If you’re dreaming of winter travel to Europe, this guide will help you find the best European cities to visit in winter. Our team has compiled our favorite destinations with a magical holiday feel. So, if you are wondering where to go in Europe for a winter trip we have some great ideas to add to your list!
Europe in winter is pure magic. Cobblestone streets sparkle under twinkling lights, the air smells of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and historic squares come alive with music and laughter. It’s the perfect season to pack your warmest coat, a cozy scarf, and your sense of adventure. We’ll give you inspiration to enjoy a festive trip to one of these top winter destinations in Europe.
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Best European Cities to Visit in the Winter
Many of these great winter trip destinations are easily combined for an extended European holiday vacation or day trip!
Table of contents
- Best European Cities to Visit in the Winter
- 1. Vienna Austria – Christmas Market Capital!
- 2. Prague, Czech Republic – Fairytale Winter Charm
- 3. London, England – Festive Winter Destination
- 4. Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens Magic
- 5. Paris, France – Winter Romance in the City of Lights
- 6. Cologne, Germany – Gothic Splendor and Festive Fun
- 7. Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Winter Spirit
- 8. Bruges, Belgium – Storybook Winter Glow
- 9. Grindelwald, Switzerland – Alpine Winter Escape
- 10. Talinn, Estonia – Medieval Winter Fairytale
- Bottom Line on the Best European Cities to Visit in Winter
- FAQS About the Best Winter European Destinations:
- More Related Travel Articles to Explore
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1. Vienna Austria – Christmas Market Capital!
Vienna is one of the most beautiful and romantic European cities and it truly feels like a real fairytale city! Starting in November, the city transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive displays and stalls. Visitors to Vienna during the winter months are treated to a truly magical experience, with the city’s festive lights adding an extra touch of magic. Visiting the Christmas markets in Vienna is joyful and unique experience.
The city’s Christmas markets are legendary, especially Rathausplatz, where you can sip hot Glühwein (mulled wine) and ice skate under a canopy of lights.
The Snow Globe Factory is also a hit for all ages. Prater Park is also full of rides, restaurants, and fun for all! We loved the beer gardens at Prater too!
Don’t miss the winter glow of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and the colorful mosaics of Hundertwasserhaus!
🏰We did this fun Vienna Naschmarkt food tour and found many places that we returned to on the trip!
2. Prague, Czech Republic – Fairytale Winter Charm
Prague‘s Old Town Square Christmas Market is one of the most photographed in Europe, framed by gothic towers and the Astronomical Clock. At the end of November, Prague is filled with the joyful atmosphere of the upcoming holiday season. The city’s magnificent architecture in Old Town (Prague 1) provides the perfect backdrop for its famous Christmas markets.
Nothing is more joyful than strolling through the Christmas markets with a mug of hot mead or local treats like trdelnk, a traditional chimney cake. We loved ours coated with chocolate (Nutella) on the inside and crushed almonds.
Don’t forget to ride the Funicular to Petrin Tower for an amazing view of the city. Petrin Tower was used as an observation tower and resembles the Eiffel Tower. Also, The John Lennon Wall (and nearby pub) is also a must-do stop!
✨Read our city guide to the best of Prague to help plan an amazing trip to this charming city!
3. London, England – Festive Winter Destination
London in December is a winter holiday dream. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland offers rides, ice skating, and even an Ice Kingdom made from over 500 tons of sculpted ice.
There’s great shopping in London and you’ll love Covent Garden and Oxford Street’s holiday window displays. For iconic winter photos, head to Tower Bridge or stroll along the South Bank at night. With its stunning architecture, world-famous Christmas markets, and wide range of festive activities, London is a magical place to celebrate the holiday season.
Tip: Read hotel reviews of London and find the perfect place to stay for your visit!
Don’t miss seeing the Crown Jewels at The Tower of London before your stroll on the riverfront.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens Magic
If you want cozy winter city breaks in Europe, Copenhagen is hygge heaven. Tivoli Gardens becomes a dazzling winter wonderland filled with light displays and festive rides. Stroll along Nyhavn’s waterfront district, sip hot chocolate, and shop for handmade Danish ornaments at the city’s Christmas markets. It’s the perfect city for a European winter break trip. You can also participate in Royal Copenhagen’s Christmas table tradition, which has been around for 50 years.
They also have some of the most spectacular castles in all of Europe!
Copenhagen also has an activity bundle with 80 attractions and metro pass!
5. Paris, France – Winter Romance in the City of Lights
Paris in winter feels extra romantic. The Champs-Élysées glitters with lights, department store windows burst with decorations, and you can ice skate on the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette.
Warm up with a café crème in a corner bistro or cruise along the Seine under the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower. Holiday lights adorn almost every part of the capital, living up to its name as the city of lights.
Pack some warm clothes if you plan a December trip to Paris. The city gets chilly in winter as holiday lights are put up in store windows, on boulevards, and in markets around town. Paris is an excellent option if you’re looking for a romantic winter getaway.
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6. Cologne, Germany – Gothic Splendor and Festive Fun
Cologne boasts multiple Christmas markets, each with its own theme. The most famous sits beneath the towering Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), creating a breathtaking backdrop. Climbing the southern tower of the Cathedral is a great way to catch beautiful views of the city!
Visit the KölnTriangle observation deck for sweeping city views, especially magical at sunset.
Cologne was heavily bombed during World War II, and three-quarters of the city was destroyed. However, many of the buildings in the Old Town area survived, and the site has retained its old-time feel.
7. Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Winter Spirit
This vibrant European city is perfect for getting into the winter trip spirit. All the shops are decked out, and you can smell freshly baked minced pies while walking along the streets. You’ll see tartan everywhere, making it feel like the holidays are in the air.
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are a festive destination for locals and visitors alike. The Prince Street Garden market is a trendy spot to enjoy a cup of mulled wine. You can even to rent a cup so you can reuse it as often as you like!
8. Bruges, Belgium – Storybook Winter Glow
Bruges is a medieval town that becomes even more breathtaking during its winter festival, Winter Glow. The city’s center is transformed with lights and Christmas decorations, making it a truly unforgettable experience. It is perfect for a European winter vacation destination!
The city comes alive with a winter bar, an ice skating rink, and other holiday traditions. While you’re here, try the world-famous Belgian waffles and warm up with some rich hot chocolate.
9. Grindelwald, Switzerland – Alpine Winter Escape
Grindelwald is a village in Switzerland with two dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps providing a fantastic backdrop. The town is lovely and is known for its picturesque views. The village is even more beautiful in winter with a blanket of snow. If you plan a trip to Switzerland, add Grindelwald to your list of places.
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, this postcard-perfect village offers skiing, sledding, and Christmas charm. The surrounding peaks of the Jungfrau Region look especially magical under fresh snow.
10. Talinn, Estonia – Medieval Winter Fairytale
Tallinn is a charming winter destination! The holiday Market is one of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets. It offers a variety of stalls selling woolly hats, hand-carved wooden ornaments, and other traditional holiday items.
Tallinn is a medieval Old Town and is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations that is incredibly charming in the winter. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can enjoy various activities and attractions, from exploring the historic buildings to enjoying the festive atmosphere during winter.
Bottom Line on the Best European Cities to Visit in Winter
If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit this year, there’s no better place to do it than a winter trip in Europe. The continent is filled with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and holiday cheer. And while there are plenty of great European cities to visit during the winter, these cities are the most magical!
No matter your budget, there’s a European city perfect for a winter getaway. Whether you’re after holiday markets, New Year’s celebrations, or quiet snowy streets, Europe offers endless ways to make your winter vacation unforgettable.
FAQS About the Best Winter European Destinations:
December is perfect for Christmas markets and festive events, while January and February are great for skiing and lower crowds in major cities. The markets usually start in November, so check rates for then too.
Bring layers, a warm coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and a scarf. If you’re heading to snowy destinations, thermal underlayers and a hat are essential.
It depends. December in major cities can be pricey due to holiday events, but January and February often have cheaper flights and hotel deals.
Author’s Note: We’ve wandered through Europe in every season, but winter holds a special kind of magic, from sipping hot wine at Vienna’s Rathausplatz to watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle on a frosty night in Paris. We hope our experiences help you plan your own magical winter trip to Europe! ~ K.J., TravelMakesMeHappy.com