Wondering which Christmas cities in Europe are the best options for your vacation? Consider the big ones: Rome, Paris, or even Prague if you’re looking for something more budget friendly.
There is no denying that Christmas celebration time seems to extend each year. This means that you can travel and enjoy more time abroad!
Better yet, these best Christmas locations in Europe become true destinations for vacation as they offer tons of things to do. There are local tours to Christmas markets, traditional shows, and more! You’ll never be bored. And you’ll feel that Christmas spirit! So sit back, do some research, and figure out which of the best European cities at Christmas is right for your celebration.
15 Festive Christmas Cities in Europe
1. Paris, France
We love exploring Paris during the holidays! The City of Lights seem to dazzle even more. Not only is the Eiffel Tower bright at night, but the streets and stores are also decked with lights.
There is also tons of festive fun to be found: markets, Chapelle concerts, ice-skating rinks and more. Factor in cooler weather and smaller crowds and you’re all set! How could you not love Paris during Christmas? Check out this article on markets you must see!
Best Things to do in Paris
Paris: Open-Top Christmas Bus Tour
Paris: Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket With Champagne
Paris: Croissant Baking Class with a Chef
Paris: Christmas Market Walking Tour
2. Vienna, Austria
One of the best Christmas locations in Europe is Vienna! Austria is no doubt beautiful, but during the holiday season there are endless markets. Christkindlmarkt, anyone?
Every store and main shopping streets put on lights, and museums stay open with special activities. Advent concerts are popular! And then traditional celebrations and food and drink are to die for. Stollen anyone? This is one of the best European Christmas cities!
Best Things to do in Vienna
Vienna: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert in Karlskirche
Vienna: Panoramic Night Tour by Bus
Vienna: Christmas Markets Tour
From Vienna: Hallstatt, Salzburg and Austria’s Wonders Tour
3. Rome, Italy
Christmas time is our favorite time of year, especially when celebrating in Rome! The capital is usually calmer. Less crowds! So seeing those popular places like the Colosseum and Vatican become easier.
But the romantic city really comes alive during Christmas! Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican is an experience. And the Christmas Concerts and Lights are things you don’t want to miss. There are Nativity scenes everywhere. Markets too!
Best Things to do in Rome
Christmas Even Mass at the Vatican with Pope Francis
Christmas & New Year’s Opera Concert with Drink
Rome: Christmas Nativities and Angels Tour
Rome: 3-Hour Semi-Private Christmas Walking Tour
4. Zurich, Switzerland
The scent of mulled wine is enough to bring me back to Zurich! Imagine the tinsel and candlelight of the city. You are spoiled in Zurich. Especially since there are fun pop-up bars and restaurants that open during the holidays!
The quirky events– like ice-skating discos– are so fun. Of course there are also classic markets and lights. They glitter and sparkle! Plus Zurich is one of those white Christmas cities in Europe with tons of markets!
Best Things to do in Zurich
Zurich’s Enchanted Christmas: A Festive Journey
Zurich: Glacier Express’s Swiss Alps & Lucerne Private Tour
Zurich: Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
From Zurich: Engelberg, Titlis, and Lucerne Day Tour
Zurich: Gruyeres Castle, Cheese and Chocolate Private Day Tour
5. Prague, Czech Republic
If you truly want a white Christmas, visit Prague! The chilly weather often falls below freezing at night. But the quiet holiday is also welcoming. Farmers markets add a Christmas flare, and famous places like Wenceslas Square is worth checking out.
Add in the mulled wine, bright city roofs, hanging mistletoe and more. Mass at midnight is fun and the huge fir tree in the middle of Old Town Square is to die for. Best yet? Prague is the one of the cheapest Christmas destinations in Europe!
Best Things to do in Prague
Christmas Concert at Prague Castle
Prague: 2-3H Magical Christmas Markets Tour with Inclusions
Prague: The Nutcracker Ballet Tickets
From Prague: Dresden Christmas Market and Bastei Bridge Tour
6. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has a main attraction! A world-famous Christmas market in their town square. It was named the best Christmas Market in Europe. Which means, you have to see it!
The fairytale aesthetic and medieval times gives this city a magical vibe during winter. With cool weather, exchanging poems with Santa for presents, and lights and presents, you have to visit.
Best Things to do in Tallinn
Enchanted Tallinn: A Festive Christmas Walk
Tallinn: Christmas Markets Festive Digital Game
Tales of Tallinn 2-Hour Car Tour
7. Budapest, Hungary
Just picture Vaci Utca alight. This main shopping street is worth visiting alone during the holidays. With window displays and fairly lights, it is breathtaking.
Budapest promises fair-tale-levels-of joy and dreaming. The city sparkles! So many lights, so many trees. The shopping experience is different and unique here. Markets are exquisite, and who doesn’t love pop up ice skating? Budapest is fun, affordable, and has stunning scenery. Enjoy those Christmas city breaks in Europe here!
Best Things to do in Budapest
Special Magical Christmas Tour in Budapest
Budapest: Organ Concert in St. Stephan’s Basilica
Budapest: Hungarian Chimney Cake Workshop
Budapest: Cinema Mystica Entry Ticket
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
I personally think Edinburgh is one of the best places on Earth. So, I definitely suggest it as one of the top Christmas cities in Europe! The festive seasons full of friends and family. The city lights up with music and true spirit.
Local food and goods are, of course, shared are markets. The streets are lined with themed lights. The atmosphere alone is worth experiencing. Plus, shops, pubs, the museum, and zoo stay open to celebrate the holiday!
Best Things to do in Edinburgh
From Edinburgh: 2-day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express
Edinburgh: Christmas Walking Tour with Gingerbread Treat
From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria
9. Cologne, Germany
Cologne has rich history and calls upon it during the holiday season. The city truly becomes a wonderland! It has the traditional markets, of course, but other things too.
Locals and tourist are invited to things like the Christmas Circus. There are always Advent concerts, and the China Lights at the zoo are a must see!
Best Things to do in Cologne
Cologne: Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine
Cologne: Christmas Market Magic with a Local
Cologne: Chocolate Museum Entrance Ticket
Cologne: Cologne Zoo and Aquarium Entry Ticket
10. Strasbourg, France
It’s not surprising that France is on here twice for Christmas cities in Europe! The beautiful city of Strasbourg is definitely worth exploring. In fact, it is known as the “Capital of Christmas.”
The markets have been around since 1570! There are fairy-like lights, and the smells will have you dreaming of the food and drinks for months after. Chalets line the historic center. A great magic Christmas tree in the center! What more could you want?
Things to do in Strasbourg
Strasbourg Christmas Market Tour
From Strasbourg: Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip
Strasbourg City Tour- Discovery Pack
Strasbourg: Escape Game Crazy Christmas City
11. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is another city that is consistently named as a top destination for Christmas holidays. It is a fan favorite! Not only has it been nominated for Best Christmas Market in Europe three times, but it is truly magical.
Ice skating rinks pop up around King Tomislav Square. Food and dink kiosks are set up, and they spread around aromas! Music and art exhibits are themed and brought in. Plus, Advent brings in indoor and outdoor concerts.
Things to do in Zagreb
Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb-Walking Tour
From Zagreb: Ljubljana and Lake Bled Day Trip by Minivan
Zagreb: Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket
From Zagreb: Varazdin Baroque Town & Trakoscan Castle
12. Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of Iceland is the northernmost capital in the world. While it is less “Christmas wonderland” it offers stunning views and is perfect for nature lovers during winter.
Tourists and locals can do things all winter. Can you imagine seeing the Northern Lights on Christmas Day?! You can also dive into geothermal spas when it gets too chilly. The commercial areas and suburbs also put on ice rinks, lights, concerts and more!
Best Things to do in Reykjavik
The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour
From Reykjavik: Christmas Day Northern Lights Tour
Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
From Reykjavik: Northern Lights and Geothermal Baths Tour
13. Wroclaw, Poland
Wroclaw is a beautiful city, but it transforms into a cozy destination during wintertime! Some notable places to see are: The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Tumiski Bridge, which is fully decorated. This is truly one of the most beautiful Christmas cities in Europe.
Also check out the medical market square of Rynek! Or maybe even tour Swidnick Street for unique shops, cafes, or even a show at the opera house? Magnolia park offers great shopping for Christmas gifts too!
Best things to do in Wroclaw
Wroclaw: 2-Hour Private Guided Tour by Electric Car
Wroclaw: Lower Silesia, Ksiaz Castle & Church of Peace Tour
Wroclaw: Private Old Town Guided Tour
14. Manchester, England
Manchester has been attracting visitors since the late 90s, especially during the holiday season! Their markets have over 300 stalls and feature unique gifts. From toys to garments, and local food, this is the best place to explore.
Enjoy Bratwursts and mulled wine. Season menus are food stalls are common. And there is a Manchester Christmas Parade! The Festive Sunday Program brings free entertainment to the city throughout November and December, so you’ll never be bored.
Best Things to do in Manchester
Christmas Charms of Manchester- Private Walking Tour
Manchester: Guided Cheese Crawl with Tastings
Manchester: The Coronation Street Experience
Either Stadium: The Manchester City Stadium Tour
From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour
15. Helsinki, Finland
The Helsinki Christmas Market is the heart of Christmas in Finland. Here, locals and tourists are encouraged to enjoy food, drinks, and really get into the holiday spirit. With over 140 vendors and huts, handcrafted gifts and food is expected.
The beautiful, old carousel set up in the market area brings in a crowd! The Senate Square is always busy, and the decor is breathtaking. Plus, with new and old traditions, you can also check out different things– like hot saunas!
Best Things to do in Helsinki
Helsinki: Winter Wonderland Liesjavri National Park Hike
CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki
Helsinki: Private Tour with a Local Guide
And there you have it, folks! 15 of the best European cities at Christmas. So no matter where you travel– England, France, Poland– know the holiday spirit is alive. Enjoy those Christmas markets and magic.
15 Festive Christmas Markets In Europe