If you imagine Christmas as twinkling lights, cobblestone streets, steaming cups of mulled wine and storybook town squares, Europe is basically the ultimate holiday backdrop.
From grand imperial capitals to medieval old towns, the continent turns into a patchwork of Christmas markets, concerts and candlelit evenings all through December.
Whether youâre planning a romantic escape, a family trip, or a Christmas market marathon, here are the best places to celebrate Christmas in Europe in 2025.
Vienna, Austria â Imperial Christmas magic
Vienna is one of the most iconic cities in Europe for Christmas.
Its Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages, when Duke Albrecht I granted the right to hold a December market in 1296.
The modern Vienna Christmas Market on Rathausplatz has been held since the 1970s and is now one of Europeâs largest and most elaborate festive events, with a giant tree, light installations and an ice rink set in front of City Hall.
Why go at Christmas:
- In 2025, the Rathausplatz market runs roughly from November 14 to December 26, open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (shorter hours on December 24).
- More than 20 official Advent markets pop up around the city, from Schönbrunn Palace to Belvedere and Stephansplatz.
- Classic music lovers can add a Christmas concert or opera performance to complete the imperial mood.
Strasbourg, France â Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg doesnât just âdoâ Christmas. It markets itself proudly as âStrasbourg, Capital of Christmasâ, and it actually lives up to the title.
The city hosts Franceâs oldest Christmas market, the ChristkindelsmĂ€rik, which dates back to 1570.
Why itâs special:
- For 2025, Strasbourgâs official Christmas celebration runs from November 26 to December 24, transforming every square into a festive scene.
- Over 300 chalets are spread through the historic center, especially around Strasbourg Cathedral and Place KlĂ©ber, home to the cityâs giant tree.
- Expect traditional Alsatian bredele cookies, vin chaud, half-timbered houses wrapped in garlands, and narrow streets glowing with lights.
Strasbourg is ideal if you want an atmospheric, walkable city that feels like a Christmas movie set.
Budapest, Hungary â Festive & surprisingly affordable
Budapest is frequently listed among Europeâs most inexpensive cities for Christmas breaks, with budget-friendly hotels and great street food compared to Western Europe.
The star of the season is the Advent Basilica Christmas Market at St. Stephenâs Square, repeatedly voted one of Europeâs most beautiful Christmas markets.
It runs in 2025 from November 14 to January 1, with 3D light shows projected onto the basilica, an ice rink for kids, and street food stands.
Christmas highlights in Budapest:
- Basilica Christmas Market at St. Stephenâs Square
- Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair, the cityâs classic central market
- Thermal baths like Széchenyi or Gellért for steamy winter evenings
- Danube river cruises to see the city illuminated
If you want a festive atmosphere without premium price tags, Budapest is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Europe.
Prague, Czech Republic â Fairytale winter city
Pragueâs Gothic towers, baroque facades and medieval lanes already feel magical year-round.
Add snow, a towering Christmas tree and carols echoing across the Old Town Square, and the city becomes pure winter fantasy.
Why Prague is perfect for Christmas:
- The Old Town Square Christmas Market and the market on Wenceslas Square are among Europeâs most famous, often featured in Christmas market rankings.
- Local stalls sell trdelnĂk (chimney cake), mulled wine, sausages and handicrafts beneath the Astronomical Clock.
- A walk over Charles Bridge to Prague Castle at dusk gives unbeatable views over the lights of the city.
Prague is great for couples or friends wanting a romantic and highly photogenic Christmas city break.
Cologne, Germany â Cathedral Christmas classic
Germany practically invented the Christmas market tradition, and Cologne is one of the best places to experience it.
What makes Cologne stand out:
- The main Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral sits under the twin spires of the Dom, with around 150 stalls arranged around a huge lit tree.
- Other themed markets, like the Harbor market and ones in local neighborhoods, let you market-hop your way through the city all weekend.
- Traditional German treats include bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, lebkuchen (gingerbread), and plenty of GlĂŒhwein.
Cologne is ideal for travelers who want a mix of big-city buzz and classic German Christmas atmosphere.
Tallinn, Estonia â Storybook Old Town in the snow
If youâre chasing a more off-the-radar Christmas in Europe, Tallinn is an excellent pick.
Its compact, UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of Europeâs best-preserved medieval centers, and the Christmas market on Town Hall Square consistently lands in âmost magical Christmas marketsâ lists.
Why Tallinn is worth the trip:
- The central Christmas tree tradition here dates back to the 15th century, with Tallinn claiming one of the first decorated public trees in Europe.
- Youâll find local handicrafts, woolen goods, Estonian pastries and hot drinks in a more intimate setting than some of the mega-markets elsewhere.
- Snow is much more likely here than in many Western destinations, which helps if youâre chasing that âwhite Christmasâ mood.
Tips for choosing where to celebrate Christmas in Europe
When youâre deciding between the best places to celebrate Christmas in Europe, think about:
- Budget: Eastern and Central Europe (Budapest, Prague) are often cheaper than Paris or Zurich.
- Atmosphere: Strasbourg and Vienna are perfect if you want full fairy-tale overload with historic markets.
- Weather: Southern destinations like Lisbon or Madrid are milder, while Tallinn and central Europe are colder, with a higher chance of snow.
- Crowds: Visit midweek if you can, and travel earlier in December to avoid the heaviest Christmas and New Year traffic.
Turn your European Christmas into a gift: Getaway in Europe by Wonderbox
If youâd rather wrap the whole idea of a European Christmas trip into one elegant present, the Getaway in Europe experience gift from Wonderbox does exactly that.
đ What is âGetaway in Europeâ?
- A Travel & Stay experience gift
- 3 nights in carefully selected 3 & 4 hotels** for 2 people
- Valid in iconic European cities like Milan, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, and many more
- Online booking with a prepaid voucher: the recipient chooses their destination, hotel and dates directly online
Inside the physical Wonderbox Experience Gift Box, theyâll find:
- Access to a curated selection of European hotel experiences
- A prepaid voucher to redeem their favorite stay
- A notebook to keep memories of their unforgettable European getaway
âš How it works
- You select the Getaway in Europe experience gift.
- The recipient chooses their favorite hotel and city from the selection.
- They book online and go enjoy a 3-night stay in Europe.
â Validity & flexibility
- 5 years validity, so they can plan the perfect Christmas or off-season escape.
- Free exchanges & extensions: if they change their mind or want another experience, they can swap or extend their gift easily and at no extra cost.
đ About Wonderbox
Wonderbox is a US-based company offering more than 5,000 experiences across the US and beyond, with a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot. Their gifts focus on experiences instead of material objects, making them ideal for birthdays, weddings, Christmas, Valentineâs Day, graduations, and more.
With Wonderbox, you can gift:
- Travel experiences (New York, Las Vegas, National Parks, Hawaii, Paris, beach staysâŠ)
- Food experiences (restaurant vouchers at well-known chains and local gems)
- Iconic attractions (Empire State Building, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Niagara Falls helicopter toursâŠ)
- Wellness experiences (massages, spa access via Spa Finder)
- Adventure experiences (Ferrari driving, freefall, helicopter flights)
- Movie theatre packages (AMC bundles and more)
So if youâre searching for a unique way to celebrate Christmas in Europe or to surprise someone with a European city break, Getaway in Europe is the perfect, ready-to-gift option: three nights, one box, and endless holiday memories waiting to happen.
