20 of the Best European Christmas Destinations

The problem with European Christmas destinations is that there are so many great ones, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a top few. You have the classic snowy alpine landscapes, Central European medieval towns, and traditional markets galore. Today, we’ll try to give you the top picks for some of the varied types of Christmas traditions and celebrations throughout Europe that you will want to explore this winter holiday season.

Heidelberg, Germany

Notoriously famous for its Christmas markets, one of Germany’s most beautiful towns is Heidelberg. That makes it a perfect place to visit at Christmastime. The town is full of decorations, lights, and festivities all in the shadow of a towering castle nestled along the Neckar River.

Zagreb, Croatia

A classic seaside medieval city, Zagreb has one of the best Christmas markets in all of Europe. The city is also well known for its culinary scene which is home to several seasonal specialties including fritule, which are special Christmas doughnuts.

Montreux, Switzerland

For a chic and sophisticated, yet still traditional Christmas aesthetic, Montreux, Switzerland is the ideal place. The Lake Geneva resort town has an actual flying Santa Claus, chalet-style stalls at their Christmas market, and all of the melted goodness that fondue and raclette bring to the table. What more could you ask for?

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, has three Christmas markets in its Main Square—but that’s just the beginning. These markets are known for the outstanding craftsmanship of their handmade goods. You can see the whole gorgeous landscape from the top of the Old Town Hall or view it from a ride on their special Christmas train.