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Colourful lights, the smell of chocolates and love in the air!!! Yes, it’s a sign of Christmas coming. All around the world, the word Christmas brings joy to everyone’s heart.
Travelling in Europe during Christmas is always special. The entire landscape is covered in snow. The streets and churches are decorated with a million lights and the charming medieval squares are brought to life by colourful Christmas markets.
A few European cities celebrate Christmas in grand style; others follow peculiar customs and carry out time-honoured traditions, while some are simply at their best during this time of the year.
So, make your Europe Tour special by visiting any of these 10 cities during your Christmas holidays and have a great time.
10 Best Places to Go Christmas in Europe:
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Strasbourg, France
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Vienna, Austria
- Munich, Germany
- London, UK
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Wroclaw, Poland
- Paris, France
- Milan, Italy
1) Nuremberg, Germany
The festive season of Christmas is the best time to visit Nuremberg. During this time the entire city turns into a winter fairytale. It is home to the oldest and the most spectacular Christmas markets in Europe.
Legend has it, during the 16th century that the tradition of gifting children presents during Christmas evolved here. Since then wooden stalls decorated in red and white canvas can be seen offering handmade Christmas gifts, decorations and tasty culinary treats like hot pancakes, candy canes, eggnog, gingerbread to name a few.
The city welcomes everyone to be part of their Christmas extravaganza of tradition and excitement. When here, look out for music concerts in churches or simply take a private walking tour of the Christmas market and soak in its unique atmosphere.
Plan your Germany Tour today!
2) Strasbourg, France
While travelling in Europe, Strasbourg makes a fantastic destination both for your Christmas celebrations and winter trip. Known as the Christmas Capital of Europe, you must not miss the chance of exploring the 400-year-old Christmas market.
During the festive season, the city invites everyone on a wonderful sensory journey, from admiring a million colourful lights to delicious aromas; you can’t help but get carried away by the city’s warm atmosphere.
Travellers can take a private walking tour around the city’s historic centre and explore the Christmas markets at their own pace.
As the sunsets, the atmosphere comes alive with locals taking part in carol singing and native plays. Sit down and soak in the atmosphere while admiring the great Christmas tree adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Read More About Christmas Traditions in Poland
3) Zagreb, Croatia
Your Europe Tour is certainly incomplete without a trip to the beautiful city of Zagreb. This city can be visited any time of the year. You can book your private walking tours and explore the numerous squares, parks, and historic monuments around the city.
However, the best time to visit Zagreb is during the ‘Advent’ or Christmas market which is held every year between the last weeks of November to the first week of January. The Advent offers a variety of events to satisfy every tourist’s demand. There is plenty of fun, food, art, music, unique events, live concerts and performances. Above all, did you know that Zagreb Advent has been voted as the best Christmas market in Europe for the last three years?
So, what are you waiting for?? Pack your bags and head to Zagreb, as the city of million hearts looks forward to sharing a wonderful Christmas with you.
4) Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one city in Europe that celebrates its holiday season or Christmas with great elegance and style. During this time every church seems to be having live concerts and performances.
Everything turns magical, the legendary cafes, the old-world charm on the streets, the imperial architecture decorated with twinkling lights, everything is simply amazing.
But the icing on the cake is a visit to the Christmas markets which begins from mid-November to Christmas transforming Vienna’s prettiest squares into a fairy tale land.
There is lot’s to do, you can indulge in mulled wine, sausages, and freshly baked pastries; go for ice-skating at the rink; explore the Snow Globe Museum; buy a ticket to a legendary Christmas concert; or simply buy a private walking tour and discover some of the most beautiful places in the city. Vienna is certainly one of the best places to spend your Christmas while travelling in Europe.
Plan Your Vienna Tour Today !
5) Munich, Germany
You’re in for a real treat if you plan to spend your Christmas holidays in Munich. As the festive season sets in the Christmas markets spring up all over Munich’s Old Town, churches and cathedrals. The air is filled with songs, carols and music, while the shopping streets are decked in sparkling lights. Imagine all this with the snow-capped Alps in the background. Isn’t it exciting?
There is a lot’s to do during this time. Take a private walking tour in the heart of the old town and admire the 100-feet high Christmas tree. Music lovers can enjoy classical concerts, organ recitals and musical programs at church services. The more adventurous can try ice skating in Munich’s largest open-air ice skating rink. Treat yourself to snack, sweets and mulled wines, sing carols and soak in the Christmas spirit. During your Europe Tour, there is much more you can do, should you be lucky enough to celebrate a German Christmas in Munich.
Plan Your Munich Tour today !
6) London, UK
When it comes to London, it is hard to decide which the biggest attraction during Christmas is. From dazzling street lights to fabulous window displays to loads of festive celebrations makes London one of the best places to be during Christmas.
You can indulge in a variety of activities like visiting the Hyde’s Park Winter Wonderland, enjoy a memorable performance at St Paul’s Cathedral, or take a private walking tour to Kews Garden for a round of seasonal shopping and relishing delicious treats.
If you are a die-hard shopping fan then you will be spoilt for choices at the city’s creative Christmas markets that are overflowing with a variety of food items, children’s toys, traditional decorations, exotic gifts, or simply try your hand in some interesting workshop.
All in all, during your Europe Tour, London is one of the best places to visit during Christmas and enjoy every moment of the celebrations.
7) Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Christmas season happens to be the snowiest time of the year in Amsterdam. And is certainly one of the best places to spend your Christmas holidays while on a European Tour.
Expect the weirdest things to happen, like a drunken Santa Claus knocking at your door at midnight. Well, they say that’s how Christmas rolls in Amsterdam and the locals enjoy it!!
During this time the Museum Square transforms into a beautiful Christmas village, where you can take a private walking tour and explore the best of Christmas markets in Amsterdam. From taking a ride on a giant wheel to endless music, food, drinks and dances, enjoy every moment of your holiday.
Other things to do are attending the Amsterdam Light Festival, enjoying a canal cruise, experience Boxing Day or second Christmas Day and much more. Amsterdam is surely a happening place to be in Europe during Christmas.
Plan Your Amsterdam Tours Today
8) Wroclaw, Poland
If you’re one of those travellers who’s looking for a cheap and cosy Christmas holiday during your Europe tour, then head straight to Wroclaw in Poland.
Though still not very popular as a tourist destination, behind Krakow and Warsaw in Poland, Wroclaw is one of the best Christmas getaways in Europe.
In 2016, the city was named the European Capital of Culture. So as a tourist you can explore the history and events of this city by taking private walking tours, discover its youthful vibe by hanging out at the cafes, admire the city’s unique architecture, and above all Wroclaw has an impressive cultural life.
But during Christmas, there’s is an extra bit of sparkle, as you explore the Christmas markets dotted with beautifully decorated stalls selling a variety of goods.
When here, make the most of it, drink, dance, sing, have fun and just soak in the festive atmosphere. Wrocław may not be a big name, but it certainly hits the spot during the holiday season.
Plan your Wroclaw Tour Today !
9) Paris, France
Travelling in Europe during the Christmas season? Then it’s time to enjoy and re-discover the special magic of Paris at this time of year too.
Every year Paris begins preparing for the festivities and special events keeping in mind its visiting tourist. The streets are trimmed up, windows of departmental stores come to life and the finest monuments of the city like the Champs Elysees, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower look their best.
Traditional Christmas markets are also a major attraction. These markets are spread over all over the capital in places like Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Place du Trocadéro and Place de la Nation on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.
Where ever you go or whatever you eat there is a piece of Christmas everywhere. If you’re visiting Paris with your children then don’t forget about Disneyland. Admire the dazzling decorations, colourful Christmas parades, joyful interactions with Santa Claus; this will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your entire family.
Read About Famous Beer Festivals in Germany
10) Milan, Italy
Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. But do you know a Christmas celebration in Milan is one of the most beautiful experiences for visiting tourists?
As the Christmas season sets in, the whole city is covered with snow and lights. This adds to the glamour of the city which looks magical in every bit and piece. The local markets are simply glowing at night, as stores and boutiques open to customers celebrate Christmas.
Wherever you go people are smiling and you’re warmly welcomed into cafes for a cup of coffee. This is the best time to take a walking tour around the city. Adore the giant Christmas tree at Piazza del Duomo.
Check out the beautiful window displays throughout Milan. Pay a visit to the Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church. Finally, a food tip, do not forget to try a Panettone or Risotto Alla Milanese during your trip.
Still, wondering where to spend your Christmas holidays??? Rosotravel has the answers!!! Discover the best places to spend Christmas while travelling in Europe.