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 4 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.
- Christmas 2024: I am going to continue my European holiday adventures in a few new cities that will likely get added to this post! Make sure to subscribe to my email list below to know when this post gets updated.
The Best European Cities to Visit During Christmastime
1. Nuremberg, Germany
Why You Should Visit Nuremberg at Christmastime
There’s truly nothing more magical than visiting a German Christmas market during the holiday season. Christmas markets originated in Germany, and the market in Nuremberg is largely considered to be the best in the country. In fact, some have even called it the best in the world!
I absolutely loved this market when I 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.
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.
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?“
2. 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 the holidays, 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“
3. Cologne, Germany
Why You Should Visit Cologne at Christmastime
Any time I mention Germany during this post, know that I am mentioning it for the Christmas markets. 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
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Why You Should Visit Prague at Christmastime
I visited Prague during my first European Christmas market tour. I was spending most of my time in Germany, but I had always heard about Prague and how incredible it was, so I decided to make it my final stop. Unfortunately, due to a snowstorm and a wreck that left me stranded on the FlixBus for 11 hours, my time in Prague was cut from 3 days to 1 day. Sighhhhh.
To say I was disappointed was an understatement…BUT, best believe I made the most of my one day there. I loved Prague for it’s festive atmosphere and it’s beauty during the holiday season. Seeing the massive Christmas tree in Old Town Square in front of the Church of Our Lady Before Týn was absolutely beautiful.
As much as I loved seeing Prague at Christmas, I do need to be honest about one thing: I was NOT overly impressed with the Christmas markets here.
That’s not to say they were bad, but IMO, they didn’t hold a candle to the ones in Germany. I felt like the ones in Germany had more decorations, more aesthetics, more gifts, more effort put into them. This solidified for me how special Germany’s Christmas markets actually were.
I know what you’re thinking…“then why are you telling me to go here during Christmas?!” Despite the Christmas markets not quite holding up to my expectations, I still loved walking around them. Plus, doing the normal “tourist things” with a snowy, festive, Christmas atmosphere just made everything more special and beautiful. Not to mention, I stumbled upon my favorite bar in the world here. Interested? Click the link below!
Want to visit Prague during Christmas? Plan your visit with this post: “How To Spend One Day in Prague During Christmastime“
