City trip around Christmas 2026 – The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner again. It’s the season when streets are transformed into dazzling light displays, squares fill with cozy Christmas markets, and cafés tempt you inside with the scent of delicious hot chocolate and apple pie topped with whipped cream. December is the perfect time to plan a city trip, preferably to a destination fully immersed in festive spirit. Ready for an unforgettable Christmas getaway this year? Read on! We’ve listed the most beautiful destinations to visit during the holiday season.
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City trip around Christmas
The cold (dark) days also mean that many people end up glued to the TV for hours, binge-watching series non-stop. Quite a shame, don’t you think? To avoid this, we’ve put together 12 beautiful dream destinations in Europe for a fun winter break. Twelve stunning spots that are completely in the Christmas spirit. Which fairytale-like city in Europe will you visit this winter?
Prague, Czech Republic
The Christmas markets in Prague are among the most famous in all of Europe. Besides Christmas shopping at the stalls full of jewelry and trinkets, it’s also fun to explore the local cuisine. Enjoy delicious local treats like Trdelník pastries or klobása sausages, perfectly paired with mulled wine or local beer.
At Prague’s main market on the Old Town Square, you can enjoy a giant illuminated Christmas tree every evening. The tree at Prague Castle is also worth a visit, offering plenty of photo opportunities. Prague is a city you must visit at least once in your life, especially in winter, when it looks like something out of a fairytale.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Charming Scandinavia definitely deserves a spot on this list. Every year, many tourists flock to the beautiful city of Copenhagen for a memorable winter city trip. Like the cities mentioned above, Copenhagen also has plenty of cozy markets, but one place that truly steals the show in winter is Tivoli Gardens.
In this Christmas village, you can enjoy the best restaurants and the most fun attractions, all surrounded by around 16,000 Christmas lights. Discover Scandinavian products, stroll past stalls with knitted clothing, and enjoy cocoa and roasted nuts. Copenhagen is a dream destination, especially during the holiday season.
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Munich, Germany
Munich is, of course, famous for the world-renowned annual Oktoberfest. But even during Christmas, Munich is a very popular destination.
Experience the Bavarian charm, the heated open-air beer gardens, and the numerous markets throughout the city. The most famous markets in Munich are those at Marienplatz and the market beneath the Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten park.
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Paris, France
Visit the city of lights and the city of love this winter: Paris! Stroll through typical Parisian streets and see some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. Especially during the Christmas season, Paris is a city you truly want to be in. The countless lights, romantic dining spots, and beautiful shops make a visit to Paris around Christmas extra special.
Did you know that from November 20 to January 2, Paris is even more illuminated with multicolored lights, dazzling projections, and glowing arches? During this time, Avenue Montaigne, the Champs-Élysées, and Place Vendôme are especially atmospheric and romantic. What are you waiting for? Book your romantic Christmas trip to Paris now!
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Levi, Finland
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure during your winter break this year, Levi in Finland is the perfect place for you. This seemingly small village is actually much larger with its 43 slopes and is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts and snow lovers.
Learn more about Sami culture and come face-to-face with reindeer. Go on a husky safari and ride through breathtaking winter landscapes. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Levi. You can also try ice karting, ice fishing, and even take a photo with Santa Claus. End your active day with après-ski fun at one of the nightclubs. Is Finland on your list?
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Düsseldorf, Germany
If there’s a city in Germany considered the Christmas market capital, it’s the beautiful Düsseldorf. During the holiday season, a visit to this enchanting city is even more enjoyable. Explore the most atmospheric Christmas markets, such as those at Marktplatz and Heinrich-Heine-Platz, and enjoy the sparkling lights, delicious mulled wine, and handcrafted products.
The city has seven different Christmas markets and also features a lovely ice rink for skating enthusiasts. The great thing about Düsseldorf is that it’s not far from the Netherlands by train, a perfect city trip close to home.
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Dublin, Ireland
We’ve often called the Irish city of Dublin the coziest city in Europe. A night out in Dublin is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. Especially in December, when Dublin is decked out in Christmas decorations and every pub is full of festive ornaments, it’s pure enjoyment.
Besides the lively city, it’s also fun to explore the coast or take a beautiful winter walk in one of the many nature parks near Dublin. You’ll be amazed at how stunning the surroundings of Dublin are, especially in winter. If you’re lucky, it might even snow, turning the landscape into a winter wonderland. A weekend in Dublin promises coziness and festive cheer—perfect around Christmas. Would you like to experience the Christmas spirit in Dublin?
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Strasbourg, France
Want to be truly enchanted this winter? Then a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Strasbourg in France is a must. Enjoy a pastel-colored old town full of canals and historic half-timbered houses.
Strasbourg is also home to the oldest Christmas market in France, first held in 1570, which has grown over the years to become the largest Christmas market in Europe. Strasbourg is therefore considered the Christmas capital of Europe. Besides the many Christmas markets, you can also go ice skating or attend a free concert. Strasbourg has all the ingredients for an unforgettable winter break. Have you visited Strasbourg yet?
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Vienna, Austria
During Christmas, the streets of Vienna are beautifully decorated. Did you know that Vienna has more than 20 different Christmas markets, each with its own unique atmosphere? There’s an art and design Christmas market as well as a traditional market with Bishop wine. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the city hosts many concerts that you can enjoy. A city trip to Vienna in December is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to fully experience the Christmas spirit.
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Seville, Spain
If you don’t feel like freezing this year and prefer a warmer destination, Seville in Spain is a great choice for a winter break. With average temperatures around 18°C, the days are much more pleasant. In Seville, you can also enjoy traditional Christmas markets and do your holiday shopping.
Experience a city full of Moorish architecture, 18th-century buildings, and the best restaurants. Can you picture yourself strolling through beautiful Seville in December?
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
Visit Ljubljana this year, a city that is becoming increasingly popular among city travelers. This capital of Slovenia has a lot to offer and is often still underestimated.
In winter, the city exudes a fairytale-like atmosphere. In December, the streets truly come alive, with thousands of lights and dozens of free open-air concerts where you can join the locals and dance late into the night. Don’t miss the annual Festive Fair, where you can buy local schnaps and handmade gifts. Slovenian Ljubljana is a must-see and a perfect winter break.
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Valencia, Spain
Celebrating Christmas in the city of oranges? You probably won’t get a white Christmas in Valencia, but the city does offer a magical festive atmosphere. Countless lights are strung across the entire city. Plaza Ayuntamiento (the City Hall Square) is decorated with Christmas ornaments, a giant Christmas tree, an ice rink, and a Christmas market.
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Which city will you visit for a Christmas city trip?
Which European city will you visit during the Christmas season? We wish you a wonderful city trip!
Frequently asked questions about Christmas city trips
The best time to book a Christmas city trip is usually between September and October. This comes with several advantages. During this period, flights, hotels, and popular activities are still widely available, especially for busy Christmas markets and major cities. Prices are also often lower than if you book later, as rates tend to rise closer to Christmas. Booking your Christmas city trip early is also wise if you want to dine at a popular restaurant. The sooner you arrange it, the higher the chance you’ll secure a spot during or around Christmas.
On average, 3 to 4 days is ideal for a Christmas city trip. During this time, you can fully enjoy the festive atmosphere, visit the most famous Christmas markets, explore charming streets and squares, and also see some of the main sights.
Flights and hotels are often more expensive during the Christmas period, especially around the holidays. However, by booking your Christmas city trip early, you can save significantly and have more options for hotels and flights.
The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe can be found in countries such as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and France. Popular cities include Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne in Germany; Vienna and Salzburg in Austria; Prague in the Czech Republic; and Strasbourg in France.
