Best Christmas Destinations in Europe

4. Dresden, Germany

Contributed by Siddhartha Joshi from The Wanderer. 

Home to Germany’s oldest Christmas Market, Dresden is a must-visit destination during the festive Christmas season. The top draw in the city is Striezelmarkt, the famous market which came up in 1434 and has been around ever since.

Located in the center of the city at Altmarkt Square, the visit to the market is incomplete without trying out the traditional hot wine, Gluehwein, and the German Christmas Cake, Hefestriezel, which also gave the market its name. There is something for the kids too, and these are famous Christmas toys from the Ore Mountains like nutcrackers, incense smokers among others. Despite the cold, the markets are open till late and are a great place to end your day with a local meal.

However, this is not the only market to be explored, and other recommended markets include Medieval Christmas Market and Frauenkirche Christmas Market, both within walking distance to each other in the heart of the old city.

5. Brussels, Belgium

Bremen is also known for having one of the best Christmas markets in Germany. If you want to find out more about the city read these top things to do in Bremen.

10. Rovaniemi, Finland

This is considered to be the best Christmas destination in Europe thanks to its unique setting and culture. As the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa making it a great place to visit for the Christmas season. You can visit his home, called the Santa Claus Village, which is decorated with ornaments and lights and even stop by the Santa Claus Main Post Office, run by elves, where you can write and send a postcard from the magnificent Arctic Circle. Besides this, you can also take a tour of some local reindeer farms or spend some time hiking to a dark spot to catch the glowing Northern Lights illuminating the sky.

You can even stop by the Ranua Wildlife Park which is a zoo filled with native arctic animals, like polar bears and owls. If you’re looking for more outdoor activities, you can try snowshoeing in the nearby forest or head out to a secluded lake to go ice fishing with the locals to catch herring and pike. On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try to make your own igloo, under the guidance of a professional, which you can later sleep in. You can also take a quick swim in Ounaskoski Beach where many locals enjoy venturing to for a chilly winter swim.

11. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt transforms into a magical place for the Christmas season. Often covered in fresh layers of snow, this village features traditional Austrian houses scattered around the hillside as well as a large lake that freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice skating. Hallstatt offers many festive stalls at its Christmas market you can shop at to buy goodies like fresh gingerbread and cider. You’ll find fragrant Christmas trees lined up around the area and can try a local specialty – spicy smoked fish caught fresh from the nearby lake.

This UNESCO region features plenty of outdoor activities you can partake in like snowshoeing and skiing. You can also visit the Hallstatt Museum which holds ancient artifacts uncovered from the local salt mines, like the Altaussee Salt Mine which is the oldest one in the world. At night, you can catch a horse-drawn carriage which will take you around the village so you can experience the Christmas season here even better.

You might also be interested in: The best Christmas Markets in Austria.

12. The Dolomites, Italy

This mountain range is a stunning place to venture to during the Christmas season and is one of the top Christmas destinations in Europe for many reasons. Usually covered in snow, you can walk around the area to visit local Christmas markets that sell handmade items and homemade food. The area features five different markets which are located in Bressanone, Vipiteno, Merano, Trento, and Bolzano.

The market in Bressanone is situated in the midst of a medieval city and known for its selection of handmade glass, barley soup, and mulled wine. You can walk around the area for a romantic evening stroll while listening to the faint voices of carolers and smelling the aroma of fresh garlands and cinnamon. If you’re looking for some other unique things to do while in the Dolomites, you can try bobsledding at the Cortina Adrenaline Center or sign up to go on a sled ride during the night through the majestic mountain range while stargazing.

13. Swedish Lapland

When many think about the best Christmas holidays in Europe, their mind might wander to the Swedish Lapland. This area is often a tranquil place filled with freshly fallen snow on pine trees with reindeer trotting around. Situated near the Arctic Circle, the Swedish Lapland is the best European Christmas destination thanks to its rich history and cheerful Christmas spirit. While here, you can get around by walking or taking a sleigh. You can also go skiing or snowmobiling through its fragrant forests.

This area is very traditional so you’ll find many old Christmas markets and scenery to enjoy. Once you’re done shopping at some of them, you can stop by one of the nearby village restaurants or cafes where you can eat some traditional food like smoked salmon, mushroom salad, and cinnamon rice pudding while sitting by a crackling wood fire. Some other things you can do while enjoying the Christmas season here is to hike up to the Aurora Sky Station to see the Northern Lights or stop by the Gammelstad Church Village which is a UNESCO site featuring a 15th-century church surrounded by bright red buildings.

You might also be interested in 3 days in Stockholm and Things to do in Stockholm in winter.

14. Zermatt,  Switzerland

This small spot in Switzerland is one of the best places in Europe to spend Christmas thanks to its majestic mountain views and impressive holiday décor. While in Zermatt, you can catch a glimpse of the famous Matterhorn while walking around the main square which is decorated with twinkling lights and fresh garlands.

To get around, you can catch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage which will take you around to various areas in Zermatt. One unique thing to do while here is to take the Gornergrat Cog Railway up to the top of the Alps where you can go skiing or just get amazing panoramic views of the area below.

While at the top, you can also check out the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise which features incredible ice sculptures made in the shapes of cars, dragons, and even a throne.

When you’re done exploring, you can stop by one of the many small restaurants to try some fresh fondue and chocolate. You can also try traditional rösti, a dish made out of potatoes and butter.  If you happen to visit during the last few days of December, you can also listen to Zermatt’s Christmas concert which plays classical music pieces.

For those looking for some adventurous things to do while here for the season, you can try walking down the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge which is one of the largest in the world. You’ll be able to view the mountainous region even better while walking across it making it a great place to snap some pictures.

Keep in mind, Zermatt doesn’t allow cars, so to get around you’ll either have to walk, use a carriage, or hop on a train.

So where are you spending Christmas this year?

Do you have a favorite Christmas destination?