Magical European Towns and Cities During Christmas
Experience the ultimate festive charm in mainland Europe With its wintry weather and enchanting Gothic vibes, the northern part of the continent is the perfect destination for a magical winter wonderland Explore the charming towns and cities of Vienna, Hallstatt, Tromsø, Colmar, Rudesheim, Bruges, Gothenburg, Tbilisi, Valkenburg, Rovaniemi, Wrocław, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Mainland Europe exudes a festive charm like nowhere else. With its chilly weather and gothic sensibilities, the continent, especially its northern region, is the perfect winter wonderland for those seeking an ideal holiday destination.
From Austrias Vienna, to Swedens Gothenburg, here are the European towns and cities that revel in Christmas like no other place.
Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital is packed full of festive charm at Christmas time.
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The beautiful Austrian capital oozes festive charm come the end of the year.
The towering Christmas tree and iconic Christmas market outside Vienna's City Hall, Rathaus, are must-see attractions, but the Spittelberg market takes it to the next level. Beautiful handicrafts and handmade sweaters are just a few of the delights you'll find at the festive stalls nestled in the charming streets of the Biedermeier Quarter.
Visitors can grab a gluhwein and take a slow stroll, while marveling at how the architecture seems tailor-made for the holidays.
Hallstatt, Austria
Nestled on the shores of Hallstätter See, and embraced by majestic Alpine peaks, Hallstatt and its breathtaking scenery are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its 16th-century townhouses, winding streets, and almost certain snowfall during the holiday season, Hallstatt is the perfect place to embrace the festive spirit.
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Hallstatts Christmas market, centered around the Market Square, is the stuff of legend.
Picture a vibrant and dazzlingly illuminated tree, a nativity scene skillfully crafted by talented local woodworkers, and booths offering a stunning array of decorations, handmade crafts, and warm, fragrant mulled wine, and you're only beginning to understand the magic of this place.
Tromsø, Norway
This fairytale Austrian town provides much winter magic come this time of year.
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Tromsos status as a cultural hub has long been assured, with its stunning Arctic Cathedral the home of regular concerts and events.
During the festive season, when there is no daylight, the city, which is situated above the Arctic Circle, becomes a must-see. The streets are illuminated with lights, and Christmas market stalls can be found everywhere, even next to the Mack Brewery, the northernmost brewery in the world.
Colmar, France
Guests have the option to enjoy a refreshing beer or a cozy hot chocolate from Rakettkiosken at the central square, where a fire pit provides warmth, before ascending the cable car for a stunning view of the aurora borealis, or the northern lights.
Colmar, located in the Alsace region of France, is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe. With six themed markets in the center, the illuminated streets create a fairytale setting where cozy wooden chalets are tightly packed together, making the whole experience truly remarkable.
Rudesheim, Germany
Every Wednesday and Saturday at 5 p.m., a children's choir gathers at the local canal, also known as Petite Venise or Little Venice, to sing carols and spread festive joy.
This riverside town in Germany's Rhine Valley is a great destination to visit at Christmas time.
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Situated in the heart of the Rhine Valleys wine-making country, Rudesheim am Rhine is a top destination throughout the year.
However, once the night draws in and Christmas comes into view, the town, a short boat or train ride from Frankfurt, takes on a special atmosphere.
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Arriving by riverboat, travelers can easily hop on the free shuttle that takes them from the waters edge to the Christmas Market of Nations. Here, they can explore stalls offering a variety of gifts and traditional festive dishes from around the world. The town's medieval buildings and alleyways add to the classic festive atmosphere.
Sipping on a Rudesheimer coffee, made with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and brandy is a surefire way to keep out the chill.
Bruges, Belgium
Filled with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and canals, Bruges is at its most beautiful during the festive season.
Bruges, a UNESCO-protected medieval center, was once a vital trading metropolis. Its charming buildings resemble gingerbread houses when adorned with festive lights.
The city comes alive with the annual Winter Glow festival, featuring two Christmas markets, a dazzling light trail, and a floating ice rink on Minnewater, the enchanting Lake of Love.
All visitors should indulge in a delicious Belgian hot chocolate paired with a waffle. Theres no finer way to get into the spirit of the season.
Gothenburg, Sweden
The Liseberg Christmas Market, set in a historic amusement park, is among Gothenburg's stand-out festive attractions.
The city of Gothenburg in Sweden is known as the ultimate Christmas destination, offering a multitude of festive surprises for those who are willing to endure the Scandinavian winter chill. One of the highlights is the Liseberg Christmas Market.
In 2023, the amusement park will celebrate its 100th anniversary, offering visitors the chance to enjoy rides and sample a variety of delicacies from different regions of the country. This includes dishes such as pickled herring, reindeer prepared by indigenous reindeer herders, and glögg spiced wine. Additionally, the city's Lane of Lights, a three-kilometer stretch from Liseberg to the harbor, is an attraction worth exploring.
Experience the traditional St. Lucia concerts on December 13, known as Luciatåg, where locals don white robes to celebrate the day of the Catholic saint, who symbolizes light in the darkness. This long-running tradition is inspired by winter solstice celebrations.
Tbilisi, Georgia
The Georgian Parliament building in Tbilisi is adorned with a Christmas tree, and festive lights on December 10, 2009. Georgia's decision to send almost 1,000 troops to Afghanistan is seen as a move to bolster its own security in the face of its powerful neighbor and former ruler, Russia, according to officials and experts. (Photo credit: VANO SHLAMOV/AFP via Getty Images)
If you're someone who can't get enough of Christmas, consider making Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, your top choice for a festive getaway.
With the majority of the country being Orthodox Christian and following the Georgian calendar, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 instead of December 25.
The main day of celebration in Tbilisi is December 31, when locals exchange gifts and a wild, impromptu fireworks display lights up the city. Festivities continue well into the New Year, with the New Year tree outside the old Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue and the nearby Christmas villages and markets being among Tbilisi's other festive highlights.
The icy weather adds to the occasion somewhat, as do the light displays all over town.
Valkenburg, Netherlands
This Dutch village is known for its popular Christmas Caves.
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Valkenburg, in the southern Netherlands, has much of the usual European Christmas charms to entice visitors: lights, trees, stalls and gluhwein galore.
The towns Christmas Caves are special because they can all be found underground. They have gained international recognition for the wide variety of stalls that sell festive gifts and decorations.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Valkenburg's larger Municipality Cave is host to one of Europe's most extensive indoor Christmas markets, while the Velvet Cave, dating back to the 11th or 12th century, served as a quarry for the stone used in the construction of Valkenburg Castle. It also served as a shelter during World War II.
While open year-round, the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, is particularly magical during winter.
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Located up in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is magnificent for all sorts of reasons.
The town is also known for being the home of Santa Claus, in addition to its bright and wondrous displays of the northern lights, the traditions of the indigenous Sámi people, and easy access to Finland's amazing sauna culture.
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Rovaniemi's Santa Claus village is a year-round attraction, but the enchanting combination of snowy landscapes and festive atmosphere as Christmas approaches makes it truly magical.
WrocÅaw, Poland
WrocÅaw is regarded as one of Polands most beautiful cities, but it takes things to another level at Christmas.
The Christmas market in the city stretches across Plac Solny and Market Square, boasting more than 250 stalls, a fantastic fair, and sparkling light displays. The gothic architecture in the area also adds to the festive atmosphere, allowing everyone to experience that special Christmas feeling that only comes once a year.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is home to the annual Reiterlesmarkt, a Christmas market named after the mythical "Reiterle" figure.
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Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, this quintessentially German town's striking architecture exudes a Christmas ambiance year-round. However, it is the annual Reiterlesmarkt that truly sets it apart.
The "Reiterle," also known as the little horseback rider, is a mythical figure that has been said to visit the town during winter for centuries.
The market is named in his honor because his arrival is a part of the Christmas tradition here. The result is a fantastical space that celebrates its history and the simple pleasures of hearty food and warm alcohol.
