Christmas in Europe: Where to Go and Stay for an Unforgettable Holiday
While Europe is celebrated for its sun-drenched Mediterranean summers, winter unveils a different kind of magic that’s just as captivating, especially around Christmas. When December arrives, cities across the continent transform into enchanting winter wonderlands, filled with twinkling lights, bustling holiday markets, and traditions that have been cherished for centuries. From Vienna’s opulent palaces adorned with festive décor to Copenhagen’s cozy, candle-lit Christmas scenes, Europe’s holiday season invites travelers to experience something truly unique. With fewer crowds, scenic snow-covered landscapes, and the spirit of the holidays in full swing, winter is an ideal time to explore Europe. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most iconic Christmas destinations and highlight luxurious Virtuoso-member hotels that provide the perfect setting for a festive and unforgettable winter escape.
1. Vienna, Austria
Why Go: Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland, with Christmas markets, festive lights, and classical music.
Traditions: The Viennese tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the 13th century. Key markets like the Rathausplatz market sell handmade crafts, decorations, and spiced mulled wine called Glühwein. The Advent season is celebrated with concerts in the churches and at Schönbrunn Palace.
What Sets It Apart: Vienna’s Christmas charm lies in its timeless elegance and musical traditions, like classical concerts that showcase works by composers like Mozart and Strauss.
Where To Stay
A historic, family-owned hotel known for its Viennese elegance and famous Sacher Torte. Located across from the Vienna State Opera, it’s steps away from Vienna’s Christmas markets.
Located in a 100-year-old bank building, the Park Hyatt combines traditional Viennese architecture with modern luxury, featuring a tranquil spa and close proximity to the city’s holiday festivities.
This palatial hotel on the Ringstrasse offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury, with stunning architecture, exceptional service, and easy access to Vienna’s holiday markets.
2. Nuremberg, Germany
Why Go: Known for one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets, the Christkindlesmarkt.
Traditions: The market opens with the “Christkind” (a local girl chosen to represent the Christ Child) reading a prologue. Nuremberg is famous for gingerbread (Lebkuchen), bratwurst, and handcrafted wooden toys.
What Sets It Apart: Nuremberg emphasizes traditional, handmade items in its markets, maintaining an authentic, old-world atmosphere that has existed since the 1600s.
Where to Stay
While there are limited options in Nuremberg itself, this luxury hotel in Munich is close enough for a day trip to Nuremberg. It’s a perfect base for exploring Bavaria’s holiday markets.
This stylish hotel in Munich has French elegance with a German twist. It’s a Virtuoso property, ideal for travelers who want to explore Bavaria, including Nuremberg’s famous Christmas market.
A grand hotel close to Munich's Christmas markets, ideal for travelers wanting to explore Nuremberg as part of a broader Bavarian holiday.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Why Go: The city’s fairy-tale architecture pairs perfectly with the holiday spirit.
Traditions: The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are transformed with stalls selling traditional pastries like trdelník (chimney cake) and mulled wine. Czechs celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 5, where a character trio of St. Nicholas, an angel, and a devil visit children.
What Sets It Apart: The unique combination of Gothic architecture and vibrant Christmas decorations makes Prague feel like a step back in time, with emphasis on local crafts and foods.
Where to Stay
Located on the Vltava River with views of Prague Castle, this luxurious hotel offers exceptional service, spa treatments, and proximity to Prague’s main Christmas markets.
Set in a former monastery, this hotel has stunning historical architecture and a serene atmosphere, perfect for a cozy and immersive holiday stay.
Nestled in the historic Mala Strana neighborhood, the Mandarin Oriental combines contemporary luxury with Czech history, featuring an intimate spa and easy access to holiday events.
4. Tallinn, Estonia
Why Go: Tallinn’s Christmas market, located in the medieval Old Town, feels like a scene from a fairy tale.
Traditions: Estonians have one of the oldest documented Christmas trees, dating back to 1441. The market offers traditional Estonian holiday foods like blood sausage and sauerkraut.
What Sets It Apart: Tallinn’s medieval setting adds an extra layer of magic. It’s smaller and more intimate than other markets, with a focus on authenticity and local customs.
Where to Stay
Located in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, this luxurious hotel blends a historical setting with modern comforts, just steps away from Tallinn’s charming Christmas market.
A boutique hotel set in a 13th-century building, offering a cozy and intimate experience with an emphasis on traditional decor and personalized service.
This elegant hotel is known for its Art Deco styling, luxurious rooms, and prime location in Tallinn’s Old Town, making it a great base for holiday festivities.
5. Bruges, Belgium
Why Go: With cobblestone streets and canals, Bruges offers a cozy and picturesque holiday experience.
Traditions: Christmas markets in the main square sell Belgian chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine. An ice skating rink and light displays add to the festive atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart: Bruges is known for its beautiful, preserved medieval architecture and canals, giving it a quaint, cozy feel enhanced by the holiday decorations.
Where to Stay
A 15th-century palace-turned-luxury-hotel, it offers a regal experience with modern amenities, located in the heart of Bruges and close to the Christmas markets.
Overlooking the canal, this boutique hotel combines Flemish charm with luxury, featuring cozy fireplaces, rich decor, and a short walk from Bruges’ holiday celebrations.
This elegant hotel offers personalized service and historic architecture, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere for holiday travelers.
6. Strasbourg, France
Why Go: Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates back to 1570.
Traditions: Strasbourg has a strong focus on local crafts and food, particularly bredele cookies, which are Alsatian holiday treats. The “Christkindelsmärik” market has stalls selling ornaments, toys, and other handcrafted items.
What Sets It Apart: Being in the Alsace region, Strasbourg combines French and German influences, making its holiday celebrations especially unique with rich food traditions and a focus on artisanal quality.
Where to Stay
Located in the picturesque Petite France district, this hotel combines modern luxury with charming, traditional Alsatian architecture, steps away from Strasbourg’s main Christmas markets.
A contemporary hotel near the Strasbourg Cathedral and Christmas markets, with sophisticated rooms, excellent dining, and stylish decor.
Nestled along the banks of the Ill River just outside Strasbourg, this charming 19th-century château offers elegant rooms, a relaxing spa, and easy access to Strasbourg’s Christmas markets. The property combines Alsatian tradition with modern luxury, providing an authentic yet upscale experience.
7. Rovaniemi, Finland
Why Go: Located in the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is known as the “official” hometown of Santa Claus.
Traditions: Visitors can meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village, and partake in reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights tours. Finnish Christmas dinner often includes baked ham, fish, and Joulutorttu (pastries filled with plum jam).
What Sets It Apart: The Arctic location and proximity to the Northern Lights make Rovaniemi a one-of-a-kind destination, especially for families looking to experience a “real” winter wonderland.
Where To Stay
This unique hotel offers luxury in treehouse-like suites with panoramic views of the snowy forests, ideal for those wanting a secluded yet luxurious Christmas experience.
A premium glass-roofed igloo hotel located near Santa Claus Village, allowing guests to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own bed.
Housed in a former city hall, this boutique hotel blends modern design with cozy Lappish details, offering rooms and suites that are individually styled with plush bedding, soft lighting, and unique decor inspired by Arctic nature.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why Go: Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens are famous for their spectacular Christmas lights and decorations.
Traditions: The Danish celebrate “Julefrokost” (Christmas lunch) with friends and family, featuring smorgasbord-style meals with fish, meat, and sweets. The city also has a strong tradition of lighting candles and decorations around the city.
What Sets It Apart: Hygge, the Danish concept of coziness, is at its peak during Christmas, with an emphasis on togetherness, warmth, and comfort in the dark winter months.
Where to Stay
A historic luxury hotel with stunning holiday decorations, gourmet dining, and a prime location near Nyhavn and the city’s Christmas markets.
Located in Tivoli Gardens, this boutique hotel is known for its fairy-tale architecture, luxurious suites, and direct access to Tivoli’s spectacular Christmas displays.
An intimate boutique hotel in central Copenhagen, Hotel Sanders exudes refined elegance with warm, inviting interiors and a rooftop conservatory garden. Just steps from Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens, it’s a luxurious base for exploring Copenhagen’s holiday attractions.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Why Go: Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations are known for their energy and variety.
Traditions: Edinburgh has a month-long festival with rides, markets, and ice skating in East Princes Street Gardens. Scots also celebrate Hogmanay (New Year’s) with fireworks, concerts, and the Torchlight Procession.
What Sets It Apart: Edinburgh’s celebrations are lively and continue through New Year’s, blending traditional Christmas with unique Scottish customs, like first-footing during Hogmanay.
Where to Stay
An iconic hotel with a clock tower, The Balmoral is a luxurious base with refined decor, views of Edinburgh Castle, and proximity to the city’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations.
Known as "The Caley," this elegant hotel offers spacious rooms with views of Edinburgh Castle, a tranquil Guerlain Spa, and exquisite dining at the Grazing by Mark Greenaway restaurant.
A historic building with modern luxury and Scottish charm, located near the Royal Mile and festive markets, making it a great choice for holiday travelers.
10. Zurich, Switzerland
Why Go: Zurich has a cozy, alpine charm, with scenic markets and a spectacular Christmas lighting ceremony.
Traditions: The Singing Christmas Tree, where choirs perform on a platform decorated like a Christmas tree, is a major attraction. Swiss holiday foods include raclette, fondue, and festive cookies.
What Sets It Apart: Zurich offers a mix of Swiss tradition and a more intimate holiday experience, perfect for travelers looking to explore markets alongside winter sports like skiing and ice skating.
Where to Stay
A legendary lakeside hotel with luxurious rooms, beautiful holiday decorations, and a prime location near Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse shopping street and Christmas markets.
Perched above the city with breathtaking views, this grand hotel combines a serene mountain vibe with luxurious spa facilities and seasonal decor.
A boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms, located in Zurich’s Old Town and close to Christmas markets, perfect for a unique and cozy holiday experience.
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