The 20 best destinations for Christmas holidays in 2024: Experience the magic of the festive season

Christmas is a magical time of year, when cities around the world are transformed into fairytale destinations, full of festive lights, Christmas markets, and a joyful atmosphere. It's the moment many of us look for the perfect place to experience the Christmas magic, escape from everyday life and enjoy a beautiful trip with our family or friends.

If you're looking for an ideal holiday destination this year, then you've come to the right place! 2024 offers a plethora of options across Europe, and beyond, that can provide you with unforgettable moments. From snowy squares with Christmas markets in Central Europe, to the charm of major cities like London and Paris, each place has its own special character and Christmas spirit.

In this article, you will discover 20 of the best Christmas destinations for 2024. Each destination offers something unique – from traditional markets and picturesque landscapes to exciting activities for children and adults. Follow us on a magical journey to the most charming Christmas destinations, and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas like never before.

1. Alsace (France) – The classic Christmas setting

Alsace is the ultimate Christmas experience in France. Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas", hosts one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe. The city transforms into a fairytale setting, with picturesque houses, dazzling lights, and the impressive Christmas tree in the central square. Besides Strasbourg, the small town of Colmar also offers a magical atmosphere with its own market and traditional wooden houses. It's worth visiting both cities for a complete Christmas experience.

Market dates: Strasbourg: 27/11 – 27/12, Colmar: 26/11 – 29/12.

Highlights: Christmas markets, Strasbourg Cathedral, fairytale landscape in Colmar.

2. Lille (France) – Festive getaway with a unique atmosphere

Lille is an ideal choice for a quick Christmas getaway. Its Christmas market in Rihour Square is filled with traditional sweets and treats like crepes and tartiflette. The city's big draw is the impressive Ferris wheel in Grand Place, which offers spectacular views. Although a small city, Lille perfectly combines a warm atmosphere with traditional markets, offering a wonderful Christmas experience.

Market dates: 23/11 – 30/12.

3. Cologne (Germany) – Christmas against the backdrop of the cathedral

Cologne is one of Germany's most popular Christmas destinations, thanks to its famous market next to the cathedral. This Gothic structure provides the perfect backdrop for an atmospheric market filled with handmade decorations, local foods, and sweets. Don't forget to wander through the city's other markets, each with its own unique style and flavours.

Market dates: 18/11 – 23/12.
Highlights: Christmas market at the cathedral, Gothic architecture, local products.

4. Prague (Czech Republic) – Festive magic in the Old Town

Prague is known for its enchanting atmosphere during Christmas. Its Christmas markets fill the Old Town Square with bright decorations, local products, and traditional delicacies. The view from the Old Town Hall tower is stunning, especially in the evening, when the city sparkles under the Christmas lights.

Market dates: 30/11 – 6/1.
Highlights: Christmas market in the Old Town, view from the Town Hall tower, traditional foods.

5. Munich (Germany) – Historic market in Marienplatz

Munich offers a unique Christmas experience with its Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz, which dates back to the 14th century. There you will find local handicrafts, glühwein (mulled wine) and traditional German delicacies. The atmosphere in the city is festive and ideal for those who want to combine history with the magic of Christmas.

Market dates: 25/11 – 24/12.
Highlights: 14th-century Christmas market, German delicacies, Marienplatz.

6. London (United Kingdom) – Christmas in a cosmopolitan city

London sparkles every Christmas with lights and festive events around every corner. Don't miss Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, with its stalls, rides, and ice rink. The decorated streets of Oxford Street and Regent Street fill the city with a celebratory mood, while the Christmas markets offer culinary delights and traditional products.

Market dates: 18/11 – 1/1.
Highlights: Winter Wonderland, Christmas markets, Oxford Street.

7. Vienna (Austria) – Classic European Christmas atmosphere

Vienna is one of Europe's most charming Christmas destinations, with the Christkindlmarkt located in the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz). Visitors enjoy traditional delicacies such as goulash, sausages, and candied almonds, while wandering among stalls full of handmade products. The city is magically lit, and the Christmas lights make a stroll through the historic centre unforgettable.

Market dates: 16/11 – 23/12.
Highlights: Christmas market in Rathausplatz, traditional foods, illuminated monuments.

8. Rovaniemi (Finland) – The home of Santa Claus

Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, is the ultimate destination for those who want to experience the quintessential Christmas. At Santa Claus Village, located on the outskirts of the city, visitors can meet Santa Claus, take sleigh rides, and enjoy the snowy landscape. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and witness the magical Northern Lights.

Market dates: Year-round at Santa Claus Village.
Highlights: Santa Claus Village, Northern Lights, reindeer sleigh rides.

9. Budapest (Hungary) – The festive heart of Eastern Europe

Budapest offers one of Europe's most atmospheric Christmas markets, centred around Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen's Basilica. Visitors enjoy traditional kürtős kalács and Hungarian sugar sweet treats, while wandering through the beautifully decorated squares. In the evening, the Basilica is illuminated with a unique light show.

Market dates: 17/11 – 1/1.
Highlights: Christmas markets, Vörösmarty Square, St. Stephen's Basilica.

10. Sofia (Bulgaria) – The affordable Christmas destination

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is an affordable and often overlooked Christmas destination. The city's Christmas market is inspired by German markets and is located in the City Garden. There, visitors enjoy Bulgarian delicacies, musical performances, and plays, while the city is festively decorated.

Market dates: Late November – December (exact dates awaited).
Highlights: Christmas market in the City Garden, affordable prices, local delicacies.

11. Reykjavik (Iceland) – Christmas with the Northern Lights as a backdrop

Reykjavik may not be the most well-known Christmas destination, but it offers a unique experience with the magic of the Northern Lights. The Christmas markets in Ingólfur Square offer traditional products, while visitors can enjoy nature excursions to see the Northern Lights or relax in the city's thermal springs.

Market dates: Early December – January (exact dates awaited).
Highlights: Northern Lights, Christmas market, day trips.

12. Tallinn (Estonia) – Christmas in a medieval setting

Tallinn, with its charming medieval architecture, transforms into a fairytale destination at Christmas. The main Christmas market in Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) is full of wooden stalls offering handmade gifts, gastronomic delights, and local products. The snowy atmosphere and bright decorations make the city one of the most charming places for Christmas.

Market dates: 22/11 – 27/12.
Highlights: Medieval Old Town, Raekoja Plats, Christmas market.

13. Madrid (Spain) – Warmth and Christmas magic

Madrid is a vibrant Christmas destination, with lights adorning every corner of the city. Plaza Mayor hosts the main Christmas market, where you can enjoy hot chocolate with churros and shop for handmade items. If you're travelling with children, Cortilandia is one of the attractions not to be missed.

Market dates: 24/11 – 31/12.
Highlights: Plaza Mayor, Cortilandia, traditional Christmas foods.

14. Copenhagen (Denmark) – Festive atmosphere in the North

Copenhagen combines the charm of Scandinavian tradition with a magical Christmas atmosphere. Tivoli Gardens, lit with thousands of lights, host one of the most impressive Christmas markets. You can enjoy traditional Danish sweets like "aebleskiver" and warm "glögg", while wandering through the beautifully decorated streets of the city.

Market dates: 17/11 – 31/12.
Highlights: Tivoli Gardens, traditional sweets, Nyhavn Christmas market.

15. Brussels (Belgium) – European magic in the heart of the EU

Brussels becomes the epicentre of Christmas with Winter Wonders, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. It stretches from Grand Place to the Bourse area, with hundreds of stalls offering sweets, traditional products, and mulled wine. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the enormous Christmas tree in the main square.

Market dates: 24/11 – 31/12.
Highlights: Winter Wonders, Grand Place, local Belgian sweets.

16. Zurich (Switzerland) – Christmas next to the Alps

Zurich offers a unique combination of traditional Christmas market and modern luxury. The most popular market is the Christkindlimarkt, located in the city's main railway station. The city is decorated with thousands of lights, and visitors can enjoy mulled wine and traditional Swiss products at many of the local markets.

Market dates: 23/11 – 24/12.
Highlights: Christkindlimarkt, Christmas lights, local delicacies.

17. Berlin (Germany) – Modern and traditional festive atmosphere

Berlin offers a rich Christmas experience with over 60 different markets across the city. The most famous is in front of Charlottenburg Palace, where visitors enjoy traditional German foods such as bratwurst and mulled wine. Berlin combines traditional charm with a modern festive atmosphere.

Market dates: 27/11 – 31/12.
Highlights: Charlottenburg, bratwurst, mulled wine.

18. Stockholm (Sweden) – Christmas in Scandinavia

Stockholm transforms at Christmas with festive lights and markets, offering local delicacies, warm glögg, and handmade gifts. The city's most popular market is in the Old Town (Gamla Stan), where visitors enjoy the Scandinavian Christmas atmosphere in a historic setting.

Market dates: 23/11 – 23/12.
Highlights: Gamla Stan, warm glögg, handmade gifts.

19. Warsaw (Poland) – Christmas in the heart of Eastern Europe

Warsaw offers a charming Christmas experience with its old town transforming into a festive setting. Its Christmas markets offer local products and Polish delicacies, such as pierogi and mulled wine. The city is filled with lights and offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Market dates: 25/11 – 6/1.
Highlights: Old Town, Polish delicacies, traditional products.

20. Paris (France) – Christmas in the City of Light

Paris shines at Christmas with its spectacular window displays and Christmas markets. The Champs-Élysées is filled with lights, while in La Défense you'll find the city's most impressive market with hundreds of stalls and products from all over the world. Don't miss visiting the illuminated Eiffel Tower at night, offering a unique experience.

Market dates: 21/11 – 5/1.
Highlights: Champs-Élysées, La Défense market, illuminated Eiffel Tower.

Christmas holidays offer the opportunity to experience magic in every corner of Europe. From fairytale markets to snowy cities, each city has something special to offer. Whether you prefer traditional markets with mulled wine in Germany, or the modern Christmas window displays of Paris, there's something for everyone. On Travelo.gr you will find detailed guides for all destinations, as well as the best offers for flights and ferry tickets.