With the holiday season upon us, many people dream of a magical Christmas holiday. Christmas is one of the world’s most famous holidays. It is the time for new hope, magic, family gatherings, and get-together. I, like many people, love Christmas and its traditions. Some of my traditions include binging on Christmas movies, going to church, and traveling. Every year, I look forward to the romantic Christmas movies and the extravaganza displays from cities worldwide. As a Christian, I love attending the Christmas service on Christmas Eve, singing Christmas carols, and hanging out with friends. Although I do not know how to ice skate, I enjoy watching people ice skate when I am downtown. I love American Christmas traditions. I go to NYC for my annual Christmas NYC trip and I visit Newport, Rhode Island to enjoy the Christmas magic.
In the past three years, I spent the Christmas holiday in Europe. Christmastime in Europe was a different experience. As a Christmas lover, being in Europe amplifies the love I feel during the season. Being surrounded by old buildings and cobblestones adorned with Christmas decorations makes an already romantic city like Paris feel like you are in a Hollywood romantic rom-com production. Although I enjoy American Christmas, Europe is my second favorite holiday destination, and I am not alone. United Airlines has seen a 30% surge in travel plans to European Christmas markets. If you want to travel outside the U.S. for the holidays, European destinations should be on your list. This post will highlight 10 European Christmas Destinations to add to your holiday travel list. Let’s dive in!
Christmas in Europe
European countries have many traditions. They observe holidays that are unique to them and their ways of celebrating global holidays like Christmas are different. As an American, I am used to Thanksgiving being the holiday ringer for the Christmas season. After Thanksgiving, families put up the Christmas tree. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” becomes the anthem of every shopping center. Every city has a tree-lighting ceremony, introducing the community to the holiday season. However, my time in France and Belgium was different. I woke up one day and Christmas came and with it came many traditional festivities that as an American, we don’t usually follow. Here are some festivities to know about the Christmas season in many European countries.
- Advent: begins four Sundays before Christmas Eve when most Christians reflect on the birth of Jesus and His second coming. In Europe, it is also when Christmas markets open and communities come together to celebrate and have festivities such as the Feast of Santa Lucia in Norway and Sweden.
- Feast of St. Nicholas: happens on December 6th in most Catholic countries. Kids receive gifts from St. Nick.
- Christmas Eve Mass: is the season’s main event where most people go to midnight mass and have a grand meal. In France, La Reveillon de Noel is the biggest culinary event, and different regions of France boast their specialties.
- 12 Days of Christmas/ Epiphany: from Christmas Day to January 6th, representing the days the Magi came and gave Jesus gifts when he was born.
With so much to see and experience during the Christmas season in Europe, here are 10 European destinations to enjoy the European Christmas holiday traditions.
10 European Christmas Destinations
- Paris
The City of Lights takes the first spot as a travel destination during the Christmas holidays. Paris is a city like no other without Christmas decorations. Walking along the Champs Elysee alone feels like a dream; now imagine it with Christmas decorations. The French capital offers an experience like no other. If you are a solo traveler, don’t worry; the city of love has so much to provide you, and you will forget that you are alone. You can go shopping at the Christmas adorn Galeries Lafayette. Enjoy the Window display and the magical tree inside the Gallery. You can stroll around Place de la Concorde while enjoying a chocolat chaud with a French croissant. Not only does Paris offer many places to visit and see, but it also offers plenty of activities you can enjoy in the city of love that will make your holiday trip to Paris spectacular.
You can go up the Eiffel Tower and see the fully decorated city of Paris from above. If tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower are sold out, other iconic spots like the top of the Arc de Triomphe and Tours Montparnasse allow you a different view of Paris from above. Aside from these iconic places, you can go to cafes and restaurants with a skyrise and enjoy a beautiful view of Paris at Christmas. As a culinary powerhouse, La Reveillon de Noel in Paris allows you to enjoy Parian culinary specialties. Those who like to feel like royalty can book a ticket to the Chateau de Versailles and enjoy a French royal Christmas. Paris is a city like no other. On its own, it has fascinated many travelers, and when you add the splendor of the Christmas spirit, Paris becomes a Christmas wonderland.
- London
The second European Christmas destination is London. The City of Dreams has many historical sights, so your holidays will always be exciting. Christmas in London promises a time of adventure, appreciation for history and tradition, and a lifetime opportunity. One of the reasons why I am considering London for the Christmas holiday is that there is a lot to do during the holidays. From Christmas markets, shopping, ice skating, and royal palaces, there is something for everyone. Some places are better to visit for the first during the cold season and London is one of them. London can be gloomy in the summertime. As someone who experienced a grim summer when I lived in Belgium, I know it is hard to go out and enjoy yourself when the climate does not match the typical activities you love to do during a particular season. London feels like it was designed for the Christmas holiday. Watching The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, enjoying a walk by the London Bridge, and visiting the historic cathedrals in London sounds like some of the most romantic things you can do in London, whether alone or with company. The season, the environment, and the countless beautiful activities make London one of the best European holiday destinations.
One of the unique activities to enjoy at Christmas in London is Hogwarts in the Snow. Experience the magical festive in the Wizardly world at the Warners Bros Studio in London. You can see the Christmas tree line in the Green Hall and get close to the props, customs, and decorations used in Harry Potter. Another attraction to enjoy while in London is the Christmas Light Bus Tour. Enjoy London’s festive streets and displays on the hop-on-hop-off bus night tour. See famous landmarks like the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Picadilly Circus under the Christmas lights. The 90-minute tour promises to indulge you in all of the Christmas adventures in London. Like other major European cities, London has many options for Christmas markets to discover during the holiday. Some markets to enjoy are the Southbank Centre, Leicester Square Market, and the Covent Garden Christmas market. For all these reasons, London is a wonderful destination for a European Christmas experience to add to your travel list.
- Munich
Germany is one of the top destinations for Christmas vacation. It has everything you need to experience an authentic traditional Christmas holiday filled with Christmas markets, mulled wine, and Christmas fairytale ambiance. You can access hundreds of Christmas markets between the Baltic Sea and Lake Constance. German cities pull out all of the stops to celebrate Christmas in full glory. However, Munich is always a step ahead regarding having a Christmas extravaganza. Like many European cities, Christmas markets are a big deal in Munich during the holidays. Christmas lights, angels, gigantic stars, and nativity scenes decorate the streets of Munich. One of the city’s most famous Christmas attractions is the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz and Rindermarkt. The Christmas market tradition dates back to the 14th century. Enjoy the 25-meter-high Christmas tree with 3,000 candles while sipping mulled wine and enjoying Munich’s history. Another Christmas market location to enjoy is the Chinese Tower Christmas Market, one of Munich’s largest parks. Here, you can go around the markets on horse carriages and shop for beers.
Aside from the splendid Christmas displays, there are a lot of activities you can enjoy during the holidays in Munich. You can go shopping or ice skating in one of the public skating rinks like Munchner Eiszauber. Munich is also an excellent place for theater. You can catch a Christmas show at one of the theaters or The Bavarian State Opera. One delight I experienced in Germany was checking out the Christmas markets while drinking the famous hot wine, Gluhwein. Gluhwein is a German staple during the holidays and Munich offers places to go winetasting and learning the different recipes to make your own Gluhwein. History lovers can also use this season to enjoy Munich’s historical sights surrounded by Christmas lights. One must-visit attraction is the Munich Residence. Experience Germany’s largest city palace. With so much to do and experience during the holiday seasons, Munich is a top European destination to add to your travel list.
- Vienna
Four hours away from Munich, Vienna promises a spectacular Christmas holiday destination for tourists of all ages. Like its European counterpart, especially its German comrade, Christmas is a big holiday in the Austrian capital. Vienna’s public places transform into stalls to host some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Although Austria is no longer a kingdom or an empire, the imperial palaces that act as backdrops for many of its Christmas markets glamourize the experience of Christmas in Vienna. In Vienna, Christmas markets go hand-in-hand with the Winter season as markets open in early November and end in January, giving plenty of time to explore as many markets as you want. Some not-to-miss Christmas markets include the Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Karlsplatz, and the Schonbrunn. The Christmas Market Schonbrunn includes 90 market stalls giving you plenty of gift-buying opportunities. Another hotspot for the holidays is the Belvedere Christmas Market which sits in front of the Belvedere Palace. These locations are not only great venues for the Christmas markets, but they also give visitors a chance to learn about Austrian history.
Apart from enjoying its markets, get into the Christmas spirit with Christmas-themed concerts. Visit the iconic Stephansdom Cathedral for your Advent concerts. After the concert, learn about the history of this 136 meters in height masterpiece which is the symbol of Vienna. Another concert to enjoy is the Mozart, Strauss (II), a light classical concert orchestras organized for visitors. You can enjoy such concerts at Schonbrunn Orangery, the same way Joseph II once did. Museums and public attractions such as palaces are open during the holiday season. They also decorate the museums, brightening up the museums with Christmas magic. You can visit the Hofburg Palace, which also hosts a Christmas market at its entrance. Bask in the imperial glory as you walk around and marvel at one of the biggest complexes in the world. You should also visit the Sisi Museum, and learn about Empress Elizabeth. Consider visiting Vienna this holiday season and enjoy its history, and amazing attractions mixed with the Christmas magic.
- Rome
We cannot talk about Christmas in Europe without including the Eternal City. Christmas in Rome is an inevitable choice and a great title for a beautiful Hallmark rom-com. As one of the top destinations in Italy with great must-visit attractions, adding the Christmas magic elevates the travel experience in Rome. Christmastime in Rome promises a time of religious traditions, Christmas lights, and enjoying its iconic attractions through festivities. There are many reasons why Rome is the perfect destination for the Christmas holiday. Rome is an essential city in Christianity, and when you consider Christmas to be about the birth of Jesus, the Italian capital is a no-brainer. The Eternal City attracts tourists all year round, but Christmas in Rome has a particular je ne sais quoi.
Decorated with lights and Christmas displays, Rome is an enchanting heaven that calls you to believe in the Christmas magic and spirit. Rome’s attractions like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and a visit to the Vatican give you plenty to see and do. Enjoy the Christmas markets at Piazza Navona. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, ornaments, savories, and many more Christmas gifts you can give your family and friends. One unique Christmas-themed attraction in Rome is the Museo Internazionale Del Presepio which houses nativity scenes from various parts of the world. It is smaller than what you would expect from an international museum. However, it has an impressive collection that is interesting to see. It is located in the basement of Saints Quirico and Giulietta. Whether you are a Christian or not, I recommend checking out the Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican, which requires you to book a ticket early to sit in the historic Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Christmas season in Rome is one of the most joyous experiences you will remember for the rest of your life because there are no grinches in the Eternal City.
- Prague
One of the European cities that is synonymous with Christmas is the Czech Republic’s capital, Prague. The Czechs are serious about Christmas traditions and superstitions. Prague is the perfect travel destination if you are like me and love a Christmas celebration rooted in traditions and faith. You can expect to see mistletoes around the city. The Czechs use mistletoes as decorations to attract love, happiness, and protection from diseases. Although most Czechs do not have any religious affiliation, they go to the Christmas mass as a tradition, where they praise the birth of Jesus and sing Christmas carols. When visiting, you need to know some customs to help you integrate into the Chezc’s Christmas traditions. One of those traditions is fasting on Christmas Eve, an abundance of fortune. On Christmas day, people eat a vànočka, a braided sweet bread, so when in Prague, make sure to try a vànočka. Another thing to check out is the Christmas markets in the old town, where you can buy handcrafts and Christmas-themed items that you can gift to your friends and family.
- Strasbourg
Although I put Paris as the number one holiday travel destination in this post, Strasbourg is known as the home of Christmas in France. Regarding European cities, Strasbourg is one of the famous Christmas destinations. Strasbourg gifts you about a dozen Christmas markets yearly, so you have plenty of things to see and explore. This medieval town transforms into a Christmas fairytale, making every corner an Instagram-worthy post. Nothing is more French than indulging in delicious food and wine, and this city invites you to partake in this cultural immersion without worrying about gaining weight.
With Strasbourg embodying French, German, and Swiss cultures, you will have a unique blend of foods and traditions. Another activity I enjoy doing during Christmas in Europe is visiting the cathedrals, and visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral is a must-see. When visiting Christmas markets, wait until dark to experience the magical ambiance of the lights shining throughout this picturesque town. Another square to visit in Strasbourg is Place Kleber, which hosts the most enormous Christmas tree in the city, and there are a lot of shops where you can buy things for yourself and your loved one. Another activity you can do is walk around La Petite France, where you’ll find narrow streets and canals surrounded by lights, making it a perfect atmosphere for a walk to remember.
- Ghent
Another excellent European holiday destination is the city of Ghent. Although an average American has yet to hear of Ghent, the capital of East Flanders is a hidden gem that many have yet to discover. Ghent is a port city, university town, and cultural hub. It is famous for its medieval architecture and is pedestrian-friendly, making the holiday scenery feel like walking through history while enjoying the treats of Christmas. Ghent is an excellent destination for the Christmas season due to its beautiful and festive ambiance.
The city is known for its Christmas markets, filled with unique handmade crafts, delicious food, and drink. You can stroll through the markets, listen to live music, and enjoy the festive mood. You can visit the stunning medieval architecture of Ghent, like Gravensteen Castle and St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St Bavo’s Cathedrals. These monuments are majestic but create a magical atmosphere when illuminated with festive lights. The city also hosts various Christmas events, including live performances and concerts. Ghent is a charming and magical destination for Christmas, offering visitors a memorable and enchanting experience. Ghent was my home when I lived in Belgium, and although it took me a bit to adjust, I love that city very much, and it was a pleasure to spend Christmas there in 2020.
- Brussels
Continuing with Belgium, another city to visit during Christmas is the EU capital city of Brussels. As an American, Brussels gives me a Boston vibe, and just as Boston is a great Christmas destination, so is Brussels. Christmas in Brussels promises festivities and traditions. The layout of Brussels gives the land a unique ambiance on its own, let alone when you add Christmas decorations. The Christmas markets, lights shows and must-visit attractions welcome you to a Belgian winter wonderland. Brussels’ Grand Place is breathtaking any time of the year; however, the world’s most beautiful square comes alive with Christmas as a background. The majestic Christmas tree at the square pulls you in, and you can enjoy a nativity display every evening from 5-10 PM. It hosts the Christmas markets and fun fairs.
However, Grand Place is not the only place to enjoy the Christmas markets. Other markets to enjoy are Place Saint Catherine and Place de la Monnaie. Brussels offers fun things to do during this season. You can go on a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, curling, and ice skating at Place de Brouchere. Another must-do while in Brussels during the holidays is going to a chocolate-making class. One place you must visit is the Choco Story Museum. After enjoying all the fun and festivities, enjoy Belgian fries and beers, and remember to grab a box of chocolate and indulge in some Belgian waffles. There is so much to see and do that every day will be a holiday treat, so add Brussels when planning your travel destination.
- Bruges
It is no secret that Bruges is one of my favorite European cities. In a previous post, I discussed why Bruges is Belgium’s best-kept secret. Voted as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the “Venice of the North” offers a Christmas experience like no other. Bruges is a lovely Christmas travel destination for a variety of reasons. First, the city is charming, especially during winter when you can expect it to snow. The city’s charming cobbled streets, picturesque canals, and stunning medieval architecture create a magical Christmas experience. Bruges offers a wide range of Christmas-themed activities.
You can visit local Christmas markets to find unique gifts and delicious food. For skating enthusiasts, you can go ice skating on the city’s many frozen ponds. Another great reason to visit Bruges at Christmas is the city’s many festive events. For example, the town hosts a magical winter festival that includes an ice sculpture festival, a light show, and a variety of live performances. There are also many concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events that take place during the Christmas season. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a beautiful place to explore, make sure you have Bruges as your Christmas holiday destination.
In conclusion, Europe has some of the world’s most magical Christmas destinations if you are looking for where to travel during the holiday season. From Paris to Munich, these ten cities offer travelers an unforgettable experience during the holiday season. The Christmas markets, historic landmarks, and festive activities make these cities the perfect destinations for those who love Christmas. Whether you want to travel alone or with company, these European destinations have something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas in any of the ten European destinations.
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Until then,
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
Xoxo,
Cy
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