10 Best Cities for Christmas in Europe
Christmas in Europe is really magical – there’s nothing quite like it! I love the holiday atmosphere with the twinkling lights, Christmas decor, and all the amazing Christmas markets.
The Alsace region in France is straight out of a fairytale. And Strasbourg is known as the Christmas capital of the world!
Or, if you prefer a snowy getaway, Lapland and Zermatt, among many other places, will be perfect for that.
My favorite city for the decorations is London, and my favorite for the Christmas markets is somewhat of a hidden gem – and that’s Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany.
So grab a mulled wine and cozy up this season as I share the 10 best cities in Europe for Christmas.
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10 Best Cities for Christmas in Europe
1. London, UK
Christmas in London is truly special. iI’ve been living in London as an American expat for several years and find that London truly has unbeatable Christmas decorations.
Although the Christmas Markets are sub-par, the decorations in London are the best in the world. Everyone, from the retailers to home owners go all out with the festive decor.
Covent Garden has a sleigh and changing displays throughout the years as well as fake snow falling every hour.
Regent Street has the iconic Angel’s lighting the streets, and there’s a ton of festive things to do in London including having a Christmas themed afternoon tea, going to Winter Wonderland, or ice skating at Somerset House.
2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of my ultimate favorite stops for Christmas in Europe. This hidden gem in Germany can be reached in an hour and a half from Nuremberg. It’s such a fairytale place with the medieval architecture.
Plus, outside of the Christmas Market itself, all the stores have Christmas gifts and souvenirs. The Christmas Museum is not to be missed. This store sells Christmas items all year long! It has a huge tree inside and so many really cool displays. You could spend hours in here alone.
If you love traveling by train like I do, check out the epic 2 week Christmas Market hop I did by train!
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria is also super high up on the list of best cities for Christmas in Europe. The highlight is the moving heart that floats by the famous Rathausplatz Christmas Market. Read my detailed Vienna Christmas Itinerary.
But that’s not the only market in Vienna, there’s a whopping 20 to choose from. The Schonbrunn Palace has one of the most impressive Christmas Markets. Don’t miss riding on the Ferris wheel for a view of the market. Also, I’d recommend visiting the palace itself as it’s stunning.
Aside from markets, Vienna is decorated festively, and the beautiful, iconic chandeliers are a nice touch near the Stephansplatz Christmas Market.
Vienna has many cafes, and the coffee culture is super strong. Grab a thick hot chocolate at Cafe Central, Cafe Sacher, or one of the many other cafes.
4. Alsace, France
The Alsace region is the ultimate Christmas destination. Here you can visit multiple cities, all within close proximity for Christmas Markets or just to admire the decor.
This region of France borders Germany and has strong resemblances to it’s neighbor. The gingerbread houses are a common theme, all decked out with cute teddy bears.
Strasbourg is known as the Christmas capital of the world! My favorite towns, however, include Colmar, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg.
5. Lapland, Finland
If you’re looking for the winter getaway, Lapland is the place to be. Known as the home of Santa Claus, this region in northern Finland offers snowy landscapes, reindeer rides, and husky sledding.
You can stay in cozy glass igloos to watch the Northern Lights while enjoying a snow-filled Christmas experience like no other.
6. Montreux, Switzerland
Montreux, Switzerland, has one of the most unique Christmas Markets in Europe. There is an actual human Santa who rides by in a sleigh every hour of the evening. It is a sight you won’t want to miss! I have a full guide on the Montreux Christmas Market.
Plus, arriving at the market couldn’t be more enjoyable. You can take the Belle Epoque vintage train, which offers so many beautiful views as you arrive in Montreux.
The market also has some delicious treats, including Swiss chocolates and cheese fondue.
7. Cologne, Germany
Cologne, Germany, has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. There are 7 throughout the city, all with different themes.
The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the most famous of them all, with a light awning and a Christmas tree in the center.
The Market of Angels, with the glitter-blowing angels, is one of my favorite markets in Cologne.
The food is really delicious too so be sure to try the bratwurst, Reibekuchen (Potato Pancakes), and Käsespätzle (German-style mac n cheese).
Read my full guide to the Cologne Christmas Markets
8. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich offers a perfect Christmas escape with its holiday lights spread throughout the city and along Bahnhofstrasse. The Christkindlimarkt at the main train station is something special. Here you can see the famous singing tree! Singing groups line up inside a tree!
Don’t miss a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum while you’re here.
9. Tallin, Estonia
Tallinn, with its medieval old town, is a beautiful and cozy destination for Christmas. The Tallinn Christmas market was voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and the world!
When I visited, I loved the intimate feel of the market and the picturesque setting.
10. Paris, France
Paris is another must-visit destination during Christmas in Europe. Galleries Lafayette has an extravagant Christmas tree displayed inside the center of the mall every year.
Many of the high-end shops on Avenue Montaigne like Dior, have some really amazing displays. There’s also a carousel and a tree setup at Place Vendôme. Or, just browse one of the many pretty streets in Paris.
The timeless city is one to fall in love with, especially during the festive period.
While in Paris, staying in a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view is a must!
Be sure to read my full guide on visiting the best Christmas photo spots in Paris.
You may also like these posts:
🚆 Best European Christmas Markets by Train
🛷 Montreux, Switzerland Christmas Market Guide
🎅 Christmas Guide to Vienna, Austria
🐻 Best Christmas Displays in Paris
🎄Cologne Christmas Market Guide
🏰 Christmas Guide to Rothenburg, Germany
🏘️ The Charming Town of Eguisheim, France
🎅🏼 Christmas Markets in Alsace, France
🎡 Best Christmas Decorations in London
🇨🇭Bern, Switzerland Christmas Guide
🇨🇿 Best Christmas Markets in Prague
