some breathtaking views from the top.
The first airport opened in 2023, so it’s easy to access as well. You no longer have to find nearby flights in order to get there.
Paris, France
Paris is said to be the most romantic city in the world. If you have no kids, it makes the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with your loved one. Hang around the Eiffel Tower, walk down holding hands on the Champs-Élysées, and enjoy the local cuisine.
There’s something special about a French Christmas, mainly because of the sophisticated cuisine that the French are so strict about. The only problem is you may not always get a white Christmas, yet there should be freezing temperatures.
Other than that, given its popularity, availability will be limited, so make sure to book everything you need early whether it’s about securing reservations for hotels, restaurants, or even local attractions.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Worried that you won’t find any snow in some of the above-mentioned destinations? No problem! If a white Christmas is your top priority, head over to Iceland and you’re guaranteed to have a unique experience that no other place in Europe can replicate.
Iceland is mainly about nature. There are, indeed, some Christmas markets here and there, but they’re far from what you can find in Austria or the Czech Republic. However, the heavy snow makes up for everything.
Other than that, you can also spend your days exploring natural attractions, such as black sand volcanic beaches or natural springs where you can bathe in hot water while the outside temperature is below freezing point. Each moment feels like an adventure that you simply can’t find anywhere in Europe.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest goes hand in hand with Vienna and Prague because it’s extremely similar in architecture. It’s a stunning city with lovely architecture, the Danube River crossing right through it, and impressive Christmas markets with anything you can think of.
In terms of food, what makes Budapest special is its unique cuisine, which borrows elements from both Central and Eastern Europe. Whether you have a goulash or a beigli, your taste buds will love the treatment. This culinary experience alone makes this destination worth visiting.
On top of all these, Budapest is a family destination too, so it makes no difference if you bring the kids over or you leave them at home. From historical sites to festive markets, there’s something for everyone.
Kraków, Poland
Poland is said to be one of the most religious countries in Europe. This means spending Christmas in Poland isn’t all about exploring this magical city, trying the local cuisine, and visiting Christmas markets for gifts. It’s also about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
You’ll love the local celebrations and traditions in the town center, but also the countless stalls offering different types of food. Moreover, if you book a nice restaurant for the Christmas dinner, you might want to educate yourself a bit on local traditions too.
Christmas here is about connection, spirituality, and community. For example, there are some local crackers that must be eaten while wishing the person next to you the best for the next year. Make a wish and have a bite and so on until you finish the cracker. If you eat while you do it, everything’s supposed to become a reality in the next year. How cool is that?
London, UK
London doesn’t always make it to such lists, mainly because it’s not necessarily the best destination for Christmas. However, it depends on what you’re after.
If you’re a party animal interested in having the wildest parties you’ve ever seen, Brits definitely know how to do it by the book.
However, the local cuisine won’t necessarily impress, yet you’ll find lots of restaurants with all kinds of specializations. Plus, Christmas markets are quite crowded and have good vibes.
Barcelona, Spain
Not a big fan of snow? No problem! Spain is likely to be the perfect destination for you then. There are more places where you can spend Christmas. For example, you can also have a walk on the beach at 20 degrees if you pick a nice island, yet the temperatures won’t go too low in Barcelona either.
Other than that, Christmas markets have something special because the weather is mild. Plus, they’re mainly based on Spanish cuisine, so you can’t go wrong there. Barcelona offers a relaxed holiday atmosphere that feels refreshingly different. You’ll find markets filled with local delicacies, traditional foods, and a festive spirit that doesn’t rely on snow at all.
Barcelona isn’t the typical Christmas destination, but it can certainly impress with its unique vibe.
In the End
In the end, Europe is the ultimate holiday paradise you’ve been dreaming about. These destinations in this list aren’t just places, they’re pure Christmas magic you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The images you see here are for illustration purposes only. Thank you for reading.
