Jingle bells ringing around the holiday season and parents narrating Santa Claus stories to their kids, just tells you that Christmas is around the corner and the celebrations are about to start. Christmas not only marks the birth of Jesus- the son of God but is a widely celebrated festival around the world.
Celebrate this Christmas season with your family and loved ones in one of the best destinations in Europe while traveling your way through the European countries. European countries are the most desired tourist locations in the world and also play a major role in the impact of the global travel economy. Christmas is one of the best times to visit Europe and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the European Countries and fill your holidays with loads of joyous and memorable moments.
Europe is considered to be a very geographically diverse continent which makes it the ideal fit to celebrate one’s holiday season in different locations be it mountains, seas, or countryside. Christmas in Europe is synonymous with snowfall, Gothic Church visits, carols, Choirs, and the Christmas cake (how can one forget that).
Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Europe
Want to Celebrate Christmas in a Different Way?? Explore these Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Europe and enjoy your Christmas in a different way.
1. Strasbourg, France:
Strasbourg, in France, is like a magical Christmas fairyland. It’s known as the “Capital of Christmas,” and when you visit during the holiday season, you’ll understand why. The whole city sparkles with lights, and there’s a super special Christmas market that’s one of the oldest and most beautiful in all of Europe.
Imagine walking through streets filled with stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and yummy local treats. It’s like stepping into a winter wonderland! The atmosphere is so festive and joyful that it makes Strasbourg one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in all of Europe. It’s a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy the holiday magic together.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark:
Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, is beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. The Christmas market, ice rink, and festive lights create a magical atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen.
Copenhagen in Denmark is like a Christmas dream come true. The city becomes a magical wonderland during the holiday season. The heart of Copenhagen comes alive with holiday cheer, and there’s a special feeling in the air. Families can enjoy the Christmas market, skate on the ice rink, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Tivoli Gardens makes Copenhagen one of the best places to experience the joy and enchantment of Christmas in Europe. It’s a place where laughter, lights, and holiday spirit come together for a truly memorable celebration.
3. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland. It is also known as Santa Claus Village. There are up to eight seasons in the year and all are best to travel to this place. These are midwinter, snowy spring, spring, summer, harvest season, autumn leaf color, first snowfall, and Christmas. So, if you want to spend your Christmas anywhere on the earth then Rovaniemi is the best place in the world to enjoy Christmas.
I think everybody would agree that Santa’s hometown is the best place to celebrate Christmas in Europe.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague the capital city of the Czech Republic is also known as the ‘city of spires‘. This city is the house of Gothic architecture and the historical capital of Bohemia. The main attractions of Prague include the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter. This city has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites owing to its rich cultural history.
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities around Christmas time with the chilly weather welcoming the festive season. The Prague Christmas market is a wonderful way of exploring the culture, traditions, and history of this city. The spectacularly decorated wooden huts that are jam-packed with all the craft items are a total takeaway.
There are many concert halls, museums, and cultural centers that are breathtaking. In the month of December especially the streets are bustling with cultural music along with the street stalls in Wenceslas Square.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the capital city of Austria and lies on the east side of the country on the Danube River. Famous artist such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Freud have shaped the artistic as well as the intellectual legacy of this city. The city is recognized for its Imperial palaces. The punch and chestnut stands draw customers with the seasonal treats and the stallholders owning handcrafted goods attract a great number of shoppers.
The Christmas market in Vienna is an age-old tradition that dates back to the middle ages in 1298. The Christmas market is situated near the City Hall In Vienna and is an absolute highlight of the festive season that encapsulates all the celebrations in the city during this time.
The Advent concert at Stephansdom is a chance to witness world-class music in the ravishing setting of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This concert takes place on various dates in the month of December and includes chamber music and pieces of works by Mozart, Bach, Schubert, and Hayden. The Cathedral lies in the heart of the city in Stephensplatz.
6. Bern, Switzerland
Bern the capital city of Switzerland, is built around a crook in the Aare River. Famously known for its medieval architecture traces its origin back to the 12th century. The old townhouses which date back to the 15th and 17th century become a unique location to celebrate Christmas. The historical old town situated in the center of Bern is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The market on the Cathedral square offers many local drinks and food which can savor while enjoying the city in all its beauty flourishing during the winter season around Christmas. The mulled wine is considered to be one of the best drinks this place has to offer and one must not leave the city without tasting it.
The city is known for its Cinema culture, however, most movies screened here are generally in German which might be a problem for Non-German speakers.
7. Tromso, Norway
Tromso is a city situated in northern Norway and is known to be a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle. The possibility of witnessing the northern lights will surely attract you to this place. This place is known to be a viewpoint for the northern lights.
Throughout December the streets of this city are bustling with Christmas markets all around. You can find everything in this market right from the woolen Norwegian clothes to beverages from the 143-year-old Mack brewery and traditional Sami products from the indigenous people of the Arctic. One can also spot Whales in the Fjords as well as find some fresh air in the mountains.
The city contains the highest number of wooden houses in Northern, Norway. The oldest houses in this city date back to 1789. Christmas in Norway is celebrated on the 24th of December where all the families gather together throughout the evening under the glimmering lights of the entire city and savor the traditional dinner where traditional dishes such as the steamed ribs of salted lambs and roasted pork is served. All this is accompanied by dancing around the decorated Christmas tree on traditional Christmas Carols.
8. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is a region in central Romania. This region is known for its wooden houses, mountainous borders, Castles, and Gothic fortress associated with the legend of Dracula. The charming towns such as Brasov and Sibiu feature huge town squares that serve one of the best hot apple cider vinegar around the outdoor market. Sibiu has three main squares which have the largest hosting for a traditional Saxon Christmas Market and Ice Skating rink.
The smell of the wood smoke and pine forests is a delight on winter nights. The stall in the central square in front of the town hall sells traditional Barsa and Harghita sausages, rye, and potato bread with old-aged cheeses. Carol singing is very popular in Romania. The traditional Romanian Carol is the ‘Star Carol’. The star is made of colored paper and is often decorated with tinsel, silver foil, and the bells are out on the pole. Carol singers take the stars along with them when they go for carol singing.
Traditional Romanian Christmas foods include Roast Gammon and Park Chops. The sarmale cabbage leaves are stuffed with ground pork that is served with polenta. Romanian doughnuts are called ‘gogosi’ and cheesecakes. Transylvania’s multi-ethnic heritage is apparent in the folk costumes, architecture, cuisine, music, and festivals which it borrows majorly from Germany and Hungary.
9. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is the capital city of Tyrol in Austria. It is in the Inn valley. This city is located in the broad valley between high mountains which is an ideal spot for skiing in winter and mountaineering in summer.
In winter, the Innsbruck is covered with snow and offers beautiful sightseeing and traditional Christkindlmarkt. You can buy gingerbread, delicate ornaments made of glass, and traditional foods and drinks in this Christmas market.
10. Valkenburg, Netherlands
There are rumors that Santa actually comes from Valkenburg aan de Geul which is situated in the southeastern Dutch province of Limburg. Valkenburg hosts the largest and oldest Christmas market in the whole of Europe. This market takes place every year from November to January that too in the cave. Isn’t it amazing to attend such a Christmas market?
11. Bruges, Belgium
Christmas in Bruges is like a fairytale that comes true. The festive air, sparkling light, Decorations, Christmas markets, and gothic churches, everything is in favor of celebrating Christmas in this beautiful European City. You will feel like stepping into your own Christmas card.
12. Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is one of the largest cities in Germany which attracts almost 2 million visitors every year. Every year in November, Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt takes place which is one of the biggest and famous Christmas markets in Europe.
13. Barcelona, Spain:
While not traditionally known for Christmas markets, Barcelona offers a unique blend of festive traditions. The city is beautifully decorated, and the Christmas market at the Cathedral Square is a popular spot. The city transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season.
Barcelona’s streets and squares get all decked out with beautiful decorations and lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The Christmas market at Cathedral Square is a special spot, buzzing with activity and cheerful stalls. While enjoying the mild winter weather, people can explore the market, shop for unique gifts, and savor delicious local treats.
Barcelona may not have snow, but its warm and lively Christmas spirit makes it one of the best places to experience the holiday joy in Europe. The blend of Catalan traditions and the city’s energy adds a special touch to the festive celebrations.
14. Edinburgh, Scotland:
Edinburgh in Scotland turns into a winter wonderland during Christmas, making it one of the best places to enjoy the holiday season in Europe. Edinburgh’s Christmas festivities include a Christmas market, an ice rink, and various events. The city is beautifully illuminated, and the Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens offers a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle.
The Edinburgh Castle stands tall in the background, creating a magical setting. With all the decorations, events, and the friendly atmosphere, Edinburgh becomes a really special place to celebrate Christmas. It’s like stepping into a holiday storybook full of joy and merriment.
15. Salzburg, Austria:
Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, is known for its classical and charming Christmas markets. The backdrop of the snow-covered Alps adds to the picturesque setting. Don’t miss the markets at Residenzplatz and Cathedral Square.
The city’s historic Old Town, with its charming streets and medieval architecture, becomes even more enchanting during the Christmas season. The Residenzplatz and Cathedral Square host festive markets where you can find handmade crafts, delightful ornaments, and tasty local treats. The snow-covered Alps in the background add to the picturesque scenery.
Salzburg’s classical music heritage and the warm glow of Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere that makes it a perfect destination for celebrating the joy of the season with family and friends.
Read more, Best New Year Destinations In India
These are the best places where you can celebrate Christmas in Europe. If you want to celebrate this festive season in a different way, then book your tickets now and explore the culture of these beautiful European Countries.
