Christmas is one of the most magical times of year at the best of times, and this is especially true when you are travelling to some of Europe's greatest cities. During this period, historic cities are transformed by sparkling illuminations, traditional Christmas markets and enchanting festive traditions. Whether you are dreaming of a snowy Arctic adventure, wandering through grand European squares filled with Christmas market stalls or enjoying a warm winter escape, there are plenty of wonderful destinations just a short-haul flight away from the UK.
But which are the best European cities to visit at Christmas? Drawing on the unrivalled first-hand experience of our Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts, we have selected five exceptional cities that each offer something special during the festive season. From meeting Father Christmas himself in Finland to sampling traditional sweet Christmas treats in Lisbon, these are our recommendations for the best cities to visit in Europe at Christmas.
1. Rovaniemi - Finland
For an unforgettable Christmas getaway, few destinations can compete with Rovaniemi. Located directly on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, this enchanting destination is of course most famous for being home to the one and only Santa Claus. The whole city is very much centred around this, offering families the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in an extraordinary snow covered setting.
The highlight for younger holiday makers is undoubtedly Santa Claus Village, where children can meet Father Christmas in person, share their Christmas wishes and visit Santa's official post office to make doubly sure that Santa doesn't forget what they have asked for. Here, you can also send letters and postcards to friends and family back home which bear the distinctive Arctic Circle postmark, making for a wonderful festive souvenir. Beyond Santa Claus village, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the surrounding wilderness, including exhilarating husky sledding adventures and traditional reindeer rides through snow-covered forests. With a little luck, holiday makers may also get the opportunity to witness the spectacular Northern Lights illuminating the night sky, a real bucket list experience.
However, there is more to Rovaniemi than its Christmas attractions. One of Finland's most treasured traditions is relaxing in a wood-fired Finnish sauna which offers a wonderfully restorative experience after a day exploring the Arctic wilderness. Food lovers will also appreciate the opportunity to sample authentic Lappish cuisine, from warming hot berry drinks and glogi (traditional spiced Christmas punch) to freshly prepared salmon cooked over an open fire inside a traditional kota tent.
For families seeking the ultimate magical festive escape, Rovaniemi unquestionably deserves its position at the top of our list of the best European cities to visit for Christmas.
2. Vienna - Austria
Few European capitals embrace the festive season quite like Vienna. Renowned for its imperial architecture, classical musical heritage and elegant boulevards, the Austrian capital becomes a whimsical winter wonderland in November and December, with more than 20 Christmas markets creating an incredibly varied festive atmosphere.
Vienna's traditional Christkindlmarkte each have their own distinct character and setting. The magnificent Rathausplatz market, positioned in front of the City Hall, is particularly impressive, while the markets at Belvedere Palace and Schonbrunn Palace provide beautiful historic backdrops. A stroll through the Graben is another seasonal highlight, where enormous decorative red bows illuminate historic buildings and festive displays add to the city's enchanting atmosphere.
Christmas in Vienna is also a wonderful experience for foodies. Christmas market visitors can enjoy steaming mugs of Gluhwein and punch, often served in decorative ceramic mugs that make memorable keepsakes. Traditional Austrian favourites include bratwurst, raclette, crispy langos and Kaiserschmarrn, a delicious shredded pancake which is dusted with a little sugar.
Music is an equally important part of Vienna's festive offering. As the home of legendary composers such as Mozart and Strauss, the city offers an exceptional programme of classical performances and Christmas concerts. Venues such as St Stephen's Cathedral, Peterskirche and Karlskirche provide atmospheric settings in which to enjoy beautiful seasonal music.
For a Christmas break which includes plenty of high culture, gastronomy and festive charm, Vienna is an impeccable choice.
3. Barcelona - Spain
For those who aren't attracted to the prospect of a snow covered Christmas, Barcelona offers a warm and refreshing alternative. Combining Mediterranean charm, distinctive Catalan traditions and spectacular festive illuminations, the city provides a completely different Christmas atmosphere from most other European cities.
Winter temperatures here are generally mild, with daytime highs often reaching around 13 to 15 degrees, making it comfortable to explore Barcelona's architectural attractions, historic neighbourhoods and legendary outdoor cafes. Touring the many attractions around the city is also far more enjoyable at this time of the year, away from the crowds of the summer months.
One of the main festive attractions here is the Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona's oldest and most famous Christmas market, which has been held outside the city's Gothic Cathedral since 1786. Its hundreds of stalls sell handmade decorations, traditional nativity figures, mistletoe and regional crafts. Meanwhile, the Port Vell Christmas Market brings festive entertainment to the waterfront, complete with a spectacular Christmas tree, ice rink, carousel and food stalls.
Across the city, major avenues including Passeig de Gracia, Gran Via and La Rambla are decorated with impressive light installations. The spectacular Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau also becomes an illuminated wonderland, offering a particularly memorable experience if visited during the evening.
Barcelona's Christmas cuisine is another key reason to visit. Seasonal specialities include escudella i carn d'olla, a hearty traditional soup, and canelones, which are traditionally enjoyed on Boxing Day. Sweet treats such as turron and neules are widely available, while Carrer de Petritxol is the perfect place to enjoy rich Spanish hot chocolate with churros.
4. Paris - France
Paris is of course known as 'The City of Love' but during Christmas it takes on an altogether different character. With its elegant architecture, world famous shopping districts and spectacular illuminations, the French capital is a wonderful choice for couples, families and groups of friends who are looking for a sophisticated festive city break.
The Champs-Elysees and Avenue Montaigne are among the most impressive places to experience Paris at Christmas, with thousands of twinkling lights transforming the tree-lined avenues and luxury storefronts. Department stores including Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marche also create spectacular festive window displays, with the enormous Christmas tree beneath the dome at Galeries Lafayette becoming a seasonal attraction in its own right.
For traditional Christmas market experiences, the Jardin des Tuileries is a popular choice, with wooden chalets selling regional delicacies, gifts and seasonal refreshments alongside carnival attractions and ice skating. The Christmas market at La Defense is a particular highlight, offering hundreds of stalls and plenty of opportunities to discover French food and crafts.
As ever, the Eiffel Tower provides an equally spectacular backdrop as it sparkles against the night sky after dark. Tourists can also enjoy seasonal ice skating experiences and attend atmospheric Christmas concerts in historic religious buildings, including the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle and the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
5. Lisbon - Portugal
Rounding off our selection of the best European cities to visit at Christmas is Lisbon, an appealing destination for those seeking festive charm with a more relaxed pace. Portugal's capital combines mild winter temperatures, beautiful historic surroundings and a wonderful culinary scene, making it particularly appealing for a December city break.
During the festive season, Lisbon's streets and squares are illuminated by millions of LED lights, helping to create a spectacular atmosphere throughout the city. Praca do Comercio is a focal point, with its enormous Christmas tree providing an impressive centrepiece for the celebrations.
The city also hosts several excellent Christmas markets. Wonderland Lisboa, situated in Parque Eduardo VII, is one of the most popular, featuring an ice rink, Santa's village and a large Ferris wheel with heated cabins. Meanwhile, the Rossio Christmas Market offers a more traditional experience, with stalls selling handmade crafts, local produce and seasonal refreshments in the heart of the city.
Food is another compelling reason to visit Lisbon during December. Traditional Portuguese Christmas treats include Bolo Rei, a crown-shaped cake filled with candied fruit and nuts, alongside roasted chestnuts sold by street vendors throughout the city. Tourists can also sample ginjinha, a popular and delicious sour cherry liqueur traditionally served in small edible chocolate cups (it really is a must try).
Christmas Eve is an especially important occasion for Portuguese families, with traditional meals often featuring bacalhau (salted cod) or octopus, followed by an assortment of delicious seasonal desserts. And, of course, no visit to Portugal would be complete without sampling a freshly baked pastel de nata which is often the dessert of choice for most families.
Plan Your Perfect European Christmas Break
Whether you are dreaming of a magical family adventure to meet Father Christmas, a culturally rich Christmas escape in Vienna or a romantic winter break in Paris, Europe's greatest cities offer an incredible variety of festive experiences.
Our selection of the best European cities to visit at Christmas is based on the first-hand experiences of our Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts, who have an unrivalled depth of knowledge when it comes to recommending the best holiday destinations to match the requirements of our clients.
We know that every traveller has different expectations of their perfect Christmas getaway. That's why we take the time to fully understand your individual needs, wants and hopes before creating a tailor made European Christmas holiday itinerary that reflects exactly what you are looking for.
Get in touch with the Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts today and start planning your very own tailor-made European Christmas break, with an itinerary that is every bit as unique as you are.