Are you looking for the best cities to visit in Europe during Christmas? If you are planning a winter holiday vacation, Christmas in Europe is on a different level. The ambiance, Christmas markets, and decorations combined with Europe’s old-world architecture are absolutely magical. If you’re looking to plan a holiday trip, these are 5 European cities that I visited and loved, and that embrace the feeling and spirit of Christmas. Ready to plan your trip? Keep reading!
I went to Europe for Christmas for the first time in 2023, and ever since then, I knew I wanted to see as many European cities during the holidays as I could. I tell people all the time how they should start making winter holiday vacations a priority.
I can’t wait to add on to this post throughout the years as I experience more European cities during the holidays, but for now, keep scrolling to see the European cities that I visited and loved the most during Christmas.
The Best European Cities to Visit During Christmastime
1. Strasbourg, France
Why You Should Visit Strasbourg at Christmas
Strasbourg calls itself the “Christmas capital of the world,” and when you go there for the holidays it’s easy to understand why. There are multiple Christmas markets all over the city, and everywhere you look is decked out in lights. After I visited Strasbourg, it easily became my favorite Christmas market city I’ve ever been to.
You can see from the photo that some of the lights here are a bit…nontraditional. In other words, there’s a lot of pink going on…but hello, we’re in FRANCE! This country is known for romance, so would you expect anything less? I’m here for it…and I know that if you like pretty things, you will be too. There are plenty of traditional Christmas lights and decor all over the city as well, but to me, Strasbourg really brought out the magic and the romance of Christmastime.
Another thing I liked about Strasbourg was how many different markets there were. I spent so much time walking all over to see each one, and was enamored at the decor and how they made every inch of the city feel magical. They also sell a variety of different things at the market stalls, so I didn’t feel like I was running into the same souvenirs over and over.
One of the main highlights of Strasbourg is the famous Teddy Bear Building. This alone shows you how hard they go in terms of decorating. I can’t imagine how much time and effort this must take, but whoever puts this together, I appreciate all of you – because I’m sure it takes a village.
Check out my post, The Ultimate Guide To The Strasbourg Christmas Market, to start planning your Strasbourg trip today. Additionally, you may have heard about Colmar, France being another popular Christmas destination. If you’re trying to decide between the 2, check out Strasbourg vs. Colmar: Which City is Better For Christmas?
Book Top-Rated Christmas Activities in Strasbourg Here
2. Nuremberg, Germany
Why You Should Visit Nuremberg at Christmastime
If you’re going to Europe at Christmastime, then you have to visit a German Christmas market. Christmas markets originated in Germany, and the market in Nuremberg is the “OG market.” So, it’s kind of a big deal.
The Nuremberg Christmas market is considered one of the best because it is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Germany. Nuremberg is nicknamed “the little city of wood and cloth,” and the gifts you will find here explain why. Wooden toys, paper ornaments, and cloth decorations can be found at vendors throughout the market.
One thing to note is that this market can get crowded. I visited on opening day during the holiday season, and there were definitely times I couldn’t move because there were so many people. But even still, I loved it, especially since I was able to compare it to some other German Christmas markets I had visited. Sometimes, when people hype something up, it can be disappointing because your expectations are SO high…but for me, the Christmas spirit was absolutely infectious here. I don’t know if I had too much mulled wine or if I was high off the twinkling lights and Christmas cheer, but I thought it was every bit as special as everyone talked about.
This market is set in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town. It is overlooked by the stunning Frauenkirche (“Church of Our Lady”).
Want to visit Nuremberg during Christmas? Plan your visit with this post: “Is The Nuremberg Christmas Market Really the Best in Germany?“
Book Top-Rated Christmas Activities in Nuremberg Here
3. Paris, France
Why You Should Visit Paris at Christmastime
As cliché as it sounds, Paris is absolutely magical during Christmas. A lot of people have conflicting opinions about Paris as a whole, but I have always enjoyed my time spent in this city. But the time I visited during Christmas was my favorite trip, simply because the “romance” of the city combined with the holiday spirit was just off the charts.
I will never forget walking around and seeing the twinkling lights all over the trees, the garland and red ribbon outside the swanky 5 star hotels, the people walking arm and arm, and of course, the hot chocolate. I mean…you can’t forget the hot chocolate.
As someone who calls themself an aesthetic traveler, I was enamored by the glitz and the glam of Paris during the holidays. Dressing up in sparkly outfits with warm hats and red lipstick is the norm during this time of year, but doing this in Paris seemed like a rite of passage. I remember walking around and feeling like I was in a movie scene. It’s hard to explain, but it’s something I’ll never forget.
Want to visit Paris during Christmas? Plan your visit with this post: “Things To Do in Paris at Christmastime“
Book Top-Rated Christmas Activities in Paris Here
4. Cologne, Germany
Why You Should Visit Cologne at Christmastime
The Cologne Christmas markets were my favorite ones I visited in Germany. I know I already mentioned Nuremberg as being the one people call the best, and while I DID love those markets too, Cologne won my heart. I absolutely loved the Christmas markets in Cologne because of how unique they all were. Many of them were either a short walk or Bahn-ride away from each other, and they were each magical in their own rite.
I didn’t get to see every single market that Cologne had, but I did get to check out the Nikolausdorf Christmas Market (Nicholas Village Christmas Market), Markt der Engel (Market of Angels), Heinzel’s Wintermarchen (House Elves Christmas Market), and of course, the main Christmas market located at the Cologne Cathedral, or the Dom. I struggled to pick a favorite, if that tells you how unique and special they all are!
Want to visit Cologne during Christmas? Plan your visit with this post: “Are Christmas Markets in Cologne, Germany Worth Visiting?“
As a side note, if you’re a shopper, I was able to find some really cute boutiques here in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter. I also stumbled upon some really cool restaurants that I enjoyed, which was great considering that German-style food isn’t really my go-to. The ones I liked were:
- Hambaga
- Café Burr
- Bricco
- Café de Paris Cologne
Book Top-Rated Christmas Activities in Cologne Here
5. Vienna, Austria
Why You Should Visit Vienna at Christmastime
I’ll confess that Vienna was never on my Christmas radar until another solo traveling friend told me how much she loved the Christmas markets she went to there. I had heard good things about Vienna at baseline, so it didn’t take much convincing. Fast forward to me seeing the main Vienna Christmas market for the first time, and my jaw dropped. It was beautiful.
First of all, yes, it’s called the Wiener Christkindlmarkt. That is because “Wien” is German for Vienna. I don’t make the rules, I’m just here to tell you about them.
ANYWAY – the main market is spread out at a park in front of the City Hall (Rathaus). It’s probably the single largest Christmas market in terms of area that I’ve seen so far. I would need a professional camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the whole thing, and all I had was my trusty iPhone. In other words, my photos don’t show how big this market is, but it’s massive…not to mention elaborately decorated.
Here, you can expect to find the traditional mulled wine, candied nuts, vendor stalls, activities for children, and more. Be sure to walk around and see the decorations throughout the park, but especially watch for the Herzerlbaum. This large, floating heart sails across the market square every half hour after dusk until 9:00 pm and lands on a “heart tree.” This is one of the biggest highlights of the entire market.
