Top 9 Best Places in Europe for Christmas

Strasbourg offers one of Europe’s best Christmas experiences. This UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a fairy tale town as its colourful half-timbered houses light up with festive winter lights, providing a magical backdrop.

Alsace offers many charming Christmas markets such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Thann. Come experience these intimate markets for an extra festive experience and find that special something.

Greenland

Greenland may boast snowcapped peaks and medieval towns, as well as one-of-a-kind experiences like dog sledding or watching northern lights shows; however, what sets it apart from other top-10 destinations is its connection with nature – making Christmas in Greenland truly magical.

Nuremberg is one of Europe’s must-visit Christmas markets, drawing 2 million visitors every year to its Hauptmarkt and being welcomed by an adorable blonde-locked Christkind. Here visitors can shop candy-striped stalls offering Zwetschgenmannle (apricot-glazed gingerbread) and Rauschgold angels made of brass foil; or get something more satisfying such as Lebkuchen (spice cookies in the shape of hearts, stars and reindeers), gluhwein or take a sleigh ride up to this fairy-tale city’s Gothic church and find yourself an unforgettable Christmas experience!

Lapland

Lapland offers incredible natural spectacles such as the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, along with Sami culture and traditions, such as dog-sledding, visiting Santa Claus, skiing and other fun festive activities. Regardless of whether you visit Norway, Sweden or Finland for your visit to Lapland, its sights include stunning natural beauties such as the Northern Lights. It also hosts various fun festive activities including dog sledding, visiting Santa Claus and skiing for unforgettable holiday experiences!

Rovaniemi is home to Santa Claus Village where you can meet his jolly self! There’s an Elf Academy where aspiring elves are welcome, Mrs Gingerbread bakery, elf workshops and hotel. Also visit Reindeer Farm and Husky Rides as well as Ice Hotel which is created from snow and ice each year and rebuilt every time someone visits!

Iceland

Iceland, often called “The Land of Fire and Ice”, offers nature lovers a paradise-like setting for exploration. Vast expanses of lava fields, glaciers, and fjords dot its stunning terrain.

At Thingvellir National Park, explore the massive cracks created when two tectonic plates separate. This rift valley boasts several natural geological wonders like Geysir and Oxararfoss Falls that offer magnificent geological displays.

An exceptional sustainable village, this community was designed around Christian teachings and Rudolf Steiner’s ideas on philosophy. Visit its quaint cafe for delicious organic meals, take a boat tour to spot whales and seals (not forgetting adorable puffins!), witnessing the Northern Lights between September and March – they really can make for an incredible spectacle!

Vienna

Vienna is known for its palaces and horse-drawn carriages, making it the epitome of fantasy – which becomes evident during Christmas when markets spring up everywhere. Check out the glittery one in front of the Neo-Gothic Rathaus or its romantic counterpart in Biedermeier lanes of Spittelberg to experience this wonderous city’s magic first-hand! Both markets boast tree-topped rotundas with choirs performing festive carols alongside tree-top stalls selling high quality crafts along with nutscrackers, felt figurines and even Germany’s delectable Christstollen – no matter which market you visit!

Milan takes Christmas celebrations to another level by hosting Oh Bej!, held annually in Renaissance Castello Sforzesco. This attraction includes a Weihnachtpyramide covered with Nativity scenes and fantasy carousel plus food stalls offering potato pancakes, grilled sausages and Baumstriezel.

Strasbourg France

Strasbourg is well-known for its amazing Christmas Markets and stunning cathedral. Additionally, the city decorates its streets lavishly, creating a truly wonderful spectacle!

Start your tour at Place Kleber Market, famous for its giant 30-meter tree and 85+ stalls – it is considered one of Europe’s most festive markets!

Head next door to Place Gutenberg, named for Johannes Gutenberg who introduced movable type printing presses into Berlin. Here you’ll find an inviting square with several shops and an old-school carousel for children; plus plenty of stalls selling vin chaud, an exquisitely delicious mulled wine that offers less sweetness than its counterpart, Germany’s gluhwein.

Ireland

Explore festive Christmas markets festooned with twinkling lights or snow-dusted landscapes by reindeer sleigh. Sample local cuisine while sipping on warm mulled wine while taking in breathtaking sights.

Strasbourg, a UNESCO world heritage city, is an alluring tourist destination all year-round, but at Christmas it truly sparkles – earning itself the title “Capital of Christmas”. Wander the cobbled streets and gaze upon half-timbered homes decorated with festive lights.

Visit Berlin’s Winter Lights Festival or Gendarmenmarkt Square’s artistic Christmas market for an updated Christmas experience, or head over to Belgium where UNESCO-protected medieval centers shine bright with festive lights and music.

Northern Italy

The Alps come alive with festive markets in snowy mountain towns, while medieval cities and enchanting chateaux host charming affairs. This region’s mix of cultures can be seen through its cuisine, traditions, and culture.

Basel, Switzerland’s progressive arts-lover’s haven, comes alive with festive cheer as traditional markets set up on Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz – welcoming fantasy carousels, Weihnachtpyramides and festively decorated stalls offering decorations, gifts and handicrafts to bring a festive atmosphere into its streets and squares.

Prague’s Christmas markets consistently rank at the top of lists of Europe and beyond, but Salzburg stands out even more due to its castle-topped cityscape and magical Christmas market experience.

Estonia

Estonia may be one of the smaller Baltic nations, yet its Old Town stands out as an icon from fairytale. Travel beyond Tallinn for scenic countryside drives and lush forests that provide spiritual sustenance.

Toompea Church stands as one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, its 159-meter tower one of Europe’s tallest structures and its Gothic architecture an impressive sight to behold.

Rakvere in northern Estonia has transformed into a medieval theme park where costumed visitors explore castle grounds while watching knights polish their armor or alchemists concoct potions. Tartu also provides visitors with a must-see destination, boasting both an unforgettable Toy Museum and Science Centre that show kids that learning can be fun!

Alsace France

Alsace, the land that unites French and German cultures, is a delightful destination. Explore charming cobblestone streets paved with brightly painted steep-roof half-timbered houses lining picturesque villages – each color marking the type of business housed therein such as bakeries one color, butchers another, shoemakers yet another! Historically each town house was painted to indicate what kind of business resided inside such as bakeries one shade, butchers another, shoemakers another and so forth.

Wander the winding cobblestone lanes of Eguisheim for an enchanting atmosphere and stop by Cordeliers Chapel to marvel at Marc Chagall’s captivating stained-glass window, or hike to the summit of Mont Sainte-Odile to take advantage of breathtaking panoramic views over vineyards and villages that appear like something out of a fairy tale!