21 Most Festive Cities to Spend Christmas in Europe

Christmas is a festive and wonderful time anywhere, but it is made increasingly special in Europe. The land of beautiful landscapes, gorgeous and old architecture, and the homeland of many fairytales we all grew up with. While Europe is filled with incredible destinations to spend your holiday in, these 21 cities are sure to fill you with joy and convince you that you are truly experiencing something magical.

Most festive cities to spend Christmas in Europe:

1 Prague, Czech Republic

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Prague is a beautiful city as it is, but at Christmas there is just something special about seeing the magnificent cathedral in snow and giant Christmas trees in the square. From markets to mulled wine, the chilly nights in Prague at Christmas time are definitely something to cherish.

2 Lapland, Finland

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Land of snow and cold, cold days, Lapland in Finland is sure to give you the Christmas you have always been hoping for. Lots of snow, the northern lights, and hey, the hometown of Santa. With everything from skiing to Christmas caroling to Santa’s village, this is somewhere that is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience.

3 Brussels, Belgium

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Brussels is a beautiful city as it is, but there is just something about the way the lights of the Christmas market glimmer off the imposing, Gothic buildings in Grand Place. A giant Christmas tree and all the chocolate and mulled wine you can handle make Brussels an amazing place to visit at Christmas. If you are real chocolate lover, find some really exclusive Christmas places for chocolate lovers.

Also, make sure you do not miss the Christmas Parade on December 11, which is a whole new kind of festivity that will make you think you’re hanging out with the elves at the North Pole.

4 Krakow, Poland

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Poland is known for its odd Christmas traditions, and Krakow is no exception. In a way, though, this difference is charming and can make for an exciting holiday. Something called Christmas cribs is popular decoration and look like some sort of odd cross between Saint Mary’s Basilica, a nativity scene, and some color from Russia. Regardless of the strange customs, the food and markets are amazing and are sure to give you all the Christmas feels.

5 Copenhagen, Denmark

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The highlight of Christmas in Copenhagen will be the incredible cup of hot chocolate you can have while walking through an enchanting Christmas market, followed by a wander in the Land of Elves. Copenhagen is a great place to spend Christmas for the whole family, and since it is quite north, you are nearly guaranteed to have snow.

Read also – 10 Happiest Countries in the World

6 Amsterdam, Netherlands

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While most cities close down most of their cultural hubs at Christmas time, Amsterdam does the opposite. Want to enjoy some holiday cheer but then also have a wander around some of its famous museums? You can!

However, if you are only there for the festivities, then there is still plenty to do. Be sure to check out the awesome Light Festival and the Christmas market, and be sure to dabble in some ice skating throughout the city.

7 Rome, Italy

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Rome is an interesting place to spend Christmas because it still feels very ancient. Between the ruins from the Roman Empire to wide boulevards and squares that resemble much of what they did centuries ago, spending Christmas here feels truly like a step back in time. The markets at Piazza Navona and the lights surrounding the Trevi Fountain are sights and experiences that will stay with you for many Christmases to come.

If you are interested in ancient cities, read more about world`s oldest cities.

8 Salzburg, Austria

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There is nothing more magical than spending time in a city with gorgeous architecture, beautiful twinkling lights and magnificent mountains in the backdrop. Another great reason why Salzburg is amazing at Christmas is that the city works hard to maintain its Christmas traditions, so you may just think you have turned back the clock to 1750 Austria. Enjoy some chocolate, do some shopping, and gave at the mountains and the castle in the background.

9 London, UK

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Christmas holidays in the UK are a holiday in a beautiful country and an acquaintance with the curious rituals and traditions that Britain has kept for many hundreds of years. Usually, the celebration of Christmas in London begins long before the long-awaited event. Shop shelves are filled with gifts, seasonal fairs appear, ice rinks open, and the whole city is lit with Christmas lights. Christmas London is dazzling.

First of all, visit Hyde Park alone, where the whole magical land of Winter Wonderland will appear. Then, take a walk down Oxford Street and Regent Street. Undoubtedly, you will be admired with magic at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where thousands of lights will light up.

In addition, visiting the main Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is a must-do thing in London on Christmas: there, as in cathedrals, you can listen to Christmas carols. Finally, the most unforgettable memory of winter will be dinner in the dining room of Hogwarts or a cruise on the Thames in the company of Santa.

10 Strasbourg, France

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You haven’t seen Christmas lights until you have seen the ones that quite literally engulf the streets in Strasbourg. What makes Christmas in Strasbourg so unique and special is the fact that each part of the city is a themed Christmas village, all with hundreds and thousands of lights that make the street bright as day. Go ice skating and enjoy delicious French wine and food. It will certainly be an experience like any other.

Read also – 10 Most Fabulous Places to Spend Christmas in South America

11 Basel, Switzerland

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The city has a long tradition of Christmas celebrations and has long held the status as one of the most beautiful and largest Christmas cities in Europe. In the past decade, the Basel Christmas Fair has become one of the most popular due to its attraction to British and Italian tourists.

12 Tallinn, Estonia

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In Tallinn, the splendor of Christmas may be experienced in its purest form. It is considered one of Europe’s top Christmas celebration destinations. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets leading you into the quaint lanes of a winter dreamland. Tallinn becomes a crown jewel in the heart of Europe during the holiday season, with spectacular winter programs such as the Christmas Village and the Estonian Open Air Museum.

13 Metz, French

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This city hosts what many consider to be the best Christmas fair in all of France. Events take place all across town, making for a very memorable celebration. Tourists can ice skate, drink hot chocolate, buy homemade gifts, and sample delectable treats like gingerbread and farm goods.

14 Zagreb, Croatia

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If you’re looking for a festive and exciting Christmas experience in 2022, go no further than the capital of Croatia. You should not pass up the chance to celebrate Christmas in this city at least once, as it has been named the best Christmas market in Europe for the past three years in a row. Tourists are drawn to the city by its local cuisine, mulled wine, and one of the most significant Advent programs.

15 Edinburgh, Scotland

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Edinburgh transforms into a massive Christmas market in winter, emitting delicious aromas. During this time, there is also a Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, and other entertainment, much of which is oriented toward children.

The holiday atmosphere compensates for the dismal weather without snow, which is unusual in Scotland’s capital. Edinburghers celebrate New Year’s Eve for two days, beginning on December 31, when the Hogmanay Festival begins.

Edinburgh is not boring because there are torchlight processions, concerts, and other entertaining events. Also, different gems are hidden everywhere in Scotland.

16 St. Moritz, Switzerland

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St. Moritz is the greatest spot to spend Christmas for those who dislike crowds and noisy celebrations. You may relax in a wooden chalet overlooking the snow-covered Swiss Alps, enjoy hot mulled wine by the fireplace, and forget about everyday life. To get even more into the holiday spirit, visit the local Christmas market, which sells handcrafted crafts, sweets, and wine, and an ice skating rink.

17 Helsinki, Finland

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Pikkujoulu, known as “little Christmas,” is celebrated annually in Finland’s capital city at the St. Tuomas Christmas Fair on Senate Square. It was one of the world’s top 15 in 2015, according to the Huffington Post.

About one hundred and twenty booths are selling decorative products, toys, garlands, and other knickknacks, making it a shopper’s dream. In addition, visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride on the classic carousel that has been set up in the middle of the fair.

You can buy a reindeer sweater for yourself or a loved one and warm up with some spicy tea or glög while you wait to see Joelupukki, the Finnish “Christmas grandfather,” at the fair (which is the equivalent of mulled wine, which is sometimes added to the strength of vodka or Madera). Then, when you become hungry, visit a vendor and pick up some sausage or yolutortta, a jam-filled puff pastry.

18 Valencia, Spain

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Valencia’s Christmas celebrations achieve the ideal balance between the ancient and the new, with traditions like the nativity play and the city’s unique character appeal to visitors of all ages. In addition, Valencia is one of the best European towns to celebrate Christmas Eve and New Year’s in because it captures the authentic atmosphere of the holiday season.

For a unique take on Christmas in Europe, check out the spectacular displays at Plaza Ayuntamiento, ice skate at the Aqua retail mall, enjoy some roasted chestnuts, and take the kids to the Gran Circo Wonderland.

19 Reykjavik, Iceland

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While it may appear to be a little city with little going on, Reykjavik blooms into a frenzy of colors, joy, and celebrations during the Christmas season. In reality, many people are unaware that it is one of the best destinations in Europe to spend Christmas with loved ones who don’t mind the freezing temperatures. During the Christmas season, this city truly transforms into a hub of joy and positivity, with every street lighted up with festive lights, filled with the smells of freshly baked pastries, and the sounds of Christmas songs echoing through the houses!

20 Madeira, Portugal

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If you want to experience some of Europe’s best music and entertainment this Christmas, you have to go to the Portuguese region of Madeira. When the streets of Funchal are decorated with lights, the entire city gets into the holiday spirit and participates actively in what is likely Europe’s most out-of-the-ordinary Christmas celebration through cultural, artistic, and religious events.

21 Berlin, Germany

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You could have a wonderful Christmas in Europe in 2022 if you spend it in Berlin. Thanks to its many marketplaces, the German capital comes to life and sparkles throughout the holiday season. Dining at one of the many nearby restaurants while listening to holiday music and enjoying the company of friends and family is the perfect way to celebrate the season. And don’t forget to pick up some lovely souvenirs from Germany for your friends and family here.

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