11 Best Destinations For Christmas In Europe [2026]

Last year, I set off on a huge journey through the European Christmas markets. I traveled north to south, and west to east, and ended up visiting 9 different countries and 25 Christmas markets – wild! I had an absolute blast, and my main point of it was to research which destinations and markets are the most worth visiting. So that once you plan your Christmas trip, you don’t waste time and resources planning the wrong ones.

So, in this article, I’ll tell you how it went and summarize the best destinations for Christmas all across Europe for your next adventure. Ready? Let’s plan together.

11 Best Destinations For Christmas In Europe

Here is a list of the best destinations for Christmas in Europe for you. Scroll down to read more about each place:

1. Salzburg
2. Frankfurt
3. Tallin
4. Lucerne
5. Montreux
6. Zermatt
7. Nuremberg
8. Selva di Val Gardena
9. Prague
10. Strasbourg
11. Munich

1. Salzburg

Salzburg marks the beginning of our Christmas journey as this city is a pure charm, especially in December. I’ve been guiding my travel groups through many markets, and Salzburg always ranks among the top 2 most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

It’s not just about the markets – this city will immediately bring you the spirit, the live choir singing on the streets in front of the main cathedral, twinkling lights all around – the atmosphere here is on a whole other level.

Besides, it’s a beautiful city to explore – visit the fortress, Mozart’s birthplace, walk alongside the river, and try local specialities like Sacher Torte or Wiener Schnitzel. And, you can also make some of these day trips from Salzburg and visit the Alps, go skiing, winter hiking, or just see some of the beautiful lakes.

Where To Stay In Salzburg: My Hotel Recommendations

➡ Boutique Hotel Am Dom
➡ Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse
➡ Hotel Sacher

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay In Salzburg: Best Areas & Hotels For Each Traveler

2. Frankfurt

While I was visiting all the Christmas markets, I expected a lot from Frankfurt. Not only because it’s a beautiful city full of history, but something told me the markets would be nice, too. Well, yes, they exceeded the expectations, and I ranked them 10 out of 10 for the great food and drink options, amazing vibe, and beautiful Christmas mugs (that you can collect if you didn’t know).

There is something special about the mixture of Frankfurt’s skyline from the business district and the cute Old Town with half-timbered houses. Spend 3 days here, explore the city, and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit.

Where To Stay In Frankfurt: My Hotel Recommendations

➡ The Pure, Frankfurt
➡ Metropolitan Hotel by Flemings
➡ Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt City Centre

3. Tallinn

Since about 2023, it’s been my dream to visit Tallinn and its markets. And I’m so happy I made that wish come true. It was 100% worth it.

Being in the Baltics, northern Europe, it feels so much different from the rest. I absolutely loved the little stalls with unique foods like charcoal cheese, smoked salmon, and local small pancakes, while the music was being played all around the main square.

My favorite thing about this town was that it was not crowded at all, and everything felt so cosy. While you’re there, definitely join the free walking tour to learn more about its places, and pop into my favorite RØST Bakery to try their famous cinnamon buns – I’m still dreaming about them.

Where To Stay In Tallinn: My Hotel Tips

➡ Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn
➡ The Three Sisters Hotel
➡ Nordic Hotel Forum

4. Lucerne

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love Switzerland. And when it comes to its cities, Lucerne always hits the first spot.

This country really knows how to make Christmas decorations. I still remember arriving in Lucerne in winter for the first time and seeing its illuminated Chapel Bridge; it took my breath away.

Lucerne doesn’t have the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland, but they are lovely, and the city adds to the vibe. Stroll through the lake promenade, take a cruise on Lake Lucerne, and even enjoy skiing in Switzerland in the nearby resorts like Engelberg. There is a lot to see for everyone.

Where To Stay In Lucerne: My Hotel Recommendations

➡ Hotel Des Alpes
➡ Hotel des Balances
➡ Hotel Baslertor
➡ Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

5. Montreux

While Lucerne doesn’t have the most beautiful Swiss Christmas markets, Montreux hits the sweet spot – 10 out of 10 for these, too. Go and try their amazing cheese fondue in a baguette (they really go big with that cheese), and then walk alongside the Lake Geneva promenade and soak up the atmosphere with the snowy Swiss Alps in the background.

But, you need to be back in the city at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, or 7:00 pm to see the flying Santa above the lake and greet visitors at the Market Square. I made sure to arrive an hour earlier to see Santa, and let me tell you, it was so cute and hilarious. I absolutely loved it.

After, take a train to one of the best mountains in Switzerland – Rochers-de-Naye. They have Christmas markets there, too. And the views are breathtaking. Or make a day trip to Geneva.

Where To Stay In Montreux: My Hotel Recommendations

➡ Hotel Eden Palace au Lac
➡ Hotel Mona
➡ Royal Plaza Montreux

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train

6. Zermatt

Zermatt… my beloved Zermatt – it has to be on our list. If you love mountains as I do, a little village, cosiness, and even some adventure sports like skiing, winter hiking, or just enjoying riding on cable cars to the glaciers, this will be your destination.

Zermatt is the perfect winter wonderland spot. Just imagine yourself staying in a cosy Swiss hotel, warming yourself up in a hot tub overlooking the Matterhorn mountain. And during the day, go skiing in Zermatt, sledding, or just walk around andsip hot chocolate at the main square.

You can also make some of the mountain excursions to Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. You won’t regret it.

Where To Stay In Zermatt: My Hotel Tips

➡ Alpine Hotel Perren
➡ la couronne Hotel & Spa
➡ 22 Summits Boutique Hotel
➡ Relais & Chateaux Schönegg

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay In Zermatt: Best Hotels For Every Season

7. Nuremberg

Going back to Germany, Nuremberg’s Christmas markets are well worth visiting, too. Not only its markets. It’s also about the city. If you like learning about WWII., visit the Nuremberg Trials Museum or the Nazi Documentation Center. After, stroll through its cute streets towards the Imperial Castle for amazing views.

Don’t forget to try the local specialty – Nuremberger Lebkuchen – it’s their gingerbread. You can buy it fresh directly from an oven in one of the markets on the main square. It’s so much different from a gingerbread you are used to, so definitely give it a try.

And also, while eating it, sip the famous ‘Feuerzangenbowle‘ – mulled wine on fire. I personally like it even more than a regular mulled wine.

Where To Stay In Nuremberg: My Hotel Recommendations

➡ The Cloud One Nürnberg
➡ Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg
➡ Novotel Nürnberg Centre Ville

👉 READ ALSO: Amazing Germany & Austria Christmas Market Itinerary 7 Days

8. Selva di Val Gardena

The Dolomites in winter are magical, and I highly recommend you visit them. If you don’t know where to base yourself, my first pick would be Selva di Val Gardena. Not only does it have amazing skiing slopes around (you can connect to my favorite ski circuit – Sellaronda), but it also has a great Christmas spirit.

There is a Mountain Christmas village, and the surrounding mountains make you feel like you’re in a Heidi land. Visit nearby towns like Santa Cristina and Ortisei for their markets, try local specialties like Speck and Alta Badia cheese, dumplings, and Kaiserschmarrn.

If you’re not a skier, make a day trip to Passo Pordoi and take a cable car to Sass Pordoi – it offers truly some of the most spectacular views in the Dolomites.

Where To Stay In Selva Di Val Gardena: My Hotel Tips

➡ Boutique Hotel Nives
➡ Mountain Design Hotel Eden Selva
➡ Alpstay – Hotel Acadia

9. Prague

If you’re into cities, Prague is another great one to see during Christmas in Europe. It has nice markets (not my favorite though), but the city is overall one of the most beautiful in Europe. And during Christmas time, it’s even nicer.

Dive into the local history, visit its castle, and see the changing of the guards. Stroll through the Old Town, learn about Czech traditions, drink as much beer as you can, and then take a cruise on the River Vltava in the evening. Prague will not disappoint you.

Where To Stay In Prague: My Hotel Tips

➡ Hotel Zlata Vaha
➡ Hotel Liberty
➡ Grandium Hotel Prague

10. Strasbourg

Strasbourg was another 10 out of 10 Christmas market destination in Europe. Delicious food, the atmosphere, the lit-up cathedral, the decorations… you’ll love it here. Immerse yourself in the Alsace region of France, try local wines, and don’t forget to spend some time in Petit France – my favorite spot in the city.

I also highly recommend making a day trip to Colmar. It also has stunning markets, and it’s a great place to buy some hand-made souvenirs.

Where To Stay In Strasbourg: My Hotel Recommendations

➡ Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live
➡ Hôtel Du Dragon
➡ Hotel & Spa REGENT PETITE FRANCE

11. Munich

Last but not least, spend some time in Bavaria (southern Germany). You can base yourself in Munich, which has stunning Christmas markets. From there, make day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle, Regensburg, and Rotenburg ob der Tauber. Don’t forget to experience a genuine Bavarian vibe in a local beer house – Hofbräuhaus.

And even make a mountain excursion to Germany’s highest mountain – Zugspitze. You can be one day in Germany, and the next day in Austria, depending on the side you take a cable car from.

Where To Stay In Munich: My Hotel Recommendations

➡ Flemings Hotel München-City
➡ Le Meridien Munich
➡ Boutique Hotel Germania
➡ Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

Practical Tips For Visiting The Best Christmas Markets In Europe

One thing I wanted to point out is that, when you want to visit any Christmas markets in Europe, also think about the city/place itself. All the markets are more or less similar, so it’s also important to be interested in the place and know what activities you want to do there. So, first, think about the things you want to do during your trip and choose your destinations based on them.

The list I’ve created above is of destinations that have beautiful Christmas markets and spirit, and also offer many things to do during your free time.

If you like specific boutique hotels, make sure to start booking at least 4 months in advance. I booked my hotels only a month in advance and had no issues. So you don’t have to be worried – there will always be spaces available. But if you have something specific in mind, try to book asap.

And, if you’re visiting the Christmas markets, you can take the mugs with you. That’s what I always do. You’ll pay a deposit fee of (usually 5 EUROS) for each mug. And then you can decide to return it and get your 5 EUROS back, or keep the mug. I now have about 25 Christmas mugs at home always serve drinks in different ones to my visitors. It’s so much fun.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the best destinations for Christmas in Europe, so check them out below:

What Is The Most Christmassy City In Europe?

Strasbourg is the most Christmassy city in Europe. Its decorations, lit-up buildings, music all around, delicious food and drinks, and the city itself create a special Christmas charm. I highly recommend you visit it.

Where Is The Warmest Place In Europe For Christmas?

The Canary Islands (Tenerife or Gran Canaria) are the warmest place in Europe for Christmas. They have temperatures around 22°C (72°F), which makes them a perfect spot if you want to soak up the sun, sunbathe, or even swim in the ocean during Christmas in Europe.

Where Is The Best Place To Go In Europe At Christmas?

It depends on your criteria of what you like to see and do, but the Dolomites and Zermatt are the best places to go in Europe at Christmas, I think. They have a special charm, amazing Christmas markets (only the Dolomites), and it feels like you’re in a true winter wonderland. You can do many winter activities, or just relax in nice hotels overlooking the mountains. That’s the real Christmas spirit to me.

Best Place To Spend Christmas In Europe With Snow

Andermatt, Zermatt, or the Jungfrau region in Switzerland, Chamonix, 3 Vallees in the French Alps, or the Dolomites in Italy are the best places with snow in Europe. You won’t be disappointed for a single minute.

WRAP-UP: Best Destinations For Christmas In Europe

These are the best destinations for Christmas in Europe. Pick a city or a mountain town, based on which activities you want to enjoy during your stay. There are so many things to do, and the Christmas spirit is truly amazing. They won’t disappoint you, I promise.

If you need help planning your Christmas trip to Europe and organizing activities together, I also plan customized travel itineraries for my clients. Write me an email at info(at)voicesoftravel.com, and we can discuss the details. Or book this 1-on-1 travel chat with me and I’ll help you plan in real time.

Enjoy the European Christmas time!