Where to visit in Europe at Christmas?

Top European Christmas destinations for 2026 include the magical markets of Strasbourg and Colmar (France), the fairy-tale settings of Vienna (Austria), and the cozy, snowy streets of Tallinn (Estonia). For classic German traditions, visit Nuremberg or Cologne, while festive, warmer options include Tenerife, Madeira, or Malta.

Where is the best place in Europe to spend Christmas?

You'll see destinations like Vienna, Strasbourg, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Gdańsk — each with its own way of celebrating the holidays. Whether you love Christmas markets, peaceful old towns, or just that winter atmosphere, these are the towns you'll want to add to your 2025 travel list.

Where is hot and cheap at Christmas in Europe?

If you want winter sun in Europe in December, your best bet is either Madeira or the Canary Islands. You can find warm temperatures and sunshine in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and Malta, but fine weather isn't guaranteed. Morocco is also an excellent option, only three hours flying time from the UK.

Where is Magical at Christmas in Europe?

These aren't just famous Christmas destinations; some are small villages and alpine towns that look incredible when the snow arrives. You'll see spots like Lauterbrunnen, Salzburg, Lucerne, Saalbach, and a few lesser-known places that are perfect for a December or January trip.

What is the most Christmassy town in Europe?

1. Berlin, Germany. It's official – Berlin takes first prize as the most festive city to celebrate the holidays in Europe. This city is no stranger to Christmas markets, with the city's first Christmas market dating back to 1530.

Best destinations in EUROPE AT CHRISTMAS

What are the top 10 destinations for Christmas?

The 10 best places to spend Christmas in the UK

• Whitby, North Yorkshire. In North Yorkshire, Whitby transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. ...
• Conwy, North Wales. ...
• Edinburgh, Scotland. ...
• Mousehole, Cornwall. ...
• Llandudno, North Wales. ...
• Nottingham. ...
• Scarborough, North Yorkshire. ...
• Swanage, Dorset.

Is it worth going to Europe during Christmas?

Winter in Europe is truly magical with its romantic lights, snowy adventures, warm festive food, and fewer crowds. Be it magical walks down the Christmas markets or skiing in the Alps, winter is definitely one of those few times when one can see some real beauty in Europe.

Is Portugal hot in December?

In December, Portugal experiences mild winter weather with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). The weather can vary depending on the region, with coastal areas and southern regions being generally warmer than the northern parts of the country.

Where should I go in December in Europe?

The Best Winter Destinations in Europe

• Zermatt, Switzerland. The falling snow was mesmerizing as I sat by the window, overlooking the quiet town below. ...
• Strasbourg, France. ...
• The Austrian Alps. ...
• Lake Como, Italy. ...
• Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany. ...
• Translyvania, Romania. ...
• Iceland. ...
• Maastricht, The Netherlands.

What are the top 5 Christmas markets in Europe?

Europe's top Christmas markets often include Germany's festive staples like Cologne (Cathedral) and Berlin (Gendarmenmarkt), France's enchanting Strasbourg and Colmar, Austria's grand Vienna (Rathausplatz), the fairytale setting of Prague's Old Town, and Belgium's sprawling Brussels (Winter Wonders), each offering unique charm, crafts, lights, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and pastries.
 

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

15 Most Enchanting Christmas Towns Around the World

• Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)
• Leavenworth, Washington, USA.
• Colmar, France.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
• Strasbourg, France.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• McAdenville, North Carolina, USA ("Christmas Town USA")
• Bruges, Belgium.

What is the Capital of Christmas in Europe?

Christmas, like nowhere else

"Strasbourg, capital of Christmas" is exceptionally renowned. Every year, close to two million visitors flock to the Alsatian capital to experience its enchanting market. For over a month, Strasbourg is imbued with a festive, spiritual ambiance with few parallels anywhere else in Europe.

Where do single people go for Christmas?

Our Christmas & New Year trips

• Amsterdam Light Festival & Christmas Markets. ...
• Berlin, Germany & Poznan, Poland Christmas Markets. ...
• China & the Harbin Ice Festival. ...
• Christmas in Alsace, France. ...
• Christmas in Tuscany, Italy. ...
• Christmas in Venice, Italy. ...
• Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise. ...
• Dublin Christmas Markets, Ireland.

Which city is the most beautiful in Christmas?

Vienna, Austria

Whenever it's about planning a trip during Christmas, the destination that ranks first is Europe. Entire Europe glows with the beauty of Christmas vibes, especially cities like Vienna. A soul of classical Christmas magic, where tradition and history blend seamlessly; Vienna never fails to mesmerize.

What is the warmest city in Europe for Christmas?

Seville, Spain

Seville is officially the warmest city year-round in continental Europe, and winter is a great time to visit. Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Andalusia this winter. Seville, boasting 16-21°C winter temperatures, is ideal for exploring its rich architectural heritage.

Can you sunbathe in Portugal in December?

December-February

The cooler months can still be some of the best months to visit Portugal, particularly the southern parts of the country, with Portugal's weather averaging 16°C. This makes it the ideal place to catch some winter sun, though perhaps not if sunbathing is on your agenda.

Which is warmer in December, Spain or Portugal?

Where Is Hot In December In Europe? By Country

• Spain: The Canaries and Costa del Sol (16°C–24°C) ...
• Portugal: Madeira and the Algarve (19°C–20°C) ...
• Cyprus (17°C–19°C) ...
• Malta (16°C–17°C) ...
• Greece (16°C–18°C) ...
• Italy: The Beautiful South (15°C–17°C) ...
• France: The French Riviera (13°C–16°C)

What is the cheapest European country to visit at Christmas?

On a Budget? Here Are the Best European Cities to Visit in Winter

• Budapest, Hungary. If you're not afraid of a little cold, then Budapest is one of the best European cities to visit in winter. ...
• Valletta, Malta. ...
• Jasná, Slovakia. ...
• Lisbon, Portugal. ...
• London, UK.

Should I go to Italy for Christmas?

What is the best city in Italy for Christmas? If you're seeking a traditional Christmas experience, you'll enjoy cities like Rome. Winter sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Dolomites and the Alps. If you prefer a milder climate with festive charm, consider southern cities like Naples.

Where is the most magical place to go at Christmas?

The most magical Christmas spots often blend snow, lights, and unique traditions, with Rovaniemi, Finland (Lapland) topping lists for its authentic Santa Claus Village, Northern Lights, and reindeer sleigh rides. Other top contenders include New York City for iconic big-city festive displays, Colmar, France for storybook charm, Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens for fairy-tale amusement, and even warm-weather options like Hong Kong or Disney World for unique holiday spectacles, but snowy Lapland often embodies pure, classic Christmas magic.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Europe?

Here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2025 that you shouldn't miss.

• Berlin, Germany – Christmas Magic at the Gendarmenmarkt. ...
• Paris, France – Marché de Noël de La Défense. ...
• Cologne, Germany – Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral. ...
• Vienna, Austria – Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz.

What is the prettiest place for Christmas?

Some of the best destinations to visit at Christmas include the twinkling Rockefeller Center in New York, the festive fun of Santa's Village in Chicago, and the historic charm of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. For a warm holiday, you can soak up the winter sun and relax on the white sand beaches of Key West, Florida.