Discover the magic of a European Christmas! From twinkling markets to festive traditions, these countries transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season.
Whether you dream of sipping mulled wine in Germany, ice skating in Austria, or admiring elaborate nativity scenes in Switzerland, Europe offers a festive experience.
Ready to explore the most charming Christmas destinations? Find the 10 Best European Countries for Christmas below, and start planning your unforgettable holiday adventure!
10 Best European Countries for Christmas
Each of these countries offers its own unique take on Christmas celebrations, combining local traditions with universal symbols of the season to create truly magical experiences for visitors.
I’d be happy to provide more details about the top 10 countries for Christmas festivities in Europe. Here’s an engaging description for each:
1. Germany
Germany is one of the best European countries at Christmas. It
has world-renowned Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) taking center stage.
Cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne transform into winter wonderlands, with the aroma of mulled wine (Glühwein) and gingerbread (Lebkuchen) filling the air.
Berlin’s numerous markets cater to all tastes, from traditional to trendy. It’s one of the best cities to see in December in Europe.
One of the best winter destinations in Germany is Dresden. Don’t miss the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434.
2. Austria
Austria rivals its German neighbor with its own brand of Christmas magic.
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is a sight to behold, featuring a giant Christmas tree and over 150 stalls selling traditional crafts and delicacies.
Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, offers a more intimate experience with its snow-capped alpine backdrop.
The country’s ski resorts also provide a perfect blend of winter sports and festive cheer, making it one of the best European countries to visit for Christmas.
3. Czech Republic
Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” becomes even more enchanting during the holiday season.
The Old Town Square hosts a spectacular Christmas market, dominated by a massive Christmas tree brought in from the Krkonoše Mountains.
Visitors can enjoy traditional Czech treats like trdelník (a sweet pastry) while admiring the Gothic architecture illuminated by thousands of lights.
The Prague Castle complex offers breathtaking views of the city’s winter landscape.
4. Belgium
Belgium’s Christmas celebrations are a feast for the senses. Brussels’ Winter Wonders festival transforms the Grand-Place into a dazzling spectacle with a sound and light show projected onto the historic buildings.
Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North,” becomes even more picturesque with its canals reflecting the twinkling lights.
Belgian chocolate shops outdo themselves with intricate Christmas window displays, making it one of the best European countries to visit during Christmas for those with a sweet tooth.
5. France
France offers a refined Christmas experience, blending sophisticated decorations with centuries-old traditions.
Paris’s Champs-Élysées lights up with millions of twinkling lights, while the Christmas market at La Défense is one of the largest in the Île-de-France region.
Strasbourg, in the Alsace region, hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570.
The city’s half-timbered houses adorned with festive decorations create a truly magical atmosphere.
6. Switzerland
Switzerland’s Alpine scenery provides a perfect backdrop for Christmas celebrations.
Zürich’s Christkindlimarkt at the main train station is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe, featuring a 50-foot Christmas tree adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals.
The country’s ski resorts offer a unique blend of winter sports and festive cheer, with towns like Zermatt and St. Moritz transforming into glittering Christmas villages.
You can find everything you need about visiting Switzerland in December here.
7. Denmark
Denmark embraces the concept of “hygge” (coziness and comfortable conviviality) during the Christmas season.
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens amusement park becomes a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, Christmas markets, and seasonal rides.
The city’s Nyhavn harbor area is particularly picturesque, with its colorful houses reflected in the calm waters.
Danish Christmas traditions, such as the festive julefrokost (Christmas lunch), add to the country’s appeal as one of the best places in Europe to visit for Christmas.
8. Hungary
Budapest offers a unique Christmas experience with its combination of traditional markets and thermal baths.
The Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Square is the oldest and most spectacular in the city, featuring handicrafts, traditional foods, and a giant advent calendar on the facade of the Gerbeaud building.
After a day of festive shopping, visitors can relax in one of the city’s many thermal baths, some hosting special Christmas-themed “parties.”
9. Poland
Poland’s Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in tradition.
Krakow’s Rynek Glowny, Europe’s largest medieval town square, hosts a vibrant Christmas market where visitors can shop for hand-painted Christmas baubles and sample traditional Polish foods like pierogi.
Warsaw’s Old Town becomes a fairytale setting with its elaborate light displays and towering Christmas tree.
The country’s strong Catholic heritage adds depth to the celebrations, with midnight Mass on Christmas Eve being a significant event.
10. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom blends historic charm with contemporary Christmas cheer.
London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park dazzles with ice skating and festive markets, while Edinburgh’s Hogmanay adds Scottish flair.
Historic cities like York and Bath host enchanting Christmas markets, and stately homes showcase elaborate decorations.
Traditional customs such as carol singing and Christmas crackers complement modern celebrations, making it one of the best European countries to visit in December for a mix of tradition and holiday spirit.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Best European Countries at Christmas
Europe’s Christmas magic is truly unmatched, offering everything from snow-dusted markets and centuries-old traditions to dazzling light displays and festive celebrations.
Each country brings its own unique charm to the holiday season, creating unforgettable winter experiences for visitors.
Want to explore more fascinating destinations? Check out our guides to the Most Interesting Destinations in the World, surprisingly Boring Countries That Will Surprise You, and the Best Countries to Visit for Christmas across all continents to plan your next adventure!
