The holiday season is a time of wonder, where dreams of cozy nights by the fire, snow-covered streets, and twinkling lights come alive. There’s something incredibly special about experiencing Christmas in Europe, where the festive spirit is palpable, and age-old traditions are kept alive in the most enchanting settings. Whether it’s the bustling markets filled with handmade treasures or the serene snow-covered landscapes, each destination offers a unique blend of history, culture, and festive cheer. But with so many beautiful places to choose from, planning the perfect Christmas getaway can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. In this guide, I’ll take you through seven of the most magical European destinations where you can experience a true fairytale Christmas, backed by detailed data and real-world insights.
The Enchanting Charm of Christmas Markets
Discovering Europe’s Most Iconic Christmas Markets
When it comes to Christmas markets, Europe sets the gold standard. These markets are not just places to shop—they are immersive experiences that transport you back to simpler times. Take Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt for example, which dates back to 1298. Today, it attracts over 3 million visitors each year, covering an area of approximately 5,000 square meters. The market, located in front of the Rathaus, features more than 150 stalls offering everything from handmade ornaments to Austrian delicacies like Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional shredded pancake dish. The market’s lighting alone, with over 2 kilometers of garlands, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. For more information, you can contact the Vienna Tourist Board at Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Phone: +43 1 211140, info@wien.info, www.wien.info.
Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market is another must-visit, with a history dating back to the 13th century. Here, the towering Christmas tree, typically a Norway spruce standing over 22 meters tall, is sourced from the Czech countryside. The market sees an influx of around 750,000 visitors annually, drawn by the festive atmosphere, the smell of Trdelník (a type of spit cake), and the sound of carolers singing beneath the iconic Astronomical Clock. For more details, you can contact the Prague City Tourism at Arbesovo nám. 70/4, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov, Czech Republic. Phone: +420 221 714 714, tourinfo@prague.eu, www.prague.eu.
Arbesovo nám. 70/4, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov, Czech Republic
Strasbourg, often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas,” hosts the Christkindelsmärik which is one of the oldest in Europe, having begun in 1570. This market spans across 12 different locations in the city, with a total of over 300 wooden chalets spread out over more than 100,000 square meters. The market’s daily attendance can exceed 100,000 people during peak times, with visitors eager to sample local Alsatian specialties like Choucroute and Baeckeoffe. To get more information, you can reach Strasbourg Tourist Office at 17 Place de la Cathédrale, 67082 Strasbourg, France. Phone: +33 3 88 52 28 28, info@visitstrasbourg.fr, www.visitstrasbourg.fr.
17 Place de la Cathédrale, 67082 Strasbourg, France
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Christmas Markets
While the big names draw the crowds, Europe is also home to many hidden gems that offer a more intimate and authentic experience. Colmar in the Alsace region of France, hosts a Christmas market that’s a true fairytale come to life. The town itself looks like it’s been plucked straight from a storybook, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. The market, spread across five locations, features around 180 stalls and receives approximately 1.2 million visitors each year, yet it never feels overly crowded. The most magical part? Colmar’s decorations, with more than 500,000 lights illuminating the town, create a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. For more information, contact Colmar Tourist Office at Place Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar, France. Phone: +33 3 89 20 68 92, info@tourisme-colmar.com, www.tourisme-colmar.com.
Place Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar, France
Tallinn, Estonia, is another lesser-known destination with a Christmas market that’s well worth a visit. Set in the medieval Town Hall Square, the market is surrounded by historic buildings that have stood for over 600 years. Despite its relatively small size—with about 60 stalls and a yearly visitor count of around 200,000—Tallinn’s market is famed for its cozy, intimate feel and its connection to traditional Estonian crafts and cuisine. The Christmas tree, standing at 15 meters, is believed to be the first public Christmas tree ever erected in Europe, with the tradition dating back to 1441. You can contact Tallinn Tourist Information Centre at Niguliste 2, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia. Phone: +372 645 7777, info@visittallinn.ee, www.visittallinn.ee.
Niguliste 2, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia
Zagreb, Croatia, has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, with its Advent in Zagreb festival. Voted the best Christmas market in Europe three times in a row (2016-2018), the market spans multiple locations across the city, including Ban Jelačić Square and Zrinjevac Park, and features around 250 stalls. Zagreb’s market is known for its affordability compared to Western European markets, with a cost of living that is approximately 40% lower than in cities like Vienna or Munich, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. For further information, you can contact the Zagreb Tourist Board at Kaptol 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Phone: +385 1 48 98 555, info@infozagreb.hr, www.infozagreb.hr.
Kaptol 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
The Magic of Snow-Covered European Cities
Top Destinations for a Snowy Christmas
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, there are few places more magical than Salzburg, Austria. Nestled in the Alps, Salzburg is almost guaranteed to see snow during the holiday season, with an average snowfall of 60 centimeters in December. The city, known for its baroque architecture and its connection to Mozart, is a winter wonderland. Visitors can explore the Salzburg Christmas Market, which dates back to the 15th century and now boasts over 95 stalls spread across 4,000 square meters. For those looking for adventure, nearby ski resorts like Obertauern offer over 100 kilometers of ski slopes. You can contact the Salzburg Tourist Office at Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg, Austria. Phone: +43 662 88987-0, info@salzburg.info, www.salzburg.info.
Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Innsbruck, also in Austria, is another top pick for a snowy Christmas. Situated in a valley surrounded by towering Alpine peaks, Innsbruck averages 75 centimeters of snowfall in December. The city’s Old Town Christmas Market, located in the medieval heart of the city, features around 70 stalls and sees more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Innsbruck is also a gateway to some of the best skiing in Europe, with resorts like Axamer Lizum offering 40 kilometers of slopes and snow coverage that often exceeds 80 centimeters. Contact Innsbruck Tourism at Burggraben 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Phone: +43 512 59850, info@innsbruck.info, www.innsbruck.info.
Burggraben 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
For those looking for a snow-filled Christmas experience in Scandinavia, Bergen, Norway, offers a breathtaking combination of natural beauty and festive cheer. With an average December snowfall of 20 centimeters and temperatures that hover around freezing, Bergen transforms into a picturesque winter scene. The Bergen Christmas Market, located in Festplassen, covers 3,000 square meters and features about 60 stalls. What makes Bergen truly special is its proximity to the fjords, which can be explored on a winter cruise, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and holiday spirit. For more details, contact Visit Bergen at Strandkaien 3, 5013 Bergen, Norway. Phone: +47 55 55 20 10, [
Strandkaien 3, 5013 Bergen, Norway
info@visitbergen.com](mailto:info@visitbergen.com), www.visitbergen.com.
Romantic Winter Wonderlands
When it comes to romance, Bruges, Belgium, is hard to beat. Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges’ network of canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings create a setting straight out of a romance novel. During the Christmas season, the city is adorned with over 100,000 lights, and the Bruges Christmas Market, located in the Markt square, features about 50 stalls. One of the most romantic activities is taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s historic streets, where you can snuggle under a blanket while the sound of hooves echoes through the air. With temperatures averaging around 3°C (37.4°F) in December, the cold is just enough to make you appreciate the warmth of a cozy café or a glass of Belgian hot chocolate. Contact Visit Bruges at Burg 11, 8000 Brugge, Belgium. Phone: +32 50 44 46 46, visitbruges@brugge.be, www.visitbruges.be.
Burg 11, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Vienna, Austria, offers a different kind of romance—one steeped in elegance and history. The city’s Christmas markets are famous, but for a truly romantic experience, nothing beats an evening at the Vienna State Opera, followed by a stroll through the illuminated streets of the city center. The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace, with its 80 stalls and 250,000 annual visitors, is a highlight, especially when you consider the backdrop: a former imperial residence that covers 1.6 million square meters of gardens and parkland. With an average December temperature of 1°C (33.8°F), Vienna’s chilly winter air is perfect for cozying up with a loved one as you explore the city’s rich cultural offerings. Contact the Vienna Tourist Board at Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Phone: +43 1 211140, info@wien.info, www.wien.info.
For a more rustic and secluded romantic getaway, the Bavarian Alps in Germany, are ideal. The small town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and festive spirit. The town’s Christmas market, although small, is charming, with about 30 stalls set against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. The Zugspitze itself, standing at 2,962 meters, offers skiing, snowboarding, and panoramic views that stretch across four countries. With average snowfall exceeding 1 meter in December, the Bavarian Alps provide a quintessential winter experience, complete with cozy alpine lodges where you can warm up by the fire after a day in the snow. For more information, contact Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tourism at Richard-Strauss-Platz 1A, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Phone: +49 8821 180 700, info@gapa.de, www.gapa.de.
Richard-Strauss-Platz 1A, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Traditional European Christmas Experiences
Embracing European Christmas Traditions
Europe is a treasure trove of Christmas traditions, each with its own unique customs that have been passed down through generations. In Germany, the Advent season is a key part of the Christmas celebration. The Advent wreath (Adventskranz), typically made of fir branches and adorned with four candles, is a staple in German homes. Each candle represents one of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, and lighting the candles is often accompanied by singing carols and enjoying traditional treats like Stollen, a fruit bread that has been made in Germany for over 700 years. In fact, Dresden’s Stollen Festival, which takes place annually, features a giant Stollen that weighs over 4,000 kilograms and is distributed to festival-goers. For more information, contact the German National Tourist Board at Beethovenstraße 69, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Phone: +49 69 974640, gntb@germany.travel, www.germany.travel.
Beethovenstraße 69, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
In the Netherlands, the Feast of St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, is one of the most important holidays of the year. Celebrated on December 5th, Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat from Spain, accompanied by his helpers, the Zwarte Pieten. The tradition of giving gifts and sweets, such as pepernoten (spiced cookies) and marzipan, dates back to the 16th century. Amsterdam’s annual Sinterklaas parade is a highlight, attracting over 400,000 spectators as Sinterklaas makes his way through the city’s canals and streets. The event is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, with over 60 boats and hundreds of costumed participants. For further information, contact Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions at Prinses Catharina Amaliastraat 5, 2496 XD Den Haag, Netherlands. Phone: +31 70 370 5705, info@holland.com, www.holland.com.
Prinses Catharina Amaliastraat 5, 2496 XD Den Haag, Netherlands
Italy’s Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in the country’s Catholic heritage. The Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th is perhaps the most significant, with La Befana, a kind old witch, delivering gifts to children in much the same way as Santa Claus. In Rome, the Piazza Navona Christmas market is one of the largest in the country, with more than 100 stalls selling everything from nativity scene figures to Italian sweets like torrone (nougat). The market is set against the backdrop of the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini, and covers an area of approximately 5,000 square meters. The tradition of setting up elaborate nativity scenes, or presepi, is also widespread, with some of the most famous displays found in Naples, where the art of making presepi dates back to the 18th century. Contact Italian National Tourist Board at Via Marghera 2, 00185 Rome, Italy. Phone: +39 06 49711, info@italia.it, www.italia.it.
Via Marghera 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
Experiencing an Authentic Christmas in Europe
For those seeking a truly authentic Christmas experience, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in local traditions and customs. One of the best ways to do this is by staying in a traditional alpine village, such as Hallstatt in Austria or Zermatt in Switzerland. Hallstatt, with a population of just over 800, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning lakeside setting and its well-preserved medieval architecture. During the Christmas season, the village is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered rooftops, a small but charming Christmas market, and a population density of just 10 people per square kilometer, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. You can contact Hallstatt Tourist Office at Seestraße 114, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria. Phone: +43 6134 8208, info@hallstatt.net, www.hallstatt.net.
Seestraße 114, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
Zermatt, located at the base of the Matterhorn, is another destination that offers an authentic and magical Christmas experience. The village, which is car-free, is known for its traditional wooden chalets and its world-class skiing. Zermatt’s population swells from about 5,800 to over 20,000 during the holiday season, as visitors flock to the village for its pristine snow, which averages 100 centimeters in December. The Zermatt Christmas market, although small, is known for its high-quality local crafts and its cozy, intimate atmosphere. One of the highlights of a visit to Zermatt during Christmas is the opportunity to take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered streets, a truly enchanting experience. For more details, contact Zermatt Tourism at Bahnhofplatz 5, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland. Phone: +41 27 966 81 00, info@zermatt.ch, www.zermatt.ch.
Bahnhofplatz 5, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Attending a local holiday event is another way to experience the magic of Christmas in Europe. In Lucerne, Switzerland, the Christmas market is accompanied by the traditional Klausjagen procession, which takes place on December 5th. The procession, which dates back over 500 years, involves locals parading through the streets with large cowbells, whips, and illuminated lanterns, creating a unique and festive atmosphere. Lucerne’s market, located in the Franzisk
anerplatz, features around 70 stalls and attracts approximately 300,000 visitors each year. For more information, you can contact Lucerne Tourism at Zentralstrasse 5, 6003 Lucerne, Switzerland. Phone: +41 41 227 17 17, info@luzern.com, www.luzern.com.
Zentralstrasse 5, 6003 Lucerne, Switzerland
Participating in traditional customs can also enhance your Christmas experience. In Poland, Christmas Eve, or Wigilia, is the most important day of the holiday season. The day is marked by a special meal that typically includes twelve dishes, representing the twelve apostles. The meal often begins when the first star appears in the sky, and the sharing of the opłatek, a thin wafer, is a tradition that symbolizes unity and forgiveness. The opłatek is typically broken and shared among family members, with wishes for good health and prosperity for the coming year. For further information, contact the Polish Tourism Organisation at ul. Chałubińskiego 8, 00-613 Warszawa, Poland. Phone: +48 22 536 70 70, pot@pot.gov.pl, www.poland.travel.
ul. Chałubińskiego 8, 00-613 Warszawa, Poland
FAQs
What are the best European cities to visit at Christmas?
The best European cities to visit at Christmas include Vienna, Prague, and Strasbourg for their iconic Christmas markets, Salzburg and Innsbruck for a snowy Alpine experience, and Bruges and Vienna for romantic winter getaways.
How do I plan a Christmas holiday in Europe?
To plan a Christmas holiday in Europe, start by choosing your destination based on your preferences for markets, snow, or traditions. Book accommodations early, especially in popular cities like Vienna and Prague. Plan your itinerary to include market visits, local traditions, and festive activities like ice skating or sleigh rides. Consider contacting local tourist boards for detailed advice on your chosen destination.
What are some unique Christmas traditions in Europe?
Unique Christmas traditions in Europe include the Advent wreath in Germany, the Feast of St. Nicholas in the Netherlands, and the setting up of elaborate nativity scenes in Italy. Each tradition reflects the cultural and religious heritage of the region, offering a unique way to experience the holiday season.
Where can I find snow during Christmas in Europe?
You can find snow during Christmas in European destinations like Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Bergen. These cities are known for their beautiful snowy landscapes, which add to the magical atmosphere of the holiday season.
What are the most affordable European destinations for Christmas?
Affordable European destinations for Christmas include Zagreb, Croatia, where the cost of living is significantly lower than in Western European cities. Tallinn, Estonia is another budget-friendly option, offering a charming market and lower prices, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
How can I experience an authentic Christmas in Europe?
To experience an authentic Christmas in Europe, consider staying in a small alpine village like Hallstatt or Zermatt. Participate in local traditions, such as attending a midnight Mass, joining a holiday procession, or sharing a traditional Christmas meal with a local family. Contact local tourist offices for more detailed guidance and opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Experiencing Christmas in Europe is like stepping into a fairytale, where each destination offers its own unique blend of history, culture, and festive magic. Whether you’re exploring iconic Christmas markets, enjoying a snowy winter wonderland, or embracing local traditions, a European Christmas promises to be a journey filled with wonder and joy. With careful planning and an open heart, you can create memories that will last a lifetime, surrounded by the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. So choose your dream destination, immerse yourself in the festive spirit, and let the magic of a European Christmas enchant you.
