Europe Christmas Tours

Head to Europe over the festive season, and you'll find most countries celebrate Christmas on 24 December. This means they exchange gifts and gather for festive meals on Christmas Eve. The Scots, on the other hand, will have their main celebrations on 25 December.

That said, the festive season kicks off much earlier, usually in late November or early December, with Christmas markets, traditional food and colourful decorations. The festive atmosphere usually continues into early January.

No matter where you go, spending Christmas in Europe is a heartwarming experience. Here’s how each country puts its own fun spin on the festivities:

Iceland
Christmas is a blend of folklore and festive traditions in Iceland. The season begins with the arrival of the 13 Yule Lads, playful figures who bring gifts to children. Locals celebrate with meals like smoked lamb and leaf bread, and homes light up with Christmas decorations.

One quirky tradition is the Christmas Book Flood (“Jólabókaflóð”), where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve, followed by a cosy night of reading.

Discover more about Christmas traditions in the Nordics.

Lapland
Make the most of this snowy paradise with reindeer sleigh rides and visits to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. You won’t be short on enchanting things to do in this ultimate Christmas destination.

Find out more in this guide to Christmas in Lapland.

Norway
Locals gather for a festive meal on 24 December, often cooking roast pork. You can stroll around towns and cities to see charming stalls selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats.

Scotland
Edinburgh and Glasgow come alive with bustling markets at Christmastime and famous Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) festivities are marked by fireworks and spirited street parties. On 25 December, locals traditionally enjoy a hearty dinner of roast beef or turkey.

Learn more about how to celebrate Christmas in Scotland.

Scandinavia
Swedes celebrate the occasion with a festive smorgasbord and Lucia Day festivities, complete with candlelit processions. What makes Christmas in Denmark truly unique is the focus on “hygge”, with cosy gatherings, handmade decorations, and the playful tradition of “Nisse” elves bringing festive mischief.

Central Europe
Across Central Europe, you'll find Christmas centres around festive markets, where the scent of glühwein (“mulled wine”) and punč (“hot punch”) fills historic squares. If you're here on 6 December, you'll spot children leaving their shoes outside, hoping St. Nicholas will fill them with small gifts and treats overnight. In Alpine regions, you might catch the entertaining Krampus parades on 5 December.

Most families across the region exchange gifts on 24 December, which is the main celebration day. You can enjoy different feasts depending on where you visit. Think roast goose in Germany, fried carp in the Czech Republic, and beigli (“poppy seed rolls”) in Hungary.

Be sure to indulge in some sweet treats like Germany's rich stollen cake and the Czech Republic's delicate vanilla crescents.

Get inspired by these top Christmas markets in Europe.

Absolutely! The continent transforms into a winter wonderland throughout the festive period.

Whether you’re exploring Scotland’s historic capital, Norway’s snowy scenes, Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, or Lapland’s enchanting atmosphere, each destination offers a special Christmas experience.

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, then Lapland and Northern Norway should be at the top of your list. Plus, with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures from October to April, this is a great place to get your festive fix outside of Christmastime. For instance, in Rovaniemi – a self-proclaimed capital of Christmas – you can visit Santa Claus anytime you like.

If you're looking to spend Christmas abroad, head to Europe for some of the most enchanting experiences.

Lapland is a must-visit. You can meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi and Kiruna, take reindeer sleigh rides, and marvel at the northern lights. Find out more in this guide to the best winter getaways in Lapland.

Scandinavia is another magical choice for your Christmas celebrations. Norwegian cities, like Oslo and Bergen, are dressed in decorations and Christmas lights. In Sweden, Stockholm’s Old Town is bustling with markets selling warming festive treats like hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Visit Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, to see one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, located in Tivoli Gardens. It’s an unmissable stop for your Christmas market tour.

Scotland offers a blend of festive excitement in the cities and peaceful retreats in the countryside. Imagine yourself enjoying the buzzing city atmosphere before travelling north to the snow-covered Highlands for a relaxing escape.

In Iceland, the rugged landscape adds an element of drama to your winter escape. See frozen waterfalls, hunt the northern lights, and warm up in a thermal hot spring.

Central Europe invites you into a world of festive wonder. Lose yourself in Germany's historic markets like Munich's Marienplatz and Christmas Village Market, where medieval traditions come alive.

Venture to Austria to be charmed by Vienna's elegant Rathausplatz market and the impressive backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace. Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town offers a magical setting surrounded by mountains.

Head to the Czech Republic to see Prague's Old Town Square as it transforms beneath its astronomical clock. While in Budapest, you can warm up in steaming thermal baths after exploring the city's vibrant Christmas markets.

You’ll have plenty of fun things to do during the holiday season in Europe. For example:

• • Chase thrills on a snowmobile or on a husky-led safari
• • Savour seasonal treats like mulled wine and gingerbread
• • Explore colourful European Christmas markets
• • Glide across ice skating rinks in scenic city squares
• • Visit iconic landmarks adorned with festive lights
• • Experience beautiful cities like Reykjavík, Edinburgh and Stockholm
• • Join in with local traditions, like Lucia Day in Sweden
• • Soak in soothing spa waters under winter skies in Reykjavík and Budapest

Learn more about what to do during winter in Scandinavia, Scotland, Lapland, Iceland and Norway.

During Christmas in Europe, you’ll find that many attractions and restaurants are still open, though they might have varying hours. Major businesses in cities usually stay open, even if it’s with reduced hours. Whereas smaller museums and attractions might be closed or have limited opening hours.

When it comes to dining, many restaurants, especially family-owned ones, might close on Christmas Day. But don’t worry, there will still be plenty of options available on the days around Christmas. Restaurants in busier areas usually remain open and may offer special Christmas menus or festive events.

Overall, while some places might adjust their hours, many of the most popular spots will still be bustling with festive cheer. Checking ahead and making reservations where possible will help you enjoy a smooth experience.

Of course! You can personalise your Christmas getaway to suit your needs. For instance, you can add extra nights, upgrade your accommodation, or choose from optional excursions like snowmobiling or reindeer sledding.

Book your trip online, and you’ll be able to tailor your itinerary as you go through the booking steps. Browse the “Optional Extras” tab of the tour you’re interested in to see what you can add, or speak to a travel expert for recommendations.

You can choose from a wide range of arrival dates depending on the package and season you’re interested in. Simply find the date that suits you on each tour’s online availability calendar. We recommend booking early, especially for popular destinations like Rovaniemi, as these can sell out quickly.

We suggest checking flight times and dates in advance, but it’s best not to buy your tickets just yet. Wait until you’ve booked your tour first. Once you get the confirmation email from your personal travel consultant, you can choose and pay for your flights.

If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to your travel consultant.

The northern and central European climate during winter is cool, with snow in many areas. And as you’ll probably want to spend time exploring the outdoors, it’s best to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Here’s our recommended packing list:

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Woollen or fleece jumpers
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Warm hiking socks
• Rucksack
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Heat pads for hands and feet
• Smart clothes for dining out

Get seasonal tips and more in these packing guides for Iceland, Lapland, Scotland, Norway and the Alps.