Best 15 Best Christmas Cities in Europe (2024)
Europe is magical at Christmas time. Town squares come to life with Christmas markets, mulled wine, snow and hundreds of fairy lights.
If you have not visited the Europe at Christmas time is must be on your bucket list. You will never regret the decision to spend a Christmas in Europe.
There are many towns and cities to spend Christmas in Europe but here is a complete list of the best Christmas cities in Europe.
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Best Christmas Cities in Germany
Berlin
Hannah, Get Lost Travel Blog
While there are lots of reasons to visit Berlin year-round, you can expect the most magical experience at Christmas.
The top thing to do in Berlin at Christmas is to soak up the atmosphere at the Christmas markets.
They’re best enjoyed with a hot bratwurst or waffle and glühwein in hand! Browse the stalls and pick up unique souvenirs by local artisans.
Berlin is also a great city for some last-minute Christmas shopping. KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westens) department store has everything you might need under one roof from ornate Christmas decorations to Berlin fridge magnets!
Many of the top sights in Berlin are also much quieter than in the summer months.
Some of the best places to visit in Berlin during Christmas are the Brandenburg Gate, Berliner Fernsehturm, and Charlottenburg Palace as they have very few tourists during this time of year.
For an early winter break without the crowds, visit Berlin during the last week in November. Most of the Christmas markets have started at this time, but tourists haven’t yet flooded the city.
It is the ideal time to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere alongside the locals before the influx of festive visitors.
It is easy to get to Berlin. Many international flights arrive at Berlin Schönefeld Airport, which is a 40-minute taxi ride from the city centre.
Alternatively, you can grab the S9 S-Bahn city train directly from the airport to Berlin in 45 minutes.
If you’re already travelling within the continent, many international train services arrive at Berlin Central Station if you prefer a more scenic journey.
If you are looking for a comfortable hotel that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte.
It is located right in the center of the city, close to Museum Island, so you can reach all the top attractions in just a short walk.
It is also close to the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market.
Cologne
Kat, World Wide Honeymoon
Christmas in Europe is a magical place in general.
However, if you’re searching for several dreamy German Christmas markets each with its own personalities, treats, and decor, then a visit to Cologne for the Christmas markets is perfect.
There are 7 main Christmas markets in Cologne and other smaller ones throughout the city to enjoy making it one of the best cities for Christmas.
Seriously, you turn a corner in downtown Cologne and you’ll happen upon another mystical market.
One market that is always a favorite is the Alter Market or Heinzels Wintermaerchen.
This gnome-themed market has it all: from gnome decor and even Christmas market mugs with a cheeky gnome on it to an ice rink where you can play ice stock curling!
Just be sure to book a reservation in advance to play!
This market is large with several food stands and even rides for the kiddos.
A visit to the Village of Saint Nicholaus is a must, especially as the sun goes down to watch the light projections on the castle gate of Hahnentorburg.
This chalet-themed market has a cozy feel and is lovely for walking around with a cup of mulled wine while listening to the music and watching the light display!
Heavenue is known as the gay Christmas market and they have everything from tasty food trucks to live music performances!
And for a nautical-themed market, head to the Harbor Christmas market to see the giant wooden ship concession stand and taste some fried calamari!
Of course, you can’t visit Cologne for Christmas and NOT see the Cologne Cathedral market!
This is Cologne’s most iconic market with the towering cathedral in the background!
There are over 150 stands selling anything from trinkets and ornaments to tasty German Christmas market treats.
Plus, there is a giant tree in the middle and so many beautiful lights overhead that a stop here is necessary both in the morning when it is less crowded and in the evening to see it all lit up!
There are some things to keep in mind while visiting the Cologne Christmas markets.
Most notably, be sure to visit before Christmas as most markets close up shop around December 23.
Also, to avoid crowds, going earlier in the day and mid-week helps, as well as going in late November/early December.
While you could walk around to all of the markets, there is a train called the Cologne Christmas Market Express that stops at the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Alter Market, Harbor Market, and Angel Market.
It runs every 15 minutes starting from 10:15 am to 8:15 pm.
Getting to Cologne is easy thanks to its nearby airport and the train station in the middle of town!
And for a lovely stay in Cologne, the Hyatt Regency Cologne is just across the river from the Cologne Cathedral and has stunning views over the Rhine River and the cathedral itself!
Cologne is definitely a dreamy place to spend Christmas in Europe!
Best Christmas Cities in The Czech Republic
Prague
Veronika, Travel Geekery
No city at Christmas can beat Prague.
It feels as if Prague was made for Christmas.
The city looks straight out of fairytale year round, but add snow and Christmas lights and you’ll be left speechless by the sheer beauty.
Come end of November, Prague Christmas markets spring up all over the city.
The biggest and most traditional Old Town Square Christmas Market is beautiful but usually crowded.
After seeing it, you need to venture out further and see the smaller charming markets – e.g. on Náměstí míru in the Vinohrady district.
Winter in Prague can be active too. Typically, there’s an ice rink set up right in the historical center – at the Ovocný trh Square.
For some downtime and cozying up, Prague doesn’t disappoint with its wide range of cafés – from modern chains to charming little coffee dens.
Getting to Prague is easy – best is to fly to the Airport of Václav Havel on the outskirts of the city.
Train connections from Berlin, Munich, or Vienna are quite fast too – it takes just 4 hours to get to Prague.
If you’re lucky, you’ll experience Prague’s roofs and spires all covered in snow.
One of the most sought after photographs of Prague in winter comes from the tower on the Charles Bridge (the Old Town side) – you can capture the most perfect view of the Charles Bridge with the Prague Castle in the background.
The Mosaic House is a good accommodation option for all budgets since they feature rooms from dorms to high-end suites.
It’s located within a walking distance from the city center, which is a plus when the temperatures drop below zero.
Best Christmas Cities in Spain
Andalucía
Paulina, Paulina on the road
Christmas in Andalucia is nothing like other places.
It is unique and different from anything you have experienced before.
The Christmas season in Andalusia starts even later than in northern Europe and North America.
Christmas in Andalucia is unique because the season lasts for more than a month.
You get to smell chestnuts roasting over the fire as November passes.
It continues until the Three Kings arrive at local homes in January.
However, you will start to feel the kick-off of the Christmas season on Christmas Eve.
The small shops and glammed-up commercial centers begin to decorate themselves at the beginning of December.
The best thing is the Andalucian sweets, Christmas dinner with local delicacies, and family joy.
It is helpful to visit Andalucia to enjoy Christmas one month before the Eve.
As the season lasts for over a month, you can enjoy all the traditions, regional food, and shops.
Visiting in early December or the last week of November will allow you to explore the popular cities of Andalucia, among which the most famous Christmas celebrations happen in Malaga and Seville.
If you get a chance, do not miss to explore the lights of Malaga and the Christmas market of Seville.
The best way to reach Andalucia is by taking a train from cities like Barcelona and Madrid. The trains from these cities drop passengers in Seville, Malaga, and Cordoba.
If you are celebrating Christmas in Andalucia, do not miss taking a picture with the traditional Christmas tree decoration.
The decoration of Christmas trees in Andalucia has always been the Nativity Scene called Belen. A photograph with a tree decorated with little statues, rivers, houses, and animals can be your memory for the trip.
One of the best hotels to stay in Andalucia is Hotel Miramar. It has impressive customer ratings.
If you’d rather stay out of Andalucia you will find plenty of places to stay in Malaga.
It would help if you go via personal car. You can travel to cities on one-day trips and explore most of Andalucian Christmas.
Best Christmas Cities in Belgium
Bruges
Emma, Emma’s Roadmap
Visiting Bruges around Christmas is a true pleasure. The city is magnificently decorated and you’re able to admire an enormous Christmas tree as well as countless cosy lights.
Every year, the city organizes a wonderful Christmas market from the end of November until the end of December where they sell all kinds of Christmas-themed food, crafts and gifts.
This market is located on several major squares in the city and a must-see if you’re visiting around Christmas!
In addition, you’ll also be able to enjoy a magnificent light show, called Wintergloed, where historical buildings all over the city are light up after dark.
It’s also possible to go ice skating ecologically.
Since a few years Bruges has replaced its traditional ice rink with artificial ice (and that’s necessary because it rarely freezes in Belgium in winter), which saves the environment lots of energy.
The best way to get to Bruges around Christmas is either by car or by train.
The train station is a 10-minute walk from the historical center and you definitely don’t need a car to get around in Bruges!
Although plenty of parking spots are available underground, it can get quite expensive to park your can for an extended time.
There is also a direct connection by train from the airport of Zaventem to Bruges.
Once arrived, you can either opt to go discover the city on foot or by bike!
Of course, besides the Christmas-themed attractions, there is a lot more to visit in this historical city.
There’s a good reason why they call Bruges ‘Venice of the North’.
Its many canals, medieval buildings and white swans create the most romantic atmosphere.
So definitely look beyond the Christmas market and visit the rest of the city as well!
If you’d like to stay the night, I recommend staying in B&B Canal Deluxe, but many other charming places can be found in the city for all budgets!
Best Christmas Cities in the Netherlands
Deventer
Cosette, KarsTravels
Deventer is a city in the Northeast of the Netherlands.
On the weekend before Christmas, Deventer hosts the Dickens Festival each year, which is perfect to get into the Christmas spirit.
On that weekend 950 actors and residents dress up as characters from a Dickens story.
The festival is held in the Bergkwartier area, the medieval part of Deventer. One weekend each year it’s a village from one of Dickens’ books.
Every imaginable character is present: Scrooge, Oliver Twist and Queen Victoria. But also chimney sweeps, carol singers and orphans.
In the same weekend there are also 2 Christmas markets in Deventer.
So after enjoying all the sketches, mimes, shows and songs, explore both Christmas markets.
One is just outside the festival on the Brink, the other one is inside the Grote of Lebuinus church.
The festival is outdoors, so wear warm, comfortable clothes.
Expect to wait one or two hours in line, to enter the single entrance to the festival. There’s no entrance fee. It can be cold and/or rainy, especially when having to wait that long. Also wear shoes which are suited to walk for a couple of hours.
The festival is reachable by car, bike and public transport.
There are designated parking lots. The train station is nearby. A good place to stay overnight is Hotel Finch.
Do book early, hotels tend to book up fast for the festival.
For photographing the Dickens Festival, expect it to be crowded.
So taking pictures without others in it is nearly impossible
Best Christmas Cities in France
Colmar
Ingrid, Ingrid Zen Moments
Colmar might be the most charming place to visit over Christmas, but also one of the most popular destinations in Alsace and France.
This small colorful village is a stunning destination to visit throughout the year, but it turns even more magical once it puts on its Christmas magic decorations.
With a world-renowned Christmas Market torn out of fairy tale books, countless shows, and events organized throughout the month of December.
A historic setting dating from the Middle Ages waiting to be discovered, and delicious food and wine locally produced, Colmar should make it on to your Christmas bucket list destinations.
Getting there is not hard no matter if you are traveling from France, Germany, or even Switzerland.
Landing in Stuttgart or Zurich will place you roughly 2 hours away from the charming French village.
If you plan a trip to a day trip Paris, you can take the speed train and be in Colmar in around 3 hours.
If you are looking for authentic accommodation that will set you steps away from the most important attractions in town, Hotel Le Marechal – Les Collectionneurs is the place you should go for.
A small French boutique hotel luxuriously furnished with a terrace overlooking the canals.
Paris
Lena, Salut From Paris
If you are visiting Paris in Winter, you definitely should not forget your winter coat and your umbrella!
Especially not if you are traveling in December – it’s one of the wettest months of all!
One the bright side, this gives you even more reason to spend an excessive amount of time in the worlds most famous museum: The Louvre!
It is no place to rush anyway – some say it would take 200 days to visit the Louvre if you’d admire each piece of art for 30 seconds!
But even if it’s chilly outside, do take the time for a long stroll.
By the Louvre you find the beautiful Tuileries Garden.
It’s one if the biggest gardens in Paris and was created by Catherine de Medici as her private domain.
However, Paris luckily many indoor activities that are perfect for grey and cold winter days. Not far from the Louvre you can find shelter in one of the many the covered passages.
The most famous and arguable most beautiful is the Galerie Vivienne, a passage that is beautifully illuminated during Christmas by the way.
If you are up for a break, stop by Danico. It’s an excellent Cocktail bar that made it on the Top 100 bars of the world list.
If you are visiting Paris during Christmas time, make sure to pass by the Galerie Lafayette.
The beautiful art nouveau building with the magnificent glass dome is always worth a trip, but during the festive season, a giant Christmas tree is displayed right in the middle of the department store.
It’s a real highlight and everyone is curious of the theme – it changes every year!
For the perfect Instagram photo take the stairs to the roof top of the Galerie Lafayette.
The entrance is free and you are granted with a beautiful panoramic view over Paris, especially over the Opéra Garnier and the Eiffel Tower.
While it’s very easy to find things to do in Paris, finding a good hotel can be a challenge.
Hotel rooms in Paris are generally rather small, rarely come with air condition but are certainly taking a big chunk out of your travel budget.
It’s almost impossible to find deals or special offers as there is basically no low season when it comes to Paris travel.
A good hotel is the Hotel Daunou Opéra. It’s perfectly located between the Louvre and the Opéra Garnier and great base for exploring Paris.
If you are looking for something really special for your Christmas trip, I suggest you book a hotel with Eiffel Tower views.
Strasbourg
Stephanie, The Unknown Enthusiast
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the most magical markets in all of Europe, as you’re not just visiting a couple markets around the city, but the entire old town has been decked out in Christmas cheer, with lights strung between buildings, and large, lit decorations hung above the streets.
For example, there’s an entire street with lit gingerbread men among the blanket of lights, another one with Christmas trees, and another with candy canes.
Another intersection has a massive chandelier made of Christmas lights. Other buildings have light projections on them, and the main city Christmas tree is 100 feet tall.
The whole thing really makes the entire Old Town one big winter wonderland. And Strasbourg knows it – they called themselves the “Capitale de Noel,” and honestly, the city does earn that title.
Beyond the fun lights and decorations around the city, the markets themselves are just top notch. In 2021, there were 15 markets throughout the city (although some of these markets had only 1-5 stalls in them).
Still, there were a lot of beautiful and interesting markets, like the market set up in the shadow of the grand Strasbourg Cathedral, the market right by the big Christmas tree, the “Alsace delicacy” market that sold only food or food-related items, and of course, the Christkindelsmarik, the biggest market at City Hall.
When visiting the markets in Strasbourg, you definitely need to eat a baguette flambée (baguette topped with cream, cheese, and onions, and then toasted), or tarte flambée (a thin crust “pizza” topped with cream, onions, bacon, and cheese.)
Since Strasbourg is very close to Germany, and has belonged to Germany in the past, you can also find foods like sauerkraut, bratwurst, spaetzle, and creamy potatoes here.
With 15 markets, there are a lot of options for things to buy at the Strasbourg Christmas market.
We loved perusing the wide variety of individual pieces to create your own large nativity display, the paper stars, the gingerbread (a regional specialty), other regional cookies, locally made chocolates, and Christmas candles and decorations.
Strasbourg can easily be reached by train from Paris, and other nearby European cities. There is also an international airport in Strasbourg, just 10 minutes from the city center.
Strasbourg is a very popular market, and so the weekends can get very busy. If possible, I would recommend visiting on a weekday!
I would take time during the day to visit all the markets and do any shopping, and then circle back through the city at night to enjoy the lights!
This is definitely one European Christmas market not to be missed!
Best Christmas Cities in England
Manchester
Helen, Helen on her holidays
Manchester in north west England is a fantastic place to visit at Christmas and is particularly good for avid shoppers.
From late November, Manchester’s Christmas markets are set up throughout the city centre, with the largest one in Albert Square, outside the town hall.
You can also find markets along Market Street (Manchester’s main shopping street) and outside Manchester Cathedral, where there’s also an ice rink.
The markets are conveniently close to Manchester’s excellent shopping, so you can enjoy
If you’re looking for something a little different, Manchester has you covered.
At Hatch, a food and shopping market set in shipping containers off Oxford Road, they have a different magical winter theme every year.
Don’t miss the Vegan Christmas Market at Victoria Baths, a beautiful Edwardian former swimming pool, which also hosts Christmas movie screenings.
Shoppers looking for unique gifts should check out the Craft and Design Centre in the Northern Quarter, where artists and makers sell their covetable pieces.
For fun and festive food and drink, head to Escape to Freight Island.
Set in Manchester’s old Mayfield railway station, Winter Island is the UKs largest fully outdoor, heated winter wonderland with Christmassy food for every taste.
Another popular Manchester Christmas activity is a trip to Lightopia at Heaton Park.
On the outskirts of Manchester yet easily accessible from the city centre by tram, the Lightopia light festival is great fun for everyone and offers lots of photography opportunities.
There have been lots of great hotel openings in Manchester recently.
The Dakota Hotel is a particular favourite, with luxurious rooms, great food and a convenient location between Piccadilly Station, the lively Northern Quarter and buzzing Ancoats.
London
Kerry, VeggTravel | Travel Inspiration, Ideas & Advice
London is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe for several reasons.
Firstly, the whole city is decorated beautifully with festive trimmings and decorations adorning the streets.
The iconic landmarks and attractions such as the London Bridge, light up the sky creating a majestic winter ambiance.
Covent Garden’s pretty cobbled streets are particularly enchanting and is home to London’s biggest Christmas tree.
Oxford Street, a famous shopping street in London has several enormous Christmas trees and the city is alive with people hunting for last minute Christmas gifts.
Be sure to check out Harrods, London’s famous elite shopping center as it has a whole floor dedicated to Christmas gifts and decorations.
Tourists visit London just to shop at Harrods alone and be seen to walk the street with an exclusive Harrods carrier bag.
Another major attraction in London at Christmas time is WinterWonderland.
Christmas markets, fairground rides, stalls, an ice bar and even a circus are just a few of the surprises that await you in Winter Wonderland.
Entrance is free but it gets extremely busy, particularly at night and at weekends. So, get there early or on a week day if you want to avoid the crowds.
You can also experience pop up Christmas markets and winter themed bars in the Southwark area of London, which is right next to the Tower bridge.
London is also a hot spot for theatre lovers and Christmas time invites special performances and pantomimes.
Head to the theatre district for a variety of captivating shows.
However you spend your time in London at Christmas, it will be truly magical.
Best Christmas Cities in Sweden
Sweden
Roshni, The Wanderlust Within
The second largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg, hosts the most popular Christmas markets in the country.
On top of that, there are three different locations you have to visit, Kronhuset for the most traditional gifts, Haga for all things food related, and Liseberg for the best all round Christmas market.
Liseberg is Gothenburgs famous theme park, and during November and December it becomes a beautiful winter wonderland, decorated with 5 million Christmas lights (sustainably powered by wind energy).
There are also tonnes of rollercoasters, carousels, a festive themed ice skating show, Santas workshops, and more than 80 market stalls selling gifts, home decor and festive foods.
Some of the best foods to try are the Swedish favourites such as Pepparkaka (a thin and crispy gingerbread biscuit) and glogg (a sweet mulled wine).
If you prebook you can also experience what it’s like to have Christmas dinner in Sweden.
Liseberg holds a 4-course Christmas buffet dinner in one of the restaurants that includes saffron buns, pickled herring, cured salmon, and even a traditional gottebord (a large table filled with sweet treats for dessert).
Another festive activity you have to do in Gothenburg, is to listen to the unique Christmas tree choir.
Singers arrange themselves on a platform in the shape of a Christmas tree, and perform festive favourites to the crowds.
Gothenburg is one of the great cities in Europe for Christmas. It is bound to get you in the mood for Christmas!
Best Christmas Cities in Switzerland
Lugano
With all the pretty Christmas markets already shared in Europe, consider your next trip during Christmas to Lugano, Switzerland.
Located in the very south of Switzerland, Lugano is easily reachable with a 2 hour train ride from Zurich or a 1 hour 20 minute train ride from Milan.
So it’s well connected with public transport from two major airports.
Alternatively you can of course choose to drive to Lugano on the main Swiss highway passing through the whole country.
Once you arrive, you will be amazed by the pretty Christmas lights and festive atmosphere of the city.
There is often live music playing on the weekends, which instantly gets you in the cosy shopping mood.
Lugano’s market is situated right in the city centre at the Piazza Riforma.
The square and surrounding car-free streets will have lots of little wooden market stands for visiting. All local shops have also beautifully decorated windows for the festivities.
The wooden market stands are of course selling many things for locals and tourists, such as local Swiss homemade decorations, handmade winter clothing and local Swiss delicacies (wine, honey, cheeses, sausages).
Of course you will also be able to find a stand selling warm, freshly made gluhwein to drink and warm food like polenta and filled breads.
It’s rather unique to enjoy a Christmas Market in the south of Switzerland as it’s not always as cold as the rest of Switzerland during Winter.
Lugano in Winter can be quite mild in regards to temperatures, but the city makes it so welcoming and festive that you won’t notice the lack of snow.
But, never say never, as Lugano can still get some sprinkles of snowflakes during the winter period – so still smart to dress warm!
Best Christmas Cities in Portugal
Lisbon
Linn, Brainy Backpackers
If you are looking for a charming, warming Christmas destination to escape the snow, and enjoy mild, often sunny days, Lisbon is your place.
The city is covered in Christmas lights hanging above streets and adorning trees and bushes in the city’s parks.
The main squares are all decorated with Christmas trees and you can go shopping for locally made handicrafts and Portuguese sweets at the many Christmas Markets around the city, the one on the Rossio Square being the most famous.
If you want to go on a day trip to take in more of the Christmas spirit by the beach, head to Cascais where the Christmas market stalls are lining the beach by the harbor and they take Christmas lightning seriously!
Lisbon in winter is the perfect excuse to stuff your face with Pastel de Nata, the most famous Portuguese pastry, and drink tons of hot chocolate.
Especially if it rains and you do not feel like walking outside, enjoy the wonderful Lisbon café culture.
You can also visit one of the many museums to escape the wet weather, like the Azulejos Museum or the Fado Museum.
However, when the weather is sunny, it is perfect for walking the city and exploring the main attractions like the Sao Jorge Castle and the Belem Tower.
Best Christmas Cities in Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Paulina, Paulina on the road
Luxembourg city is filled with the spirit of Christmas despite its small size. Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe but it gets covered in sparkly lights and the vibe of the holiday season.
Christmas in Luxembourg feels special because the whole town becomes illuminated and feels like a mega Christmas market.
Its Christmas market opens in the middle of November so it is recommended to plan your visit during this time.
It is also easy to reach Luxembourg as you can take direct flights to Luxembourg airport from the connecting cities. The nearest airport to the city is Hahn.
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg celebrates midnight mass every year during Christmas which is worth attending.
Despite the many local traditions and customs related to Christmas, there reside a number of other foreign-introduced traditions too.
Every winter, the City turns into a festive playground with a number of Christmas markets, each with a unique theme and focus.
Start with the largest market at Place de la Constitution. The glittery decorations and music in the background will put you in the Christmas spirit.
You will see beautiful Ferris Wheels along with wonderfully decorated Christmas trees and a spectrum of dreamy fairy lights.
You must not leave this Christmas market without getting the taste of mulled wine.
As you go further, witness the Christmas pyramid to get the typical feel of the Christmas market.
Do not miss buying locally-created products including souvenirs, glass ornaments, winter clothes, and more. Get indulged in the warmth of hot chocolate as you explore more.
Also, explore the old town squares of Place d’ Armes where you’ll love the Christmas music and local food scene.
You might be thinking about where to stay in Luxembourg. If yes, B&B Pommerloch is one of the nicest options.
Best Christmas Cities in Poland
Wroclaw
Bea, PackYourBags
The Polish city of Wroclaw is a hidden gem. It has to be the best Christmas city in Europe rivaling if not surpassing some of the better known ones.
The market usually starts mid-November and runs through to the end of December.
It is located in the Old Market Square and branches out onto two streets: Świdnicka and Oławska. You can’t miss it.
Just follow the scent of the “forest” of Christmas trees and the beautiful Christmas lights.
To properly explore the entire market, you need a minimum of two days. But if you only have one day, you will be able to get a good feel for what it has to offer.
You can spend an entire day at the Wroclaw Christmas Market (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy we Wrocławiu in Polish) and not get bored.
You can eat all your meals starting with breakfast and your morning coffee or hot chocolate right through dinner and a delicious grzaniec or Polish mulled wine.
If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this is the place to be. Polish delicacies will have you spellbound. You must try pączki, ptysie, gofry, pierogi and pierniki.
For kids, there are rides and popular childhood fairy tales like Hansel & Gretel are performed by mechanized wooden figures in stands at the Wroclaw Christmas Market.
And each weekend, there are Christmas concerts performed on a stage set up in the Old Town.
But the Christmas market in Wroclaw is not the only amazing thing about this city in Poland. For sure, go see the Wroclaw Town Hall.
Not only will its 13th century Gothic architecture wow you, but you will also find a museum and a restaurant inside. And walk over to the Wroclaw Market Hall.
It is an indoor establishment that runs all year round but during Christmas it has some unique products only sold at this time of the year.
And if you wish to see something rather unique, head over to Ostrów Tumski.
Make sure you get there just before sunset so you can watch a lamplighter lighting all the street lights one by one. A really fun experience!
And visiting lovers can leave a lock on the Tumski Bridge, nicknamed the Lovers’ Bridge. Once you do, you have to follow the local tradition and throw the key into the river Oder below.
And for those who love art, history and science, there are plenty of museums in Wroclaw. Do not miss the Racławice Panorama Museum for both history and art.
And the Museum of the University of Wroclaw, located in the Old Town, is a must.
A very neat thing – fun for both kids and grownups – is the hunt for krasnale.
These are metal gnomes, not taller than your knee, that can be found all over Wroclaw.
This makes for a fun game as you try to locate them throughout the city.
There are over 300 of them. What a fun way to explore Wroclaw!
FAQS: Best cities in Europe for Christmas
Which city has best Christmas in Europe?
Strasbourg is often said to be the Christmas capital of Europe. The whole city is beautiful decorated and the markets are gorgeous.
What is the best European city to visit in December?
There are many wonderful cities in Europe to visit in December, but some of the best include Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. These cities are beautifully decorated for Christmas and offer a wide array of festive activities and attractions.
Which city is the most beautiful in Christmas?
Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland has to be the most beautiful city in Europe at Christmas. It is the home of Santa after all.
The city is small but a true winter wonderland and what more could you want at Christmas than visiting Santa Claus in his office and seeing the Santa Claus post office where all the children post their letters.
Wrap Up: Best Christmas cities to visit in Europe
So, if you’re looking for a festive European city to visit this Christmas season, be sure to consider some of the cities we’ve mentioned.
From the charming Strasbourg to the winter wonderland that is Rovaniemi, there’s something for everyone in Europe during Christmastime.
And don’t forget about Wroclaw – with its beautiful Old Town and plethora of Christmas markets, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Have you visited Europe in Christmas? Which do you think are the best Christmas cities in Europe?
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