Christmas is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best-loved and most eagerly awaited holidays, for young and old alike! Usually, many people choose to spend this holiday at home and with family, but have you ever thought of taking a trip at this time of year? Discover ancient traditions and customs different from our own, see how they are celebrated, take part in incredible events and manifestations, and even taste the typical dishes and sweets...
If you're already thinking about the right destination for your next winter holiday, here are 25 wonderful cities to visit at Christmas!
1 - New York, USA
When you think of Christmas, your mind immediately flies to New York! The celebrations begin at the end of November, with the lighting of the big Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center! Christmas shopping kicks off with Black Friday.
Several skating rinks are set up in the city, such as the one in Rockefeller Center (from $28.00/€23.80, skate rental $13.00/€11.00) or the one in Central Park (from $12.00/€10.20, skate rental $9.00/€7.60).
There are numerous events throughout the city and especially Christmas markets: in Bryant Park, with the Winter Village and skating rink, in Union Square, at Columbus Circle, inside Grand Central Terminal and in the Seaport District, with the Fulton Stall Market food market. There are also numerous shows on Broadway, where one of the great classics, The Nutcracker, returns. Finally, to see New York's most illuminated neighbourhoods, with those classic super-coloured houses we always see in the movies, we recommend the Dyker Heights bus tour!
2 - Rovaniemi, Finland
The cold doesn't scare you? If you want to experience the oldest traditions of Christmas then we recommend flying to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in the far north of Finland! Apart from the magic of Christmas, this period is also perfect for admiring the Northern Lights!
Here you will find the official residence of Father Christmas! Located just outside the city, the Santa Claus Village can be visited any day of the year, but at Christmas it obviously has more charm! You can meet reindeer, huskies and Father Christmas and even take part in a fun sleigh ride with Santa Clause! If you are travelling with children, this destination is really not to be missed!
When you visit Santa Claus Village, don't forget to also visit the Winter Zone, where games, sculptures, activities and fun await you. You can also enjoy a memorable dinner at the Ice Restaurant, the restaurant made entirely of ice.
3 - Prague, Czech Republic
All the cities of Northern and Eastern Europe feel Christmas very strongly and are therefore among the best destinations to visit! Not least Prague, which during the month of December lights up with markets, events and illuminations!
One of the best things is definitely its Christmas markets, scattered throughout the city, where you can buy handmade Christmas decorations, small souvenirs and typical food. Don't forget to have a cup of Svařák, the Czech version of mulled wine, to warm you up during the cold days! Some of the most beautiful markets include those on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square!
If you visit the city at the beginning of December, you cannot miss Mikuláš Day, the coming of St. Nicholas. People dressed as angels and demons parade through the city, searching for children who have behaved well and those who have behaved badly and therefore do not deserve St. Nicholas' gifts. Finally, several skating rinks are set up in the city, generally open from December to February!
SEE ALSO: Christmas in Prague: Offers, programme and tips
4 - Copenhagen, Denmark
Let's stay in Northern Europe and travel to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. Prepare to enter a magical world that will leave you wide-eyed and will make even those who least love this holiday become children again!
The city starts to light up as early as the end of December, when Danes start decorating their homes, shops and shop windows. Bakeries start selling typical Christmas products, mainly cinnamon-based! Restaurants prepare Christmas menus with all the traditional dishes. Speaking of typical, try GløggII, a mulled wine with sultanas, almonds, cardamom, orange and brandy.
Don't miss the Christmas markets- there are no fewer than seven in the city! Among the most beautiful are the one along the Strøget pedestrian street, with its classic wooden houses, the one at Kultorvet, which brings Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale world back to life, and finally the one at Tivoli Gardens, the city's amusement park, which becomes a magical world at Christmas. To visit the park, we highly recommend the purchase of a priority access ticket or access with unlimited attractions.
5 - Paris, France
Paris is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and there's no denying that it becomes even more beautiful and enchanting during the festive season! This can also be an opportunity to treat yourself to a few treats and enjoy a romantic day out, perhaps with a nice final cruise on the canals.
The city is completely decked out, with lights, Christmas trees and decorations. Christmas markets are scattered all over the city, but the biggest is in La Défense, where you will find over 300 stalls! We also recommend a visit to the Gallerie Lafayette, which turns into a magical kingdom at Christmas!
But December in Paris also means one thing: Disneyland Paris decorated for the holidays! Ideal for spending a day of fun and magic. If you're staying in the centre of Paris, we recommend you buy the Disneyland Paris Express ticket which includes entrance to the park and transport!
6 - Tallinn, Estonia
Let's go back to Northern Europe, more precisely to Estonia. Its capital Tallinn is a city full of charm at any time of year, but in December the Christmas atmosphere really comes into its own, providing unforgettable days!
One of the highlights of the festivities are the Christmas markets, held in the Central Town Hall Square. After a visit, we recommend a walking tour of the old town to admire all the illuminations! A little curiosity: the first Christmas tree in Europe was displayed in Tallinn - it was way back in 1441!
While visiting the markets, especially on weekends, it will not be difficult to come across traditional Latvian singing and dancing performances. Also, don't forget to taste the city's typical products, such as Kissel and Curd, two traditional sweets, perhaps accompanied by a glass of warm wine!
7 - Budapest, Hungary
December is a perfect month to visit Budapest: at this time we celebrate both Christmas andHannukah, a traditional Jewish holiday.
The Christmas markets are also unmissable here, with traditional wooden huts selling typical products and wonderful wooden objects! The most beautiful are located on Vörösmarty Square, in the heart of the old town. In addition, numerous concerts are organised in St. Stephen's Basilica! There is also a skating rink (from HUF 2,000/€5.60), set up in Városliget Park, amidst lights and markets!
But December is also the perfect time to enjoy a day of total relaxation at the Széchenyi Baths, the city's famous thermal baths, ideal for fighting the cold. Finally, don't leave the city without first taking a romantic panoramic cruise on the Danube, especially recommended in the evening to admire the illuminated monuments.
8 - Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a wonderful city not far from Brussels (100 km, direct train from €13.00 to €22.00). Already romantic and charming during the year, thanks to its canals and atmosphere, in December it unleashes all its beauty.
Christmas markets invade squares and streets from late November to early January! You can go shopping, taste typical Belgian sweets such as speculoos (biscuits) in the shape of Father Christmas, and drink gluwein, similar to our mulled wine!
An ice-skating rink is set up in Grote Mark and operates at the same times as the markets (entrance and rental from €7.00). Also not to be missed is a visit to the Ice Festival, where artists create wonderful sculptures (late November to early January, daily 10am-7pm, €12.00). But Bruges is famous for its canals, so treat yourself to a cruise to admire the incredible Christmas lights from a different perspective. And if you are travelling with children, also make a stop at the chocolate museum!
9 - Bolzano, Italy
Perhaps many people think of mountains and snow when they think of Christmas. If you want to stay in Italy, then the ideal destination is definitely Bolzano, conveniently located to also explore the Dolomites and thus indulge in winter sports!
From the end of November until 6 January, the city is filled with lights and colours. Discover it with a wonderful guided tour and then immerse yourself in the tastes and scents of the Christmas markets, where you can indulge in shopping and taste typical specialities.
But that's not all, this is the perfect base to indulge in winter sports! From Bolzano, you can set off to discover the Dolomites, with snowmobile or toboggan rides and snowshoeing in the Dolomites. The area is rich in ski resorts, with slopes of all levels and difficulties. The entire province of Bolzano has around 1,248 km of slopes. Among the most famous are those of Carezza, Latemar, Belpiano, Val Gardena and Merano.
10 - Stockholm
We return to discover the Christmas magic of the Northern countries, this time in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The Old Town, or Gamla Stan, is home to the city's oldest Christmas markets and the streets are completely invaded by the scent of cinnamon, gingerbread and mulled wine, an indispensable companion to combat the cold Swedish winter days!
The city is completely embellished and decorated with millions of lights. In winter, the sun sets very early, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the lights and the Christmas atmosphere! There is no shortage of ice skating rinks: the largest is in Kungsträdgården Park, while children have their own rink in Medborgarplatsen. In addition, the river freezes over, so you will find several people taking advantage of this and skating right here!
But that's not all: Stockholm is a city full of museums, attractions and cultural sights, which we recommend you discover on a free walking tour. Finally, it is also perfect for winter sports enthusiasts thanks to its proximity to the Hammarbybacken ski area, with 5 slopes and a children's area!
11 - Vienna, Austria
Austria is one of those countries where the Christmas season is particularly heartfelt! So why not organise a getaway to Vienna, its capital, which brings out the best in December?
One of the things you absolutely must see are the Christmas markets, scattered all over the city! Little wooden houses, typical local products, handicrafts and much more, a mix of colours, scents and flavours! Among the most famous and beautiful are the Christmas Village Palazzo Belvedere, the Christmas Village Maria Theresien Square in the square of the same name, the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz and the Schönbrunn Christmas Market in Schönbrunn. For savings and easy access to the various markets, get the Vienna Card, it includes unlimited use of public transport!
Numerous concerts are also organised throughout the city during this period! Don't miss the Mozart and Strauss concerts at the Kursalon or in the Brahms-Saal. Finally, if you like ice skating, we recommend the ice rink at Vienna Ice World on Rathausplatz, with an ice surface of no less than 9,000 m2 (entrance from €8.00, skate rental from €7.50).
12 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is already a very charming city, thanks to the canals and the traditional architecture of the houses, which should definitely be admired on a night cruise! At Christmas this charm increases, both because of the decorations and illuminations, and because of the snow, which you may come across and which makes everything even more magical!
Thefirst thing you will notice in the city are the illuminations: for several years now, theAmsterdam Light Festival has been held, creating projections and plays of light in the streets, squares and canals. Not to be missed are the Christmas markets, which in addition to selling typical products and handicrafts also organise workshops and laboratories! Among the most beautiful are those at the floating flower market at Bloemenmarkt, the alternative Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek and theIce Village in Museumplein. For easy access, get a GVB public transport pass.
The Ice Village in Museumplein is a must-see attraction: in addition to the markets, you will also find a large ice rink (average €12.00).
13 - London, England
Markets, lights everywhere, events, concerts and much more will make your stay in London unforgettable!
Starting with the Christmas markets, scattered all over the city! Among the most beautiful and famous are surely the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, the Christmas Market at London's South Bank near the London Eye (from the top of which you can admire the whole city decorated for the festivities, it is recommended to buy the ticket online due to the large turnout) and the London Bridge Christmas Market, near the iconic bridge over the Thames.
Besides the markets, ice skating rinks and numerous events and concerts await you! The most beautiful rinks are the one at the Natural History Museum, theAlexandra Palace Ice Skating Rink and theCanary Wharf Ice Rink in Canada Square (admission from €8.00). The little ones can meet Father Christmas and deliver their Christmas letters at the ZSL London Zoo, the Royal Albert Hall and the Museum of London! Finally, for Harry Potter lovers, we recommend a tour of Warner Bros Studios, to see the Hogwarts school under the snow and decked out in festive decorations!
14 - Rome, Italy
But you don't always need to go far to experience the magic of Christmas! If you prefer to stay in Italy, another city you absolutely must visit is Rome!
Theideal starting point to discover all the Christmas markets is Piazza Navona, in the heart of the historic centre. You will find arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, typical and street food, in short, absolutely nothing is missing! In addition to Piazza Navona, the Christmas Market and Crib in Piazza di Spagna, the Christmas Kingdom at the Luneu, and the Auditorium Parco della Musica Christmas Markets are beautiful. For the little ones there is Santa's Fantastic Castle (daily 9am-7pm, €14.00)! This is an area with events, shows and workshops. You can bake typical sweets, visit the House of Elves and the Post Office, and children can meet Father Christmas!
If you are in Rome on 24 and 25 December, you will be able to attend the Holy Mass in St Peter's Square, delivered by the Pope worldwide. This is one of the most eagerly awaited masses. Finally, if you love opera music, don't miss the Christmas concert at Saint Andrew's Church of Scotland.
15 - Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a city full of charm in any season, but at Christmas time it becomes even more beautiful,
With its 2.5 million visitors, Winter Wonders is the unmissable end-of-year event in the city of Brussels. It is a large winter village with a warm and joyful atmosphere of magical lights, cultural and recreational activities, and stalls where you can buy any gift idea. Among the most beautiful places is certainly the Grand-Place, embellished by the majestic decorated tree, the life-size nativity scene, the skating rink and much more.
16 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Love Christmas but can't stand the cold? Then perhaps you should spend the festive season in a warm location, where you can soak up the sun and maybe relax on the beach. The perfect destination for you is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Here, in fact, Christmas is very much felt and you will realise this immediately!
Many Christmas markets are set up in the city, which you can visit in light clothing and flip-flops, a strange situation to experience at least once in your life! Also, at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the central point of the festivities, is theworld's largest floating Christmas tree! Truly unmissable!
During your stay, you can also take the opportunity to visit the city and sunbathe on the most famous beaches, such as Ipanema and Copacabana, perhaps even enjoying a sailboat ride at sunset! Don't miss a visit to Christ the Redeemer, to be reached by cogwheel train, and to Sugar Loaf Mountain, from where you can admire a marvellous view of the surroundings (cable car ticket available online).
17 - Warsaw, Poland
We return to Europe with another destination: this time we are talking about Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Here too, Christmas is particularly celebrated and there are numerous traditions in the city, such as the Christmas Eve Dinner, with 13 courses, 12 of which are vegetarian, to bring good luck for the new 12 months!
The city is filled with Christmas markets and the main one is the one occupying Podwale Street, full of stalls selling local handicrafts, porcelain and traditional sweets! In addition, the Zimowy Narodowy, or Winter City (late November to March, from 14.00 PLN/€3.20) is set up in Warsaw Stadium, ideal for winter sports such as skating, but also sledding thanks to the 11-metre high ice mountain!
Finally, there is no shortage of musical events! After all, Warsaw is the city of Chopin, so you can attend several concerts, such as the Chopin concert in the historic Old Town!
18 - Zwolle, Netherlands
Zwolle is a town in the Netherlands, not far from Amsterdam (110 km, 1 h 10 min by car, direct train Amsterdam-Zwolle, 1 h, from €19.50 each way). You might therefore consider staying in Amsterdam and visiting Zwolle on a day trip, given the speed of the connections!
But why is Zwolle worth a visit? It is home to the Ice Sculpture Festival, Nederlands IJsbeelden Festival in Dutch, one of the most magical events in the whole country, as well as being its biggest winter event! More than 40 artists come together to sculpt ice and create special and wonderful sculptures, each have a specific theme! Open from mid-December until March (generally 10 a.m.-5 p.m., €14.50).
In addition to this famous festival, the city is decorated and lit up, walking through its streets and markets will make you love Christmas even more!
19 - Colmar, France
Maybe thinking of Christmas doesn't immediately bring to mind the historical French region of Alsace, but you'll have to think again. Colmar is one of the most beautiful destinations during the Christmas period! In fact, it is increasingly known around the world for this period as well as for its delicious wines!
At Christmas, Colmar is transformed into a fairytale kingdom! Wonderful markets are set up throughout the old town where you can sample local products and shop. The Petit Venise quarter is one of the most scenic, and should be discovered on a free guided tour. In addition, there is a large skating rink in Place Rapp, open every day (admission €7.00 including rental). There are also various events and shows around the rink, as well as concerts and musical entertainment!
And after admiring the city, treat yourself to an organised tour with transfer included to discover the other Christmas markets scattered around Alsace's picturesque villages.
20 - Gubbio, Italy
We return to Italy to discover Gubbio, a town in the province of Perugia, Umbria. Perhaps not everyone knows that the world's largest Christmas tree is located here, towering over the medieval town. With its lighting, a very heartfelt event, the festivities begin!
The entire city is festively decorated and Christmas Land is set up, a route to discover the city and the Christmas atmosphere! Among the many attractions you can find Father Christmas's Kingdom and the International Exhibition of Nativity Art (new attractions every year and varying hours depending on the day, see official website, admission €9.00). In addition, by purchasing a Father Christmas Passport, you will be entitled to discounts and concessions on admission and services!
In addition to Christmas Land, you will find other attractions designed especially for Christmas, such as the Gubbio Express Christmas and the Great Wheel of the North Pole. There are also markets and a beautiful ice rink!
21 - Salerno, Italy
Let's head down the boot to Salerno, a city in Campania not far from Naples, and therefore also worth visiting in a day if you are staying in the capital of Campania (55 km, 50 min by car, direct Naples-Salerno bus, 1 hr, from €4.00).
Every year, from mid-November to mid-January, Salerno hosts the Luci d'Artista event: spectacular artistic illuminations are set up all over the city, in streets, squares and gardens, making the Christmas atmosphere even more magical! The inauguration takes place in mid-November at the Villa Comunale.
The Luci d'Artista event is the backdrop to many other Christmas initiatives and activities! In the city you will find a beautiful Ferris wheel, called City Eye, 60 metres high (time 10:00-00, ride duration 15-20 min, €9.00), a big Christmas tree and many events!
22 - Berlin, Germany
Berlin is an intense city, which carries a difficult history on its shoulders but which today knows how to fascinate anyone who visits it! And the Christmas period is one of the best times to visit it!
During December, German cities fill up with traditional Christmas markets and Berlin is no different! They are located in various places in the city, the Gendarmenmarkt market, the Berliner Weihnachtsmarkt near Alexanderplatz and the Schloss Charlottenburg market! In addition, the entire city is full of illuminations and Christmas trees that you can also admire from the comfort of the tour bus. Also not to be missed is a visit with cocktails at the Berlin Icebar, the bar made of ice that is sure to create a wintery atmosphere!
23 - Naples, Italy
Let's go back to southern Italy to visit Naples, where Christmas is a very heartfelt time and full of ancient traditions! The city is completely decorated, illuminations invade every street and shops sell typical Christmas products!
There is no shortage of Christmas markets here either, scattered throughout the city and some open since the end of November! But if you visit Naples at this time of year, at the top of the list of things to see is definitely via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous street of the crib artisans! Here you can find plenty of statuettes for the nativity scene, of all sizes and, above all, with the most peculiar shapes and representations, from the most traditional figures to those of personalities from the world of show business, sport, politics and much more! And to discover curiosities and secrets about the Neapolitan nativity tradition, we recommend the interesting Naples Artistic Crafts Tour, which also includes a visit to the luthiers' workshops and the Borgo degli Orefici.
24 - Oslo, Norway
The capital of Norway, Oslo during the Christmas holidays is filled with lights and decorations.
This is also the best time to learn about old Norwegian traditions! The festivities begin with Advent and the lighting of the trees and illuminations! Numerous markets are set up in the city and during December there are also numerous fairs, such as The Annual Christmas Fair in late November and early December and the Designer's Christmas Market on a weekend in early December. During this period, it is also traditional to organise a julebord, a pre-Christmas dinner party with typical dishes!
Skating rinks are set up all over the city and remain open throughout the winter; they are generally closed at the beginning of March. The most famous is the Spikersuppa rink in the Studenterlunden Park. This rink is fully decorated and surrounded by kiosks selling hot drinks (generally 11:00-21:00, free admission, skate rental NOK 150.00/€13.80).
For easy movement between sights and markets, we recommend the Oslo Pass, which includes transport and free access to attractions and museums.
25 - Innsbruck
We return to Austria, where after Vienna, we recommend a visit to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Not far from the Italian border, this city lies between the Alps and is therefore in a perfect location for winter sports! The ideal destination to combine Christmas traditions and skiing!
Strolling through the streets of the city, you can visit no less than 6 Christmas markets! The most famous is the Christkindlmarkt Altstadt Innsbruc in the old town. This is also an opportunity to taste the excellent traditional sweets
But, as already mentioned, this is also a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, thanks to the many ski resorts in the surrounding area! For example,Olympia Skiworld Innsbruck comprises no fewer than 9 different ski areas.