Sarah Johns

Sarah Johns

Product Executive

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It’s that time of the year again where we start preparing for the most wonderful time of the year. From November onwards, some of Europe’s bustling cities are transformed into a winter wonderland where pretty lights sparkle, town squares are donned with cosy wooden stalls, and you can warm up from the crisp air with a delicious bite of fresh gingerbread and a cup of steaming mulled wine. Shop gifts for all the family, perhaps get that special bauble for your tree back at home or simply soak up the festive spirit.

Here we have shared some of our favourite European festive city breaks, but you can find more by visiting our Winter City Breaks page.

Strasbourg, France

Discover the magical city of Strasbourg, nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas’, where picturesque medieval houses surround brightly-lit Christmas markets and winding canals. With the festive season in full swing, you can expect picture-perfect scenes waiting around every corner.

Check out our Strasbourg – The Capital of Christmas holiday

 

Entrance to the city centre of Strasbourg on Christmas time, France

Cologne, Germany

This winter break, immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas and uncover the city’s treasure trove of ornate architecture, scenic views and delightful attractions. Explore the magnificent, fairy-tale Christmas markets spread over this historic city along with an impressively decorated tree, wind through the pretty cobblestoned alleys adorned with festive lights and sample a selection of hearty food. 

Check out our Christmas in Cologne holiday.

 

Cologne Cathedral, Christmas Market, Germany

Salzburg, Austria

Set within the UNESCO World Heritage listed old city of Salzburg, the famous Christmas market dates back to the late 15th Century and remains to this day a wonderful place to shop and explore. Immerse yourself in the epitome of Austrian Advent and uncover the joyful atmosphere of this spectacular city that exudes charm with its cobblestone streets and stunning alpine backdrop.

Check our our Silent Nights and the Sounds of Christmas in Salzburg holiday.

 

Beautiful view of the historic city of Salzburg with Festung Hohensalzburg illuminated in scenic winter twilight, Salzburger Land, Austria

Munich, Germany

Not only famous for thrilling Oktoberfest, Munich’s Christmas markets are up there with Europe’s best with roots dating back as early as the 14th Century. Discover an enticing mix of traditional festivities, quirky stalls and delicious cuisine spread out over the enchanting Bavarian capital.

Check out our Munich’s Christmas Markets holiday.

 

Christmas in Munich, Germany

Budapest, Hungary

Joined by the beautiful Chain Bridge, Budapest comprises of Buda on the west and Pest on the east. The capital of Hungary boasts unique architecture, historic spas and of course spectacular Christmas markets full of steaming mulled wine, authentic folk art and an array of traditional handcrafted gifts.

Check out our Budapest’s Christmas Markets holiday.

 

Christmas Market in Budapest

Vienna, Austria

Discover the reason Vienna is consistently considered one of the top European Christmas destinations by exploring the joyfully decorated streets, participating in the seasonal activities and indulging in local culinary delights. Immerse yourself with the magnificent architecture, the coffee house culture and the musical masterpieces of this vibrant city.

Check out our Austrian Advent in Vienna holiday.

 

Christmas Market Vienna, traditional market at Vienna Town Hall, Austria

Prague, Czech Republic

Renowned as one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, the Czech capital Prague is filled with bright lights, delicious aromas and festive cheer. A winter break here is the ideal way to get into the Christmas spirit as you discover an array of fantastically decorated wooden huts stocked with local handicrafts, traditional snacks and warming drinks.     

Check out our Prague’s Christmas Markets holiday.

 

Old town square in Prague at Christmas time

Tallinn, Estonia

Within the medieval walls of Tallinn’s Old Town, wander the historic cobbled streets donned with festive lights and an enchanting Christmas market in the Town Hall Square. Considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, soak up the festive spirit in this winter wonderland.

Check out our Festive Tallinn City Break holiday.

 

Tallinn Christmas Market

Stuttgart, Germany

A multi-city festive adventure like no other. Visit illuminated gardens and one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets in architecturally diverse Stuttgart, journey back in time at the historic town of Esslingen’s unique Medieval Christmas market set amongst beautiful half-timbered houses and be enchanted by beautiful forests on your way to the fairytale castle of Hohenzollern for a Christmas experience fit for royalty.

Check out our Stuttgart and beyond at Christmas: Magical Markets, Medieval Adventures and Fairytale Castles holiday.

 

Christmas market and medieval market at the market square, Esslingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, Europe

Copenhagen, Denmark

Step into the festive spirit on this enchanting city break to Copenhagen. Soak up the atmosphere at one of many Christmas markets, be tempted by delicious Danish treats and discover the highlights of this wonderful city.  

Check out our Festive Copenhagen City Break holiday.

 

Tivoli Gardens at Christmas

Bruges, Belgium

Visit this medieval city during the festive period for a fairy-tale experience like no other. Meandering canals link into picturesque market squares adorned with Christmas decorations all around. Enjoy delicious food, spellbinding views and exceptional art in this truly romantic city.

Check out our Bruges Christmas Markets holiday.

 

Christmas Old Market square in the center of Bruges, Belgium

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Immerse yourself in the city’s epic Light Festival and a fantastic range of Christmas markets which transform the city into an enchanting winter landscape. Enjoy the magic of Christmas with canals lit by fairy lights and sparkly town squares of Amsterdam to truly experience the winter wonderland of Europe.  

Check out our Amsterdam for Christmas holiday.

 

Amsterdam Netherlands canals with Christmas lights during December, canal historical center of Amsterdam at night

For more inspiration take a look at our Winter City Breaks pages.