Places To Spend in Europe for Christmas
Christmas is magical for European countries! Twinkly lights on the cobbled paths and pavements. Christmas fairs in historic holiday homes on the main square. A feast of sweet wines, a delicious sausage sandwich and ginger bread cookies all. During our long journeys we discovered some of our best European Christmas destinations.
01. Amiens, France
Amines is an excellent place for a holiday in Europe with amazing Christmas markets filled with wonderful food and beverages. The market is more eco friendly compared to some cases. Despite having the same atmosphere, enthusiasm, and authenticity as other towns, it has a much larger population.
Typical Parisian towns include many beautiful parks and charming villages where you can taste good cuisine. Visit the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of Paris to see dazzling lightsTemperature during the holidays: Temperatures from 2 °C to 7 °C How to reach: You can fly to Charles-de-Gaulle airport in Paris from where Amiens airport is located.
02. Basel, Switzerland
Schweiz Christmas is synonymous. It is a great festival in Basel. As the best Christmas holiday destination in Europe, a winter vacation must be an absolute necessity. Magical alpine mountains with Christmas-themed markets engulf cities. The most impressive of these are The Münsterplatz Christmas Markets. Around 200 businesses selling Christmas gift items, candles, and toys are also on site.
03. Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast is a perfect Christmas destination in Europe, as the city has a huge amount of activities both indoors as well outdoors. A highlight to be missed in your itinerary should be Titanic Belfast. It's one of the best museums in the UK. It's at the former Harland & Wolff Shipyard where the ship was built the Titanic.
A fascinating museum experience also helps you discover the tragic history of the infamous sailing yacht that was once one of the most famous ships on earth. If you'd like to add a bit to your Belfast bucket list you must go to the Christmas markets.
04. Montreux on Lake Geneva, Switzerland
The Christmas atmosphere in Montreux seems endless. This charming and picturesque town lies in the midst of the Alps and is situated along Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The entire village is transformed into a fairy-tale paradise during Christmas which is home to Switzerlands biggest Christmas market. It has more than 170 exquisitely decorated shops along the lake's promenade and offers various Christmas gifts you will enjoy.
05. Manchester, England
Manchester has many things going on but Christmas brings energy. It became the first UK town to hold an annual Christmas Market. Each year the festival gets bigger with 300 impressive shops.
From jewellery to handicrafts to food items, you can choose from. Must-know experiences: Stay at rooftop bars on city streets and enjoy the views and the foodTemperature in Dec: Temperature from 4 ° C to 8 ° C. A regular flight from there connects the town with many destinations around the world.
06. Zurich, Switzerland
As the biggest Swiss city Zurich has much to offer irrespective of when and where you are. Nevertheless, they are among Europe's best Christmas vacation spots. Exploration of historic Old Town should be top in the list.
There are windy streets lined in cobblestone, a 15th century Renaissance town centre adorned by beautiful church windows and beautiful lakes that can also accommodate boat tours in Zürich. In the coldest days, the dark streets illuminated in darkness make the landscape of this picturesque landscape truly festive and wintery.
07. London, England
Every Day If you want the best city in Europe to celebrate the holidays then come to London. The Christmas decorations were amazing. A Christmas market at Covent Park is great. In the Hyde Park, you can skate ice or ride roller coasters, as well as experience German-style Christmas markets.
The festive seasons in London start in November, all light is turned off, and Christmas Trees are erected around. A spectacular Christmas tree is in Covent Garden at a height of nearly 17 m (55.5 ft).
08. Brussels, Belgium
Find a gift idea for a friend or relative that they like? Visit the largest holiday market in Belgium at Place Flagey. Buy handicraft products and souvenirs from artists who travel from Europe like Spain, Hungary or Germany.
Must-have experience. Adore the huge trees in the Grand Palace, enjoy the heartwarming light shows in the Grand Palace and the Grand Prix in Poisson. Go skating on the Marchés aux Poissons and enjoy the best beef stew in town.
09. Amsterdam
One of our Favorite Places to Spend Christmas in Europe
Christmas is a fun-loving holiday in the Dutch countryside with pop-up Christmas markets and stylish decorations. Tourist plans for the December trip will surely be impressed by the festive atmosphere.
Unlike other European cities where Christmas is celebrated on a long calendar, most of Amsterdam's Christmas markets last just one weekend. The biggest Dutch Christmas markets are located nearby in Haarlem. Unfortunately the event was not there because it happened the weekend after our arrival.
10. Budapest, Hungary
By Kate at Adventurious Kate If it's your Christmas wish you can visit Budapest as the capital city for the holiday. Despite its dynamism, the capital has a lot of activities year-round, Christmas offers much fun. All Christmas markets in Budapest have unique flavours and tastes.
The major market is located in Viörösmarty square. There are many restaurants and craftspeople selling handcrafted products. St Stephen's Basilica provides video-mapping and musical performances that create the perfect setting for your mulled wine.
When Advent is overbuda town has a much more regional vibe. Do not skip a visit to Szentendre, a small arts town, which has its markets.
11. Puerto De La Cruz, Spain (Canary Islands)
Puerto de la Cruz is the most attractive city in the most populated Canaria Islands of Tenerife. The beautiful climate makes Puerto de la Cruz a wonderful place to visit anytime throughout the year.
Despite that it has been an excellent holiday destination. During this time the Puerto de la Cruz town has been thriving all over the year. In Puerto de La Cruz you can experience Christmas in an unusual and tropical environment. Puerto de la Cruz's entire city has Christmas lights decorated, as do all the historic town squares.
12. Edinburgh, Scotland
By Kathryn from the Biker Girl Life. The vibrant European cities offer an ideal place to stay. All shops are adorned with tartans, and the scent of minced pie fills the air. One of the best festive activities is visiting the famous Edinburgh Christmas markets, including Prince Street Gardens.
Please bring an espresso mug to drink the mulled wine. You can reuse the book at any time you want and if you return the deposit you received it. See George Street Ice-Rink.
13. Colmar, France
Colmar is a medieval city on the Alsace coast of France, near Germany. Christmas shopping is an amazing experience. Five Christmas markets are available at Colmar. These are Place des Dominicains, Place des clermonts, Place Jeanned d'Arc, Place de la Chancienne Douana, and Petit Venis. These stores offer several products that range from ornaments for Christmas trees, sweet figurines and accessories for keeping your heart warm.
14. Stuttgart, Germany
Germans celebrate their holidays throughout the United States with Christmas traditions. There aren't many places to celebrate the Black Forest. Stuttgart in particular hosts a major Christmas market in Germany. With over a hundred small cabins, the region has everything Christmas themed.
Take a look at food, ornaments, hot chocolates, or even Christmas themed items. Besides that, there are lots of activities available for children including a large ferris wheel. It is cold and it gets cold, so get some good rest before you travel.
15. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
One of Europes smallest cities, Luxemburg is as if it is becoming a big market on Christmas Eve. Everywhere you look - lights, restaurants, craft vendors and musicians merge into one. Every square inch in Luxembourg's historical centre has become crowded with happy memories.
Christmas markets in Luxembourg City are heavily influenced by neighboring towns and cities. You'll find foods, ornaments, and craft commonly associated with Belgium and France.
16. Madeira, Portugal
The images provided here are for those who plan on spending Christmas in Europe to enjoy a good entertainment and entertainment, and should visit Madeira. The moment the Funchal street lights turn to a festive mood everyone becomes a major part of the cultural arts, cultural and religious programme, that is perhaps the most unusual Christmas celebration in Europe. Experiences you must have: firework show, 12th Night celebration, traditional Christmas Carol shows accompanied by local musical performances, funchal road races.
17. Zagreb
One of the Best European Christmas Destinations
Zagrebach Christmas festivals voted for the most spectacular Christmas of all time for 3 consecutive years (2016, 2017 & 2018 respectively). Zagreb is an annual festival as grand and varied... but also less popular.
Our trip included visiting the Christmas festival at night and visiting the Zagrob Day Market... and every night we discovered something new and exciting. The festive market is spread across the entire town in a variety of places including streets and Zagreb park occupied by the festival of Advent.
18. Paris
One of the Most Ideal Europe Destinations in December
Paris always looks great... even on holidays. The light-filled city has a particularly beautiful atmosphere. Christmas markets have taken place throughout Paris in squared areas, the largest Christmas market is located in the Jardin Tuileries close to the Louvre museums.
Aside from 150 chalets in Switzerland that offer trinkets and items, the market also boasts a snowshoe park and carnival rides. The Christmas spirit can be seen in Paris. The city shopping streets (including rue Montorgueil) offer festive decor and stores specialize in traditional French Christmas foods.
19. Salzburg, Austria
Considerated a world heritage site for the Christmas markets of the past, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is recognized as a site with ancient cultural heritage and tradition. Since the 15th century Salzburg is considered a historic town in the tradition of the Germans.
Must-have activities: Drinking Glühwein and eating Lebkuchen will be a must, enjoy skiing in the Alpine mountains, shopping in the famous Salzburg Christmasmarkets, attend Perchteläufe Alpine Heritage Festival.
20. Strasbourg France
The city centre on the Rhine has some spectacular views. It's the place you expect a Christmas card or postcard. Imagining half timber houses with strategically located Christmas decorations. And there's often a white Christmas for people who are into something we like. Strasbourg has also been noted for the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
A Gothic structure used to place the annual Christmas markets. There you can always find local delights and festive sweets. Like any holiday market throughout Europe there will be shops selling ornamental handcrafted gifts or souvenirs to sell.
21. Ljubljana
One of the Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Europe
Ljubljana is an excellent location! Sadly we didn’t visit Slovenia during December’s Christmas in Ljubljana. Ljubljana Festive Fair will take place on 6 city squares and will also be illuminated by lights around all city centers.
A few hours of shopping are also offered on the streets, with musical performances, a Christmas parade and fireworks being on display. Explore the sights of Ljubljana on the 17th day of Ljubljana history.
22. Venice, Italy
Venice has no large Christmas markets or elaborate decorations but nothing magical. The crowds do not get as much pressure during summer, and you can see the city differently. Because of its location near the Sea, the area can be kept away from becoming chilly, so wear your Christmas sweater with comfort, and don't need to wear snowwear.
23. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Unlike other European countries the Dutch Christmas celebrations began just last September. Located within the museum's main meeting area, the main area of the museum becomes the magical Christmas village where people are able to enjoy the best Christmas markets. Amsterdam is indeed among the best places to stay in Europe.
24. Vienna, Austria
The city of Vienna becomes winter wonderland in December. Emma said the city is a perfect winter destination. Vienna's beautiful architecture and cozy Christmas shops are ideal places to get in the Christmas spirit. The best way to experience Christmas is to visit Vienna's Christmas marketplace.
From November onward Vienna is fully transformed with Christmas decorations and shops in every area. It's important for people to visit Karlzplatz or Rathausplatz for shopping. There are many Christmas-themed treats on these markets as well as handmade Christmas treats.
25. Paris, France
Esther from Dreaming Paris With beautifully decorated street scenes and department stores Christmas lights decorate almost everything around the city, Paris carries out his name of Light City. It's a perfect holiday destination in Europe. Paris at Christmas is an ideal time for a visit.
With the admiration of the Christmas lights from the gorgeous Champs Elyse, featuring almost a million lights from more than 400 trees, Place Vendôme, and Avenue Montaigne the picturesque Bercy village is always reminded.
26. KRAKOW, POLAND
It's an incredible place to live! Krakow has become a popular destination for visitors throughout the year thanks to its historical sites. The central part of the historic city of Krakow has the market square of the 13th century which serves as the location of the Krakauer Christmas market.
27. Stockholm, Sweden
By Allison of Eternal Arrivals. A great holiday destination Sweden has to offer. All year round, this magical Nordic city is wonderful, though it is particularly enjoyable during Winters. In Stockholm you will find a variety of Christmas activities.
Stockholm also holds its own Christmas markets like many other European cities, the biggest and more traditional of the ones located at Gamla Stan the old city. Are there other Christmas presents available at the markets? Head to the Sodermalms trendy district with many lovely boutiques in Scandinavian fashion.
28. Vienna
One of the Top Christmas Destinations in Europe
The Vienna Christmas market was a period from the Middle Ages when residents hosted the First December market. All of Vienna's streets are decorated with festive lights during the winter months, as well as Christmas fairylands. Discover Vienna on an Austrian Xmas tour! The Christmas Market in Vienna was one of our last places to visit.
Where is best Christmas in Europe?
Copenhagen is one of Europes finest holiday destinations. The Winter Wonderland has magical Christmas lights and Christmas tree and Christmas markets that provide the ideal winter vacation.
Is it a good idea to go to Europe for Christmas?
December is an excellent time to travel to Europe to see the winter wonderlands. The average temperatures for December hover around 0 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius. With the extremely cold temperatures in Europe we need to get prepared to get colder.
What is the most Christmassy town in Europe?
Rovaniemi, Finland. The Rovaniemi area - officially dubbed the Santa Claus home - is difficult if not impossible. The largest town center in Finland's Lapland Rovaniemi is most famous for its spectacular Santa Claus Village amusement park featuring Santa himself (yes, the real Santa).
Where is the most Christmassy place in Europe?
Berlin is officially crowned the most beautiful holiday town on the globe. There is no such thing as a "fake" when it comes to Christmas markets. The first holiday markets date back to 1530.
What is the most magical Christmas town in Europe?
Austria. Wien's Christmas markets have traditionally been called the magical town. Tourists and couples looking for the romantic holiday go all year around. Many trips include a delicious meal at the traditional Christmas markets as well as a variety of musical performances.
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