Europe during Christmas is pure magic. From sparkling markets and winter festivals to snowy adventures and cozy escapes, the continent transforms into a festive wonderland. Here are the 10 must-do Christmas experiences in Europe to make your holiday season unforgettable.

1. Explore Germany’s Famous Christmas Markets

Germany is world-renowned for its Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte. Cities like Nuremberg, Cologne, and Munich host vibrant markets filled with glowing stalls selling handmade ornaments, gingerbread, and traditional crafts. Mulled wine (Glühwein) warms your hands while the scent of roasted nuts and sausages fills the air.

Beyond shopping, Germany’s markets offer live performances, choirs, and festive activities for kids. Each city has its unique charm — Nuremberg for classic traditions, Cologne for its stunning cathedral backdrop, and Munich for family-friendly markets. Visiting these markets is an immersive way to experience authentic European Christmas culture.

Hotel Recommendations: Bayerischer Hof, Munich — This 5-star luxury hotel is centrally located (Maximilianstraße) and puts you within walking distance of Munich’s Marienplatz and its Christmas market. Elegant rooms, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant make it a festive, premium base. Link

If you want something more design-focused and budget-friendly, you could also consider Eurostars Book Hotel near Munich’s main station. Link

2. See the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland

Lapland is a winter wonderland and a top Christmas bucket-list destination. Visitors can stay in glass igloos or cozy cabins, watch the Northern Lights, and take part in reindeer sleigh rides or husky dog adventures. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi adds a magical touch for families.

The region also offers snowmobile tours, ice fishing, and traditional Finnish saunas. With snowy forests, frozen lakes, and magical lights, Lapland combines adventure, relaxation, and festive charm — making it one of Europe’s most unforgettable Christmas experiences.

Hotel Recommendation: Octola Lodge (Luxury Action) — A luxury wilderness lodge with glass igloo suites, private sauna, and curated experiences like husky rides and Northern Lights viewing. It’s remote, very atmospheric and perfect for a magical Christmas escape. Link

3. Ice Skate at Vienna’s City Hall

Vienna is a city of music, culture, and festive elegance. In winter, the area around Rathausplatz becomes an ice-skating paradise. Surrounded by the neo-Gothic City Hall and twinkling lights, skaters of all levels glide across the rink while enjoying seasonal music and performances.

Vienna also has a multitude of Christmas markets offering mulled wine, pastries, and traditional crafts. After skating, you can stroll the festive streets, sip on hot chocolate, and admire the beautifully lit squares, making it one of Europe’s most enchanting winter experiences.

Hotel Recommendations: Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof — A refined, historic hotel in Vienna’s city centre, very close to Rathausplatz and the main Christmas markets. Elegant interiors, great service, and easy walking distance to all the festive highlights or another very stylish choice is Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, which has a design-led feel and is conveniently located near the Belvedere Palace market. Link

4. Visit London’s Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of Europe’s largest and most festive Christmas events. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, festive rides, themed bars, Christmas markets, and live shows. The sheer scale of attractions makes it perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking holiday fun.

Beyond the park, London itself glows during Christmas. Famous streets like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden are beautifully decorated with lights. Combine shopping, entertainment, and festive sightseeing for a complete London Christmas experience.

Hotel Recommendation: The Ritz London — A classic, luxury London hotel with timeless style, high-end dining, and impeccable service. Staying here gives you a very festive and glamorous base, and you’re well-connected to Hyde Park and other London sites, or if you want something slightly more modern but still very comfortable, The Artist Residence in Westminster is a quirky boutique pick (not as luxury, but very charming). Link

5. Take a Danube Christmas River Cruise

A Christmas river cruise along the Danube offers a unique perspective of Europe’s festive cities. Sail through Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava while enjoying onboard seasonal dining, cultural activities, and holiday entertainment. From the water, city lights and Christmas markets look even more magical.

These cruises often include excursions to explore local markets, try seasonal foods, or visit historical sites. It’s an effortless way to experience multiple European destinations, all beautifully decorated for Christmas, while enjoying comfort and luxury on board.

Hotel Recommendation: Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection — For the part of the trip in Budapest, this hotel is perfect: music-themed, luxurious, very central, with great spa facilities, so it complements the relaxed cruise-then-walk-around-markets feel. Link or for Vienna, you could stay somewhere like the AMAURIS Vienna – Relais & Châteaux, which is close to the city centre and very elegant. Link

6. Discover Strasbourg – The Capital of Christmas

Strasbourg, France is known as the “Capital of Christmas”, with one of the oldest markets in Europe. Timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and festive decorations make the city a fairytale setting. Markets offer regional treats like Bredele biscuits and mulled wine.

The city also hosts concerts, workshops, and traditional Alsatian experiences. Every street is beautifully decorated, and neighborhoods compete with intricate light displays. Strasbourg is ideal for travelers seeking a quintessential European Christmas vibe.

Hotel Recommendation: Hôtel Régent Petite France & Spa — A 5-star boutique hotel right in the heart of Strasbourg’s beautiful Petite France district, very close to the Christmas markets. It offers historic charm, modern comfort, and a lovely spa to unwind after a day exploring the festive stalls. Link

7. Ski in the Alps

The Alps are a prime destination for skiing and winter sports at Christmas. Resorts in Switzerland, Austria, and France offer a variety of slopes, cozy chalets, and stunning alpine scenery. Beginners and advanced skiers alike can enjoy the perfect snow conditions.

Apart from skiing, the alpine villages themselves are festive and charming. Twinkling lights, Christmas markets, warm mountain lodges, and traditional cuisine like raclette and fondue make it a full winter holiday experience. Christmas in the Alps combines adventure, scenery, and seasonal festivities perfectly.

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Salzburg, Austria — While not directly on the ski slopes, this historic 5-star hotel in Salzburg’s old town offers alpine charm, traditional Austrian hospitality, and is a fantastic base if you want to combine skiing with exploring a Christmas-town feel. Link

If you're skiing in a resort, you might also look at high-end ski chalets or mountain hotels in places like Chamonix, Zermatt or Kitzbühel — depending on which country you're in. Link

8. Warm Up in Budapest’s Thermal Baths

Budapest’s famous thermal baths provide a unique way to relax during winter. Popular spots like Széchenyi and Gellért Baths offer outdoor pools, saunas, and historic architecture. Imagine soaking in warm water as snow gently falls around you — an unforgettable festive experience.

Many baths host seasonal events during Christmas, including holiday music and light displays. Visiting these baths combines wellness, culture, and winter magic, making Budapest a must-visit European Christmas destination.

Hotel Recommendation: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest — This Art Nouveau-style luxury hotel is right on the Danube, just a short walk from the Chain Bridge. It’s incredibly elegant, with rich interiors, perfect for relaxing after a soak in the thermal baths. Alternatively, Aria Hotel Budapest is also a strong choice for its central location and relaxing ambience. Link

9. Experience Prague’s Fairytale Christmas

Prague is magical at Christmas. Its Gothic architecture, cobbled streets, and festive Old Town Square market create a storybook setting. The huge Christmas tree, traditional Czech foods, and handcrafted gifts make it a perfect winter city break.

Beyond the market, explore Prague Castle, stroll across Charles Bridge, or attend a classical concert. The city’s atmosphere feels romantic and enchanting, offering travelers one of Europe’s most picturesque holiday experiences.

Hotel Recommendation: Aria Hotel Prague — A boutique, music-themed hotel in the Lesser Town, very close to Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Its romantic and atmospheric design matches the fairytale feel of a Prague Christmas. or for something grander, the Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel is also gorgeous and steeped in history. Link

10. Celebrate Christmas in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg offers a traditional and cultural Christmas experience. Historic markets, classical music concerts, cathedral choirs, and festive decorations make it a beautiful destination. Horse-drawn carriage rides through snowy streets add to the charm.

Fans of The Sound of Music can visit filming locations dusted with snow, while local cuisine and cozy cafés make the visit complete. Salzburg blends tradition, culture, and scenic beauty — a perfect European Christmas getaway.

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Sacher Salzburg — This is Salzburg’s only grand hotel, five stars, located on the banks of the Salzach river and very close to the Old Town and Christmas markets. It combines classical elegance with excellent service or Another equally charming option is the Arthotel Blaue Gans, which is in a historic building and very central for exploring Salzburg’s Christmas markets. Link

Finally, if you travel to any of these locations and want to book any tours, excursions or trips you can book through any of the following companies - Link

The Festive Travel Guide