Where to Visit This Christmas: 8 Cozy and Charming Places to Explore
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “where to visit this Christmas” and falling down a rabbit hole of twinkling photos and conflicting advice, you’re not alone.
The holiday season is such a sweet mix of magic, wonder, and “how do we make this actually happen?” From candlelit Christmas markets to snow-dusted villages that look straight out of a Hallmark movie, Europe comes alive in December—with festive cheer layered into almost every square, street, and steeple.
Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in a cozy Swiss chalet, skating beneath glittering lights in London, or wandering medieval streets in Germany, there’s a destination out there that fits your people, your pace, and your idea of holiday fun.
In this guide, we’ve gathered our top picks for where to visit this Christmas—places we love sending clients (and would happily spend our own December in, too).
Where to Visit This Christmas in Europe: 8 Festive Destinations
Our clients often tell us they want the “real” Christmas market experience—but that can mean a lot of different things. For us, an authentic market usually includes:
Historic setting: Old town squares, cathedrals, castles, or palaces.
Local makers: Not mass-market trinkets, but wood toys, ceramics, textiles, candles, and regional foods.
True Advent traditions: Choirs, local dishes, regional drinks, and that feeling that this is for the community, not just visitors.
When a market checks all three boxes, it goes on our shortlist. These seven destinations are places we find ourselves recommending again and again.
1. Switzerland and The Italian Alps (South Tyrol)
One of the hardest parts of the holidays is deciding where to visit this Christmas, but Switzerland makes it easy. Switzerland and the Italian Alps combine alpine beauty with traditional charm.
Basel frequently ranks among Europe’s best markets, set in a gorgeous old-town setting.
Zurich, Lucerne, and Montreux each offer a unique atmosphere, ideal for travelers already exploring Switzerland.
In South Tyrol, towns like Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, and Vipiteno showcase a beautifully Alpine-German style, especially if you’re pairing them with Dolomites adventures.
What makes these markets so appealing is their smaller scale, high-quality stalls, and regional Alpine food. The atmosphere feels festive and welcoming, but not overly touristy—perfect if you’d rather share your Glühwein with locals than tour groups.
2. Austria: Elegant, Musical, and Advent-Focused
Austria is Christmas wrapped in elegance, music, and old-world charm.
In Vienna, the main market dazzles, but the smaller ones—Freyung, Am Hof, Spittelberg, and Schönbrunn—feel like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Salzburg charms with intimate, atmospheric streets where music floats through the air.
Innsbruck blends medieval streets with mountain vistas for a perfect December setting.
Romantic towns like Graz and St. Wolfgang add cozy, local touches to any itinerary.
Austria’s markets feel authentic thanks to a strong Advent focus: the Christkind is more celebrated than Santa, choirs and brass bands fill the air with music, and a deep-rooted culture of craftwork offers handmade ornaments and festive treats.
3. Germany: The Standard Everyone Compares To
When someone says, “We want the real thing,” Germany is usually where we start. The country sets the standard for holiday markets, with centuries-old traditions, cozy streets, and the scent of spiced mulled wine in the air.
Nuremberg embodies the ceremonial, historic spirit of Christmas, with its iconic market stalls and timeless rituals.
Dresden is famous for its historic Striezelmarkt—one of the oldest in the world—with stalls that feel very old-world and very proud of their heritage.
For a storybook experience, Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers small-town charm that seems lifted from a fairytale.
What makes Germany truly magical is that locals genuinely use these markets—meeting friends, grabbing dinner, and keeping traditions alive. It’s less about chasing the perfect photo and more about sinking into the season.
4. France (Alsace): Half-Timbered Magic
The Alsace region of France feels like a living postcard at Christmastime. Here, German and French holiday traditions merge beautifully.
Strasbourg proudly calls itself the “Capital of Christmas,” and for good reason — the city sparkles with lights, markets, and festive energy.
Colmar delights with several small, walkable markets that invite exploration.
Nearby villages like Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim make easy day trips filled with charm.
Expect delicate pastries, local wines, and small-scale stalls that feel intimate and authentic. With half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, Alsace offers a picture-perfect Christmas experience that feels both cozy and magical.
5. Central Europe Classics
Central Europe delivers timeless holiday magic with a strong sense of history.
Prague’s Old Town Square transforms into a medieval winter wonderland.
Budapest’s Basilica market is organized, festive, and beautifully presented.
Historic architecture—towering spires, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old squares—creates a natural holiday backdrop. Combined with local food, handcrafted gifts, and a deep Advent focus, Central Europe offers classic Christmas charm.
6. Poland and the Baltics: Lovely and Less Crowded
For travelers seeking festive magic with fewer crowds, Poland and the Baltic states are ideal.
Krakow features a large main square bustling with Polish food and traditional decorations, often running markets later into December.
Wroclaw delights with fairytale styling and local charm.
Tallinn and Riga offer medieval squares, handmade goods, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for those who’ve “already done Germany and Austria” and want something a little different.
These markets feel authentic because locals outnumber tourists, regional crafts are celebrated, and prices are excellent compared with Western Europe.
7. Belgium: Pretty, Easy, and Festive
Belgium combines medieval charm with easy-to-navigate festive markets.
Bruges, with its canals and cobblestone streets, offers an intimate, atmospheric experience that feels straight out of a holiday storybook.
Brussels’ Winter Wonders leans more festival-style, with lights, rides, and entertainment, but it’s easy to combine with other destinations in a December trip.
Belgium’s markets are perfect for travelers who want pretty, charming, and accessible Christmas magic without the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
8. Storybook Christmas Towns in the U.S.
If you’re not quite ready to cross the Atlantic but still wondering where to visit this Christmas, a few small U.S. towns bring that same storybook charm closer to home.
Leavenworth, Washington: A Bavarian-style village in the mountains, wrapped in lights each December. Expect carolers, hot cider, and snow-dusted rooftops that feel straight out of a movie set.
Stowe, Vermont: Covered bridges, white-steepled churches, and cozy inns create a postcard-perfect winter scene. Add in skiing, sleigh rides, and fireside cocktails, and you’ve got a classic New England Christmas.
These towns are ideal if you want holiday magic without a long-haul flight—or if you’re traveling with little ones and prefer shorter travel days.
Visit Multiple Christmas Markets on a Festive River Cruise
If you’re trying to decide where to visit this Christmas and finding it hard to choose just one place, a river cruise might be your answer.
One of our favorite ways to experience Europe in December is by sailing along the Rhine, Main, or Danube as the season lights up around you. Instead of packing and unpacking every couple of days, you settle into your cabin, watch snow-dusted villages glide past your window, and step off the ship straight into a new Christmas market whenever you dock.
Picture this:
Drifting past castles, vineyards, and half-timbered towns while the sky glows that soft winter blue…
Following the scent of mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts into a market square lined with wooden stalls…
Browsing handmade ornaments in Basel one day, sipping hot chocolate in Strasbourg the next, and tasting gingerbread in Nuremberg after that.
If you’re looking to see a lot in one trip, itineraries that follow the Rhine → Main → Danube route (made possible by the canal) are especially efficient. You can weave in major markets and cities in a single journey without feeling rushed.
River cruises are ideal if you want:
Multiple destinations in one trip, without complicated logistics
Cozy comfort between stops, with views that feel straight out of a snow globe
Built-in balance, with time to explore ashore and time to simply relax onboard
Some of the cruise lines that do a beautiful job highlighting Christmas markets include:
If your travel style leans toward “one unpack, many experiences,” a river cruise is a wonderful way to explore several of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets in a single, easygoing itinerary.
The Perfect Christmas Trip for Family, Friends, and Multi-Generational Fun
Christmas travel feels especially meaningful when you’re sharing it with your favorite people—sisters, lifelong friends, grown kids, or three generations all together. These destinations work beautifully for groups because there’s something for every energy level:
Wander the cobblestone streets of Gruyères with your best girlfriends, ducking into fondue restaurants and candlelit cafés.
Explore Vienna’s Christmas markets with your mother and grandmother, pausing for coffee and cake in grand old cafés between stalls.
Take teens ice skating at London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, then warm up with hot chocolate and twinkling lights all around.
Let younger kids marvel at carousels, cookies, and Christmas trees in Nuremberg or Strasbourg while the adults linger over a glass of Glühwein.
Beyond the markets, each destination layers on its own kind of charm—historic castles, cozy chalets, majestic cathedrals, and small villages that feel made for strolling. You can build in free time for grandparents to rest, active experiences for kids and teens, and special meals that bring everyone back together.
Traveling as a group turns the season into more than just a trip. It becomes:
A shared story you’ll retell for years
A chance to slow down together in a season that’s usually rushed
A different kind of gift—time, connection, and new memories in a beautiful place
If you’re still deciding where to visit this Christmas and you’re traveling with family or friends, start by thinking about what each person loves: quiet cafes or big city lights, mountains or rivers, grand hotels or storybook towns. From there, we can help you shape a plan that feels thoughtful, well-paced, and easy for everyone to enjoy.
Where to Visit This Christmas For an Enchanting Holiday
Have you decided where to visit this Christmas? From the classic holiday charm of Gruyères to the musical magic of Vienna and Salzburg, each destination offers its own unique way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. These festive spots invite you to slow down, savor the season, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to make holiday magic happen instead of just scrolling photos and wondering where to visit this Christmas?
Let’s design a beautifully planned holiday adventure to one of these festive destinations—complete with calm-and-clear logistics, right-fit hotels, and experiences that feel just right for your people.
Schedule a Travel Planning Strategy Session and we’ll map out the holiday trip that perfectly matches the way you want to celebrate.
FAQs About Where to Visit This Christmas
Where's the best place to vacation during Christmas?
The best place really depends on the kind of holiday magic you’re looking for. If you picture classic European charm, destinations like Strasbourg, Vienna, or Nuremberg overflow with twinkling lights, festive markets, and snow-dusted streets. If you’d rather stay closer to home, storybook towns like Leavenworth, Washington, or Stowe, Vermont can feel just as enchanting.
Think of this guide as your short list when you’re trying to decide where to visit this Christmas and want something that feels special and easy to enjoy.
What is the most magical Christmas town in the US?
Leavenworth, Washington transforms into a winter wonderland each December. Strings of lights line every street and the smell of spiced cider and fresh-baked cookies drifts from every café. Snow-capped rooftops and charming boutiques make it feel like a real-life holiday postcard.
What town is like a Hallmark Christmas movie?
The cozy cafés, aroma of melted cheese fondue, and flickering candlelight in every window in Gruyères, Switzerland creates a romantic atmosphere that feels lifted right from a Hallmark Christmas scene.
When is the best time to visit Christmas markets?
The best time to visit Christmas markets in Europe is typically from late November through December. Most markets open in the last weeks of November and run until Christmas Eve or early January.
Late November to early December: Fewer crowds, better hotel and flight availability.
Mid- to late December: Feels more festive and “Christmassy,” but can be busier—especially in big-name cities.
For families working around school holidays, the weeks just before Christmas or just after (through early January) can be a perfect window.
Are these destinations expensive during Christmas?
Christmas is a popular time to travel, so flights and hotels can be higher than in November or early spring. That said, a Christmas market trip to Europe is often more reasonable than warm-weather beach destinations at the same time of year.
You can keep costs in check by:
Booking flights and accommodations early
Mixing big-name cities (like Vienna or Munich) with smaller towns (like Basel, Gruyères, or villages in Austria and Germany)
Choosing a few key markets rather than trying to see everything
A well-designed itinerary can balance special experiences with smart value.
What should I pack for a Christmas trip to these destinations?
For a Christmas market trip to Europe, think warm, layered, and comfortable. Winter can be chilly—especially in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Central Europe—so plan for:
A warm, water-resistant coat
Waterproof boots with good traction
Wool or thermal socks
Gloves, scarves, and a hat
Cozy layers: sweaters, long-sleeve tops, and thermal base layers
Most markets are outdoors, so staying warm means you’ll enjoy lingering over a drink or browsing stalls. For families, hand warmers, a small day bag with snacks, and a spare pair of gloves for kids can be game-changers.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Europe with kids or teens?
Yes—Christmas is one of the best times to visit Europe as a family. You’re already off school and work, the cities are dressed up in lights, and there’s plenty to keep every age engaged: Christmas markets, ice skating, hot chocolate stops, castles, and cozy cafés.
Instead of racing through the usual holiday to-do list at home, a family Christmas vacation in Europe lets you slow down and build new traditions together—wandering markets in Vienna, watching the lights come on in Strasbourg, or sharing fondue in Switzerland.
What makes a Christmas trip different from staying home for the holidays?
Traveling over Christmas lets you step away from the usual grind—office parties, errands, endless shopping—and swap it for focused time with your family.
You’re still surrounded by holiday magic, but the to-do list is shorter. There’s more space for slow mornings, unhurried meals, and shared experiences: seeing your kids’ faces the first time it really snows, hearing church bells echo through old town squares, or browsing stalls in a Christmas market with a warm drink in hand.
For many of our clients, using the natural break from school and work for a Christmas vacation in Europe feels like a much more meaningful way to spend that time.
How far in advance should I plan a Christmas vacation in Europe?
For peak dates around Christmas and New Year’s, planning 8–12 months in advance is ideal—especially if you’re traveling as a family or multi-generational group and want connecting rooms or specific cabin types on a river cruise.
You can plan later, but you’ll likely have fewer options and higher prices. Early planning means:
Better flight times
A wider choice of hotels and room types
Smoother logistics during already-busy holiday weeks
If you’re not sure where to visit this Christmas yet, starting early gives you room to choose the destination that fits your people and your pace.
Is it too cold to visit Europe at Christmas?
It is cold—but in a good way, if you’re prepared. The chill is part of the atmosphere: breath in the air, lights glowing against the early sunset, and mugs of something warm between your hands.
If someone in your family doesn’t love the cold, we balance market time with cozy indoor stops:
Grand cafés and pastry shops
Museums and churches
Hotel lounges with fireplaces or warm drinks
River cruises are also a great option for cold-averse travelers, since you always have a comfortable ship to retreat to between outings.
Is Christmas a good time for a multi-generational family trip?
Yes—Christmas is a wonderful time for a multi-generational family vacation in Europe because everyone is already off school and work, and you’re using that time for something special rather than more obligations.
We often design Christmas trips that include:
Downtime for grandparents
Active options for kids and teens
Easy meeting points and shared experiences (concerts, sleigh rides, special dinners, private market tours)
Our goal is simple: calm, clear logistics so you can focus on being together, not managing the schedule. A Christmas trip becomes a shared story you’ll talk about for years, instead of one more rushed holiday at home.