Where to go at Christmas in Europe

Christmas is a magical holiday, which allows everyone to become children again. Christmas means tradition, and between markets, lights and decorations, every European city celebrates it in its own way. But, if on the one hand the events and customs of the big tourist centers are known to most, on the other hand, from Denmark, to Switzerland, passing through Croatia and Poland, there are numerous small towns with traditions yet to be discovered. So, if you are looking for a Christmas destination, here is a selection of suggestive European places to spend the Christmas holidays , which certainly will not disappoint the child in you.

Attention: some of the events mentioned in the article could be canceled due to Covid19. It is advisable to read up on the official websites before booking your stay.
Destination Offer (Round trip flight + 4 nights / 5 days) Warsaw, Poland from € 166.00 per person – find out more
Krakow, Poland from € 240.00 per person – find out more
Vienna, Austria from € 290.00 per person – find out more
Zagreb, Croatia from € 220.00 per person – find out more
Rothenburg, Germany from € 280.00 per person – find out more
Bruges, Belgium from € 230.00 per person – find out more
Salzburg, Austria from € 290.00 per person – find out more
Budapest, Hungary from € 198.00 per person – find out more
St. Gallen (St. Gallen), Switzerland from € 370.00 per person – find out more
Rovaniemi, Finland from € 800.00 per person – find out more
Brussels, Belgium from € 220.00 per person – find out more
Prague, Czech Republic from € 255.00 per person – learn more
Berlin, Germany from € 232.00 per person – learn more
Lisbon, Portugal from € 230.00 per person – learn more
Moscow, Russia from € 315.00 per person – find out more
Dublin, Ireland from € 270.00 per person – find out more
Madrid, Spain from € 275.00 per person – find out more
London, United Kingdom from € 219.00 per person – find out more
Paris, France from € 385.00 per person – find out more
Bucharest, Romania from € 212.00 per person – find out more

Warsaw, Poland
Christmas is particularly important in Warsaw. Despite being a large city, ancient traditions have never gone out of fashion, and in December the streets are filled with markets , including that of plac Defilad, in front of the Palace of Culture and Science and in Plac Zamkowy, the square of the castle.

Characteristic is the dinner on Christmas Eve, which begins with the appearance of the first Christmas star in the sky , and consists of 12 courses, one for each apostle. According to tradition, the more you eat during dinner, the more luck you will attract.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Warsaw: offers, program and tips

• Climate and temperatures : continental climate. In December, the maximum temperatures recorded are around 2 °, while the minimum can reach -3 °
• Low cost flights: from € 45.98 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 41.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 166.00 per person – see the offers
• Card, ticket and recommended tour: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour Chopin concert in the historic center

Krakow, Poland
Krakow offers the opportunity to experience the spirit of Christmas and its worldliness at the same time. Beyond the stalls, the Christmas markets and the lights in every corner of the city, it will be possible to admire the handmade nativity scenes , called Szopki Krakowskie. These small works of art are exhibited every year in Krakow’s Main Market Square.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Krakow: Offers, program and advice

• Climate and temperatures : cold and temperate. The maximum temperature recorded in December is 2 °, while the minimum can reach up to -4 °
• Low cost flights: starting from € 29.98 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 45.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 240.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Auschwitz-Birkenau: 1 day tour from Krakow Bike tour in Krakow

Vienna, Austria

Markets, giant nativity scenes and much more . This is how Christmas is celebrated in Vienna. Immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere, explore the snowy city, perhaps aboard a horse-drawn carriage. And if you can, extend your stay until New Year’s Eve to enjoy the concert or the great prom.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Vienna – info, offers and tips

• Climate and temperatures : cold and temperate climate. The maximum temperature recorded in December is 4 °, while the minimum reaches -3 °
• Low cost flights: starting from € 29.98 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 290.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Skip the line: Vienna tour and Schonbrunn Palace Tickets for the concert of the Vienna Residence Orchestra

Zagreb, Croatia
In Zagreb, preparations for Christmas begin as early as November. Throughout the period it is possible to go to the characteristic markets , such as those held in Zrinjevac, the city park, or attend Christmas choirs and concerts, which take place in Piazza Bano Josip Jelacic.
Zagreb is also famous for being home to one of the largest and most impressive living nativity scenes in all of Europe .

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Zagreb: Offers, program and advice

• Climate and temperatures : temperate climate, with significant rainfall throughout the year. During the Christmas period the maximum temperature is 5 °, while the minimum is 0 °
• Low cost flights: from € 128.60 – look at the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 58.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 220.00 per person
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 2.5-hour walking tour with funicular Ljubljana and Lake Bled: tour from Zagreb

Rothenburg, Germany
Rothenburg is hidden along the 366 kilometers of the Romantische StraBe, the romantic road of Germany: the place where Christmas is all year round . Impossible not to be enchanted by the magical atmosphere of the city, which has preserved its medieval walls, its villages and above all its traditions intact. Rothenburg is home to Kathe Wohlfahrt, a local company that has become famous for Christmas decorations, in which there is a Christmas village open all year round , and it doesn’t end there. On the second floor of the building, in fact, there is the museum of commercial Christmas , which tells the evolution of the festival to date.

• Climate and temperatures : temperate climate. During the month of December the temperatures are 3 ° maximum and -2 ° the minimum
• Low cost flights: flights to Nuremberg (70km) from € 19.98 – check offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 80.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 280.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Day Trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt Romantic Road Tour and Rothenburg from Munich

Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is an ancient medieval town full of traditions and characteristic atmospheres. Especially recommended for chocolate lovers , who will find 55 shops here and even a museum dedicated to cocoa, the Choco Story. In the Market Square are held the traditional Christmas markets , which seen from the top of the Belfry tower, offer a view worthy of the best vintage postcards.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Bruges: Offers, program and tips

• Climate and temperatures : temperate climate. In December, the minimum temperature recorded is 3 °, with the maximum being around 7 °
• Low cost flights: Flights to Brussels (90km) from € 27.98 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 85.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 230.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Bruges: private tour Bruges: guided tour in rickshaw

Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is known primarily for two things: being the birthplace of Mozart, and the Christmas markets . The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt boasts a tradition behind it for five centuries, and is held every year inside the Cathedral and the Residenz Palace. The very famous market opens its doors five weeks before Christmas, and consists of suggestive and characteristic wooden stalls , where artisans sell their typical products.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Salzburg: Offers, program and tips

• Climate and temperatures : temperate climate. In December, the maximum temperatures recorded are around 4 °, while the minimum can reach -2 °
• Low cost flights: Flights to Salzburg or Munich (120km) from € 51.24 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 92.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 290.00 per person – see the offers
• Card, ticket and recommended tour: Hallstatt Lakes: guided bus tour from Salzburg Mozart concert with dinner

Budapest, Hungary
Still a European capital, this time the splendid Budapest, also known as the Paris of the East. Wonderful architecture, historic charm, lively nightlife and of course many Christmas-themed events. Without forgetting the splendid spas, which characterize this city.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Budapest – info, offers and advice

• Climate and temperatures : The climate is temperate. The temperature in December is 4 ° maximum and -3 ° minimum
• Low cost flights: starting from € 15.98 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b starting from € 42.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 198.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 1-day Sissi Pass Royal Tour to Szechenyi Baths without queue

St. Gallen (St. Gallen), Switzerland
St. Gallen is a small medieval center which has developed over time around the abbey of the same name. Famous for the production of lace in the city , on the first Sunday of Advent, a characteristic event takes place: the lighting of the Christmas tree, located right in front of the abbey. This moment marks the beginning of the “real” celebrations and markets, which are generally held throughout the historic center.

• Climate and temperatures : cold and temperate climate. In December the maximum temperature is around 4 °, while the minimum drops to -1 °
• Low cost flights: Flights to Zurich (70km) from € 74.98 – check offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 105.00 per room – look at the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 370.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Private trip from Zurich to St. Gallen and Appenzell Historic tour of St. Gallen

Rovaniemi, Finland
In Rovaniemi, Lapland, is the Santa Claus Village: the home of Santa Claus . Here, a short distance from the Arctic Circle, the elves work inside the toy factory , and Santa’s post office is located, where children’s letters from all over the world are delivered.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Rovaniemi: Offers, program and tips

• Climate and temperatures : cold climate. Given the proximity to the Arctic Circle, temperatures are quite low: -5 ° maximum and -12 ° minimum
• Low cost flights: from € 243.11 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 350.00 per room – look at the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 800.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: snowmobile safari in the Northern Lights Santa Claus Village and snowmobile ride among reindeer

Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is already a city full of charm and beauty, between history, squares and chocolate, and, during the Christmas period, this charm increases even more, enchanting both adults and children.

The traditional Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Europe and are a real tradition for this city, to which they are very attached!
The whole historic center is transformed and the main theme is the Winter Wonders. Among stalls, Christmas trees, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel, it is impossible not to be fascinated by them and become a child again for a few days! And, of course, there are also many events of all kinds, such as concerts, exhibitions, fairs, sporting events and much more. This Christmas atmosphere invades the city from the last days of November, usually around the last weekend, until January 6th .

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Brussels: Offers, program and advice

• Climate and temperatures : in December the climate is cold and very rainy, with an average of 18 rainy days; the maximum temperatures are recorded on average around 6 °, the minimum around 0 °
• Low cost flights: starting from € 35.00 – see the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 220.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Explore Brussels with a local at Christmas 24 or 48-hour guided hop-on hop-off tour with chocolate tasting

Prague, Czech Republic
Even Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is transformed at Christmas and is besieged by the many Christmas markets, the vanocni trhy. In the squares you can come across several mini villages made up of many wooden houses that sell both handicrafts and traditional Czech dishes and sweets.
According to tradition, these markets open on the eve of the first Sunday of Advent , a date that changes every year, and the season is inaugurated with the lighting ceremony of the large Christmas tree.in the Clock Square, or Old Town Square, the main square of the city, name in Czech Staromestkse Namesti. Nevertheless, you can find some markets already open towards the end of November, such as the one organized at Prague Castle. You can also visit those on Wenceslas Square, Republic Square and Peace Square. Everything takes place in a beautiful setting made up of a thousand lights and many events, such as concerts and themed exhibitions.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Prague: Offers, program and advice

• Climate and temperatures : in December the climate is cold and rainy, with an average of 16 rainy days; the maximum temperatures are recorded on average around 4 °, the minimum around 0 °
• Low cost flights: starting from € 60.00 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 30.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 255.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 3-hour dinner cruise with live music Castle and Old Town walking tour Best of Prague: bus, boat and walking tour

Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is probably one of the cities that undergoes the greatest transformation during the Christmas period : from a city considered cold by most tourists, also because of its heavy history, it becomes a riot of lights, events , colors and happiness. This is undoubtedly one of the periods in which the city reaches its maximum beauty.
Among all the markets, you absolutely must visit those of Postdamer Platz, with a view of the Brandenburg Gate, where you will enter a real winter village at the beginning of November. In Gendarmenmarkt, on the other hand, one of the most famous and ancient squares, you will find a huge Christmas market, one of which is entirely covered, with handicraft stalls. At Alexanderplatz, however, you will find the classic wooden houses, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and various rides for children. And, also here, you will find the largest Erzgebirgspyramide, a wooden Christmas tower / restaurant , where you can eat traditional dishes with an incredible view of the festive square.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Berlin: Offers, program and tips

• Climate and temperatures : in December the climate is very cold and very rainy, with an average of 16 rainy days; the maximum temperatures are recorded on average around 3 °, the minimum around 0 °
• Low cost flights: starting from € 40.00 – see the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 40.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 232.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Berlin: Christmas Markets and Food Tour Berlin: Christmas Boat Cruise Berlin: 1.5-Hour Lights Winter Tour by Trabi Limousine

Lisbon, Portugal
Maybe thinking about Christmas and the Christmas period in general, the first destinations that come to mind are cities in the cold, where we will probably find snow, such as Austrian, German or Northern European cities. But even the hottest cities have a lot to offer, and Lisbon is definitely one of them!
Here, too, the spirit and the magic of Christmas are not lacking, and already from the end of November the city enters the height of the festivities, which last until January 6 .
Strolling through the streets of the city you will really find everyone: from typical Christmas products and drinks and sweets, to stalls full of wine, cork products and fine wool garments. In short, perfect for looking for original gifts that are different from the usual! Among the many organized markets, the most famous are the Mercado de Natal in Campo Pequeno, the Mercado de Natal in Alvalade, the Venda de Natal Convento dos Cardaes and the Anjos70 – Art & Flea Market Xmas.

SEE ALSO : Christmas in Lisbon: Offers, program and advice

• Climate and temperatures : in December the climate is temperate and rainier than in the other months, with an average of 10 days of rain; the maximum temperatures are recorded on average around 17 °, the minimum around 12 °
• Low cost flights: from € 46.00 – check the offers
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 40.00 per room – see the offers
• Flight + hotel package : Round trip flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 230.00 per person – see the offers
• Recommended cards, tickets and tours: history, tales and everyday life tour Lisbon Card: 24, 48 and 72 hour pass Lisbon and its flavors: 2.5 hour Segway tour

Moscow, Russia
There are cities that give their best at certain times of the year and, despite perhaps the hostile climate, if you visit at that particular time they leave you much more in your heart: Moscow is one of them. But be careful, the dates are different to those we are used to: the celebrations begin in December and last until January 14, when the Russians celebrate the Orthodox New Year, while Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 !
But already in December the streets and squares are filled with markets, skating rinks, musical performances and entertainment for young and old. Among the Christmas markets to see absolutely there is that of Izmailovo, which overlooks the Red Square, festively decorated with lights and decorations. Here you can stroll among stalls of handicrafts, gastronomic products and typical sweets. And to fight the cold there is nothing better than a hot tea or, why not, a shot of vodka!