Stroll around historic Christmas markets draped in twinkling lights. Breathe crisp Arctic air as you explore snow-dusted landscapes by reindeer sleigh or snowmobile. Savour festive treats like warm mulled wine, indulgent panettone and roasted chestnuts. You can do all of this and so much more in Europe at Christmastime.
Uncover 13 of the best places in Europe for Christmas. You’ll learn about local traditions, find out where to go for the promise of snow, and discover the cities with the most magical markets.
- Get inspired by these Christmas tours in Europe
1. Iceland
Best for: The northern lights, otherworldly scenery and stand-out traditions.
Iceland has some of the most unusual Christmas customs in Europe. One you can join in with while you’re visiting is Jólabókaflóð (the “Christmas book flood”). And instead of meeting Santa Claus, you could encounter some of the 13 Yule Lads.
These gangly, elf-like characters are the sons of a troll named Grýla. According to legend, they come down from the mountains in the run-up to Christmas to cause mischief. Nowadays, though, they’re cast more as friendly gift-givers than troublemakers.
Plus, let’s not forget Jólakötturinn (the “Christmas Cat” or “Yule Cat”). This giant cat is Grýla’s pet and is rumoured to gobble up anyone who doesn’t get new clothes for Christmas.
Along with these quirky characters, the locals also embrace classic Christmas traditions like carolling. And throughout Advent, the capital city of Reykjavík sparkles in the glow of fairy lights.
If it’s frosted scenery you’re after, leave the city behind to marvel at turquoise glacier lagoons, frozen waterfalls and mighty volcanoes. Explore the Golden Circle on a day trip from Reykjavík to see natural wonders, including Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park.
However you decide to spend your days, come evening, you could unwind at a geothermal spa like the Blue Lagoon or Forest Lagoon.
- Celebrate the Nordic way on a Christmas trip to Iceland
- Related: Top things to do in Iceland in winter
2. Lapland
Best for: Chasing the aurora and a guaranteed white Christmas.
Few places are more Christmassy than Lapland. In this winter wonderland, you can meet Santa Claus, chase the northern lights, and fall asleep under the stars in a glass igloo.
For the ultimate dose of festive spirit, head to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Complete with Santa’s workshop and official post office, it’s a must for kids of all ages. You can also visit a traditional market, try local delicacies, and pick up some gifts made by the elves.
Top tip: Rovaniemi is popular at Christmas, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance. Or consider travelling outside the festive season – anytime between December and March feels Christmassy in Rovaniemi. Alternatively, head for Swedish Lapland instead. Here, you’ll find the world’s first ice hotel and the Aurora Sky Station.
Lapland is also home to expansive forests that become dazzling snowscapes in winter. For an adrenaline-fuelled Yuletide, why not explore them by sled or snowmobile? Then, return to your cabin or hotel after a thrilling day in the snow to warm yourself by the fire.
But don’t fall asleep just yet! Lapland’s position in the Arctic Circle means it’s one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights. Venture out again on a clear night, and you could be treated to a mesmerising display of the aurora borealis.
- Visit Santa on a Lapland Christmas tour package
- Related: Your complete guide to Christmas in Lapland
3. Scotland
Best for: Lively celebrations, Highland retreats and fiery whisky.
Scotland is renowned for its Highland castles, whisky distilleries and moody lochs. Not to mention, its sleepy fishing villages and historic cities. Visit around Christmas for postcard-perfect scenes in Edinburgh.
While snowfall is unpredictable in the Scottish capital, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had. Wrap up warm and amble through the bustling Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens, or check out the light show at the Royal Botanic Garden.
Discover cosy corners that inspired the Harry Potter books when you wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town. And for a special treat, indulge in an afternoon tea complete with sweet mince pies at Edinburgh Castle.
Stick around for Hogmanay, Scottish New Year, to experience other seasonal traditions. Stonehaven’s parade of whirling fireballs is a strong contender for the most jaw-dropping. Or, head to the Scottish Borders, where you can listen to bagpipes at the lighting of the Biggar Bonfire.
Wherever you decide to go at Christmas or New Year, you’ll have a memorable festive season in Scotland.
- Soak up the best of Edinburgh in winter with a Scottish Christmas tour
- Related: How to celebrate Christmas in Scotland
4. Scandinavia
Best for: Frozen fjords, Viking heritage and moreish cinnamon buns.
In Northern Europe, the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway make up the region known as Scandinavia. Whether you visit just one of these nations or tour all 3, they’re the perfect setting for a Christmas trip.
The Danish capital of Copenhagen is one of the best European cities for Christmas with the kids. The whole family can enjoy vintage-inspired fairground rides surrounded by 1,000 Christmas trees at Tivoli Gardens theme park.
You’ll find another popular Christmas market at Nyhavn. This harbour district is also a top spot for sipping Danish mulled wine (“gløgg”) by the fire at canalside restaurants.
In Norway and Sweden, there are many more Scandinavian cities for you to discover.
Venture to Bergen, Norway’s “Gateway to the Fjords”, where the UNESCO-protected port of Bryggen wows beneath Christmas lights. Or, for diverse dining and nightlife, travel to Swedish cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
- Visit Denmark, Norway and Sweden on a Scandinavian winter trip
- Related: Scandinavia in winter – What to do and where to go
5. The Alps
Best for: Snow-capped peaks, medieval cities and storybook châteaux.
The Alps span 8 countries: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia, Monaco and Liechtenstein. With fairytale towns and sparkling mountain markets, this region delivers the classic Christmas you’ve been dreaming of.
Austria
Think elegant markets, elaborate baroque buildings and the scent of roasted almonds.
Start your Alpine escape in Vienna. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the most iconic, set in front of the towering City Hall. Grab a mug of mulled wine, glide across the two-storey ice rink, and meander through dozens of charming wooden stalls.
Further west, visit Salzburg and you’ll find festive magic with a musical twist. Roam the Old Town market and listen as local choirs fill the square with carols, celebrating the city’s connection to the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Follow your nose to stalls selling sweet pastries, baked apples, and chocolate-dipped Mozartkugeln.
- Experience Christmas markets and cosy cities on an Alps winter tour
Germany
For medieval markets, warm local flavours and holiday buzz.
In the Bavarian Alps, you’ll find castles on hilltops and towns decked out in glowing lights. Munich’s Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz is at the heart of the city’s celebrations. The New Town Hall stands tall behind all the festivities, with a huge Christmas tree taking centre stage.
Sip hot chocolate or spiced glühwein (“mulled wine”) as you browse for wooden toys, ornaments, and woolly winter scarves. Don’t leave without trying a classic sausage or freshly baked pretzel – it’s Bavarian comfort food at its finest.
Switzerland
Expect snowy streets, riverside markets and world-famous fondue.
Basel is one of Switzerland’s best Christmas spots, with 2 standout markets just minutes apart. Barfüsserplatz is the oldest in the country, while Münsterplatz sits beneath a 900-year-old cathedral with views over the Rhine. Fill up on crêpes or try local raclette – melted cheese served over potatoes.
In Zürich, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets inside the main train station. It’s a great place to escape the cold and browse for gifts. You’ll even find a pedal-powered tree lighting display, a fun touch that adds to the festive vibe.
- Explore independently or with a guide on these Alps tour packages
- Related: Fun facts about the Alps
6. Hungary
Best for: Thermal pools, ruin bars and ice skating beside a castle.
If you're looking for festive fun with a twist, put Budapest on your list. Hungary's capital is packed with character, thanks to its grand parliament buildings and hidden bars in abandoned buildings.
Wander through the Christmas market on Vörösmarty Square, where you'll find Hungarian snacks, mulled wine and handmade crafts. Or stroll past St. Stephen's Basilica to see the light projections dancing across the church's facade.
But what makes Budapest stand out is what you can do beyond the market stalls. Start your day with a dip in one of the city's many thermal pools, such as the Széchenyi and Gellért baths. These steaming pools offer the perfect way to warm up and unwind in a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city.
Later, head to City Park, where the lake beside Vajdahunyad Castle freezes in winter. It becomes one of Europe’s prettiest outdoor skating rinks, with twinkling lights strung through the trees.
If you're not ready to turn in after dinner, experience a different side of Budapest in the Jewish Quarter. This is where you'll find ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, known for their quirky style and laidback atmosphere.
7. Greenland
Best for: A guaranteed white Christmas, Inuit traditions, and activities like snowshoeing.
Greenland is a winter wonderland with its iceberg-strewn fjords and vast ice caps. Travel during the festive season and prepare for a Christmas to remember. Most visitors split their time between the colourful capital of Nuuk and scenic Ilulissat.
Both settlements have breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean. Whichever one you choose, you’ll find the streets decorated with stars and candles at this time of year. Plus, the long winter nights mean you’ll have more chances to spot the northern lights.
Like many European countries, Greenlanders celebrate Christmas on 24 December. Expect dancing around Christmas trees, carolling, and hearty feasts.
Stay until 6 January, and you can experience the Mitaartut festival. Although sweets and sometimes scary costumes are involved, this is not an Arctic take on Halloween. Instead, this historic custom of silent masked dancing is deeply rooted in Inuit culture and marks the start of a new year.
Of course, being in the Arctic means Greenland can get harsh winter weather. Consider visiting in summer for more settled conditions and opportunities for activities like whale-watching and hiking.
8. Ireland
Best for: A warm welcome, cosy pubs and toe-tapping Irish tunes.
Ireland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas holiday destinations in Europe. But the Irish know how to throw a party, and Christmas is no different.
You’ll find the biggest Christmas events in the capital city of Dublin. Check out Dublin Castle’s Christmas at the Castle for a boutique festive market in spectacular surroundings.
On Christmas Eve, stroll down bustling Grafton Street in the heart of the city, and you can hear legends of Irish music busking. In previous years, icons such as Bono, Glen Hansard, and Imelda May have performed at this charity event.
Beyond the Irish capital, cities like Galway and Cork are great places to visit. Wherever you decide to go, stop off at snug local pubs for live folk music and tasty Irish dishes.
- See the Emerald Isle on a self-drive tour of Ireland
- Related: Reasons you should visit Ireland
9. Northern Italy
Best for: Irresistible food, romantic cities and famous lakes.
In the stylish city of Milan, sleek skyscrapers stand side-by-side with medieval castles and frescoed churches. During the festive season, you’ll see Italy’s fashion capital embrace a slower pace beneath glittering Christmas lights.
For the ultimate Milanese experience, catch a Christmas concert at the Teatro alla Scala, one of the country’s most famous opera houses. And while you’re in town, try a slice of fruit-studded panettone. This sweet buttery bread is the Italian stand-in for Christmas cake.
With Milan as your base, you could be on the shores of Lake Como in around 1 hour by car or train. Explore the cobbled streets of Como and soak up mountain views on a cruise of the lake.
Or, if you’re planning a romantic Christmas getaway, why not head to Verona? Nicknamed Italy’s “City of Love”, it’s the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
- Visit Lake Como, Verona and Milan on a tour of Northern Italy
- Related: Amazing Europe itinerary ideas
10. Estonia
Best for: A magical festive escape in one of the lesser-known cities in Europe.
For an off-the-beaten-track European Christmas destination, try Estonia. With its uncrowded capital and a high chance of snow, this could be the ideal spot to spend your holiday season.
Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed old town is a good place to start. The capital’s winding medieval streets look as though they’ve been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale.
Here, in Town Hall Square, you’ll find the city’s festive market. Admire the giant Christmas tree and try the local cuisine. If black pudding and sour cabbage aren’t for you, opt for gingerbread or indulgent hot chocolate.
If you’ve got time to go beyond Tallinn, check out Estonia’s second city, Tartu. This up-and-coming university town was named the 2024 European City of Culture. Or, consider extending your trip in the Baltics with a cruise to Helsinki, Finland’s capital.
- Explore cities like Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Tallinn and Helsinki on a Scandinavian triangle tour
11. Alsace, France
Best for: Strasbourg’s world-renowned Christmas market.
France is one of the most visited countries on the planet, thanks to its captivating cities and breathtaking scenery.
Travel in December, and you’ll enjoy plenty of Christmas spirit. Perhaps the best place to celebrate Christmas in France is the Alsace region. Here, you’ll discover a blend of French and German culture, as well as medieval towns with cobblestone streets.
While many towns in the region get decked out for the season, Strasbourg is the self-proclaimed “Capital of Christmas”. With a 400-year-old tradition of Christmas markets and around 300 chalet-style stalls throughout the city, you could argue the title is justified.
So surely, there’s no better place to do the last of your shopping and savour delicious treats like Yule log (“bûche de Noël”).
- Check out these Christmas market tours in Europe
12. Czech Republic
Best for: Magical Old Towns, fairytale castles and festive markets.
Few cities bring the magic of Christmas to life like Prague. With its gothic spires, cobbled lanes and storybook charm, the Czech capital is a dream destination for a winter escape.
You’ll stroll between decorated wooden market stalls at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. These 2 festive hubs are just a 5-minute walk apart and offer everything from handcrafted tree ornaments to hearty Czech snacks. Stop for a cup of svařák (mulled wine) and watch the world go by beneath a sky of festive lights.
Keep an eye out for traditional treats like spit-roasted ham, sweet trdelník pastries and the Czech Christmas fish soup, made in giant cauldrons with local carp.
Prague is easy to reach, too. You can take a direct train from Budapest in around 6 hours or connect from Vienna in just over 4. So if you’re exploring multiple countries this winter, it’s a perfect stop along your journey.
- Check out these Christmas market tours in Europe
13. Poland
Best for: Getting festive in one of the world’s oldest Christmas markets.
Poland’s cities are great places to visit at any time of year. But head to the likes of Gdańsk, Wrocław, or Kraków at Christmastime, and you’ll see these grand cities sparkle.
In the historic port of Gdańsk, expect a red-brick cityscape and lavish townhouses. Kraków, meanwhile, has one of the most striking castles in Europe, perched on Wawel Hill. And make sure you don’t miss the Kraków market. It’s one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world.
One of the most unique Polish Christmas traditions is the meal on 24 December. It consists of 12 courses, representing the months of the year and the 12 Apostles. Just make sure to pace yourself if you’re invited to one of these festive feasts.
Spend Christmas in Europe with Nordic Visitor
Now you know the top places in Europe to spend the holiday season, all that’s left to do is plan your festive trip!
Make your European Christmas tour hassle-free by choosing Nordic Visitor. We’ll handle booking your accommodation, local transport, and any activities so you can focus on enjoying the festivities.
Plus, we have local experts based in Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Lucerne and Munich. They’ll provide personalised recommendations and tips to make your Christmas trip extra special.
Spend the most wonderful time of year in Europe. Contact us to start planning your winter getaway.
