If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, medieval streets, steaming cups of mulled wine, and actual festive atmosphere instead of a sad mall playlist, Europe at Christmastime is where you go.
From historic town squares to grand boulevards, the continent turns into one big, glowing holiday postcard.
Here’s a curated list of the best European cities to visit during Christmastime, with a mix of history, iconic Christmas markets, and must-see sights in each destination!
1. Vienna, Austria – Imperial Christmas Dream
Vienna has been doing Christmas for a very long time.
The city’s Advent markets trace their roots back to the Middle Ages, when Duke Albrecht I allowed a December market in 1296, considered a forerunner of today’s events.
Christmas markets
The star of the show is the Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, also called Wiener Christkindlmarkt, in front of the stunning City Hall.
The market in its current form has been around for roughly 180 years and today combines more than 100 stalls, a giant tree, light installations, and an ice-skating rink weaving through the park.
You’ll find hand-blown ornaments, wooden toys, gingerbread, and enough punch (mulled wine’s stronger cousin) to keep you warm all night.
What to see:
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the historic center
- The Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace, both usually dressed in lights and often hosting smaller Christmas markets
- A classical concert or opera evening for full “imperial winter” fantasy
2. Strasbourg, France – The “Capital of Christmas”
If you want peak Christmas, Strasbourg is basically the mothership. Its Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the oldest in Europe.
Christmas markets
Strasbourg proudly brands itself “Capital of Christmas”, with markets spread across the historic Grande Île.
Don’t miss:
- The main market at Place Broglie and around Strasbourg Cathedral
- The huge Christmas tree on Place Kléber
- Alternative markets like the OFF market at Place Grimmeisen, with eco-conscious design and creative stalls.
Expect half-timbered houses covered in garlands, angels and stars strung across the streets, and stalls selling Alsatian specialties like bredele (Christmas cookies) and vin chaud.
What to see
- Strasbourg Cathedral and the view from the platform
- A walk through La Petite France, the postcard-perfect historic district
- Boat cruise on the Ill River to see the city lights from the water
3. Prague, Czech Republic – Fairytale Gothic Christmas
Prague already looks like a fairytale on a random Tuesday in March.
Add snow and Christmas lights and it becomes almost unreal.
Christmas markets
The Old Town Square Christmas Market is the most famous, with a huge tree, wooden stalls, and daily performances.
The official city site highlights local hand-made products, nativity scenes, and plenty of food: roasted chestnuts, sausages, gingerbread, mulled wine, and sweet pastries.
A second market on Wenceslas Square offers similar food and crafts but is usually slightly less crowded.
What to see
- Astronomical Clock and the medieval streets around Old Town
- Charles Bridge at sunrise or after dark with the castle lit up
- Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral for sweeping winter views over the city
4. Cologne, Germany – Cathedral & Classic German Christmas Spirit
Cologne is a heavyweight when it comes to Christmas markets.
The city hosts several, each with its own theme, but the most iconic sits right under the Gothic towers of Cologne Cathedral.
Christmas markets
The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom) features around 150 stands clustered around a giant Christmas tree at Roncalliplatz.
Beyond the cathedral market, Cologne runs multiple themed markets, including a “Harbor” market and more local neighborhood markets, making it easy to create a whole weekend of market-hopping.
What to see
- Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO site and one of Germany’s most visited landmarks
- The Rhine riverfront for winter walks and boat cruises
- The Belgian Quarter and Old Town for cafés, breweries, and cozy pubs
5. Budapest, Hungary – Basilica Lights & Danube Nights
Budapest is a fantastic value winter destination, with serious holiday atmosphere and prices that are still friendlier than many Western European capitals.
Christmas markets
The most famous is the Advent Basilica Market at St. Stephen’s Square, right in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
It’s been voted Europe’s best Christmas market multiple times and returns from mid-November to January 1, with daily programs, street food, and a light show projected across the basilica’s façade.
You’ll find Hungarian dishes like goulash soup, lángos (fried dough with toppings), chimney cakes, and plenty of mulled wine.
What to see
- Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion for incredible winter views over the Danube
- Széchenyi or Gellért thermal baths to warm up in steaming outdoor pools
- Night cruise on the Danube to see Parliament and bridges lit up
6. Copenhagen, Denmark – Hygge & Christmas in Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen at Christmas is all about hygge: warmth, candlelight, and cozy moments while it’s freezing outside.
Christmas markets
The heart of it all is Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.
Tivoli transforms into a full Christmas fairytale with thousands of lights, decorated trees, market stalls, themed rides, and an ice-skating rink in front of the concert hall.
The 2025 Christmas season in Tivoli runs roughly from mid-November to early January, making it ideal for both pre-Christmas trips and New Year escapes.
What to see
- Nyhavn, the iconic colorful harbor, lit with decorations and lined with bars and cafés
- The Strøget shopping street and side lanes for smaller markets and design shops
- Waterfront walks to see the Opera House and city skyline in winter light
7. Tallinn, Estonia – Medieval Old Town Magic
Tallinn’s compact, UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe, which automatically gives its Christmas market insane atmosphere.
Guides consistently rank it among Europe’s most magical festive destinations, especially thanks to its historic town square tree and live performances.
Christmas market
The main Tallinn Christmas Market takes place in Town Hall Square, surrounded by merchant houses and cobbled streets.
Expect Estonian crafts, woolen goods, local honey, and hearty winter dishes.
What to see
- Town Hall Square and the Gothic Town Hall tower
- Narrow streets like Pikk and Vene, ideal for wandering under snowflakes
- Toompea Hill viewpoints for snowy city panoramas
How to Plan a European Christmas Trip
To make the most of these European Christmas destinations:
- Book early: Popular markets like Vienna, Strasbourg, and Cologne attract millions of visitors and hotels fill up fast.
- Layer up: December in Europe is cold, often wet, and sometimes snowy. Warm shoes and gloves are non-negotiable if you want to survive those long mulled-wine sessions.
- Travel mid-week if possible: Weekends are crowded; weekday evenings are usually calmer but still festive.
- Mix markets and culture: Pair market visits with museums, churches, river cruises, and concerts so your trip isn’t just shopping and snacking (even if that’s tempting).
If you want Christmas that actually feels like Christmas, these are the best European cities to visit during Christmastime.
Pick one, or string a few together into a glittering December itinerary. J
Just don’t blame me when you come back ruined for normal malls forever!
