8 OF THE MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE
I am sure it comes as no surprise that Christmas is hands down our favourite time of year. That feeling of magic in the air, with a hot chocolate and candy cane in hand surrounded by those you love. Gosh, it’s only October and we feel like that feeling of Christmas has already begun.
Since I was little I had always dreamt of a European Christmas. Coming from Australia where Christmas is spent sunbathing at the beach and cooking up seafood on the BBQ, a white Christmas had always been on my bucket list.
So back in 2019, it was finally time for us to wear our ugly Christmas sweaters and warm up by the fire on Christmas Eve! We jumping on a plane to London with a plan to have the most epic European Christmas ever!
Over the 6 weeks, we managed to visit eight of the most Christmassy spots across Europe and we are here to convince you to jump on that plane and have your very own European Christmas!
1. Lapland, Finland
What better place to visit if you're planning an ultimate Christmas holiday than the official residence of Santa Claus! Yes, Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland is the place to go for an unforgettable Christmas wonderland experience - located right in the Arctic Circle!
Here you can visit the Santa Claus Village and the elf workshop. Take a husky ride, go on a reindeer safari and even spend the night at the world-famous arctic snow hotel and watch the northern lights from the comfort of your bed!
Read more:Our Ultimate Guide to Rovaniemi, Finland
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2. Prague, Czech Republic
Do you love to visit Christmas markets? The Czech Republic is famous for holding the best Christmas markets in the world. You can travel to Prague this Christmas to see hundreds of wooden stalls decorated in traditional style. They sell all kinds of Christmas merchandise. You can buy products made of glasses, wood, straws, and hand-embroidered clothes for decoration.
If you love Christmas treats, make sure to taste the traditional cookies, gingerbread biscuits, and roasted chestnuts found in the stalls. Oh, and don’t forget to try the local chimney cakes!
Prague itself is such a beautiful city in itself and really does feel like you have stepped straight into a fairytale! This creates the perfect backdrop and atmosphere to enjoy that traditional Christmas feel.
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3. London, United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has many cities famous for celebrating Christmas. In terms of Christmas shopping and countless outdoor activities, London is the spot to be!
If you are travelling to London for Christmas, you must visit the markets of Hyde Park, South Center’s winter market, and the riverside market of London Bridge. Here you will find various traditional food, toys, gifts, and unique Christmas souvenirs.
You can also go sightseeing on the illuminated streets of London and take photos in front of Buckingham Palace. Or, you can spend the evening ice skating or watch a Christmas play on the West End. With so many things to do, just one Christmas season in London does not feel enough.
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4. Hamburg, Germany
Germany is famous for its Christmas Markets and one of our favourite cities to experience the markets is Hamburg. The city alone sets up 16 markets. They are unique from other European cities because they are individually decorated based on the characteristics of the city and its history. While here make sure you try the traditional German drink Feuerzangenbowle, and of course warm up with a wurst.
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5. Tallinn, Estonia
Want to spend Christmas near the sea? Tallinn, with its majestic castles and stunning location on the Baltic Sea, is the perfect choice for that. The city looks beautiful in every season. However, during winter, it becomes livelier with the Christmas festivals.
Tallinn is home to one of the most magical Christmas markets we have ever visited. Located in the Town Hall Square, you will be greeted to stalls selling Christmas trinkets, food and delicious mulled wine as well as a massive Christmas Tree in the centre.
Read more:48 Hours in Tallinn, Estonia | Tops Things to See & Do
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6. Budapest, Hungary
If you are looking for a beautiful European city to spend Christmas that is more budget-friendly we highly recommend heading to Budapest in Hungary. During winter, you will find small wooden huts selling mulled wine and delicious hot chocolates to keep you warm as you admire the stunning architecture this city has to offer.
To relax, you can visit the thermal spas, which are even more magical during winter. In the evening, we recommend going on a Danube River cruise to enjoy the sunset and see the city illuminated with beautiful lights.
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7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is an amazing spot to visit for Christmas with so much to see and do. If you have a sweet tooth, try their traditional Christmas sweet snacks such as Olibol and Dutch apple pies. We also recommend going ice skating in the city and if you are an art lover, you will love the Van Gogh Museum.
The city is famous for its lighting shows at night during Christmas time. Every year the theme is different, and hundreds of illumination artists gather to make the city magical. From the buildings and bridges to the canals, everything lights up with light and other decorations. So, you definitely should take the Amsterdam light festival cruise to see the dazzling city from the canals.
8. Birmingham, United Kingdom
Birmingham is home to the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany and Austria and is hands down a must-visit! The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market has over 180 stalls offering a large range of traditional German goods and foods. The Christmas Market is so large that it covers the whole of Victoria Square and New Street!
Enjoy listening to the carollers as you eat delicious German bratwurst, Glühwein and marshmallow filled hot chocolates.
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