Twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces, Christmas markets, hot chocolate and festive cheer all around, there’s something so magical about winter in Europe. In addition to a joyful festive ambiance, European cities also host several winter activities such as ice skating and sledding and are a short drive away from the best ski resorts in the world. If you’re looking to book last-minute getaway in a winter wonderland, you’re in the right place. Here are the 8 best European cities that are gorgeous in the winter. Save this guide for a memorable year-end vacation.
1. London, United Kingdom
Presently, London is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a number of Christmas markets and decorations. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre Winter Market, Covent Garden Christmas Market, and King's Cross Christmas Market are must-visits. These markets feature rows of stalls retailing traditional Christmas gifts, decorations, and delicious food. Moreover, London is home to numerous cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres. Many of these attractions host special events and exhibitions during the festive season.
2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna's Christmas markets—Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, Belvedere Palace Christmas Market and Spittelberg Christmas Market—host live music and entertainment, to enjoy even as you browse the stalls, buy Austrian Christmas decorations, and indulge in traditional food, and drinks. Furthermore, Vienna’s cultural institutions host Christmas concerts that are some of the best in the world. Case in point: The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's annual New Year's Eve concert.
3. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a quaint mediaeval city with a fairytale-like atmosphere, which is amplified during the Christmas season. Bruges hosts two distinct Christmas markets, each with its own character. The primary Christmas market is on the Grote Markt. It comprises traditional wooden chalets retailing handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and scrumptious treats. The smaller Christmas market on Simon Stevinplein features local artisans selling sustainable products. Additionally, you can visit the ski resort of Mont des Brumes, a three-hour drive from Bruges.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a delightful city to visit any time of year, but December is a particularly special time. The city’s cobblestone streets are covered in snow, and the trees are decorated with twinkling lights. In addition to Christmas markets, there are numerous ice-skating rinks in Prague, including one on the Old Town Square. Here, you can ice skate under the stars in the middle of the Christmas market. Czech cuisine is hearty and comforting, perfect for the winter months. The traditional Christmas dishes such as svíčková (meat in cream sauce) and vánoční kapr (fried carp) are delicious and hit the spot.
5. Frankfurt, Germany
Winter in Frankfurt is all about the alluring surroundings of the Römerberg (central square) and St Paul's Square, the majestic Christmas trees, and the arresting Christmas stall decorations. Frankfurt’s biggest Christmas market, Weihnachtsmarkt, has been running since 1393. Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the first Christmas markets in the world. In addition, the Christmas Eve celebration in Frankfurt sees locals and tourists coming together to attend orchestra concerts and sing-along sessions in picturesque settings.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has a number of Christmas markets, each with its own distinctive ambiance. The most popular market is undoubtedly Tivoli Gardens that is turned into a winter wonderland with lights, rides, and shops retailing traditional Danish Christmas food and handicrafts. Other popular Christmas markets in Copenhagen include Nyhavn, Højbro Plads, and Israels Plads. You can also go ice skating at the rink in Frederiksberg Gardens, or take a Christmas boat tour of the canals.
7. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm’s best Christmas market is located in Skansen, which is that historic part of town. This heritage area is transformed into a festive holiday fair offering one-of-a-kind handicrafts and interactive workshops where you can make your own presents. In addition, don’t miss Swedish Christmas food, which includes meatballs, pickled herring, Christmas ham, and mulled wine (glögg).
8. Strasbourg in Alsace, France
Strasbourg in Alsace is home to the oldest Christmas market in France.
This Christmas fair spreads onto several streets and squares of the city centre, in particular Place Broglie and the Cathedral Square. At the market, you can try traditional French delicacies, mulled wine, lip-smacking doughnuts, and more. This Christmas fair also features a regal Christmas tree, an ice skating rink and a stage for concerts and age-old Alsatian performances.
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