15 Most Picturesque European Cities to Visit for Christmas

Spending Christmas in Europe is a little different from anywhere else. City squares sparkle with lights, the scent of mulled wine and fresh pastries fills the air, and traditions that have been carried on for centuries come to life in unforgettable ways. Every street, market stall, and festive display adds to the sense of wonder. In this list, we’ll take you through fifteen destinations that really capture the holiday spirit.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

In December, Amsterdam’s canals glow during the Winter Light Festival, where large-scale art pieces are set along the water. At Museumplein, an ice rink brings together skaters and food stalls, with classics like split pea soup and oliebollen served hot.

Zurich, Switzerland

Bahnhofstrasse is lined with holiday lights, and markets set up across the city add to the atmosphere. At the main station, the Christkindlimarkt features the Singing Tree, where choirs perform from a tiered stage. Stalls selling Swiss chocolate and fondue keep the focus on comfort and tradition.

London, United Kingdom

Few cities light up quite like London in December. Regent Street’s flying angels, Covent Garden’s oversized ornaments, and Somerset House’s ice rink make the city a showpiece. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland takes things even bigger with rides, food courts, and countless stalls. London indeed thrives on display during the holiday season.

Prague, Czech Republic

In December, Prague feels built for Christmas. Old Town Square has a massive tree at its center, with stalls serving grilled klobasa and mulled wine. A short walk away, Wenceslas Square hosts another market, which means plenty to see but also plenty of crowds, especially on weekends. If you don’t mind weaving through people, the atmosphere here is hard to beat.

Bruges, Belgium

A winter stroll here feels like stepping into a painting. The market itself is modest in size, but the Belgian staples, including chocolate, waffles, and fries, make every stop satisfying. Take a boat ride if you can, because seeing Bruges lit from the water is what makes this city truly memorable.

Tallinn, Estonia

Snow often shows up right on cue in Tallinn, dusting the charming old rooftops and cobblestones. Town Hall Square turns into a market complete with folk music, roasted nuts, and local bites like elk sausage. It’s the combination of size, snow, and atmosphere that gives it a charm that lingers. Tallinn is proof that small can still feel magical.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Hygge, the Danish idea of warmth and comfort, comes alive in December. Tivoli Gardens transforms into a park filled with lights, wooden stalls, and traditional snacks. Down by Nyhavn, colourful houses reflect against the water under strings of lights. Cold winds are part of the deal, but experiencing Christmas in Copenhagen makes braving them worthwhile.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is known as Santa’s official hometown and delivers a full Lapland experience. Visitors find deep snow, reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, and a chance to spot the Northern Lights. Saunas offer a warm break from the cold. It isn’t about market stalls but about adventure, making it a unique Christmas destination.

Dresden, Germany

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, first held in 1434, is recognized as Germany’s oldest Christmas market. Stalls feature hand-carved ornaments and the city’s signature stollen bread. Beyond the main square, smaller markets are scattered through the city. When snow settles on the baroque streets and rooftops, Dresden’s festive setting feels especially tied to its long history.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

This historic town feels built for Christmas. The market winds between half-timbered houses and the church of St. Jakob, with stalls selling glühwein and handcrafted ornaments. The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, open year-round, adds an extra festive edge. It’s intimate and beautifully themed, which is everything you’d expect from a place like this.

Colmar, France

Colmar’s canals and half-timbered houses create a storybook setting at Christmas. The town hosts five themed markets, from crafts to food and family fun. “Little Venice” glows at night with lights reflecting on the water, while foie gras and tartines highlight the gourmet side—though visitors often find prices steeper here.

Nuremberg, Germany

One of Germany’s most famous markets, the Christkindlesmarkt, takes over Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt with rows of stalls under the Frauenkirche. Wooden toys, paper ornaments, and the city’s signature gingerbread make it feel rooted in tradition. Crowds are heaviest at opening, and the Christkind ceremony sets the tone. It’s as authentic as markets can get.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne celebrates Christmas with seven different markets, each with its own style. The largest sits under the cathedral’s light canopy, while the Market of Angels and the Heinzel’s Gnomes market each bring their own theme. Ice rinks and skating trails add to the activity, making the city one of the liveliest holiday spots in Europe.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s Christmas season mixes tradition with an imperial setting. The Rathausplatz market comes with skating trails, while Schönbrunn and Belvedere provide palaces as backdrops for the stalls. Along the Graben, chandeliers hang above the street and light up evening walks. Each market also designs its own mug, a small detail that many visitors end up collecting.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg proudly calls itself the “Capital of Christmas,” and it lives up to the name. Nearly 300 stalls are spread through the old town, with the cathedral square at the center of it all. Streets are covered in lights, and storefronts decked out with teddy bears and ornaments add a playful touch. What makes Strasbourg stand out is how complete it feels—every corner of the city carries the holiday spirit.