Travelers often choose Europe for Christmas travel because
the region offers so many festive and unique storybook-like experiences during
this time of year.
From world-renowned Christmas
markets to giant Christmas trees, decorative historic squares, mulled wine,
local foods, twinkling lights and themed window displays and advent
celebrations, Europe offers special experiences, many rooted in centuries-old
customs.
As someone who lived in Europe for several years, it’s
only natural to recommend places that stand out as prime, unforgettable Christmas
locations, filled with magic and extraordinary beauty.
Bruges, Belgium (Photo Credit: Michael Kompanik)
Bruges, Belgium
Every corner of this village feels like a fairytale
Christmas postcard. The small town blends medieval charm, a festive atmosphere
and cozy winter traditions. Bruges’ cobblestone streets, stone bridges,
picturesque canals and gabled houses add to the lovely ambience. Add Christmas
lights, mist, frost and possibly some light snow, and Bruges feels even more
magical.
Visitors will find a central market on the square with “Winter
Glow” light installations, handmade chocolates, warm waffles with topping,
Belgian beers, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating and plenty of warm cafes
with fireplaces to ward off the winter chill.
Insight Vacation’s worldwide tours include such destinations as Budapest. (photo via Michael Kompanik)
Budapest, Hungary
Two historic halves make up the city of Budapest, separated
by the Danube River. The town features some of Europe’s best Christmas markets
known for traditional Hungarian food, live music, handmade crafts, and a happy
lively vibe.
If you’re into baths, a visit to a steamy outdoors thermal experience
during the winter is unforgettable. Budapest also glows at Christmas when the
whole city lights up and looks like a magical menagerie. And for more budget-minded
travelers, the city offers more affordable food, lower hotel prices, less
expensive public transportation and Christmas shopping.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany. (photo courtesy of Gert Krautbauer) (Photo Credit: Bavaria Tourism)
Garmisch, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (often called only Garmisch) is one
of Germany’s most beloved Christmas destinations. The snowy postcard town is
situated at the food of the Zugspitze, the country’s highest mountain with frozen
lakes, snow-covered peaks, offering a myriad of multiple slopes for all levels
of snow skiing.
Deeply tied to Bavarian winter culture, if you’re looking
for a white Christmas, you’re almost certain to find it here in this intimate alpine
village. While the Christkindlmarkt is smaller than larger cities like Munich
or Nuremberg, the Garmisch market is charming and local friendly with hot Glühwein
(mulled wine), beautiful handmade crafts and ornaments, local pastries and traditional
German food, wooden toys and winter décor. There’s sledding, snowboarding, ice
skating and of course, romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides accompanied by horse
bells and warm blankets.
Double-decker buses pass beneath Christmas lights on Regent Street, London, U.K. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/lazyllama)
London, England
Though London is a big city, Christmas is celebrated here
in a big, festive way. The city is filled with lights, markets, shows, food and
holiday traditions. Hyde Park becomes a winter wonderland with amusement rides
and a Bavarian village.
London boasts three atmospheric ice rink pop-ups, West End
Christmas shows that shine with festive plays and concerts, shopping at Harrods
and Selfridges with their elaborate window displays is a treat and afternoon
teas take on a Christmas theme.
PHOTO: Night scene in Montreux at Christmas (Photo by Scott Hartbeck)
Montreux, Switzerland
Located in western Switzerland on the shore of Lake Geneva,
Montreux is especially enchanting at Christmas as it hosts Montreux Noël, one
of the most famous and picturesque Christmas events in the country.
Stretching along the Lake Geneva promenade, the yearly event
includes one of the most scenic Christmas markets in Europe with light
reflections on the lake, wooden chalets artisan crafters, mulled wine and
fondue booths.
Several times a day Santa flies over the
lake supported by a hidden cable system and visitors can head to Santa’s House in
Rochers-de-Naye by cogwheel train. The famous Château de Chillon hosts a
medieval-themed Christmas experience, with costumed performers, crafts,
storytelling, and workshops inside the castle walls.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague sports one of the most beautiful town squares in
Europe with a stunning Christmas market that includes traditional Czech
food, mulled wines and lovely handcrafted items.
Combined with festive lights, decorations, medieval charm
and historic architecture, Prague transforms into a magical destination during
the holidays. Iconic landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the
renowned Astronomical Clock are even more atmospheric under winter skies. And
snow, common in December, just adds an extra layer of enchantment to this magnificent
city.
Uber Sleigh, pulled by one of Santa’s reindeer in Lapland, Finland. (photo courtesy of Uber)
Rovaniemi, Finland- Lapland
Often referred to as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi
in Lapland, Finland on the Arctic Circle is one of the most enchanting Christmas towns in the world.
Home to so many Christmas traditions, Rovaniemi sports a
Santa Claus village next to the main post office where letters to Santa sent by
children of the world end up. Visitors can also send postcards out from Santa’s
official post office.
Nothing beats a reindeer sleigh ride through the snow, and waving off Santa and his elves on Christmas Eve as he delivers
presents to all the “good” children around the globe. By December, Lapland is
covered with snow-laden forests, frozen rivers and icy landscapes. The region
is also a great base for seeing the Aurora Borealis. To add to the experience,
guests can stay in traditional log cabins or glass igloos.
Classical Christmas Markets (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is often called the “Capital of Christmas” and
well it should, since the town really knows how to celebrate the holiday season. The
iconic destination is home to the oldest Christmas market in France dating back
to 1570 with over 300 wooden chalets dotting its historic city center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The town’s blend of history, lights, Alsatian culture and
yes, lots of teddy bears, makes it uniquely magical during the holidays.
Strasbourg’s medieval and Renaissance architecture provides a perfect backdrop
to this fairytale town with half-timbered and snow-covered canals. It’s a
stunning setting in every season, but winter brings its own unique gift.
Tallin, Estonia
The capital of Estonia is one of the loveliest
cities in Europe, celebrating Christmas since the first tree was put up in Town
Hall Square in 1441. Tallin is known for its medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World
Heritage Site) with cobblestone streets, a cozy Christmas market and snowy
winter ambience.
Because of its small size, historic charm and festive
traditions, Tallin is a wonderful storybook place to celebrate the Christmas
holidays. The easily walkable town allows visitors to explore markets, churches
and other local venues without needing any public transport. You’ll find
enchanted carol singing and local folklore and legendary tales, in a place that’s relatively inexpensive compared to other European destinations.
PHOTO: Tromso, Norway, northern lights. (photo via Pixabay)
Tromso, Norway
Christmas in Tromso offers a magical experience as the
Arctic town transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes
and Northern Lights illuminating polar nights.
By December, Tromso is usually blanketed in snow, and its
white-covered fjords, mountains and forests make for perfect winter
photography, daytime walks and cozy, romantic evenings. As one of the best places in
the world to see the Aurora Borealis, the long Arctic nights provide excellent
conditions for viewing this phenomenon of nature. Outdoor activities include
dog sledding pulled by huskies, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Ice World at Christmas Market, Rathausplatz. © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper (Photo Credit: Vienna Tourist Board)
Vienna, Austria
Yes, Vienna is a well-known European travel destination, but if you’ve
never been there for the Christmas holidays, you don’t realize what you’re
missing.
The combination of imperial architecture, classical music,
festive market and holiday lights everywhere make Vienna a winter dream come
true. Rathausplatz Christmas Market is the city’s largest and most famous with
an impressive ice rink, while Schönbrunn Palace Market offers stunning views of
the palazzo along with festive food, drinks and traditional crafts.
Vienna is also famous for its Christmas concerts and opera
performances that include the Vienna Boys’ Choir at Stephansdom and Christmas
concerts in the Hofburg or Musikverein along with traditional waltzes and
festive orchestras.
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