Looking for the ultimate winter getaway? We’ve rounded up the best winter holiday destinations in Europe, from charming alpine towns to festive city squares brimming with holiday magic.
Over the years, we’ve explored wintertime Europe from bustling Christmas markets to quiet snow-dusted villages, discovering just how magical the season can be. Twinkling lights, cozy cafes, and festive traditions transform even the smallest towns into scenes right out of a storybook.
From alpine towns to historic cities, there’s no shortage of incredible places to experience the holidays. In this article, we’re sharing our picks for the best winter holiday destinations in Europe — including spots we’ve loved and a few still on our wishlist.
Our favorite winter holiday destinations in Europe
If you want a quick list of our absolute favorite destinations in Europe during the holidays, here are our top picks! Click to scroll down and see more info…
Our experience
We’ve taken four (very different!) winter trips to Europe, and honestly… we’re already dreaming about the next one.
There’s just something so special about this season — sipping hot gluhwein beneath twinkling lights, wandering cobblestone streets dusted with snow, and feeling that cozy, festive energy that seems to linger in every nook and cranny.
See our most recent trip come alive in the video below…
Whether you’re drawn by holiday markets, snowy mountain escapes, or just the cozy cafes serving up mulled wine and comfort food, there’s truly no other trip like it.
→ Psst! Want to see what Christmas markets are really like? Check out our Instagram stories where we documented the entire experience! There are 4 parts to the Christmas markets highlight, so be sure to watch them all.
Best Winter Holiday Destinations in Europe
Alright now let’s jump right into our personal round up of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe…
1. Salzburg, Austria
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of festive charm and classic European beauty, Salzburg makes the perfect winter holiday destination in Europe.
The entire city feels like a holiday postcard. Think elegant architecture, mountain views, and markets tucked into historic squares.
You’ll find plenty to do beyond the famous Christmas markets too, from visiting the fortress overlooking the Old Town to warming up with a mug of gluhwein after a day of sightseeing.
Salzburg is also conveniently close to Munich, which is always one of the cheapest airports to fly in and out of.
2. Hallstatt, Austria
Even though Hallstatt’s Christmas market only happens one day each year, this storybook village is still worth visiting during winter. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and mirrored in the still waters of the lake, it’s every bit as dreamy as the photos suggest.
Conveniently located between Salzburg and Innsbruck, Hallstatt is easy to add to your itinerary. And did we mention the views… The views are absolutely unreal, especially when blanketed in snow.
Is it crowded? Yes. But most people just come on day trips, so if you spend the night here you’ll be able to experience the peaceful evening time.
Be sure to make time for local highlights like the salt mine, Skywalk, and that iconic lakeside viewpoint. One of the highlights for us was booking a photoshoot with this local photographer. We loved it and think it was one of the best souvenirs!
3. Innsbruck, Austria
I happen to think Innsbruck is one of the most magical places to visit in the wintertime.
This colorful Tyrolean city in the Austrian Alps is absolutely stunning.
There are several Christmas markets here (the one in the historic center is our favorite!), plus plenty of fun things to do to keep you busy beyond just Christmas markets.
One of the highlights for us was renting a toboggan and going sledding with our daughter who was one at the time. We hiked up to a mountain hut for lunch and then sled back down.
4. Vienna, Austria
We can’t mention winter holiday destinations in Europe without mentioning Austria’s buzzing capital.
Few places capture the magic of the holiday season quite like Vienna.
Each December the city transforms into a festive wonderland; twinkling lights drape over grand Baroque buildings, snow dusts the streets and the festive spirit is palpable.
Vienna is home to the Wiener Christkindlmarkt (also called “Viennese Dream Christmas Market”), which is easily one of the most famous and recognizable Christmas markets, set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Cill Hall building.
Add in festive concerts, ice skating, and smaller markets scattered across the city, and it’s easy to see why Vienna is one of Europe’s most beloved winter getaways.
5. Trier, Germany
Germany’s oldest city offers a wonderful blend of history and holiday cheer. The small city feels like a fairytale come to life with pastel colored houses and snow dusted cobblestones. It even has Roman ruins!
I really don’t like choosing favorites, but the Christmas market in Trier may just be my favorite ever.
Not too big and not too small, it’s cozy and atmospheric, set in the historic main square between the Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. You’ll find beautiful handmade ornaments, regional treats, and plenty of gluhwein stands to keep you warm.
Between the festive lights and the city’s ancient history, it’s a truly magical place to spend a winter day.
6. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Surrounded by the Bavarian Alps and the towering peak of Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect place to experience a snowy European getaway.
Similar to Hallstatt, the Christmas market in Garmisch only lasts for a single day, and in all honesty is just okay.
But here’s the thing: Garmisch is so much more than its market.
This Bavarian mountain town is one of the most beautiful winter destinations we’ve ever visited. Surrounded by jagged peaks, it feels straight out of a fairytale.
You can ski or snowboard on Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, hike through icy gorges, or take a cable car to sweeping alpine views. And in the evenings, the town glows with cozy restaurants and snow-dusted chalets.
Even without a big Christmas market scene, we think Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most magical winter destinations in Europe.
7. Celle, Germany
Celle is one of those towns that feels like it was made for Christmas. With half-timbered houses painted every color of the rainbow, cobblestone streets, and a picture-perfect old town, it’s impossible not to feel the holiday magic here.
The Christmas market in Celle is said to be one of the most beautiful in Germany (and I tend to agree!). Each booth is an individual wooden chalet and vendors are carefully selected to offer only the most authentic and high quality artisan goods.
While it’s not as big or bustling as some of Germany’s larger markets, that’s exactly what makes it so special. It feels more intimate and authentic.
The only downfall is that Celle is quite a ways from Bavaria, meaning you’d have to stray from the popular markets in Bavaria if you want to include this on your itinerary.
8. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is yet another one of the towns on this list that looks like it was lifted straight out of a storybook. And in winter, it feels even more magical.
Half-timbered houses, medieval towers, and winding cobblestone lanes all get dressed up in twinkling lights, making this one of the most atmospheric holiday destinations in Europe.
The Christmas market here, known as the Reiterlesmarkt, is charming and traditional, with wooden booths tucked between historic buildings and plenty of festive treats to try as you wander. It’s not huge, but that’s part of its appeal — everything feels cozy, intimate, and wonderfully old-world.
What really makes Rothenburg special is how beautifully preserved the town is. (It’s one of the best-preserved walled cities in Germany!) Strolling the streets you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Our advice: Many people visit Rothenburg as a day trip from Munich or Nuremberg, but we’d highly recommend spending a night (or 2!) here. There are some excellent restaurants, and the Night Watchman’s tour is really good.
9. Basel, Switzerland
Basel may not be the first city that comes to mind for a winter holiday destination, but once you’re here, you’ll wonder why it isn’t at the top of everyone’s list. Set along the Rhine and filled with beautifully preserved medieval streets, Basel transforms into a glowing winter scene each December.
The city’s two main Christmas markets, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, are often named among the best in Switzerland, and for good reason. Think elegant wooden chalets, high-quality artisan goods, and a cozy, refined atmosphere that feels distinctly Swiss. Münsterplatz, set beside Basel’s Gothic cathedral, is especially magical when the trees are lit up and the rooftops are dusted with snow.
Add in Basel’s world-class museums, riverside walks, and festive decorations throughout Old Town, and you’ve got a charming and culturally rich winter getaway that’s perfect for soaking up the holiday spirit.
10. Alsace region, France
If there were ever a place that feels designed for Christmas, it’s Alsace. This storybook region along the French–German border turns into a real-life holiday postcard each winter, with pastel half-timbered houses, winding cobblestone lanes, and entire villages draped in lights, garlands, and oversized ornaments.
Often called the “Capital of Christmas”, Strasbourg is the star with its grand cathedral, larger-than-life decorations, and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
But the real magic of Alsace is exploring the smaller wine-route villages: Colmar, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr… each more charming than the last. Their markets feel intimate and old-world, filled with regional specialties like bredele cookies, mulled wine infused with local spices, and handcrafted Alsatian decor.
11. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a magical city at any time of year, but in winter, especially around the holidays, it’s on an entirely different level.
The Old Town transforms into a warm and welcoming holiday hub, with cozy markets, glowing trees, and plenty of places to duck into for a mug of svařák (mulled wine). But what makes Prague especially wonderful is that there’s so much to explore beyond the holiday festivities — castle views, medieval towers, charming cafes, riverfront walks, and neighborhoods that take you off the beaten path.
Whether you’re here for the seasonal magic or simply soaking in the city’s timeless charm, Prague is an unforgettable winter destination.
12. Budapest, Hungary
One of Europe’s most enchanting winter cities with lots to explore during the holiday season. Stroll through the city center in December and you’ll find festive lights strung between historic buildings, the smell of chimney cakes drifting through the air, and cozy market squares buzzing with locals and visitors alike.
The city’s main Christmas markets are prominent but very crowded in our experience. (If all you’re looking for is Christmas markets, we’d give Budapest a skip.)
Instead, what really sets the city apart in winter is everything you can do beyond the markets: soak in a steaming outdoor thermal bath, skate around one of Europe’s cutest ice rinks, or take an evening river cruise to see the buildings glowing over the Danube.
Whether you’re here for the food, the architecture, or the holiday charm, Budapest is a great destination for the colder months.
13. Iceland
You may not think of somewhere like Iceland as a winter destination, but that’s where we beg to differ! After visiting Iceland during multiple seasons, we found winter to be a great time to explore. You just have to know what to expect…
Think snowy landscapes stretching to the horizon, cozy villages glowing with Christmas lights, geothermal pools steaming against icy backdrops, and a real chance of spotting the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
Reykjavík transforms into a festive hub in December, with charming holiday markets, twinkle-lit streets, and plenty of places to warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine.
You can explore frozen waterfalls, wander black-sand beaches dusted with snow, soak in hot springs surrounded by frost, and enjoy the magic of Iceland without all the high season crowds.
It’s rugged, dramatic, and breathtaking, yet also surprisingly welcoming and full of holiday cheer.
One important factor to keep in mind is the daylight hours, which amount to only about 6 hours of daylight during the winter months. Another factor is driving in the snow—all of the F roads will be closed for the season making it harder to get away from the cities.
Still on our wishlist…
We are hooked on winter travel in Europe and have already begun planning our next Christmas markets trip. However, there are still so many more places that are on our wishlist that we felt we couldn’t write a round up of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe without including these.
14. Zermatt, Switzerland
We’ve heard that Zermatt in winter is pure alpine magic. Snow-capped peaks, charming chalets, and the chance to ski or snowboard right from town make it one of those destinations we can’t wait to experience firsthand. Plus, the Matterhorn views look absolutely unreal.
15. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is at the top of our winter bucket list for obvious reasons: reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, and (fingers crossed!) catching the Northern Lights. Add cozy cabins and endless snow, and it sounds like a true winter wonderland.
16. The Baltics
Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius are all on our radar for a frosty, fairytale winter escape. With medieval old towns, cozy Christmas markets, and fewer crowds than Western Europe, the Baltics feel like a magical and under-the-radar way to experience the holidays.
More winter in Europe travel resources
Planning a trip to Europe during the holiday season can be pretty overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, I’ve done this four times now (and counting!) and I’ve put together some info-packed guides that will be super helpful as you plan your trip.
Perfect winter in Europe itinerary
Want some help planning your own Christmas market route?
After four European Christmas market trips, we’ve come up with what we think is a perfect route for your first Christmas season in Europe. You’ll see markets that are big and small, Bavarian and Tyrolean. Plus, we’ve included some non-Christmas-market activities and winter wonderland towns that are not to be missed!
What to pack for Europe in winter
We’ve created the ultimate Winter in Europe packing list that has all the essentials, as well as what NOT to pack. Plus, we’re sharing what to wear to Christmas Markets and how to curate a perfect capsule wardrobe.
Best Christmas markets in Europe
This isn’t another copy-and-paste roundup filled with stock photos and the same big-city markets you’ve seen a hundred times. We’ve personally explored these markets, from the famous ones to the charming, lesser-known gems, and come up with a list of our personal favorites. Every photo and tip you’ll see in this article comes from our own experience.
What to expect at European Christmas Markets
If this is your first time visiting Christmas markets in Europe, you’ll want to read our essential tips. This guide is packed with helpful information like how to avoid the mistakes we’ve made so you can save money (and time!) during your visit.
Christmas Market foods you have to try
One of the best things about the Christmas markets in Europe is the food (of course!). We’ve got a guide to all the must-try foods so you don’t miss any.
Don’t miss your chance to grab our Winter in Europe Packing List!
We’ve organized everything you’ll need to pack for a winter trip to Europe into a handy, printable checklist.
Just enter your email and get a FREE printable PDF of this checklist sent right to your inbox!
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We want to hear from you!
Have you been to Europe during the holidays? What was your experience like? Are there European holiday destinations you think are missing from the list? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!