The festive season is upon us, so what else is missing from your annual December shopping list? Why not give the best present next holiday season and treat your loved ones (and yourself) to the joy of spending Christmas day in Europe with our hassle-free tours to the best destinations.
To make your decision easier, in this post, we review our top 6 European cities that have the brightest fairy lights, the comfiest wooly socks, and the tastiest mulled wine during the festive season. Discover the best places to spend Christmas in Europe!
London
But keep in mind that not only does London boast a magical Christmas atmosphere during these holidays, but also other fabulous cities. Hence, to make the most out of the holidays in The United Kindom, take a London to Edinburgh train.
Christmas attractions in London:
- See Hogwarts in the Snow
- Gawp at the Christmas Lights
- See Santa in Leicester Square
- Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
- Admire the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Paris
Amsterdam
Christmas attractions in Amsterdam:
- Go on an Ice Skating
- Explore Christmas Markets
- Enjoy Canal Cruise During the Light Festival
- Experience Chirstmas Carols in Dutch Churches
- Admire the World's Biggest Swan Lake Ballet
Vienna
If you haven't been to Vienna, there is no better time to visit the magical City of Music than during Christmas. Be prepared to experience the holidays the entirely traditional European way with a visit to one of many Christmas markets, a sip of Weihnachtspunch, and a handful of roast chestnut.
The capital of Austria is famous for many cultural reasons, but the preservation of Christmas market traditions should be on the top of the list. Visiting the market is often described as a heartwarming experience of spending time with good company and a mug of something warm in front of the fireplace. Except you're not sitting at home, but wandering the streets under the fairy lights, drinking Austrian Christmas punch, taking a bite of delicious Bratwurst sausage in the stunning city of Vienna.
Prague
Another city in the heart of Europe that takes its Christmas traditions seriously is the capital of the Czech Republic, mysterious Prague. There is always something to see or do, so pack your warmest winter coat and get ready to experience Christmas the Prague way.
It's worth visiting the city early in December, on the 5th, to be exact. That day Czechs celebrate St. Nicholas Eve (also called Mikulas), in which St. Nick gives treats to children who have been good this year (rings a bell, doesn't it?). The annual event usually takes place in the Old Town Square and some other areas of the capital. You can expect to see performances from actors dressed as angels and devils and the St. Mikulas in white clothing, rather than the red costume worn by Santa Claus.
However, if seeing the Czech alternative of Santa Claus is not on top of your priorities, then visiting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe should be! Take in the beauty of stunningly lit Old Town Square and enjoy the buzzing holidays' atmosphere.
Christmas attractions in Prague:
- Take a Lovely River Cruise
- Indulge in a Festive Food
- See the Lamp Lighting at Charles Bridge
- Experience the World-Class Opera & Ballet
- Visit the Old Town Square Christmas Markets
Budapest
Our last recommendation for top Christmas vacation destinations is nothing short of magnificent - the city of Budapest. The capital welcomes travelers from around the world with the festive market and Advent Feast by the breathtaking Basilica of Budapest.
Stay assured - ticking off your gift shopping list will be an easy task with a wide selection of handmade quality Hungarian goodies sold in the market. Also, being hungry in the capital of Hungary is close to impossible, with excellent street food choices from traditional langos to gourmet burgers available on every corner.
After an evening of productive shopping and eating, we suggest putting skates on and doing a couple of swirls underneath sparkly lights on the ice rink in front of the Basilica - the perfect ending to your perfect Christmas vacation in Europe.
Munich
Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria in the south, pulls out all the stops during the Christmas season.
Most of the time, it is quite cold enough to snow, so the roofs of all the wonderful buildings and churches are topped with a sparkling cap. Which makes the city an incredibly fabulous place to visit this season.
Munich opens its jewelry box and takes out the best Christmas decorations to spread lavishly all over the city. Huge stars, angels, and Christmas trees decorate the streets and shop windows and you can enjoy not just one Christmas market, but well over twenty than you could ever imagine.
Zagreb
As the cultural and political heart of the nation, Croatia's vibrant capital serves as a living city that houses over a quarter of its entire population. Zagreb, a city combining the sophistication of Central Europe with the relaxed charm of the Mediterranean, is an ideal amalgamation of cultures.
In addition to boasting some of the country’s finest restaurants and some of the best creative scenes, it is also home to one of the best Christmas markets in the world.
Zagreb's Christmas Advent is a spectacular city-wide experience that turns the city into a winter wonderland. More than 25 individual Christmas Markets are scattered throughout the city's main squares and promenades, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere, but blending together to give the appearance of one all-encompassing festival.
Bucharest
One of the reasons to visit Bucharest during winter is the Christmas Market. Bucharest at Christmas is a true fairytale, even according to the locals!
Due to the wooden cottages that are everywhere in Bucharest selling food, souvenirs, and mulled wine, along with the festive songs and the lights that decorate the city, Christmas is a spectacular time of year in Bucharest.
Bucharest weather in December is also pretty good, the temperature is not as extreme as it can get in other European countries. Here are the best things to do in Bucharest in winter.
Stockholm
Visiting Stockholm in December is a treat because there are more sights, tastes, and things to do than any other time of year.
There are a million Christmas lights adorning the streets of Stockholm, and a warm chill in the air as the cold markets await.
In Stockholm, Christmas means coziness, flickering candlelight, food and drink, and some very special traditions that range from solemn to silly.
Bruges
As if you are stepping into your very own Christmas card, Bruges is bursting with holiday cheer this time of year.
With its twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and Gothic churches, this medieval town in Belgium has the air of a fairytale. The tiny streets echo with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages and are lined with shops selling the prettiest Christmas decorations.
Cobblestone streets are draped in festive foliage, and chocolate shops line the narrow streets. It's impossible not to feel festive and warm after visiting the Bruges Christmas markets.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the top Christmas vacation destinations in Europe and felt inspired to experience the magical atmosphere during the festive season! Visit festive markets in Vienna, Prague, and Budapest during our 10-day private tour "Treasures of Eastern Capitals."