Our Travel Makes Me Happy team has compiled a guide to help you find the best European cities to visit during the winter months. So, if you are wondering where to go in Europe for a winter trip we have some great ideas to add to your list!
The holidays are a magical season, and nowhere in the world captures the festive spirit quite like Europe! Christmas trees are decorated with lights and garlands, and the historic streets are filled with scents of mulled wine, Christmas markets, and holiday cheer.
This season, pack your bags, and favorite scarves and coats, and 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 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
- 2. Prague, Czech Republic
- 3. London, England
- 4. Copenhagen, Denmark
- 5. Paris, France
- 6. Cologne, Germany
- 7. Edinburgh, Scotland
- 8. Bruges, Belgium
- 9. Grindelwald, Switzerland
- 10. Talinn, Estonia
- Bottom Line on the Best European Cities to Visit in Winter
- Travel Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to Europe
- More Related Travel Articles to Explore
1. Vienna Austria
Vienna is one of the most beautiful and romantic European cities–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 a joyful experience for visitors and locals alike.
The Snow Globe Museum is also a hit for all ages. And if you want to enjoy ice skating, head to the Rathausplatz. Prater Park is also full of rides, beer gardens, and fun for all!
Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and the Hundertwasserhaus are also must-do stops in Vienna!
You’ll find plenty of holiday cheer, including decorated Christmas trees, lights, garlands, and more. In addition to all the festive sights, you can enjoy traditional Austrian foods and drinks at the markets. Try a steaming mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) to get into the holiday spirit!
We did this fun Vienna Naschmarkt food tour and found many places that we returned to on the trip!
2. Prague, Czech Republic
At the end of November, Prague is adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations. The city 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 a must-do stop!
3. London, England
London is the perfect city to visit if you want to experience a traditional European Christmas. With its stunning architecture, world-famous Christmas markets, and wide range of festive activities, London is a magical place to celebrate the holiday season.
The Christmas markets at Covent Garden and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland are particularly fantastic because they offer so much fun in addition to Christmas shopping.
This family-friendly event is one of the best things to do in London during Christmas. Featuring a wide variety of festive activities, from ice skating and circus shows to a Christmas market and live music, there’s enough to keep everyone entertained for a whole day.
Step into the Ice Kingdom to discover over 500 tons of intricate ice sculptures, a snow-tunneled ice slide, a crystal carriage of the Ice Palace, and much more.
Tip: Read hotel reviews of London and find the perfect place to stay for your visit!
In addition to enjoying German-styled Christmas Markets, Hyde Park also offers ice skating and rollercoasters, and so many rides. The city is filled with the joyful atmosphere of the upcoming holiday season. The city’s magnificent architecture provides the perfect backdrop for its famous Christmas markets.
Don’t miss seeing the Crown Jewels at The Tower of London and then walk along the riverfront.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a winter wonderland with twinkling Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and Christmas markets. It’s the perfect city for a European winter break trip.
Fairytale castles are a must-see for anyone visiting Europe in winter. They have some of the most spectacular castles in all of Europe!
Why not take in the festive sights and sounds of the city by exploring its Christmas markets before paying a visit to the world-famous Tivoli Gardens? This renowned amusement park is a winter wonderland during the holidays, with stunning light displays, rides, and stalls selling traditional goods.
After all the excitement of Christmas, take a stroll through Nyhavn’s waterfront district or participate in Royal Copenhagen’s Christmas table tradition, which has been around for 50 years.
Copenhagen also has an activity bundle with 80 attractions and metro pass!
5. Paris, France
During Christmastime, Paris is magical, with beautifully decorated streets and department stores. Christmas 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 starts to live up to its name as Christmas 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 lively place to visit in Europe during the holidays.
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6. Cologne, Germany
Aside from exploring Christmas markets, be sure to check out the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). Climbing the southern tower of the Cathedral is a great way to catch beautiful views of the city!
KölnTriangle is the perfect place to take in views and learn about the history of many of the most beautiful buildings in Old Town. Its observation deck is open until 23:00, making it a wonderful place to watch the sunset behind Cologne Cathedral. What an epic setting for photographs!
Cologne was heavily bombed during World War II, and three-quarters of the city was destroyed. However, many of the buildings in the Old ToDuring Christmastime, Paris is magical, with beautifully decorated streets and department stores. Christmas lights adorn almost every part of the capital, living up to its name as the city of lights.wn area survived, and the site has retained its old-time feel.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
This vibrant European city is perfect for getting into the Christmas 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 Christmas is 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. Remember to rent a cup so you can reuse it as often as you like!
8. Bruges, Belgium
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
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 as it is blanketed in snow. If you plan a trip to Switzerland, add Grindelwald to your list of places.
Grindelwald is a beautiful town to visit during Christmas, with decorations lining the streets and towering Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights around nearly every corner. Of course, the town’s holiday market also offers plenty of mulled wine and handcrafted goods.
10. Talinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas 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’s medieval Old Town is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations and 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.
Bottom Line on the Best European Cities to Visit in Winter
If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit this year, there’s no better place to do it than 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. London, Paris, or Cologne are ideal destinations to celebrate the holidays in style. Copenhagen or Edinburgh are great options if you’re looking for a more low-key trip. No matter where you go, you will find plenty of festive cheer!
Travel Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to Europe
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