These European cities are pure magic at Christmas.
During the Christmas season, the cities of Europe are at their finest. The festively decorated grand boulevards, historic squares, imposing castles, illuminated bridges over the rivers and the colorful Christmas markets provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable festive journey. These are the European cities worth visiting at least once for Christmas holidays.
Vienna
Although Vienna is wonderful in every season, in most travelers’ minds it is intertwined with Christmas. The charm of the old town, the imposing palaces, the beautifully decorated Christmas markets, the melodies of Strauss and Mozart, the fragrant strudels and the Viennese cafés lend a magical dimension to the Austrian capital.
One of the city’s best-known Christmas markets is the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent, which transforms City Hall Square into a fairytale setting. The trees draped with fairy lights around the square glow like a sea of lights, while festive melodies, mouthwatering treats and mulled wine complete the holiday experience. The old town (Innere Stadt), embraced by the emblematic Ringstrasse boulevard, St. Stephen’s Square with its Gothic cathedral, the State Opera, the Naschmarkt - Vienna’s largest central market -, the Hofburg and Schönbrunn palaces, the Baroque Belvedere palace as well as the city’s parks await you for endless strolls in Christmas-time Vienna.
Budapest
It doesn’t take much to fall in love with this city. Embracing the imposing Danube, with Buda’s hills to the west and Pest to the east, Budapest is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. Come once and you’ll surely want to return. If it’s Christmas, even better. At this time of year, Hungary’s capital feels straight out of a fairytale. Strolls in Buda and Pest against the calm waters of the Danube, iconic landmarks, historic cafés – all weave together into a scene perfect for feeling the magic of Christmas.
In fact, according to research by European Best Destinations, Budapest also has Europe’s best Christmas market. It’s the Advent Feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica. Among the city’s must-do festive experiences are skating on the vast open-air rink set up in Városliget Park, and relaxing in one of the famous thermal baths, such as the Széchenyi Baths and the Gellért Baths.
London
The beloved metropolis knows how to stage pure Christmas magic and captivate young and old alike. People from all over the world flock to London at this time for its spectacularly decorated streets, imaginative window displays, open-air markets, ice rinks, shows and endless shopping options.
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a stroll along streets with one-of-a-kind decorations. Enjoy a festive amble along the dazzlingly adorned Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street. Each year at this time, Hyde Park transforms from a beautiful park into a winter wonderland in the heart of London. The festive magic continues on the ice rinks, from the legendary Somerset House and Canary Wharf to the newer Glide at Battersea Power Station.
Paris
The City of Light shines even brighter at Christmas. From the beautifully decorated Champs-Élysées, the showstopping window displays and the spectacular decor at Galeries Lafayette to skating with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop and the Christmas markets set up in squares and in front of churches, Paris invites you to live the ultimate festive experience. World-class museums, bistros, patisseries and ice rinks in various corners of the city create a marvelous Christmas atmosphere.
The markets at Place de la République, Place des Abbesses, in the La Défense district and in front of Saint-Sulpice church are among the most interesting. If you’re with children, a stop at a carousel is a must, such as the one in the Jardins du Trocadéro or the more charming, retro one in the famed Tuileries Gardens.
Prague
It’s hard not to fall in love with Prague at Christmas. In the Czech capital, the festive tableau features street musicians with trombones and cellos, boat rides on the Vltava, concerts in 18th-century churches and evenings in jazz clubs. The historic center, the large market on Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, the alleys of the historic Mala Strana district and of course the fairytale Castle will convince you that Prague is the perfect Christmas destination.
Another famous market is the one on Wenceslas Square, while you can also take a stroll to the smaller ones at Namesti Republiky, Namesti Míru and Havelska Trziste. Crossing Charles Bridge you will enjoy, besides the unique view, performances by dozens of musicians.
Salzburg, Austria
Set at an elevation of 420 m, at the foot of the Alps, this fairytale city in west-central Austria leaves no one unmoved. Imagine a scene of alleys that transport you back in time, architecture playing between Baroque and Renaissance, palaces and an impressive castle gleaming high on the hill. Add snow and the melodies of Mozart (Salzburg is the birthplace of the great composer) and you have the perfect Christmas escape.
Strasbourg, France
Boasting France’s oldest Christmas market (since 1570) and a gorgeous Old Town, this picturesque Alsatian city near the German border seems made for Christmas lovers. At this time of year, Strasbourg feels like a huge festive fair. Traditional wooden stalls filled with local specialties, sparkling ice rinks, concerts and cultural events bring the atmosphere to life. It’s not called the capital of Christmas by chance.
