Many Indians dream of watching snow drift down onto a Christmas tree or sipping wine in a cosy resort with a view.
How many Christmas films did you watch, imagining that? Now, it’s time to make things real. This guide recommends the best places in Europe for Christmas to make those dreams come true.
Why is December a Good Time to Travel for Indians?
Timing couldn’t be better for Indian travellers. December is convenient because it aligns with school holidays, and you can extend your trip by taking just a few days off from work.
Unlike the packed summer crowds, December feels calmer at many attractions, and hotel prices drop in several cities. But remember, in some cities, costs can be high because it is a festive time and markets get crowded. The best part is you’re travelling when Europe is at its festive best.
What does Europe offer that feels different from Christmas in India?
Let’s start with snow, it is real and fresh with great spots for ice skating. The vibrant Christmas markets, selling handmade wooden toys, glass ornaments, and warm, spiced drinks, have been part of European traditions for centuries.
No matter what, don’t miss Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. It has been running since 1434 and has gathered almost 600 years of Christmas joy.
Honestly, the whole experience just feels different from anything you’ll find in India.
Overview of the Best Places in Europe for Christmas
| City | Best For |
Key Highlights |
| Paris, France | Romantic couples & luxury seekers |
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| Vienna, Austria | History lovers & market enthusiasts |
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| Prague, Czech Republic | Budget travelers & photographers |
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| Istanbul, Turkey | Culture seekers & unique experiences |
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| Budapest, Hungary | Luxury on a budget |
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| Strasbourg, France | Traditionalists & food lovers |
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| London, UK | Families & entertainment seekers |
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| Rovaniemi, Finland | Families with kids & Arctic adventurers |
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| Zermatt, Switzerland | Snow lovers & skiers |
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| Tallinn, Estonia | Budget travelers & medieval charm |
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Best Place to Spend Christmas in Europe with Snow
Where you go depends on what you want: family fun, a budget, snow, or just chasing the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Know some of the essential information before booking your flights.
Here are the top most beautiful places in Europe for Christmas, with details on temperatures, markets, festivals, and fascinating cultural facts.
Paris, France: The City of Lights
- Cultural Fact: The French call this season “La Magie de Noël” (The Magic of Christmas). Their markets have roots in Alsace, where Europe’s first markets opened in 1570.
- December Temperature: 3°C to 8°C
Paris is already an iconic city; every Indian looks forward to visiting at least once in their lifetime. When you visit during Christmas, the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue glows with 400 sparkling trees for a kilometre.
The Eiffel Tower mesmerises you with glittering lights. Honestly, if you are hunting for the best Christmas lights in Europe, it’s tough to beat Paris.
Some of the Best Christmas Markets & Events in Paris
Christmas Markets
- Tuileries Garden Market: Walk around to explore 100 stalls, a Ferris wheel, an ice-skating rink, and many more. Get your hands on some of the specials, like Roasted Chestnuts, Crepes, Croque Madame, hot waffles, and more.
- La Défense Christmas Village: There are 300 decorated chalets (stalls). This is one of Europe’s largest markets for children’s entertainment, with many performances.
- Notre-Dame Christmas Market: Set across from the cathedral, it is smaller but charming.
Festivals & Events
- Galeries Lafayette: Creates animated window displays that draw thousands of people daily.
- Sacré-Cœur or Notre-Dame: See the Midnight Mass for a spiritual experience.
Vienna, Austria: Where Christmas Markets Were Born
- Cultural Fact: Vienna’s Christmas markets were among the first to bring in the Christkindl traditions. (Christkindl is an angelic figure who delivers gifts to kids on Christmas Eve).
- December Temperature: 0°C to 5°C
Vienna doesn’t just do Christmas; it practically invented the whole market tradition. However, they were not festive-based but actually markets to stock up for winter.
These days, Vienna lights up with more than 20 Christmas markets, each with its own style and vibe. It’s no surprise, it always gets listed in the top 10 Christmas spots in Europe.
Here are the Best Markets & Events in Vienna During Christmas
Christmas Markets
- Rathausplatz Market: This is the big one. Right in front of the glowing City Hall, you’ll find over 150 stalls, a giant Christmas tree, and even a floating heart installation.
- Schönbrunn Palace Market: There is an elegance to this market, from handmade ornaments and concerts to a fairy-tale palace; everything here is upscale.
- Spittelberg Market: Located in narrow cobblestone streets, it is the place to buy the finest works by local artists and to taste delicious local food from culinary stalls.
- Belvedere Palace Market: Less crowded, just as beautiful, with the palace lighting up the scene.
Events
- Theater: At the Burgtheater, don’t miss Gulliver’s Travels
- Opera: At the State Opera or Volksoper Wien, enjoy Johann Strauss’s operetta Die Fledermaus
Prague, Czech Republic: Gothic Beauty with Affordable Prices
- Cultural Fact: Czech families eat fish for Christmas dinner; this tradition dates back hundreds of years. And sellers at the markets have tanks filled with live seafood.
- December Temperature: -1°C to 4°C
There’s something about this city at Christmas that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. With gothic spires, medieval squares, and cobblestone streets, it’s gorgeous to live here. And coming to Prague is a lot easier on your wallet than places like Paris or London.
Never Miss the Christmas Markets and Festive Events of Prague
Christmas Markets
- Old Town Square Market: The main attraction is a towering decorated tree, a wooden nativity scene, and stalls selling Czech handicrafts. Live carol performances throughout the day.
- Wenceslas Square Market: Another primary market with more food options.
- Prague Castle Market: Smaller, with more of a local feel.
Festivals & Events
- Take a Christmas river cruise
- Visit Prague Castle for a festive atmosphere
- The Nutcracker Ballet at the National Theatre and Broadway Theatre
Istanbul, Turkey: Where East Meets West at Christmas
- A fun fact: In Turkey, Santa’s called “Noel Baba,” and people swap gifts and decorate trees on New Year’s Eve, not Christmas.
- December Temperature: 5°C to 10°C
This isn’t your classic Christmas town, as it’s a Muslim country. The highlights here are mosques, then comes the skyline and old churches.
You get these little moments, like sipping hot, sweet salep (traditional winter drink) from a street vendor or bargaining for Turkish souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar.
Sunset on the Bosphorus kicks off your whole Turkey nightlife experience. One minute you’re wandering through ancient mosques, the next you’re staring up at the domes of an Ottoman palace.
The Best Christmas Markets in Turkey, along with a Few Festive Events
In Turkey, you have the New Year Market
- Istanbul Wonder Village at Life Park: Ice skating rink, Ferris wheel with Bosphorus views, carousel rides, concerts, and shopping stalls.
- Zorlu Center & Kanyon Mall: Beautiful winter decorations with a great shopping experience.
Festivals & Events
- Christmas Eve Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Istanbul’s largest Catholic church, with candlelight and carols.
- New Year’s Eve celebrations (Turks celebrate “Yılbaşı” with Santa, gifts, and decorated trees on December 31).
- Live music performances throughout Istiklal Avenue.
Budapest, Hungary: Luxury Without the Splurge
- Fun Fact: Hungarians call their mulled wine “forralt bor” and add unique spices.
- December temperature: 0°C to 4°C
Budapest is also one of the cities that gives you a magical Christmas without spending a lot. The city has many festive markets, extraordinary architecture, and soothing thermal baths for you to relax. All of this can be enjoyed for about half what you’d pay in Western Europe.
The Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, glows beautifully at night. The Chain Bridge shines, and Buda Castle is lit up across the water. This river is the best place in Europe to see Christmas lights when walking alongside or taking a romantic cruise.
Never Skip Christmas Markets & Things to Try in Budapest
Christmas Markets
- Vörösmarty Square Market: This is one of the must-visit Christmas Markets in Europe, with 100+ wooden booths featuring Hungarian crafts.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica Market: Features spectacular 3D light shows projected onto the church walls every 30 minutes after dark, absolutely stunning.
- Óbuda Christmas Market: It’s a more local, less touristy market with family-friendly activities, including a carousel, ice rink, and cultural programs.
Things to do in Budapest
- Ice skating at City Park rink beneath Vajdahunyad Castle
- Basilica light shows at St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Thermal bath experiences in Széchenyi Baths
- New Year’s Eve celebrations along the Danube River
Strasbourg, France: Europe’s Official Capital of Christmas
- Cultural Fact: Strasbourg’s Grand Sapin is decorated each year with ornaments created by local artisans based on that year’s themes, such as Yesteryear Toys, snowflakes, and so on.
- December Temperature: 1°C to 6°C
The Christkindelsmärik (Christmas market) has been in Strasbourg since 1570. So, you’re strolling through history with every step.
Walk into La Petite France, where timbered houses turn magical with thousands of Christmas lights. It’s no wonder people snap so many photos here; these streets look straight out of a storybook.
The Best Places to Visit in Strasbourg, France for Christmas
Christmas Markets
- Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie: There are 300 chalets selling Alsatian specialties.
- Place de la Cathédrale Market: A central market with a lovely backdrop of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Place St. Thomas Children’s Village: Craft workshops and cookie decorating are conducted mainly for kids.
Events
- Cathedral’s concerts are powerful and spiritual
- Lighting ceremonies for the Grand Sapin at Place Kléber
London, United Kingdom: Grand British Christmas
- Cultural Fact: London actually started the whole Christmas card tradition. Back in 1843, Sir Henry Cole commissioned the world’s first commercial holiday card right here.
- December Temperature: 4°C to 10°C
London in December hypes every street and every corner with lights. The lights stretch on forever, and even the department stores turn into fantasy worlds.
Most of the attractions have ice rinks out front. London can be expensive, so look out for the free festive lights and window displays.
To Buy the Christmas Specialties and Watch the Festivities in London, Go Here
Christmas Markets
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: The UK’s largest Christmas event. Features the country’s biggest outdoor ice rink, themed market with 200+ stalls, fairground rides, and circus performances.
- Greenwich Market: A covered market with a historic setting and artisan goods.
Festivals & Events
- Visit Harrods and Selfridges‘ animated window displays.
- Ice skating at Somerset House
- Watch Christmas pantomimes, which are uniquely British theatrical comedy shows.
- Carol services at Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Rovaniemi, Finland: Santa’s Actual Hometown
- Culture Fact: On Christmas Eve, Finns head to the sauna. It’s a tradition; they say it cleanses both the body and the spirit before the big celebration.
- December Temperature: -4°C to -14°C
The best city in Europe to spend Christmas with kids is Rovaniemi. Finnish Lapland is not just Santa’s “themed” home; this is the actual place recognized worldwide.
Getting off the train or plane in Rovaniemi is like stepping into a snow globe. During the polar night, the sun barely peeks, bathing everything in soft blue and pink light.
Christmas Markets and Festive Sights are the Best Things in Rovaniemi During December
Christmas Markets
- Santa Claus Village: Open year-round, but December is peak magic. Meet Santa daily in his office (free). Visit the Santa Claus Main Post Office, and send letters, and they carry a special Arctic Circle postmark.
Activities
- Do Reindeer sleigh rides
- Dog sledding through frozen forests
- Northern Lights viewing (December offers peak darkness for aurora sightings)
- Ice fishing experiences
- Sleep in glass igloos under the stars and the Northern Lights
Zermatt, Switzerland: Alpine White Christmas
- Cultural Fact: Zermatt has been car-free since 1947, preserving the village’s traditional Alpine character.
- December Temperature: -5°C to 0°C
If you want a true white Christmas, Zermatt doesn’t disappoint. Tucked at the foot of the Matterhorn, this car-free village pretty much guarantees snow every December. Honestly, it’s hard to beat the pure winter atmosphere.
The Best Thing to Do in Zermatt at Christmas
- World-class skiing and snowboarding
- Sledding and snowshoeing with Alpine views.
- Traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides
- Fondue dinners (social meal) in mountain restaurants
- New Year’s Eve fireworks with Matterhorn backdrop
Note: There are no traditional Christmas markets in Zermatt because it focuses on winter sports rather than celebrations.
Tallinn, Estonia – Medieval Magic at Budget Prices
- Cultural fact: The Brotherhood of Blackheads is an association of unmarried merchants. It is believed to have set up Europe’s first public Christmas tree in Tallinn in 1441.
- December Temperature: -3°C to 2°C
Visit Tallinn’s Old Town in December, and you will feel as though you have stepped into a fictional story. The medieval cobblestone streets, Gothic towers, and market stalls lit by candlelight create a magical setting.
Tallinn is also known for hosting Europe’s first public Christmas tree in 1441. Despite its beautiful atmosphere, it remains one of the most budget-friendly capitals in Europe.
Some of the best Christmas Markets & Things to Do in Tallinn
Christmas Markets
- Town Hall Square Market: Stalls here sell Estonian handicrafts, woolen mittens, amber jewelry, and traditional decorations.
Other things not to miss
- Christmas Jazz Festival
- Carol concerts in St. Olaf’s Church.
- Candlelit walking tours of the Old Town.
- Christmas Eve services in historic churches.
Tips for Indians Travelling to European Cities in December
- Visa: Apply for a Schengen Visa 3 – 4 months in advance. The UK needs a Standard Visitor Visa, and for Turkey, go with an e-visa or a Sticker visa.
- Booking: Book flights and hotels by August – September if you are visiting European cities during December. You need to plan ahead and choose dates where you get a lower cost, and pick those dates.
- Packing Essentials: Thermal innerwear, jacket, waterproof boots, wool scarf, insulated gloves, and hand warmers are a must. It can be hard for Indians to handle the cold.
- Money: Most countries use the Euro. Carry some cash, as many market stalls don’t accept cards.
Here are the currency details for the countries mentioned above
- France: 1 euro = 103.45 INR
- Austria: 1 euro = 103.45 INR
- Czech Republic: 1 Czech Koruna = 4.28 INR
- Turkey: 1 lira = 2.10 INR
- Hungary: 1 Hungarian Forint = 0.27 INR
- UK: 1 Pound = 117.72 INR
- Finland: 1 euro = 103.45 INR
- Switzerland: 1 Swiss Franc = 110.86
- Estonia: 1 euro = 103.45 INR
- Vegetarian Food: You will find markets selling a lot of meat items. If you are a vegetarian, look for famous cheese dishes like fondue, käsespätzle, raclette, and potato pancakes, as well as mushroom specialties and endless pastries.
Major cities have Indian restaurants, but they can be a bit expensive. Save money by eating from local vendors.
Conclusion
Christmas in Europe offers an experience quite different from what you have in India. Imagine meeting people dressed as Santa Claus in almost every store, mall, and even on the streets.
The continent might come across as expensive, and not going to lie, it will be a luxury vacation. But when planned well, there is something for everyone.
Budget travellers often choose Budapest or Prague; couples usually prefer Paris or Vienna; families love Rovaniemi. And for those seeking a unique atmosphere, there is Istanbul.
No matter where you go, planning a trip to Europe requires a lot of effort. Don’t hesitate to get help from us, as it can save a lot of time and avoid unnecessary confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Places in Europe for Christmas
Why is Christmas the best time to travel to Europe?
Christmas in Europe is truly special. This continent has many historic towns, and city squares are filled with markets that have been traditions for centuries.
You will be amazed by the decorative lights that brighten every corner. Locals celebrate their most important holiday, and you have the chance to join in the festivities rather than just observe as a tourist.
The main thing to focus on is that December has smaller crowds in museums, lower hotel prices in many places, and a genuine winter atmosphere with a good chance of snow.
Which are the budget-friendly cities in Europe to travel to for Indians?
For a dreamy European vacation on a budget, consider Budapest, Prague, Krakow, and Tallinn. Budapest will cost only half as much as Western European cities, like Paris and Switzerland.
In Prague and Kraków, both hotels and food cost much less, and the Christmas markets will be as magical as they get. Tallinn provides beautiful scenery at reasonable prices.
When do European Christmas markets open and close in 2025?
Most Christmas markets run from November 15 through early January, but most will be closed on Christmas Day.
- Vienna’s markets run from mid-November to December 26
- Prague, November 29 to January 6
- Paris’ Tuileries, November 15 to January 4
- London’s Winter Wonderland from November 18 to January 1
What to do when visiting European cities?
Overall, Europe is a continent that offers magical nights and adventurous days.
Here are a few of the best things to do when you visit Europe
- Visit Christmas markets for handcrafted gifts, local foods, and mulled wine
- Ice skate in historic town squares
- Attend midnight Mass in Gothic cathedrals for spiritual experiences
- Walking tours in Old Town areas
- Watch light shows projected on buildings
- Enjoy classical concerts and Christmas performances
- Try local festive foods like gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and regional specialties
- Trips to nearby castles or Alpine villages
