I love traveling during the holidays, and this year was the fourth year I spent Christmas in Europe! It is such a magical time with all the festive decor, and it is much less crowded than traveling in the summer. Here are some of my favorite places I have visited during the Christmastime if you are looking to spend next holiday season in Europe!
Paris, France
The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées covered in sparkling lights. There are Christmas markets at Montmartre and the Champs-Élysées which offer a wide array of vendors for food, gifts, and mulled wine. You can also enjoy ice skating and savor traditional French holiday dishes in cozy brasseries. Paris during Christmas radiates with holiday spirit!
One of my most memorable Christmas Eves was the one I spent in Paris! My family and I spent the evening at a Christmas market eating amazing street food (potatoes, sausages, crepes & more) and enjoying wine. There are also games and fun activities to do at the markets, we even rode the Ferris wheel for a view of the whole city. You will need to bundle up though, as it is quite cold this time of year! I will forever remember this Christmas so fondly.
Florence, Italy
Florence during Christmas time has so much charm as the city's historic streets and landmarks are adorned with festive lights and decorations. The heart of Florence, Piazza del Duomo, is especially festive, with a grand Christmas tree in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The city offers a few Christmas markets, though much smaller than the traditional, larger Northern European markets. It is the perfect place to get cozy with Italian food, do some holiday shopping and enjoy gelato under the holiday lights.
Florence is also so much fun for New Year's! I have spent two here, and they go all out with fireworks and a countdown right next to the Duomo.
For more on Florence, check out my blog on my Favorite Florence Restaurants.
Montepulciano, Italy
Montepulciano during Christmas is a charming and intimate experience in the heart of Tuscany. This medieval hilltop town, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque streets, takes on a magical ambiance during the holiday season. Twinkling lights and festive decorations cover the historic buildings. The town's central Piazza Grande features a beautiful Christmas tree, and local artisans set up at the Christmas market, offering handmade crafts and delicious seasonal treats. You can sample regional wines, enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in cozy restaurants, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Montepulciano during Christmas captures the essence of Tuscan traditions and offers a serene and festive escape in a stunning historical setting.
For more on Montepulciano, check out my blog on my Guide to Montepulciano.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a winter wonderland for Christmas! The Old Town Square hosts the popular Prague Christmas Market, where visitors can enjoy mulled wine, traditional Czech treats, and a variety of local craft vendors. A huge Christmas tree stands in the square, adding to the festive charm. Nativity scenes and Christmas decorations cover the city's churches and squares, adding to the holiday spirit. It is not uncommon for Prague to get snow this time of year, which adds so much to the ambiance, but can be quite cold! There are also many ice skating rinks which is fun for kids and adults alike. Prague is also much cheaper than other major European cities if you are traveling on a budget.
Barcelona, Spain
If you are looking for a warmer Christmas destination, Barcelona could be for you! Spain, even in the winter, usually stays much warmer than other countries and does not receive snow in the major cities. The city is very festive this time of year with tons of lights and small Christmas markets. They host the traditional Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market, where locals and visitors alike can explore a variety of holiday-themed crafts and goods. Nativity scenes, including a life-sized one in Plaça Sant Jaume, showcase the rich cultural traditions of the season. Catalan customs, such as the Caga Tió log and the caganer, add to the festive spirit as well!
In my opinion, Barcelona has some of the best shopping in the world, with a great mix of department and boutique stores. If you are needing to do some Christmas shopping (and at great prices), this is a great place to do it!
Madrid, Spain
Iconic locations like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are adorned with lights and decorations. The Christmas market in Plaza Mayor offers seasonal delights, and the city showcases intricate Nativity scenes. On New Year's Eve, there is an iconic countdown in Puerta del Sol, with the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight. The holiday spirit continues the Three Kings' Day parade on January 6th.
Do note, Madrid was very busy this time of year with visitors coming from all over to see the festive lights and spend time with family!
Munich, Germany
If you are looking for some serious Christmas markets, Munich if your place! Marienplatz hosts the famous Christkindlmarkt, featuring traditional crafts and festive treats. Additional markets in squares like Odeonsplatz add to the festive atmosphere. It is so fun to spend time with family at the Christmas markets and enjoy bratwursts and mulled wine. Munich combines cultural richness and historic charm, offering a quintessential European Christmas experience.
Mainz, Germany
Mainz, undergoes a festive transformation during the Christmas season. This small town, is only 30 minutes outside of Frankfurt. The Mainz Christmas Market, located in the historic city center, offers a delightful array of traditional crafts, seasonal treats, and handmade ornaments. Visitors can explore the stalls while enjoying the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. The backdrop of the cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum adds to the enchanting ambiance. Christmas in Mainz includes cultural events, like live performances in the city squares.
Cortona, Italy
Cortona is an absolutely lovely small town in Tuscany. It is less of a spectacle for Christmas than the other places I mentioned, but still lots of fun. If you are looking for a low-key, non-touristy Christmas destination with amazing food, then this could be a great fit for you. They have a very small Christmas market at the end of town and the streets are filled with festive lights. I was surprised at how lively and fun the town was on Christmas day! Many people were out in the streets socializing and we were even able to go to a restaurant for dinner.
For more on Cortona, check out my 5 Day Cortona Itinerary.
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