Frankfurt Joins London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Dublin, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and More as Favorite European Destinations for American Travelers in 2025-26, Offering a Mix of History, Culture, and Holiday Spirit

Published on December 18, 2025

Frankfurt joins London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Dublin, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and more as a favorite European destination for American travelers in the 2025-26 holiday season, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and holiday spirit. Known for its historic sites, such as the medieval Römer square, and vibrant cultural scene, Frankfurt attracts visitors looking for a mix of festive events and traditional European charm. During the holiday season, the city shines with its Christmas markets, which add to its appeal as a top destination for those seeking both rich cultural experiences and a magical winter atmosphere.

The rankings for the 2025-26 holiday season reveal the top 20 European destinations for American travelers, compiled from over 165,000 itineraries booked between November 26, 2025, and January 6, 2026. For the second consecutive year, London has secured the top spot, confirming its continued status as a favorite winter destination. The city’s magical holiday markets, iconic West End shows, and charming districts like Notting Hill create an irresistible holiday appeal for American visitors.

The top five cities remain largely unchanged from last year, with a slight shift in positions. Paris holds steady in second place, while Rome has risen to third, swapping spots with Madrid, which now ranks fourth. Dublin claims the fifth position, rounding out a strong list of European cities that consistently captivate American travelers. These cities are known for their well-established transport links, vibrant shopping scenes, diverse cultural experiences, and grand seasonal events that draw tourists during the festive months.

London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Dublin are all celebrated for their rich history, iconic landmarks, and festive atmosphere. The holiday season enhances their appeal, offering everything from the dazzling lights and Christmas markets in Paris to the ancient ruins and vibrant holiday spirit in Rome. Madrid’s festive parades and rich history, along with Dublin’s cozy atmosphere and warm pubs, make these cities standout choices for those seeking a traditional European holiday experience.

From positions six to twelve, the list remains consistent with the previous year. Amsterdam in the Netherlands takes sixth place, followed by Germany’s Frankfurt at seventh. Spain’s Barcelona ranks eighth, while Munich sits ninth. Lisbon in Portugal claims the tenth spot, attracting travelers who prefer milder winter temperatures. Zurich, Switzerland, and Milan, Italy, follow in eleventh and twelfth places, maintaining their positions as sought-after destinations for European travel.

As we move further down the rankings, Athens, Greece, and Edinburgh, Scotland, take the thirteenth and fourteenth spots, with a small swap in positions since last year. Both cities are celebrated for their historical significance, stunning architecture, and festive charm. Vienna, Austria, with its renowned Christmas markets and imperial architecture, ranks fifteenth, followed by Copenhagen, Denmark, which makes its debut in the top 20 this year, landing in sixteenth place. The city’s unique blend of modern culture and traditional holiday celebrations make it a top choice for winter travelers.

Manchester, England, drops slightly to seventeenth, while Geneva, Switzerland, holds eighteenth place. Known for its stunning snow-capped mountains and nearby ski resorts, Geneva offers a combination of winter sports and city experiences. Venice, Italy, drops to nineteenth, while Brussels, Belgium, rounds out the list in twentieth place. Despite its famous holiday chocolates and festive atmosphere, Brussels has seen a decrease in popularity compared to other European destinations this year.

The rankings highlight a diverse range of destinations, reflecting Americans’ desire for variety during the holiday season. Whether it’s the bustling Christmas markets of large cities or the mild climates of southern Europe, the continent offers something for every type of traveler. The appeal of Europe as a holiday destination is undeniable, with a mix of historical cities, cultural landmarks, and festive celebrations that continue to draw American visitors year after year.

While safety is a key factor for many travelers, the rankings show that Europe remains a secure choice for American tourists. The Netherlands tops the list in terms of safety, followed by Austria, Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, France, the UK, and Denmark. Interestingly, Iceland, despite its high safety ranking, does not make it into the top 20 destinations this year, possibly due to its more remote location compared to other European cities.

Frankfurt joins London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Dublin, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and more as a top European destination for American travelers in the 2025-26 holiday season, offering a rich mix of history, vibrant culture, and festive holiday spirit, highlighted by its iconic Christmas markets.

In conclusion, the 2025-26 holiday season rankings demonstrate Europe’s enduring appeal as a destination for American travelers. The continent offers a wide range of experiences, from snowy city breaks to mild winter escapes, ensuring there’s something for every traveler looking for a memorable holiday. The diverse options, combined with a focus on safety and festive cheer, make Europe an ideal destination for American tourists this season.