10 Best Places to Visit in Europe During Christmas
Between the classic Christmas lights and the wide variety of bustling Christmas markets across the continent, it can be hard to pinpoint the absolute best places to visit in Europe during Christmas.
As someone who has been living in Paris for half a decade, I’ve been lucky enough to travel around Europe during winter and Christmastime extensively – having taken dedicated trips to places in Scandinavia, Switzerland, Central Europe, and elsewhere in France during December and January to discover if these European Christmas “postcard places” are truly worth the hype.
View of Ferris Wheel at Paris Christmas Market; December 2025
The challenging part about finding the perfect Christmas destinations in Europe to visit is that it really all depends on what you want out of your Europe Christmas vacation. This is because not every single city in Europe offers snow, mountains, Christmas markets, or even extravagant lights to the same degree.
Having visited all ten of these destinations by hand over the years, specifically during Christmastime itself, I’m here to share with you what I believe to be the 10 best places to visit in Europe during Christmas.
There’s truly something for every traveler: so grab your hot cocoa, warm up with your laptop cozy by the fireplace – and start reading to discover the perfect European Christmas vacation for you.
Best Places to Visit in Europe During Christmas at a Glance
Having visited a wide variety of cities in Europe during Christmas time myself over the years, I had to think very carefully which ones were my favorite.
Luckily, after having explored each of these places in the heart of December or shortly after New Year’s in January – I carefully picked my favorite places in Europe to visit during Christmas for the holiday vibes, markets, atmosphere’s, and cozy, snowy auras.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best places to visit in Europe during the winter and Christmastime:
View of Nyhavn Christmas market in Copenhagen, Denmark; December 2022
🎄 Map of the Best Christmas Destinations in Europe
Explore all 10 destinations on the interactive map!
10 Best Christmas Destinations in Europe
After almost a decade of exploring Europe during Christmas and winter, here are my absolute favorite places to visit across the continent when the weather gets cold, the sky turns grey, and the streets light up with festive cheer.
1. Strasbourg, France: Best for Traditional Christmas Markets
🎄 Best For: Fairytale movie & massive market lovers.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 2 nights
🕒 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: The Strasbourg Christmas Market opens November 27th from 2 PM to 9 PM . Standard opening hours are 11 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Sunday, until December 24th (closing early at 6 PM on Christmas Eve). The market will be closed from Christmas Day through New Year's Day.
✨ Christmas Highlight: The annual Christmas market.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: Low. Expect typical European wet, grey, and rainy days as opposed to a white Christmas.
This probably goes without saying, but Strasbourg really is one of the most festive places in all of Europe to be during Christmastime.
View of Strasbourg Cathedral in Strasbourg, France; May 2019
Of course, the main reason people visit Strasbourg during Christmas is for Christkindelsmärik – which is the popular and traditional Christmas market held each year in Strasbourg. It’s been going for almost 500 years, and yet – it still attracts between 2 and 3 million tourists every year.
However, there’s a lot about Strasbourg that I think gets overlooked. Personally, for me, I find the Christmas market to be a holiday-themed extracurricular in an already magical city.
I find Petite France to be extremely underrated, and while it’s too cold to picnic there in the winter – its lined with enchanting cafés that will really put you in the cozy, holiday spirit. Plus, the massive cathedral and its surrounding decorations are a sight for Christmas-suckers-sore-eyes.
Don't miss: Strasbourg Cathedral, Place Kléber, and La Petite France.
Local tip: As someone who lives in France, trust me – Strasbourg is subject to massive weekend crowds – especially during around weekend crowds, particularly during the Christmas market season. I strongly suggest visiting the Christmas Market as early in the morning as possible, otherwise – you’ll be subject to extreme crowds and won’t really get to enjoy the market and its Alsacian traditions.
2. Vienna, Austria: Best for Grand Christmas Markets
🎶 Best For: Music and palace lovers who want grand architecture and a more approachable Christmas market for their holiday scenery.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 3 nights
🎄 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: Most Christmas markets in Vienna open from mid-November, with some staying open into early January.
✨ Christmas Highlight: Palaces, potential snow, and slightly less chaotic Christmas markets.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: Medium chance. I got a thin blanket of snow in January, but this isn't super common in Austria .
Vienna is one of those European cities that often gets put on the backburner, but honestly – it’s one of the sweetest winter memories I’ve made in Europe yet.
View of Schönbrunn Palace in the snow in Vienna, Austria; January 2018
When I visited years ago in January, I was lucky enough to visit Schönbrunn Palace with a fresh sheet of white snow – which made it all the more magical.
From there, Vienna has so much more to offer during the holiday season – like classical concerts that put you in a melodic mood for Christmas music, gorgeous cafés serving sachertorte under a steam of lights, and Rathausplatz – which hosts a massive Viennese Christmas Market.
Christkindlmarkt is a stunning Christmas market held in Vienna every year from mid-November to December – adorned with wooden huts and ice-skating trails. This year, it’ll be open from November 13th until December 26th.
Don't miss: Rathausplatz Christmas Market, Schönbrunn Palace, and Vienna's historic cafés (especially if you’re a sweet tooth lover, like me).
Local tip: I really recommend exploring all of the different Christmas markets that Vienna has to offer as opposed to spending all of your time at Rathausplatz – as the ones in Belvedere, Stehansplatz, and the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz are all worth checking out too!
3. London, United Kingdom: Best for Christmas Lights
🎄 Best For: Christmas lights & department store shopping.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 3 nights
🕒 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: Several Christmas markets, including Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square, are open from early November to January .
✨ Christmas Highlight: Wandering the city to see department store lights like Harrod's and decorations all over the city.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: Low. Expect cold and grey clouds.
Honestly, out of my 7 trips to London I’ve made so far – visiting the city during Christmas is one of my favorite trips to date!
View of Trafalgar Square Christmas Market in London, England; December 2025
If you’re a big city girl like me and love places like New York City during Christmas for the never ending lights, energy, and department store decorations – then you’ll be a sucker for London during the holiday season, too.
I had an amazing time for 2 days wandering Harrod’s, Oxford Street, and Camden during December to discover all of the city’s infamous Christmas traditions – like Yorkshire pudding and the adorable rides found at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
Watch me explore London during Christmas in real-time in my London holiday vlog below!
Don't miss: Covent Garden decorations, Oxford Street lights, and exploring food markets like Borough Market, Camden, and Leadenhall with the festive Chrstimas aura.
Local tip: As London is a massive Christmas destination for not only UK tourists, but visitors from around the world – it’s important to book popular seasonal attractions, like a holiday show on West End or busy restaurants, far in advance.
4. Prague, Czech Republic: Best for Fairytale Christmas Scenery
🏰 Best For: Fairytale Christmas scenery, Gothic architecture, and traditional Christmas market lovers.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 3–4 days
🕒 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: The popular Old Town Square Christmas Market will be open from November 28th to January 6th , from 10 AM to 11 PM every day.
✨ Christmas Highlight: Old Town Square and jewelry shop-lined streets decorated with Christmas lights.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: Low, but not impossible.
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, and it only gets prettier during the “most wonderful time” of the year.
View of Prague Castle from afar in Prague, Czech Republic; January 2018
Between the magical Old Town Square covered with potato sticks and mulled wine and the Gothic architecture that gives the city that old time feel perfect for the nostalgia associated with the holidays – Prague is a picture-perfect fairy-tale like Christmas for people who love both majestic scenery and warm holiday traditions.
One of the things I liked best about Prague is that even in the middle of January, I could still feel the holiday cheer in the air – especially with all of the street lights and local food stands still selling cozy cuisine to accompany the cold weather.
Don't miss: Old Town Square Christmas Market, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge.
Local tip: Although it may sound a bit cliché, I really do think one of the most beautiful places in all of Prague during Christmas is the Old Town Square – but it can get really crowded. I recommend being there first thing in the morning to slowly see the shops open up and to take crowd-free photos. This really let me soak up the essence of the Old Town Square and its surrounding Christmas stands without the touristic chaos that often ensues in Prague year-round.
5. Paris, France: Best for a Romantic Christmas Trip
❤️ Best For: People who want to see Paris in a different light and couples seeking a cozy Christmas trip.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 3 nights
🎄 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: Fête des Tuileries will be open from November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027 , and the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market will return from November 22, 2026, to January 4, 2027 .
✨ Christmas Highlight: Fête des Tuileries and the Christmas Market returning to the Champs-Élysées.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: Low, but not impossible! We've had white blankets of snow in Paris the past couple of years!
Besides the classic Christmas spots in Paris like Galeries Lafayette for the big Christmas tree reveal and rooftop ice skating rink and family-friendly Fête des Tulieres filled to the brim with endless rides, sweet treats, souvenirs, and twinkling views of Paris from the ferris wheel – there’s a lot more holiday-covered charm to discover in the city of love.
My classic Paris Christmas walk usually includes hitting up spots like the decorations along Rue Saint Honoré and Le Village Royal, the golden lights hugging the trees along Avenue Montaigne, and taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower with the café decorations hung up around Rue Saint-Domonique.
You also can’t miss the Christmas trees in Place Vendôme and the disco-style ice skating rink at Petit Palais!
View of Paris café with Christmas decorations in Paris, France; December 2025
Don't miss: Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree, Fête des Tulieries, and a classic Christmas walk along Rue Saint-Honoré – making sure to pop into Le Village Royal for photos!
Local tip: If there’s anything I’ve learned about Paris during Christmas over the years, it’s that the weekends during the holiday season are an absolute nightmare. I’ve enjoyed the Christmas Markets next to empty during the weekdays at noon and suffered in sardines-in-a-can-like-crowds when trying to explore the French holiday delicacies. Trust me, avoid Christmas markets in Paris on the weekends past 5pm – and you’ll be thanking me later.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark: Best for Cozy Christmas Atmosphere
🕯️ Best For: People who don't like massive cities but still want a city experience and a cozier European Christmas.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 2 nights
🎄 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: Christmas at Tivoli Gardens runs from November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027 .
✨ Christmas Highlight: The market along Nyhavn and walking the cute, quiet streets illuminated with Christmas lights at night. Unlike other bustling European cities, the peaceful atmosphere is part of Copenhagen's charm.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: Possible, but not guaranteed.
A few years ago, I took a dedicated Christmas/Winter trip to Scandinavia – partially because I wanted to see the Northern Lights, but also because something about this region of Europe screams Christmas to me.
And luckily, I wasn’t wrong – as Copenhagen has ended up being one of my favorite Christmas destinations I’ve ever visited in Europe. From Nyhavn decked in holiday cheer and hygge, the festive food I found at Torvehallerne, and golden lights hung across the small streets – Copenhagen has a soft and subtle way of exuding Christmas charm.
You can watch me explore Copenhagen during Christmas in my vlog below!
Plus, I was lucky enough to visit while there was a fresh white blanket of snow on the ground – which made the colored, triangular shaped houses all the more encapsulating.
You also can’t miss the amazing Tivoli Gardens market if you love grandiose, story-book light displays and the thrill of amusement parks – but note that entry isn’t free (costs around €30 per ticket, so be sure to only plan on this if you’re a die-hard fan of Christmas decorations.
View of Nyhavn Christmas market at night in Copenhagen, Denmark; December 2022
Don't miss: Tivoli Gardens, Torvehallerne, and Nyhavn – all of which are dressed in adorable holiday attire without being too in your face.
Local tip: Most people who visit Copenhagen during Christmas will try to scope of Tivoli's Gardens, but if you’re on a budget – I really recommend checking out Torvehallerne instead, as there are amazing holiday treats to be found, and entrance is free!
7. Budapest, Hungary: Best for a Festive City Break
🎄 Best For: Christmas market lovers who want a festive European city break with cozy thermal baths and beautiful historic architecture.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 3 nights
🕒 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: The Advent Bazilika Christmas Market on Szent István Square in front of St. Stephen's Basilica runs from November 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027 .
✨ Christmas Highlight: The Basilica Christmas Market and cozy thermal baths.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: Very possible, but not 100% guaranteed!
As one of my favorite cities I have ever visited of all time, Budapest does an incredible job of exuding exceptional energy without skimming on gorgeous architectures and breath-taking views – and this all only gets more attractive when it’s painted with snow and covered in Christmas lights.
View of Hungarian Parliament in the snow in Budapest, Hungary; January 2018
I was lucky enough to see Budapest in the snow in mid January, which made stunning landscapes like Fisherman’s Bastion and landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament all the more beautiful. I honestly couldn’t have imagined seeing this bustling city during any other time besides the holiday season.
The great thing about Budapest during the winter is that some of its oldest traditions, like thermal baths, make it all the cozier. I personally visited the Széchenyi Baths, and it was a great way to cap off a full day of sightseeing in the city when it was at its peak frigidness.
Don't miss: St. Stephen's Basilica Christmas Market, Vörösmarty Square for their local Christmas fair, and a cozier side of the holidays at Széchenyi Baths.
Local tip: I personally recommend combining a full day of sightseeing in Budapest with a visit to one of its many Christmas markets, such as the Basilica Christmas Market or the one held at Vörösmarty Square – and ending it with a relaxing, evening thermal bath experience.
8. Zermatt, Switzerland: Best for a Snowy Christmas Escape
⛷️ Best For: Skiers, fondue lovers, those who love alpine scenery, and people who prefer a quiet, cozy Christmas indoors in a chalet.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 2 nights
🎄 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: Zermatt doesn't have a traditional Christmas market, but its main shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse , is decorated with festive lights during the holidays.
✨ Christmas Highlight: Seeing the snow-covered Matterhorn and enjoying the cozy bars serving warm drinks to skiers.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: High! Zermatt's mountains are typically covered in snow during Christmas and throughout winter.
Even as a big city girl who doesn’t ski in the slightest, I fell absolutely in love with Zermatt when I visited last year shortly after New Year’s.
View of Banhofstrasse during Christmas in Zermatt, Switzerland; January 2026
From the wooden chalets, to the crispy cold mountain air engulfing your face as your eyes catch the Matterhorn dusted with snow from afar, to the exquisite lights that hang from the village’s main shopping street – Zermatt is the epitome of a comfy Christmas to be spent with warm food, drinks, and cinematic alpine scenery.
Watch me explore Zermatt during peak ski season in my vlog below!
Just beware, that it really is freezing cold in Zermatt during the winter – it’s the coldest place I have ever been to date. You’ll need to come prepared with thermal ski wear and sufficient snow boots, otherwise – you’ll be slipping and falling while exploring the town!
Don't miss: Matterhorn Viewpoint at Mürini 28., Gornergrat train for scenic views, and wandering Bahnhofstrasse in Zermatt village.
Local tip: Zermatt is a really cool place, but it’s also a really cold place. Be sure to bring all of the right gear: gloves, scarfs, layers, and snow boots with you. Also, if you don’t want to spend a fortune on fondue in a restaurant – there are two massive grocery stores right on the main street near the train station!
9. Reykjavik, Iceland: Best for a Unique Winter Adventure
🌈 Best For: Colorful, picturesque charm and a low-key Christmas.
🗓️ Suggested Stay: 2 nights
🎄 Christmas Market Dates & Hours: The Austurvöllur Christmas Market has previously run from November 30th to December 23rd . Check the linked schedule for updated 2026 dates and individual opening days.
✨ Christmas Highlight: Walking along Rainbow Street with Christmas lights hanging overhead.
❄️ Snow Likelihood: High!
Speaking of my Scandinavian Christmas adventure, I also adored visiting Reykjavik (which I was actually there on the night before Christmas Eve!).
As one of the most precious little places I have ever visited in all of my travels, Reykjavik perfectly depicts what a cute Christmas should be. I personally loved walking down Rainbow Road with all of the Christmas lights hanging – as the combination of vibrant colors and Nordic holiday decorations really hit the nail on the head for festive season.
What’s also special about visiting Reykjavik and Iceland is that it’s very secluded, giving a very safe feeling to the holiday season – with the opportunity to spice it up, if you want. For instance, I went to the Blue Lagoon on Christmas Eve, which was a really relaxing way to unwind after a busy trip across Scandinavia.
Watch me explore Iceland close to Christmas in my vlog below!
You could even get lucky and get the chance to see the Northern Lights – but note that this depends on solar activity as opposed to visiting in the peak of winter. I sadly didn’t get to the experience them myself, but if it happens to you – I’m sure it could make your Christmas feel all the more mystical and magical.
People wandering the streets of Reykjavik close to Christmas; December 2022
Don't miss: Reykjavik's festive streets like Rainbow Road, Blue Lagoon for a spa-like treatment during the holiday season, and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Local tip: There are only about 4 hours of daylight in Iceland during the winter, so try to plan the majority of your tourist activities between 11am and 3pm. I say this because any sunlight you get will also help keep you a little bit warmer while you sightsee!
10. Barcelona, Spain: Best for a Milder Christmas Getaway
Last but not least, this one may seem a bit odd to include in this one in a best Europe Christmas vacations round up – but I truly had the best time ever when I visited Barcelona right after Christmas and during New Year’s almost ten years ago.
In fact, I preferred Barcelona during Christmas as opposed to the recent trip I took with my family to Barcelona in the spring. I was struck by the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc on New Year’s Eve when I rang in 2018 to a parade of colors. The light show was truly spectacular and remains one of my fondest memories from my early solo-travel days.
View of Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain; April 2026
Not to mention, you’ll also get the chance to experience the nostalgic Gothic Quarter complete with holiday lights – and uncover Catalan cuisine during December at Fira de Santa Llúcia festive streets, and distinctive Catalan Christmas traditions.
However, Barcelona during Christmas isn’t the best choice for those looking for a Hallmark-movie-moment – as the weather is mild, the sun is shining, and Christmas will be far less in your face than it is in places like London, Paris, or Vienna.
But if you’re a traveler who doesn’t want freezing temperatures or wants to escape the dreary, cloud skies of your hometime this time of year – Barcelona could be the winning destination for your European Christmas vacation.
Don't miss: Fira de Santa Llúcia, Gothic Quarter, and Las Ramblas for holiday shopping.
Local tip: Barcelona is best treated as a “sunny escape” from the more traditional Central European markets, meaning this isn’t the best option for people who want to peruse endless nougat, cheese, hot chocolate, or wood-carven stands during the holidays.
Which European Christmas Destination Should You Choose?
Choosing the best European Christmas destination will depend on what you’re looking for out of your winter/holiday adventure.
My recommendation for the best place to visit in Europe during Christmas is bound to change and is contingent on what you’re seeking: such as fireplace-side romance, massive Christmas markets, extravagant lights, a milder climate, or snowy alpine scenery.
The table below will help you decide which European city is best for you during Christmastime:
Leadenhall market decked out in Christmas cheer in London, England; December 2025
When Is the Best Time to Visit Europe for Christmas?
A lot of tourists may try to pull a Home Alone and plan their Christmas vacation around the 25th itself, but honestly – the best time to visit Europe for Christmas is in the two weeks prior to the infamous holiday itself.
I say this because what most tourists coming to Europe for Christmas don’t realize is that not all markets operate through December 25th – such as the markets in Strasbourg or.
The overview cards will reveal what the Christmas vibe is like in Europe during the following time periods:
Late November
This is when most Christmas markets start opening, lights go up, and cafés are decked out in holiday decorations.
Early December
This is one of the best periods for a festive atmosphere before the busiest holiday travel dates: you’ll get all the chocolat chaud, mulled wine, and Christmas markets without massive crowds.
The Week Before Christmas
This is prime time as the holidays get closer, but as it gets more festive – it also gets more crowded.
I felt this when I traveled to Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Reykjavik the week before Christmas and even into the 23rd, 24th, and 25th.
New Year's
Some festive events continue, but opening schedules vary.
View of quiet café in Paris during Christmas; December 2025
European Christmas Market Dates for 2026
Conspicuously, a big part of your European Christmas adventure is visiting the Christmas markets – meaning it’s important to plan your trip around their opening hours and know when Christmas markets open in Europe.
The table below will reveal European Christmas markets 2026 opening dates for all the Christmas markets in Europe I mentioned above:
| 📍 Destination | 📅 2026 Opening Dates | 🎄 Christmas Markets & 🕒 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 Strasbourg | November 27 – December 24, 2026 |
🎄
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Daily: 11 AM–9 PM November 27: 2–9 PM December 24: 11 AM–6 PM Closed December 25 through New Year's Day. |
| 🇦🇹 Vienna | November 13 – December 26, 2026 Rathausplatz dates. Other markets have their own opening periods. |
🎄
Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Nov 13–Dec 26 Daily: 10 AM–10 PM Dec 24: 10 AM–6:30 PM 🎄 Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market Nov 6–Jan 6 Daily: 10 AM–9 PM Dec 24: 10 AM–4 PM Dec 25–Jan 6: 10 AM–7 PM 🎄 Belvedere Palace Christmas Market Nov 20–Dec 31 Mon–Fri: 11 AM–9 PM Weekends & holidays: 10 AM–9 PM Dec 24 & 31: 11 AM–5 PM 🎄 Stephansplatz Christmas Market Nov 6–Dec 26 Daily: 11 AM–9 PM Dec 24: 11 AM–4 PM Dec 25–26: 11 AM–7 PM |
| 🇬🇧 London | October 31, 2026 – January 3, 2027 Overall season for the listed markets. |
🎄
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Nov 6–Jan 3 Daily: 10 AM–10 PM 🎄 Leicester Square Christmas Stalls Oct 31–Jan 3 Daily: 10 AM–10 PM 🎄 Southbank Centre Winter Market Nov 2–Jan 3 Market stalls: 11 AM–10 PM Bars: 11 AM–11 PM ✨ Covent Garden Christmas Decorations Festive lights, shops, and seasonal pop-ups. Not one standalone Christmas market with a single set of trading hours. |
| 🇨🇿 Prague | November 28, 2026 – January 6, 2027 |
🎄
Old Town Square Christmas Market
Nov 28–Jan 6 Daily: 10 AM–10 PM 🎄 Wenceslas Square Christmas Market Nov 28–Jan 6 Daily: 10 AM–10 PM Both main markets remain open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. |
| 🇫🇷 Paris | November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027 Fête des Tuileries November 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027 Champs-Élysées Christmas Market |
🎄
Fête des Tuileries
Nov 14–Jan 3 Daily: 11 AM–11:45 PM 🎄 Champs-Élysées Christmas Market Nov 22–Jan 4 Mon–Thu: 10 AM–10 PM Fri–Sun: 10 AM–11 PM Dec 24: 10 AM–8 PM Closed December 31. |
| 🇩🇰 Copenhagen | November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027 |
🎄
Christmas at Tivoli Gardens
Nov 13–Jan 3 Mon–Thu & Sun: 11 AM–11 PM Fri–Sat: 11 AM–midnight General seasonal hours; special dates may have different opening times. Admission fees/ticket purchase required. Closed December 24. |
| 🇭🇺 Budapest | November 13, 2026 – January 1, 2027 |
🎄
Advent Bazilika Christmas Market
Nov 13–Jan 1 Mon–Thu: 11 AM–10 PM Fri–Sat: 11 AM–11 PM Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM Dec 24: 11 AM–3 PM Dec 25–26: 11 AM–8 PM Dec 31: 11 AM–3 AM (Jan 1) Jan 1: 11 AM–6 PM |
| 🇨🇭 Zermatt | No traditional Christmas market | ✨ Zermatt's Festive Bahnhofstrasse Christmas lights, cozy chalets, alpine scenery, and festive shops. No market opening or closing hours because this is not a traditional Christmas market. |
| 🇮🇸 Reykjavík | 2026 dates not yet confirmed Previously listed dates: November 30 – December 23. |
🎄
Austurvöllur Christmas Market
Previously published hours: Nov 30–Dec 1: 1–8 PM Dec 7–8: 1–8 PM Dec 14–15: 1–8 PM Dec 19–20: 4–8 PM Dec 21–22: noon–9 PM Dec 23: 2–11 PM Historical schedule only — not confirmed for Christmas 2026. |
| 🇪🇸 Barcelona | November 27 – December 23, 2026 Fira de Santa Llúcia November 21 – December 23, 2026 Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família |
🎄
Fira de Santa Llúcia
Nov 27–Dec 23 Daily: 10 AM–9 PM 🎄 Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família Nov 21–Dec 23 Daily: 10 AM–9 PM |
View of Christmas Lights in Paris outside of BHV department store; December 2025
How to Visit Multiple European Christmas Destinations in One Trip
France Christmas Trip
Spend 3–4 days exploring Christmas in Paris, followed by 2 days enjoying Strasbourg's Christmas markets and Alsatian atmosphere.
Central Europe Christmas Trip
Honestly, a central European Christmas trip is one of the most classic routes you can take – as you’ll be able to explore three festive European capitals with gorgeous architecture and alive Christmas markets.
I did this exact Prague, Vienna, and Budapest route in early January almost a decade ago – and it remains as one of my most memorable trips in Europe.
Northern Europe Christmas Trip
Combine London's elaborate Christmas lights with Copenhagen's cozy atmosphere and Tivoli Gardens, using a flight between the cities.
My Tips for Visiting Europe During Christmas
As someone who has lived in Europe for more than five Christmases now, I know a thing or two on how to make the most of your European Christmas vacation.
Here are some of my biggest tips to make sure you have the best trip to Europe during Christmas:
Cover Christmas Day closures, advance hotel bookings, shorter daylight hours, cold-weather packing, crowds, and public transportation changes.
Book Accommodation Early: Popular Christmas destinations can become expensive during peak holiday dates – especially places like London and Zermatt. I really recommend booking these months in advance, if you can!
Check Christmas Market Opening Dates: Remember, not all Christmas markets across Europe stay open through Christmas and New Year's – meaning it’s important to plan your trip carefully if visiting the markets themselves are a dealbreaker for you.
Keep Shorter Daylight Hours in Mind: When I made my Christmas trips to cities like Stockholm, Oslo, and Reykjavik – I had to plan my daily outings very carefully, as it truly does get dark starting around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Be sure to plan on earlier mornings and cozier nights in the hotel with all the extra darker hours.
Pack Accordingly: All these destinations may be in Europe, but their weather during December couldn’t be more different. Barcelona can be sunny, Zermatt snowy, and Paris rainy all in the same week – so be sure to pack accordingly for your European Christas adventure depending on the cities you plan to visit!
Expect Crowds at Christmas Markets: Let me tell you: as someone who has been living in Paris for 5 years now, the popular markets attract just as many locals as they do tourists. This means that weekends and evenings can be particularly busy. I recommend trying to visit during the day, as most Christmas markets in big cities in Europe are virtually empty on weekdays during working hours!
Plan Around Christmas Day Closures: Europe may be all old and enchanting on the inside, but remember – on the inside, that tradition comes from somewhere. The tradeoff of a beautiful Christmas vacation in Europe is that a lot of restaurants, shops, museums, and transportation may operate on reduced schedules or even be closed entirely. Be sure to plan Christmas and New Year’s Day accordingly and check that everything you want to do is still open, as honestly – the 25th and the 1st are usually days I spend entirely at home, as most things in Paris are closed.
Final Verdict: Where Should You Spend Christmas in Europe?
If I had to choose a place to spend Christmas in Europe, I would opt for Reykjavik for its precious and colorful Christmas charm, Zermatt for its cozy chalets and alpine scenery, and London for the classic big-city Christmas lights and holiday shopping scene.
For a classic European Christmas, I think places like Strasbourg, Paris, and Copenhagen really fit best for their well-balanced mix of markets, cafés, architecture, and lights without being too in-your-face Christmas.
People shopping in Borough Market during Christmas in London, England; December 2025
🎄🇪🇺 FAQs About Visiting Europe During Christmas
View of Christmas tree outside of Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France; December 2025
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Additional articles you may find helpful include:
15 Best Things to do in London During Christmas
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Last updated: November 11, 2026