Top 10 Christmas tour destinations to experience the magic of 2025
Discover the top 10 Christmas tour destinations for 2025, from London to Québec City, offering festive markets, immersive tours, and unforgettable holiday experiences.
Ever dreamed of wandering through snow-dusted streets, sipping mulled wine at a bustling Christmas market, or stepping into a fairytale winter village? Christmas 2025 is your chance to make it real. From London’s iconic Winter Wonderland to Québec City’s charming European-style streets, these 10 destinations promise festive magic, cozy traditions, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights, historic markets, or seasonal delicacies, we’ve mapped out the cities that turn holiday dreams into reality.
1. London, United Kingdom – Classic Christmas Extravaganza London tops the list with iconic events like Winter Wonderland, neighbourhood Christmas markets, and elaborately decorated palaces. Walking tours through Greenwich or Southbank and behind-the-scenes experiences at historic landmarks make London a city that truly comes alive during December. While accommodation averages around $274 per night, the city balances costs with free attractions like the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree and Covent Garden decorations.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canals, Lights, and Holiday Treats Amsterdam transforms into a winter wonderland with illuminated canal-side markets and creative festivals. Visitors can enjoy boat tours past festively lit merchant houses or taste Dutch holiday specialties like oliebollen and speculaas. With tours in five languages and moderate prices ($23 per hour), Amsterdam blends festive charm with cosmopolitan flair. Accommodation averages $267 per night.
3. Nuremberg, Germany – Tradition at Its Finest Home to the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg delivers a timeless Christmas experience. Gingerbread stalls, handmade crafts, and historic streets evoke classic Bavarian holiday magic. Tours are offered in five languages, and accommodation costs around $197 per night—making it both authentic and affordable.
4. Zagreb, Croatia – Eastern Europe’s Festive Gem Zagreb’s Advent festival lights up the city with skating rinks, concerts, and illuminated parks. Visitors can explore the Upper Town, sample regional holiday foods, and enjoy tours in three languages at a median rate of $46.98 per hour. With accommodation averaging $165 per night, Zagreb offers affordable yet immersive Christmas experiences.
5. Strasbourg, France – The Capital of Christmas Strasbourg’s centuries-old traditions make it a must-visit for holiday enthusiasts. From its sprawling markets to the cathedral backdrop, the city blends French and German festive customs. Tours cover multiple markets, from Christkindelsmärik to the Village du Partage. Tours cost around $44 per hour, with accommodation averaging $322 per night.
6. Prague, Czech Republic – Fairy-Tale Festivities Prague’s Gothic squares, Baroque architecture, and softly lit Old Town create a postcard-perfect Christmas. Tours include tasting trdelník, sipping svařák (mulled wine), and visiting artisan workshops. Offered in three languages at $39 per hour, Prague combines tradition and winter charm, though accommodation averages $277 per night.
7. Budapest, Hungary – Markets and Thermal Baths Budapest pairs holiday markets with the unique experience of open-air thermal baths under December skies. Tours explore festive markets at Vörösmarty Square and the Basilica, with three-language options and a median cost of $55 per hour. Accommodation averages $227 per night, offering a slightly more budget-friendly option among premium destinations.
8. Québec City, Canada – North American Winter Wonderland Québec City feels like a European village in winter. Horse-drawn carriages, snowy streets, and festive markets evoke a magical Christmas. Tours, offered in two languages at $22.63 per hour, cover the Ice Hotel and local traditions, while accommodation averages $201 per night—making it a charming, accessible winter escape.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark – Hygge Holidays by the Sea Copenhagen celebrates Christmas with hygge, glowing markets, and the magical Tivoli Gardens. Tours immerse visitors in Danish traditions, from æbleskiver pancakes to paper-cutting workshops. With three-language tours costing $57 per hour and $242 per night for hotels, Copenhagen offers cozy charm in a city designed for seasonal delight.
10. Rome, Italy – Mediterranean Festive Spirit Rome combines its baroque streets with intimate holiday markets, nativity displays, and midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Tours, available in three languages at $52 per hour, showcase Italian festive traditions against historic architecture. Accommodation averages $331 per night, reflecting the city’s premium holiday appeal.
Why These Destinations Shine in 2025 This year’s ranking demonstrates that Christmas travel favours cities that combine festive charm with accessible, immersive experiences. From London’s bustling markets to Strasbourg’s Alpine-inspired magic and Québec City’s snowy streets, travellers can choose experiences that match their preferences—whether affordability, tradition, or lively urban festivities. Whether you seek a classic European Christmas, a cozy Scandinavian escape, or a Mediterranean holiday, these destinations promise to make Christmas 2025 truly unforgettable.
With over eight years in multimedia journalism, Priyanka Roshan is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
