The best destinations to visit at Christmas share one thing: they make the season feel like an event rather than just a date on the calendar. For some people that means glowing market stalls, mulled wine and old town squares lit up after dark, for others it means snow, reindeer and a very long way north, and for some it means swapping the cold for warm sand altogether. Here are seven places that do Christmas properly, what each is best for, and how to plan the trip.
1. Germany’s Christmas markets: Cologne and Nuremberg
Germany invented the Christmas market, and it’s still the benchmark. Among the best destinations to visit at Christmas, Nuremberg is the most famous, with its traditional Christkindlesmarkt, while Cologne has several markets spread across the city, including one beside the cathedral. Expect wooden stalls, gingerbread, roasted nuts and mulled wine served in mugs that you return for a deposit. Cities are compact and easy to explore on foot, which makes a short break work well. The German National Tourist Board lists market dates and locations.
2. Vienna: elegant markets and imperial scenery
Vienna’s markets feel grander than most, set against palaces, opera houses and historic squares, and the city’s cafés and concert halls give you plenty to do when you want to get out of the cold. It suits couples and anyone who likes culture alongside the festive atmosphere, and it’s a good choice if you want a more refined Christmas break rather than a crowded, rowdy one.
3. Prague: a fairytale old town at a friendlier price
Prague’s Old Town Square, with its Christmas tree and market stalls against the Gothic skyline, looks like a film set after dark. It’s also generally better value than the Western European markets for food, drink and accommodation, which makes it one of the best destinations to visit at Christmas on a tighter budget. Our budget travel tips can help you stretch the money further.
4. Strasbourg and Alsace: the “capital of Christmas”
Strasbourg promotes itself as the capital of Christmas, and its markets, half timbered streets and giant tree have earned the title. The wider Alsace region adds small villages such as Colmar, where the festive decorations and local food, from tarte flambée to spiced bread, make a good base for a few days. It combines French and German traditions in a way that feels distinctive rather than a copy of the usual market break.
5. Lapland: snow, reindeer and the full Christmas fantasy
If you want real snow and the full Father Christmas experience, Lapland is the answer. Rovaniemi has Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer rides and a good chance of seeing the northern lights on a clear night. It’s one of the most memorable best destinations to visit at Christmas, particularly for families with young children, but it’s also among the most expensive, and the trips are busy, so book very early. Visit Finland has planning information.
6. Edinburgh: a Christmas close to home
Edinburgh’s festive programme turns the city centre into a winter wonderland, with markets, lights and seasonal events running right through to Hogmanay. It’s an easy trip from most of the UK without needing a flight, and the old town’s streets and castle backdrop look especially good in winter. VisitScotland lists current events, and it’s a good option if you’d rather stay in the UK.
7. The Canary Islands: Christmas in the sun
Not everyone wants cold weather at Christmas. The Canary Islands offer warm, sunny days, festive menus in the big resorts and a short flight from the UK, which makes them a popular way to escape the winter. They suit families who want a relaxed holiday and no cooking. Our guide to the best winter sun destinations covers other warm places to spend the festive season.
When to book and how to avoid the Christmas premium
Christmas travel is expensive because everyone wants the same dates, and the best accommodation in market towns sells out early. Booking as far ahead as you can makes the biggest difference. Travelling in the weeks before Christmas, rather than on the days around it, is usually cheaper and the markets are open for most of that period. Our guides to how to find cheap flights and the best budget airlines help keep flight costs down.
What to pack for a festive trip
For the market cities, warm layers, a proper coat, gloves and comfortable waterproof shoes matter more than anything, because you’ll spend hours outside on cold cobbles. For Lapland you’ll need specialist outerwear, though many tours provide it. For the sun destinations, pack light clothes plus something warm for the evenings and the journey home.
Before you book: safety advice and insurance
Check the FCDO travel advice for your destination before you pay and again before you fly, since it affects whether your insurance remains valid. Winter weather can disrupt flights and trains, so travel insurance that covers delays is worth having. Our guide on how to check FCDO travel advice explains what to look for.
Choosing from the best destinations to visit at Christmas
If you want the classic market experience, choose Germany or Strasbourg. For something more elegant, pick Vienna, and for better value, Prague. If snow and the full Father Christmas fantasy matter most, go to Lapland, and if you want the festive feel without leaving the UK, Edinburgh is hard to beat. When you’d rather swap the cold for sunshine, head to the Canary Islands. Whichever of the best destinations to visit at Christmas you choose, book early, wrap up warm and leave time to simply enjoy the atmosphere.
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